Golden Torment
Page 53
Shurling didn’t want any trouble, so he responded instantly. “Just make it quick. I’ve got a schedule to keep,” he retorted, scolding himself for allowing that troublesome girl aboard again.
A loud and persistent knock sounded on Kathy’s door. What now? she wearily mused. She called out from the bed, “Who is it?”
“It’s…Landis, Kat. I’ve got to talk to you.”
Landis! What was he doing here? They were ready to sail! How had he reached her in time? Why couldn’t he let her leave in peace?
“Go away. I don’t want to see you or talk to you,” she said dully.
“I’ve already gotten permission from Captain Shurling to break down this door if necessary,” he warned seriously. “You’re going to hear the truth before I let this ship sail. Open up, Kat.”
“No! Leave me alone!” she screamed in rising panic.
“If you force me to kick this door in, I’ll take you ashore with me! Just hear me out, then decide if you still want to leave,” he coaxed.
“More lies and tricks? Thomas has your reports.”
“I know all about the damn reports, Kat! Believe me or not, I found out about Jake only recently. You are going to hear me out!”
“Oh, no, I’m not! I despise you! You and Jake solve your own problems; I’m not involved!” she cried in defiance.
“Shurling is holding this ship until we talk face to face.”
Kathy realized they were still anchored. Evidently Landis had stopped their sailing! She was trapped. She got up and walked over to the door, but didn’t open it. “What do you want to say?”
“Face to face,” he insisted, trembling in dread.
“I don’t want to see you,” she panted. “I don’t care what you have to say. You’re up to something, Landis Jurrell; I don’t trust you.”
“I can’t blame you for feeling that way. I’ve given you no reason to trust me. Damnit, Kat! I was a bloody fool. Please, talk to me.”
“Haven’t you done enough to me?” she entreated.
“Too much. I’ve made countless mistakes with you, Kat.”
“I’m going home, Landis. Please go away.”
“I can’t, love. Just five minutes…”
She unlocked the door and pulled it open. “Just five minutes,” she warned him. As he stepped inside and closed the door, she stared at him. Her startled gaze went from his touseled ebony hair, to his scarlet jacket, to his dark blue pants with their sunny yellow stripe, to his muddy black boots, back up to the revolver strapped around his narrow waist, and ended its exploratory journey on the low-brimmed hat dangling by its strap from his arm. The uniform fit him perfectly, evincing his broad shoulders and enhancing his handsome looks. He looked splendid, utterly arresting. Her mind screamed, a Mounty can’t marry!
“I see you finally decided to wear your true colors. The uniform suits you, Landis, as does the job. Are you arresting me or are you here to torment me?” she sneered, cradling her injured arm.
His keen gaze swiftly took in the bandage, her bruises and scrapes, her pale face, and her glazed eyes. “If Slavin weren’t dead, Kat, I would kill him. Are you all right?” he softly and tenderly inquired.
“Surely you didn’t halt this ship to inquire about my health?” she scoffed. “I’ll be just fine. You go back to work for your Mounty friends; they can make good use of your skills and talents,” she insulted him.
“I’ve been a Mounty since I was nineteen. My name is Sergeant Clinton Marlowe, Clint to my good friends. I was on a secret mission here; that’s why I couldn’t tell you anything about me. Those reports covered two years of demanding work; that’s why I had to get them back. With the added report you bravely supplied on Smith, my work is finished.”
“Are you here to present me with a medal?” she tartly snapped.
“You deserve one. I’m here for an important reason, Kat, the truth.”
“Do you even recognize it?” she sarcastically taunted.
“You don’t want this quick and easy, do you?” he asked sadly.
“I don’t want it at all, Landis. I forgot, Sergeant Marlowe.”
“I was trained to be wary, Kat. You’re different from the women I’ve known. I was blind, overbearing, and stupid. I treated you badly. I was selfish and harsh. I craved you. I didn’t know how to handle such unfamiliar emotions. I honestly thought you took the reports as revenge, or to make me chase after you. I was hurt and angry. I thought you had betrayed me. I took my feelings out on you, and you didn’t deserve that. In Dawson, you would turn me away; then, you would respond to me. I was so damned confused and edgy that I reacted violently. After I saw you in Trace’s arms that day, I went wild with rage and jealousy; I was afraid I might strangle both of you if I didn’t get out of Dawson right away.”
He grabbed a quick breath and continued before she could interrupt, “When I saw you two days later, I was reacting from anger. When I told you I had seen Trace, I meant I had seen him in your arms; I didn’t speak to him that morning before I furiously stormed out of Dawson. I didn’t know then what Slavin had done to you. I didn’t know Trace was only comforting you. I was so blind and resentful that I assumed you had dropped me to seek information from him, or perhaps both of us. I forced myself to hurt you as you were hurting me. I wanted to prove to you I didn’t care about you either. Later, I saw Trace; I nearly took his head off. Needless to say, he set me straight. Ever since that day, I’ve been tracking you all over the place. I was always a few days behind you. I’ve been crazy with worry.”
Kathy just stared at him. He pressed his advantage. “When I heard what Slavin did, I went to Dawson. You were gone. I made the mistake of telling Smith I was going after you because I loved you. He put his old plan into motion again. When I got to Log Cabin, the reports were waiting for me. When Bill related your news of Soapy’s motives to get us together, I knew Soapy would come after you. Bill showed me the file he had just received on your father; it was evident you had read it. I knew what you would be thinking and feeling. By the time I reached Skagway, I feared you had sailed out of my life forever. Then, I figured out what had happened to you. We struck out for Dawson to rescue you. We beat the truth out of Smith, then went to Domino’s. That’s when we learned you were shot and back in Skagway. We came as quickly as we could, but you were already on the ship. I’ve been going mad these last two weeks, Kat.”
“Why bother?” she probed, her heart thudding heavily.
“Your father is with me, Kat,” he informed her. “When he heard of the danger you were in, he instantly dropped his cover to help me rescue you. You’re wrong about us, Kat.”
She was wrong? she mentally scoffed. “Your five minutes are up, Sergeant Marlowe,” she stated softly, wondering if he would press her.
“I love you with all my heart; I can’t let you go…ever,” he delivered his stunning decision. “You love me, Kat; admit it.”
She swayed slightly. He reached for her. She jerked away. “Don’t you touch me,” she warned.
She walked to the bed and sat down. “I’m still weak. I’m tired, so please go now. I’ve heard you out. It doesn’t change anything.”
He came over to her. He dropped to one knee, taking her right hand in his. She tried to pull free, but he wouldn’t release it. There were tears welled in her eyes; she turned her face to deny him a view of her anguish. She could never forgive his false marriage to her.
His eyes roamed her features. “Do you want me to beg, Kat? God, I will if you’ll only listen. I love you! You’re my wife, Kat; I can’t lose you. You’re the most important thing in my life.”
“What about your precious career? Mounties can’t marry,” she debated his words, words she believed false and cruel.
“I’ve resigned, Kat. I’ve accepted the position of territorial governor. The Mounty rules don’t apply to that position. That’s why I kept trying to get you to wait, to hear me out, to stay with me. I’ve loved you since that first day I walked into Moore’s ten
t and found you chattering to yourself. When you looked up at me with those entrancing blue eyes, I was lost. We’ve had countless misunderstandings, Kat. Please stay here and work them out. I promise I won’t hurt you again; I swear it.”
“You’re asking me to stay married to you, after what you’ve done? You found Jake; what more do you want? I’m not his accomplice.”
“You’re wrong about your father. While we were travelling in search of you, he told me what happened. Hear him out, Kat. You owe yourself that much. He loves you and needs you. He was coming after you this week. He’s already dropped his secret identity. He’s told everyone who he is.”
“What is this, Landis, some code of honor between you lawmen? I don’t want to see or speak with him, or you. Can’t you see? It’s over, Landis. I keep forgetting, Sergeant Marlowe,” she angrily corrected herself.
“Will you force me to arrest my own wife to keep her here? Damnit, woman, I will. You’re too stubborn to listen!” he heatedly accused.
“I have listened, Marlowe! You wouldn’t dare arrest me on phony charges! And I’m not your wife!” she shrieked.
He imprisoned her head and pulled her lips to his. He crushed his mouth against hers, forcing her lips to part. He hungrily savored her mouth before drawing back. “I love you, Kat. I’ll keep you here until I prove it.”
“I’ll fight you all the way, Marlowe. You have no claim on me.”
“I’ll force you to discover how wrong you are.”
She eyed him warily. “I’m not your wife; Landis Jurrell doesn’t exist. If you hold me, I’ll let everyone know about your vile deceit.”
Suddenly Clint understood. He threw back his head and laughed. He withdrew a sheet of paper from his jacket and handed it to her. “I beg to disagree, but we’re very legally married, Kathryn Marlowe. If you don’t believe me, read this wedding certificate and check the ship’s log. I’m sorry I had to trick you, but you are my wife, Mrs. Marlowe.”
Kathy stared at his beguiling grin. “You’re lying,” she breathed.
“Nope!” he averred. “Read it.”
Kathy snatched the paper and read it, her eyes widening. “This is another one of your tricks. Are you forgetting the license I have? I don’t trust you.”
“Why not?” he reasoned softly, grinning at her. “I said I’d marry you. I merely gave you a phony license; I couldn’t reveal myself back then.”
“Because…you can’t be serious!” she argued apprehensively.
“But I am, love. That’s why Soapy was confused; he knew I wasn’t Jurrell. But he didn’t know you were Kat Marlowe. I couldn’t lose you, even when I doubted you. I was determined to save you and keep you.”
“All right, Marlowe; I’ll call your bluff,” she sassily stated.
He captured her face between his hands and smiled into her defiant eyes. “I’m not bluffing, Kat Marlowe. It can easily be verified.
“Do you object to seeing your father?” he asked quietly.
She looked at him. “He’s here?” she asked fearfully.
“Yes. Please, Kat, just listen to him,” he entreated. “We all need to settle everything today. This battle’s raged too fiercely and too long.”
She turned away from his probing eyes. “I can’t, Landis,” she stated faintly, old habits hard to break. “You’re confusing me even more.”
Clint sat down beside her and pulled her against his chest. “He didn’t tell you the truth at my cabin because he knew how much it would hurt you, Kat. I’m not sure you’re strong enough to hear it today. Will you agree to hear him out later?” he coaxed her.
She lifted her head. “You know the truth, don’t you?” When he nodded, she sighed. “You believe him? You think he was justified?”
“Yes, Kat. He loves you. He was willing to let you leave here before ripping your world apart again. More so, love, he was afraid you wouldn’t believe him; he feared you would hate him.”
“If you’re a Mounty and my father’s an American spy, doesn’t that put me in the middle of a crisis? Are you going to arrest him?”
He chuckled in amusement and sighed in relief. “That isn’t necessary in his case. In fact, he’s done me and Canada a big service with his reports and investigation. He isn’t our enemy. He’s a good man, Kat.”
“How so?” she questioned in bewilderment.
“He’s been working to unmask some of Soapy’s American partners, those I mentioned who’re involved in corruption and fraud. He’s also been ferreting out some dangerous criminals in hiding here. He’s made it clear to your government that claiming any territory here will cause new conflicts. Plus, he was mighty surprised by the power of the Mounties,” he listed some of Jake’s accomplishments.
“Is there more?” she asked with genuine awe and curiosity.
“Yep, plenty. They asked him to check out the resources around here, to see if Alaska was worth their time and attention. I know he’s settled some disputes between the Hudson Bay Company and the Alaska Commercial Company; that rivalry could have been explosive. I must compliment your government for worrying over your prospectors’ treatment of our locals. It’s clear to us your country isn’t looking to cause trouble here or to attempt any takeover. Jake tells me they’re setting up a seat of authority in Skagway soon. He vows we’ll have their cooperation and assistance with crime and violence. I can promise you, Kat; his work was critical for peace and progress. I must say, I envy him and respect him greatly. He never expected you to show up, complicating his work.”
“What about his reason for deserting me and mother?” she challenged.
“I think he should explain that, love. I’m not taking his side because he’s a man and a friend, but I do see his logic. I’ll admit he handled some matters unwisely, but he did have reasons. Just hear him out, and then decide for yourself. Give us both another chance, Kat,” he pleaded earnestly.
When she remained quiet and thoughtful, he said, “I’m going to call your father in, Kat. If the answer’s no, stop me now.”
When she didn’t, he smiled and kissed her soundly, then left.
Kathy sat dazed. Were they honestly married? He loved her?
“Kathryn?” her father’s voice called from behind her.
She turned, her gaze slowly roaming over him, staring at the blond hair and blue eyes which matched her own. He came to stand before her. “I know I’ve hurt you deeply, but I do love you and want you. Did you read the letter?”
“Letter?” she echoed, staring at him.
“I left it with Mrs. Pullen; she was to give it to you if you left. It explains everything, Kathryn. I was hoping you had read it and considered it.”
“She did, but I haven’t read it. Why did you lie to me? Why did you leave?” she helplessly asked, tears rolling down her cheeks.
“Are you certain you want to hear the truth now, Kathryn?”
“I must,” she whispered faintly.
Kathy didn’t interrupt as he painfully told his story. When he finished, he stated hoarsely, “I swear that’s the truth, Kathryn Leigh.”
Little things began coming back to her, slips her mother had made, slips gone unnoticed or unchallenged. No matter how much it hurt, Kathy couldn’t deny the honesty and anguish in his eyes. “Please, Kathryn, give us time to talk and get acquainted. I’m finished here. We can go home now. I won’t ever leave you again. I’ll resign and we’ll make a home together.”
“Landis, I mean, Clinton and I are married.”
“Do you love him?” he asked soberly, wondering what she planned to do about their situation; Clint had tricked her.
She stared at the wall before her. He continued, “I think you two can be very happy. I know I’m partly to blame for messing things up between you two. Do you want to remain as Mrs. Clinton Marlowe?”
“You think he loves me?” she ventured.
“I’m certain of it. But if you don’t love him, you can come back to America with me. We’d have to dissolve your marriage.”
She looked at him, at her father, and then back at Clint. The room was very still. “Yes,” she murmured softly, fusing her gaze to his.
He smiled ecstatically and whooped with relief, “Let’s get going.”
Clint held her in his powerful arms and gazed deeply into her trusting eyes as he asked in a clear and vital tone, “You ready to wear this again?” He pulled out the wedding band she had left with Bill.
She smiled at him and murmured tenderly, “Yes.”
Clint slipped it on her finger, laughing merrily. Kathy eyed the gold band around her finger and murmured happily, “You thought of everything, didn’t you? What if I had refused to hear you out? Would you really have arrested me to keep me here?”
“Absolutely!” he declared honestly. “I couldn’t let you leave the Yukon with my heart and soul,” he jested, kissing her lightly.
He glanced at the anxious Shurling. “Sorry about the delay, Captain Shurling. Can I get some help with these bags?” he inquired.
Shaking his head in disbelief, Shurling called two men to place the bags in their boat. At the railing, he bid them farewell and even bussed Kathy’s cheek, relieved to get rid of the female troublemaker. Clint didn’t want to risk an injury to her, so he helped her down the rope ladder. He placed her between his body and the ladder, easing her down slowly and safely. They waved to Shurling as they shoved off from the Victoria. Before they made shore, the steamer was underway.
When they landed on shore, Clint picked up Kathy and headed for her cabin, asking Jake to see to her bags. When Harriet misunderstood this situation, she questioned Clint, dismayed by this outrageous behavior. After all, she was married to Jurrell, who wasn’t real.