Golden Torment

by Janelle Taylor

  “When I see Landis, I’ll tell him what happened today. You feeling better now?” he asked with genuine concern for her state. He held a cold, wet cloth to her fingerbruised throat, infuriated by Slavin’s attack.

  “That’s twice you’ve saved my life. I’m indebted to you, Mounty Blitch,” she murmured, then shuddered. “I wish Landis were here.”

  “You best get some hot coffee and over to that fire. You’ve had quite a scare, young lady. I’ll be back in four or five days. I’ll send Landis up.”

  “Thanks, Trace. You’re a real friend.” She snuffled softly.

  He smiled. “You are, too, Kathy. See you later.”

  She opened the door and let him out, waving goodbye.

  Jack, Trace, and the bound Marc Slavin headed for Log Cabin. With Marc cursing and fighting them, it took three days. After their arrival, the crafty Marc convinced them they had insufficient evidence to hold him. He boasted of how it was Kathy’s word against his, that he could prove she was a whore, that he could prove Jurrell had forced her to marry him. He loudly proclaimed his American citizenship and elite family wealth and status. When neither Jack nor Trace could visually vouch for Kathy’s charges, Bill Thomas was forced to set him free, compelled to protect Landis over Kathy by keeping attention away from him. Thomas said Kathy would have to personally come to Log Cabin to register a complaint against Slavin. When Marc sneered she would never bring charges against him, Trace almost slugged him. He warned Marc he would kill him if he ever went within ten miles of her. Jack and Bill added their serious threats to Trace’s.

  While Jack furtively trailed Marc to see where he would head, Trace set out for Dawson again: the round trip required five days. He ranted over Clint’s actions and sympathized with the girl who was wed to Landis Jurrell, a man who didn’t exist. What a cruel deception!

  Landis appeared once during Trace’s absence, the third day after his departure. He entered Soapy’s saloon during Kathy’s performance and sat down at her private table. It had taken two days alone in his cabin to risk seeing her. Even watching her on the stage, his fingers itched to get around her throat in that high-neck dress that concealed it.

  Should he arrest her and keep her under wraps for a while? No, he couldn’t risk that. He mentally scoffed, the sly vixen had planned her strategy well! His fury returned as he realized how dangerously close he had come to telling her everything. Odd, if Soapy or Kat had his file, they already knew his identity, so why this daring scheme? If Kat knew, would her purpose be revenge? Senseless revenge, since they were wed. As if his defeat wasn’t enough for them, she was picking Trace’s brain, too! Had Trace touched his wife? Doubtlessly she never expected Jake to be here. What a family team they made! Ben had been away two weeks. Landis wondered if he would find the false information lying in wait for him in the secret hole.

  When she left the stage, she was surprised to see him sitting there. She smiled radiantly as she approached him. He masked the turmoil seething within him. “I didn’t expect to see you so soon,” she teased, unaware of his tightly leashed temper, wanting to race into his arms.

  “Didn’t you?” he huskily debated. “I don’t give up so easily.”

  “Determination and perseverance are two of your better traits?”

  “Among other things,” he hinted, testing to see if she was still pursuing him now that she had perfidiously bedazzled Trace.

  “I’m glad,” she stated warily, smiling apprehensively.

  “Are you?” he pressed, something oddly intimidating in his tone.

  “The game’s over. What are you terms, Jurrell? I yield.”

  “The game isn’t over until the last card’s played. And I seem to have it, a lovely Ace. You forget those lessons I gave you when you were living with me?” His obsidian eyes glowed ominously, his reaction stupifying her.

  She paled. He hadn’t spoken where anyone could overhear, but his words and tone astounded her. He was certainly in a foul mood tonight. She didn’t help matters when she innocently asked, “Have you seen Trace yet? He has something to tell you.” She didn’t want to go into that horrible event here. She anxiously waited for him to coax, let’s go home; she would instantly agree on any terms. She could hardly control herself.

  “Yep, I saw him before I left. I was around until late afternoon,” he lazily responded, watching her closely. “I have business here today.”

  She looked at him strangely. “You’re only here on business? Why didn’t you stop by to see me before you left? I’m surprised you didn’t rush over. I believe you vowed to kill any man who touched me?”

  “What makes you think I was interested in Trace’s news?” he casually questioned, intrigued by her look of unconcealed anguish and rising anger. Was she trying to get them to battle over her, to kill each other? Was that Soapy’s satanic plan? Disbelief filled her eyes; her face drained of color.

  “What? You don’t care that he…I…I see,” she faltered, her lips trembling. She was straining to keep her poise and temper. “Well, I should say I’m surprised and disappointed it doesn’t bother you; but I shouldn’t be. You really had me fooled, Jurrell. You had me believing you really cared. That’s a funny joke, isn’t it? Now that your pretense is dropped, what now? Ready to reclaim your borrowed name?”

  “Who knows, Kat? I haven’t decided what to do about you. I think you should keep the ‘Jurrell’; you surely earned it. I might find some use for you. You can bet I’m more dangerous than Soapy, or equally so.”

  Threats? “I don’t doubt that at all. If you’ve come here tonight to badger me, go ahead. Maybe that’s just what I need, to see you viciously ripping me apart again. Take your bloody name and go to hell.”

  “Cut the victim act, love; it won’t work on me. You deserve everything you get. I have no intention of freeing you or embarrassing myself. One look at a ravishing woman in tears and they would think I’m a spurned man bent on spite. What did you tell Soapy?” He didn’t have the time or clear wits to analyze her words or curious behavior.

  “Why would I discuss such a horrible thing with him?”

  “You are working for him, aren’t you?”

  Losing his meaning, she replied, “You know I do.”

  “No, Kat. I mean working for him in another way.”

  “How dare you! I’ve never told him anything.”

  “I could care less what you do, unless it involves spying on me. Is that why you pretended to be asleep the other night? Did you really think I would fall for such a silly trick? I’ll admit you’re good, Kat. But I’ve seen the best operate. Michelle was one of the best. Soapy figured a beautiful, wily vixen might succeed where she had failed miserably. Did you marry me before or after going to work for him? Have you given him the bad news yet? If so, I hope he treats you kindly. He does seem to like you more. Or were you hoping to have another shot at me? I’m available tonight,” he wickedly hinted, “if you lack a man to work on.”

  Kathy was gaping at him. He couldn’t be saying such things and meaning them, but he was and did. “I have other plans, in motion,” she lied to cover her torment. She had to flee him immediately.

  She stood up to leave. She paused and leaned over, fusing her gaze with his. She whispered, “I would never do anything to endanger your miserable life. I tried to avoid you and resist you. You see, my dear husband, I was hopelessly and recklessly in love with you. You’ve earned another victory. Add it to your record.” She turned and left.

  She went to Soapy’s office and told him she wasn’t feeling well. She asked if she could leave early, promising to make up the lost time tomorrow night. When he asked why she was so upset, she was too distraught to be cautious or afraid. She struggled to master her tears and tremblings. She tried to leave before an emotional collapse.

  He cursed and seethed underbreath. “It’s that Slavin, isn’t it? I should have killed him before Blitch could get him out of my town. If they release him, I will. You want to talk a while?” he probed for information
, wondering if this Slavin’s attack was the crux of her resistance to Jurrell. Too bad his own man Tom didn’t get to Slavin first!

  “I really don’t want to discuss it, Mr. Smith. It was a terrifying experience,” she softly refused, cheeks rosy on a pale face.

  “Kathy, it happened several days ago. Why are you so distressed tonight?” he suddenly asked, thinking her state baffling.

  “Landis…is outside,” she said faintly.

  Soapy’s eyes glittered. “Is he forcing you to go home?”

  “No. May I go to my room now?” she asked in a small voice.

  “What’s he doing here? Why isn’t he punishing the snake who attacked his own wife?” he snarled, knowing something was amiss.

  “I’m not his wife anymore. Please, may I go now,” she pleaded, as if he was holding her captive, too upset to think clearly.

  “You go on, Kathy. I’ll have a little talk with Jurrell.”

  “No!” she shrieked, terrified. “Please, Mr. Smith, don’t cause any more trouble for me. We’re still married, and hell be furious. I’ll be gone in another week,” she pleaded, actually fearing Landis would lay a wild story on him and cause her more anguish and trouble.

  “All right, Kathy. But I’m placing an extra guard at the house until you leave. When you’re here, someone will be at your table every night. He won’t bother you again,” he promised, furious with Landis for thwarting his plans, but Kathy assumed the “he” was Marc.

  Kathy smiled faintly and thanked him. She removed the jewelry and handed it to him. She went to find Luther to take her across the street. She headed straight for Nelle’s room. The woman was surprised when she pleaded to sleep there tonight, then understood when Kathy related her terrifying episode with Marc. Nelle was briefly tempted to tell her Landis would protect her from that animal. Recalling her promise to him, Nelle didn’t mention his visit the other day…

  Twenty-Four

  In spite of Kathy’s plea, Soapy headed to confront his foe. He stalked to Landis’s table, a menacing air surrounding him. “I want to see you in my office, Jurrell. We have some talking to do,” he commanded icily, then turned to walk off, assuming the curious Landis would follow him.

  Soapy walked around his desk and sat down. Landis dropped into a chair and leaned back, his body flexible and his gaze indifferent. Soapy boiled inside. “You want something?” Landis controlledly asked, unruffled.

  “I believe there’s a matter of a hundred dollar bet to settle. You ready to pay up tonight?” Soapy abruptly asked.

  Landis saw the hidden pitfall in Smith’s supposedly cunning ruse. He unflinchingly stated, “What makes you the winner?”

  “By default,” he clipped out smugly, his satanic mind plotting.

  Landis mulled over those words, having difficulty comprehending them. “How did you come to that absurd conclusion?” he fenced. “If memory serves me, I am married to the girl in question.”

  “Winning would be impossible now,” he stated coldly, his scornful stare drilling into the impenetratable eyes of Jurrell.

  Landis’s sharp wits were quickly taking in Soapy’s irritation and the insinuations behind his words. “Did the little woman tattle on me?” he playfully fenced with the less skillful man.

  “Only after I insisted. She was so distraught she couldn’t even continue tonight. I won’t have you upsetting her. Take your business elsewhere from now on. She told me how you made her feel obligated to you. Rescuing her from one villain doesn’t give you the right to force another one on her. The way you two men have abused her, she’ll probably swear off all men!” he lied, his eyes flashing fires of revenge.

  These statements registered, but Landis didn’t have time to analyze them. Soapy’s truculence baffled him. He probed for more clues to this puzzle. “How does that make you the winner?”

  Soapy flared at him, losing his temper at the sight of Landis’s composure and arrogance, “Stay away from her, Jurrell.”

  “Seeing as I’m her husband and you’re only her temporary boss, don’t you think your warning a bit absurd?” he taunted.

  “You won’t be her husband long,” Smith sneered.

  “Only if I agree to release her from her vows,” he debated.

  “She despises you; she’s terrified of you. There’s no way you can keep her against her will. You lose, Jurrell; admit it.”

  “Twice in the last week, she’s offered to come home,” Landis stated.

  “You don’t say? She’s a real lady, Jurrell. There’s damn few of those left, and none around these parts. She sees you as the Black Ogre. Even with your charms and skills, you couldn’t win the bet before she leaves. You too proud to admit defeat? Tastes mighty sour, don’t it?” Smith crowed his victory.

  “That doesn’t make me the loser in our bet,” he announced.

  “You’re an arrogant bastard. Our little joke has gone too far. I should have realized you would do anything to win. But somehow, I hadn’t pegged even you that low and despicable.” He fumbled in his top drawer. “If it’s a matter of pride and obstinance, take the winner’s fee; the bet’s cancelled. Stay away from her,” he fiercely declared, tossing the money across the desk.

  Landis looked at the money, then stared at Soapy with that piercing gaze of his. “What’s the matter, Smith? You decided you want her for yourself and the competition’s too stiff?” he taunted.

  Soapy laughed, his evil smile twisting his lips into a contemptuous sneer. “I’m not a fool, Jurrell. The only man who stands a chance of winning Kathy in these parts is Trace Blitch. He’s the only one bright enough to woo her with manners and patience.”

  “My wife is pursuing another man?” he mocked Smith. “If he can take her away, she isn’t worth having,” he said to fool Smith.

  Soapy shook his head in disgust. His whole plot had fallen apart because of Jurrell’s character. The insolent bastard was too dedicated to his only love: the Mounties! You’ll lose, you arrogant liar, he mentally swore.

  Landis watched a mocking smile appear on Smith’s face which sent his rage fleeing. “Is this jealousy I detect in the immovable Landis Jurrell?” Smith taunted. “Take the money and go. Game’s over. Blitch is the real winner, or soon will be. Perhaps I should encourage that relationship. Blitch’d make Kathy a fine husband. If she stayed, she could still work for me while she waits for him. Since she earns so much money and enjoys this job, Trace shouldn’t mind sharing his wife. Don’t appear your name helps her much, but who would dare insult the wife of a Mounty?”

  “Mounties can’t have wives, Smith,” Landis told him.

  “Ah, yes, I’d forgotten that silly rule,” he murmured, glimmers of amusement flickered in his cold eyes.

  Soapy grinned at the impassive man across his desk. “’Course Kathy inspires a man to tempt much, doesn’t she?” Smith teased. “You don’t think she’s worth Trace’s sacrifice?” he probed for some clues. “You married her.”

  Lusty laughter rumbled from Landis’s chest. “I’ve met lots of Mounties, Smith. I’ve yet to come across one who would surrender everything for any female.” Did Soapy know the truth? Why this change in strategy?

  “I’d imagine she’s the one female who could inspire a Mounty to reassess his life and values. If Kathryn Hammond was available and attainable, what intelligent Mounty wouldn’t question his options?”

  “You forget, Smith; she’s Kathryn Jurrell. I hear they turn in their hearts in exchange for that uniform. Most men think it’s an honor to be selected by the North-West Mounted Police.”

  “You sound envious. Your lifestyle and character suit their rules. Why don’t you join? Aw, you aren’t single,” Smith taunted.

  “I’m afraid I’m too spoiled and self-serving. I prefer going my own way and having to account only to me. Besides, a man doesn’t join them; he’s picked. Or so I’ve been told,” he alleged.

  “It’s late. Take your winnings and get out. I don’t want to see your face in here again. Savvy?” Smith abruptly
ended their talk.

  “I understand you clearly, Smith,” Landis said smugly. “Keep the money. I don’t take things I haven’t earned. I’ll take my business somewhere else, my wife too.”

  “I’ll make sure you don’t. I’ve placed extra guards around the house and her at all times. You won’t be able to come near her.”

  “My, my…Aren’t we the protective father all of a sudden,” he scoffed sarcastically. “Kat working on another debt of gratitude?”

  Incensed, Smith slammed his fist down on the desk as he jumped up to verbally attack Landis. “I’m the one indebted to her. She’s bringing in over two thousand extra dollars a week. If my help can repay her, I’ll see to it. I wish you would try to injure her; it’d give me a legal excuse to have you shot! My men will be on alert, Jurrell; one mistake, and you’re a dead man,” he warned, utterly serious.

  Unaffected by Smith’s wild threats, Landis slowly stood up, stretching his lithe body. “You should know by now, Smith; I know how to take real good care of myself. You send any of those wolverines of yours after me, and you’ll be missing some hired hands. I even sleep with one eye open. You get any foolish ideas about arranging another phony accident for me, I guarantee it won’t sit well. I’ll go for the throat of their leader.”

  Late that night, Landis stealthily slipped into Kathy’s room while the guard was carelessly dozing. He was alarmed to find her bed still neatly made. Soapy was being cautious and calculating. Was he keeping her at the saloon, under his sharp eye and within easy reach? Landis was befuddled and unnerved by their curious conversation. Things just didn’t add up. Why had Kathy been crying? Why those confessions? Why comply with Smith’s orders? His acute senses were spinning. He clenched his teeth in painstaking concentration until his jaw ached.

  He sat down on her bed. Being a skilled guide, he returned to day one since coming here and step by step covered the winding trail to this point in time and place. He didn’t like the way the evidence was stacking up. He defensively halted his probing mind from racing down another path, dreading to reach a final destination. Somehow, he had to force accurate answers from her! Or from Trace and Jake.