Golden Torment

by Janelle Taylor

  She smiled warmly. “What would I ever do without you two?”

  The plans were made. Kathy left to sing her first selection, “Beautiful Dreamer.” She sang and played other melodious songs. Resigned to end all of her futile quests, she was calm and spontaneous tonight. She had no choice but to halt her daring charade; she was denied any opportunity alone in Smith’s office. By now, he had surely burned an incriminating file. Her father hadn’t appeared, and Landis intimidated her. Obviously she was wasting her time on all three men and causes.

  She looked out at the audience. They also seemed in gay spirits. She coaxed, “How about if everyone helps me with these next few songs?”

  They clapped in approval. From “Long, Long Ago,” they went into “Oh, Susannah,” then “Camptown Races.” Someone called out, “Let’s do ‘Wait ‘Til the Sun Shines Nellie’!” She happily complied, as did the customers. Afterwards, she slowed the pace and mellowed the mood with “Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair.” After her break, she asked, “Anyone here from the American South? Any die-hard rebels?” she mirthfully added. To her amazement, four hands were raised. “Good. You four help me with this tune,” she entreated. She played the song through one time, then began to vibrantly send forth the stirring words to “Dixie Land.” True to Southern tradition, the men joined her, their deep voices nearly drowning out hers. Those who didn’t know the words began to clap in rhythm to the beat. Once wasn’t enough; they were compelled to sing it again. The new merriment enticed several men from the other room. One newcomer asked, “Do you know’Carry Me Back to Old Virginnie’?”

  She smiled and nodded, then easily complied, bringing tears to his homesick body. She skillfully sent forth the lovely strains of the “Blue Danube Waltz,” then took another break.

  Soapy came in to say how much everyone was enjoying himself. “You really know how to loosen up customers. They’re so homesick now, they’re buying twice the number of drinks to doctor their pains.”

  “I didn’t mean to make them sad, Mr. Smith; I was trying to make them happy. Maybe I should tone it down a little?”

  “Not at all. It gives them a kick to sing with you. If you don’t mind, I’d like to hear ‘Beautiful Dreamer’ again.”

  “I’ll do it first,” she agreed, alarmed by his heated look.

  The envious Molly came in to ask Trace to dance with her. “You don’t mind sharing him for a while, do you, Miss Kathy?” she sneered. Her green eyes glittered with hostility and jealousy. She would be glad when this creature was gone! Kathy couldn’t claim any female friends here, except that dull-witted Nelle! All the girls hoped Kathy would cross Soapy and wind up like Michelle, that other hateful witch with sea-water eyes and sultry blond hair.

  “You’ll have to ask Trace, not me,” Kathy responded politely.

  To avoid spoiling tonight, Trace agreed to the dance. Alone at last, Kathy and Jack quickly refreshed their imminent plans…

  As she sipped her wine, a husky voice asked from behind her, “May I request a special song, Mrs. Jurrell?”

  Kathy nearly chocked on the liquid. She looked up into Landis’s twinkling eyes and entreating expression. “Name it. If I know it, I’ll sing it,” she acquiesced, eyes easing over his handsome facade.

  “’Love Comes From The Blue,’” he answered casually.

  She tensed. “That’s rather a new song. Where did you hear it?”

  “The place didn’t make an impression, but the song did,” he responded lightly. “Do you mind singing it for your lonely husband?”

  “You have been most polite. I suppose that deserves a special song,” she sweetly remarked, actually smiling up at him. “If you wish, you may join me for a glass of wine—one glass,” she stressed.

  He looked stunned by her invitation. He sat down before she could withdraw it. She turned and called the serving girl over, asking for another glass. It was brought quickly, and she poured the red fluid with grace. She handed it to him; he was still staring quizzically at her.

  She smiled. “I asked you to sit down a moment to tell you something. I didn’t want to draw more attention to us than you’ve already done with your incessant staring.” He chuckled and smiled, shrugging casually.

  “I’m sorry, Kat. I didn’t realize I was annoying you.”

  “The name is Kathyrn, not Kat,” she corrected. “That isn’t why I wanted to speak with you. You recall our talk your first night here?” He nodded, and she went on, “I thought you should know I think you’re right in your assumption. As to why, I haven’t the vaguest idea. Let’s halt our silent war; I don’t want any trouble before I leave. Is that agreeable to you?”

  A pensive frown appeared briefly on his arresting face, but was hastily covered with a genial smile. “Agreed.” When she sighed in relief, he asked, “Kat, are you worried about something? Has Soapy said or done anything to frighten you? Please let me get you away from here.”

  She didn’t meet his probing gaze, but she shook her head. “Then why this sudden offer of truce?” he softly demanded. What had her frightened?

  “I don’t have time to explain; Trace will be returning soon. If you want the truce, fine; if not, fine. I’m just tired of the strain and the stares. It’s causing gossip and speculation. I think it would be best for both of us if we appeared…as loving mates until this farce is over.”

  “Mates?” he echoed, grinning with undisguised pleasure.

  “Only for appearances, Mr. Jurrell,” she burst his bubble.

  “How long are you planning to punish me?” he questioned seriously. “We’re both miserable. Is it so hard to…” Trace’s return cut off the remainder of his words.

  “Landis, what are you doing here?” Trace asked, his gaze going from his friend to Kathy. Something was in the wind…

  Landis chuckled falsely, then winked at Kathy. “We just decided to make a fresh start, old chap. Perhaps we should drink to it.”

  “About time, don’t you think?” Kathy caught his hint and responded.

  Landis smiled and drained his glass. He set the glass down by hers and playfully murmured, “A man of his word, one glass.”

  “I’ll remember,” she parried, a smile flickering in her eyes.

  He headed for his table. He sat down and called the serving girl over to give his order, brandy tonight. The girl smiled enticingly at him to irritate Kathy. It was only minutes before the brazen Molly was asking Landis to dance. He shook his head and said something to her. She laughed flirtatiously and caressed his chiselled jawline. Landis captured her hand and spoke with her again, chuckling softly when he finished. A petulant look twisted Molly’s ruby red mouth. It appeared she was miffed. It was also clear she was sending out seductive signals even a blind man could read!

  Kathy tried to ignore the distracting vision before her stormy eyes. The cocky scoundrel! Did he think her truce handed him a victory? How dare he carry on like this in front of her! What would people think?

  As Molly stalked off, Landis caught sight of Kathy’s intense observation. Could that be jealousy and fury in those turbulent and beautiful blue eyes? He grinned at her and shrugged roguishly, deliriously pleased.

  Trace shook her arm and teased, “You aren’t listening, Kathy.”

  She pulled her gaze from Landis’s and asked, “What?”

  “I asked you to dance,” he repeated. “Will Landis mind?”

  “Fine,” she rashly agreed, sending Landis a taunting look.

  Trace held her chair for her to get up, then escorted her into the adjoining room to dance a lively polka. She was breathless and laughing when she returned. She refused to even glance in her love’s direction, taking Trace’s seat to place her slender back to him.

  Landis chuckled underbreath. He left for a moment to speak with the musicians. Shortly he returned, grinning devilishly at her as he passed by her table. Kathy smiled at him, her displeasure lucid.

  When she returned to the stage, she did Soapy’s request first. After numerous songs, it
was time to break once more. Before she did, she stated casually, “This ballad was requested by my husband who twice saved my life. For you, Landis,” she said softly, then sang it without taking her eyes from his. Just to pique him, she repeated the refrain twice:

  When loves comes from the blue, It calls out to me and to you.

  When loves imprisons your heart, Nothing can tear you apart.

  So, you dreamers, please be true; When loves comes from the blue.

  She stood up gracefully and bowed as they applauded, all except Landis. He sat there dumbstruck, staring at her, desiring her wildly. Did she even recognize the truth in that haunting melody?

  As she seemingly floated down the two steps to the floor, Landis went into action as they had planned. He gently caught her arm and insisted, “I believe this dance is mine. If you refuse, you’ll cause a nasty scene.”

  “No, I won’t,” she debated, dreading yet savoring contact with his skin.

  “Dance or cause a scene?” he quizzed.

  “Either,” she retorted, holding her voice low.

  “I will, if you don’t dance with me,” he warned playfully.

  “I don’t dance with customers,” she pertly informed him.

  “You dance with Trace, then refuse your husband?” he teased.

  Soapy was standing in the archway, mentally prodding her. From the corner of her eye, she noted Smith’s eager expression. She sighed dramatically for both men’s benefit, then flippantly agreed, “Very well, Landis. But just one dance. I need my energy to perform.”

  He grinned and sent Soapy a look which said, “I told you so.”

  As they approached the dancing area, the musicians softened the music and slowed the pace. When she realized it would be a slow dance to a romantic song, she nearly refused. “You afraid to be close to me, even in public where you’re safe?” he taunted her.

  “Why should I?” she sassed him.

  “Why indeed, Mrs. Jurrell?” he ventured huskily.

  “You stop that this minute, Landis Jurrell,” she warned as he swept her into his arms and onto the polished floor.

  “You must admit, love; I’ve been on my best behavior for two weeks. I do have a black image in your mind that sorely demands cleaning,” he whispered into her ear, clasping her too close for comfort.

  “That would require more time than I have left here. You amaze me, Landis,” she stated, smiling saucily.

  “How so, love?” he inquired, gazing down into her upturned face. His hand tightened on hers, his eyes engulfing hers.

  “Please don’t damage the hand; I do need use of it to work,” she chided. “And my name isn’t ‘love’ either.”

  He threw back his head and chuckled. “Praytell, what’s so amusing?” she demanded, stiffening in his disturbing arms.

  “You, Kathryn Jurrell. I just realized the tables have turned. Now, I’m doing the chasing and you’re doing the fleeing. I wonder why.”

  “I don’t believe we’re playing the same game anymore. You’re a very skilled dancer. Is there nothing you can’t do?” she snapped, vexed at his near-perfection. Her pulse was racing madly.

  “It isn’t a game, Kat. And thank you. I usually manage to stay off the toes, but I don’t get much practice. I wish I could accomplish all I set out to do. If I could, you would be in my cabin right this minute,” he impulsively stated, emphasizing each word.

  “If I didn’t believe your threat about causing a scene, I would slap that smug leer off your handsome face. You’re damn good at everything, and you know it,” she gritted out just above a whisper.

  “Your confidence in me is most inspiring, love,” he murmured.

  “As if you need anything from me, including my approval.”

  “Oh, I need and want plenty from you, love,” he boldly hinted.

  “Like what? My help with two matters involving two men?”

  He leaned back to look at her. “No, Kat. The last thing I want is you involved with anything risky. I just want the chance to prove you’re wrong about me. I once gave you that same opportunity,” he huskily reminded her. “Don’t I deserve the same generosity?”

  “So I’ll naively fall victim to you again? What’s the matter, Landis; you hurting for a new mistress?” she taunted him.

  “I didn’t have an old one,” he snarled in exasperation. “I don’t want you for a legal mistress, Kat. But I do want you.”

  She feigned surprise. “If it isn’t a little ole job as legal mistress or spy, whatever could you possibly want from me, sir?” she purred in a heavy Southern drawl, eyes wide and falsely innocent.

  “You would be shocked to learn the answer to that question, young lady. I can promise you, you’ll know within the next few months.”

  She met his steady gaze and insouciantly whispered in that same borrowed accent, “Alas, my dashing guide, I dreadfully fear I shall never learn the secrets of your treacherous heart. To my great dismay, sir, I shall be safely ensconced in America before you realize I’m gone.”

  “You’ve been wondering about me since the day we met, Kat. Too scared to hang around to hear the truth? Afraid I’ll prove you wrong? In a few months, everything about me and my business will be in the open. Then, we can decide what to do about us,” he added, enticing a strange look to her eyes, one she quickly vanquished. How he missed those lucid eyes which were clear and honest!

  “Us? There is no ‘us’ to keep me here. Your many secrets didn’t come between us, Landis; you did.”

  “There is an us, Kat. Are you dead set against living with me?” he calmly delivered his probing question, his eyes impenetrable.

  “Live…with you?” she stammered in disbelief, her traitorous heart racing wildly. “We tried that before. You must be crazy.”

  “I’m not asking right now,” he promptly corrected her, noting the stricken look on her face. She quickly lowered her head and inhaled slowly. As she released it, she lifted an impassive face to him.

  His own heart was thudding heavily. He had spoken too soon and too bluntly. He tried to extricate himself without doing more damage, “I’m still not in a position to think of our future. If I did ask you to come home in a few months, what would you say?”

  Her answer was cautious. “I won’t be here to answer, Landis.”

  “Stay, Kat, at least until June,” he coaxed tenderly.

  Her eyes darted about as she pondered this insanity. What was he trying to pull? Was he afraid she was taking those cursed reports with her? Was he using this cruel ploy to stall until he could recover them? This seemingly sudden change of heart alarmed her. She levelled her gaze on him. “Tell me, Landis, what do you expect in exchange for this promise? The reports? Evidence on Soapy? My father’s head?”

  He sighed heavily. “I thought I’d given you time to vent some of that bitterness and mistrust. Evidently I was mistaken. I’ll take you to your table. I’m not going to beg anyone for anything, not even you.”

  “Is this the spot where your blackmail is supposed to panic me into submission? Is this the moment I’m supposed to confess how much I’ve misjudged you, how sorry I am, how much I love you? Oh, yes, I almost forgot; I’m probably supposed to swear I’ll do anything to settle this misunderstanding between us. Which do you want to hear first?” she scathingly attacked him, so softly and sweetly that no one was aware of the storm brewing between them.

  She could read the rising fury in his intimidating gaze and feel the tension mounting within his towering frame. He growled softly, “I would settle for an ‘I love you.’” His embrace tightened noticably.

  “Agreed. I love you,” she stated flippantly.

  “I’ve beaten men for a lesser offense than you just committed, Kat. Be forewarned, wife, you’ll hear the truth before I allow you to sail. But I promise you, I’ll never beg for your love. If another offer is ever spoken between us, it’ll come from those enticing lips.”

  “Don’t hold your breath. Youll expire first. You’ve pulled some brutal tricks be
fore, but none could ever compare to this one.”

  She smiled sweetly and pulled free. For other ears, she stated, “Thanks for the dance, love. If you’ll excuse me, I have some singing to do.” She turned and gracefully strolled away.

  Landis followed after her, then claimed his chair and tossed down two brandies. The remainder of the evening was passed in phony gaiety for her and moody silence for him. Finally, Landis got up and left. Kathy finished her evening’s performance and was seen back to Paradise House by Jack and Trace. The night cold and windy, they didn’t linger to chat.

  Kathy slowly undressed, cursing the unlucky golden dress. She wouldn’t wear it again! She pulled on her flannel gown and angrily brushed her hair. She turned back the covers, but the bed seemed exceptionally cold and empty. She yanked the heavy quilt off and spread it out before the fire. She lay down and curled toward the warmth it radiated. She had half expected to find Landis waiting for her, ready to verbally attack her for her actions tonight. She never stopped to wonder how he had gotten in that other night. She assumed she had carelessly left the door unlocked. She had doublechecked every day since that one. Another time, it might not be Landis waiting for her! But tonight, she wished he was.

  She restlessly flipped to her back. She didn’t even realize she was crying and the tears were now easing down into her tawny hair, which was fanned out around her head like a golden halo. Why did she feel so utterly miserable, so alone, so frightened? Why did her heart plead for any crumbs of affection from Landis? Why did her body ache for his? What had he done to her? She felt like an opium addict who had been cruelly denied that anesthetizing, euphoric white powder.

  Her eyes finally closed. She drifted on a tranquil ocean. Landis’s unique odor assailed her slumbering senses. Her eyes fluttered and partially opened. They fused with eyes as dark as night, as compelling as a bottomless ebony pit. He was half-kneeling beside her; one knee touched her hip and one foot braced near her shoulder. He bent forward and reached down to stroke her silky hair, still damp near her temples. How angelic and vulnerable she looked. His finger ever so lightly removed the baffling tear stains, then tenderly moved over her parted lips.