Fortune's Flames

by Janelle Taylor

  They seemed totally absorbed in each other until a carriage clattered by and startled them. They laughed and then continued their walk homeward. Fragrant flowers bloomed all around them as the hot sun lowered, allowing the heat of the day to cool. The sky was changing from intense blue to tranquil gray, and not a cloud was to be seen. As dusk approached, the trees became a darker green and the shadows became longer and longer. Despite the festive occasion, most people were dining at this hour, so the streets were quiet. It was a pleasant time of day, calm and relaxing.

  “I liked Beth.”

  Jared’s words broke into Maren’s dreamy state. “We’ve been best friends since childhood. She’s a very special person. We can tell each other anything, everything. I just hope Bart makes it through this damnable war alive. It would crush her to lose him.”

  “Like it crushed you to lose Daniel Redford?” he asked, before he could stop himself. “I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have said that.”

  Maren looked directly at him. “Before me, have you ever loved anyone? Not desired, but truly loved her?”

  Jared feared the point she was about to make, but he answered honestly, “No, Maren, I haven’t.”

  “Neither have I, Jared,” she confessed, then left him standing on the front steps of Lady Luck.

  It was thirty minutes before closing time when the trouble struck. Maren and Jared had eaten a quick meal in the kitchen with Mary, then they’d gone their separate ways to bathe and dress for the evening. After mingling with the patrons, Jared had joined one table of card players and Maren had joined another. A party mood filled the rooms that night, and the pirated wine and champagne flowed steadily. When Mary Malone carried some refreshments to the stablemen, a scowling man sneaked through the back door. Suddenly a jeering voice came from behind Maren. “You cheating anybody tonight, my fancy tart? You boys watch her good ‘cause she’s got quick and sneaky hands. She uses that pretty face and lovely mouth to distract you while she cheats you,” he accused, trailing his sweaty fingers over Maren’s cheek and lips.

  Maren rose and faced the troublemaker, staring at him coldly. “You were forbidden to come here again, sir. Get out.”

  The room had fallen silent the moment the supposedly drunken man had spoken his first insulting words. But his speech wasn’t slurred, and he was steady-handed. When the instantaneous silence alerted Jared to a problem, he quickly excused himself and hurried to Maren’s side.

  By this time, the offensive man was saying, “We didn’t have any cheating or trouble when Dan Myers was running this place. Why don’t you take your fancy gowns and cheap ways and leave us men in peace? This ain’t no place for the likes of you. Cheating gets people killed.”

  Maren grasped Jared’s hand and squeezed it to signal him to remain silent. “You are mistaken, sir,” she declared. “We didn’t have any trouble until you showed up, and we only have it when you do show up. If you cannot accept my ownership, then I suggest you find another gambling establishment to frequent. I, for one, do not like your manner or your presence. Everyone was having a wonderful time until you spoiled the fun. It’s awfully strange that you’re the only sore loser I’ve played against. Ned, Harry, show this…gentleman out.”

  “You little bitch, you’ll be sorry for cheating me and embarrassing me. Come on, everybody,” he shouted, “let’s get out of here. Let this bitch go under. She can’t cheat us and prosper.”

  Jared seized the man by the front of his vest and yanked him close to his rage-flushed face. Between gritted teeth, he warned, “Unless you have proof of your accusation, don’t speak it aloud. And if you ever insult Miss Maren again, I’ll stuff your words down your miserable throat. Now, get out of here, you sorry bastard, and don’t ever step foot in here.”

  The man was frightened, but he jerked himself free of Jared’s loosened grip. “You can’t talk to me like that. This doesn’t concern you, Morgan.”

  “Oh, yes, it does. I’m half-owner of this place, and it’s an honest one. If you have a problem with Miss James, then you also have one with me. She’s never cheated anyone; she doesn’t need to. She’s one of the best players I’ve seen.” Jared glanced around the room as he said, “Most of you knew Cameron James; surely you realize his daughter is just like him: honest to a fault. Like Maren said, anybody who dislikes gambling in a place run by a female should go elsewhere. I’ve given her full authority to handle Lady Luck as she sees best.”

  The repulsive man scoffed, “You’re just defending her because she lives upstairs with you an—”

  Jared’s blazing eyes burned away the remainder of the man’s crude words. “You’d best leave before I’m riled,” he threatened coldly. “I’ve killed men for lesser offenses than you’ve committed tonight.”

  The man began to back away. “I’m leaving, but you ain’t heard the last of me. I’m going to the law about this place. Ain’t nobody going to cheat Howard Heath and get away with it.”

  Jared challenged, “Prove you’ve been cheated and I’ll pay you three times your loss. The same goes for any patron here. Miss James is one of the most honest people I know, just like her father Cameron. That’s why I went into business with him, and with her.”

  Dan joined them and, grasping Heath’s arm, escorted him outside. When he returned, he said, “I think this war has been too hard on Mister Heath. He’s about lost everything he owns, and his wife ran off with another man. Of course that doesn’t excuse his bad behavior, but it does explain it. I’ll keep him out of here for you.”

  After everyone had gone and Mary had turned in, Jared poured himself and Maren a glass of wine, and they sat down at one of the red-clothed tables. Nearly all of the lamps and candles had been extinguished, and those still lit made only a soft glow. It was quiet inside and outside the gambling house, and the room where they sat suddenly seemed very large.

  Jared watched Maren stare into her wine, and he wondered what she was thinking. He murmured, “I’m sorry about the trouble tonight.” Then he touched his glass to hers and said, “To peace and independence.”

  Maren met his mellow gaze and replied, “No, to Jared Morgan.” She brought her glass to his. “I appreciate what you said and did tonight. I’m sure you realized I’ve had trouble with that man before. Mary told me how he probably got in.” She repeated the housekeeper’s explanation, then added, “Actually, this interruption was a good thing. It showed us that a determined person can sneak inside. We must take better precautions. One night, it could be a thief.”

  “Something is up, Maren. He wasn’t drunk or stupid or suffering.”

  “I know, Jared, and he wasn’t the other time either. He’s out to cause trouble, and I don’t know why or for whom. Yet…”

  When she shrugged and halted, Jared stated, “I hope you realize he isn’t doing it for me, Maren.”

  “If there’s one thing I know about you, Jared Morgan, it’s that you’re not a man to hire another to settle your problems.” She smiled. “Well, at least your ownership and the fact that you’re living here are in the open. Now we have to learn if it makes a difference to anyone.”

  “Besides Eric,” he declared rashly, then added, “I’m sorry. It slipped out. You make me lose control of my tongue and my wits.”

  She stood and said teasingly, “Little ol’ me make you lose self-control? Don’t exaggerate or I might try to do it more often.” Her mood waxed serious as she added, “Thanks again, Jared. Good night. About ten in the morning?”

  “For what?” he asked confusedly.

  “To meet with Papa’s lawyer to go over our papers and terms. Then, we can go to the bank so you can take possession of your money.”

  “You sure you want to handle all that tomorrow?”

  “I think we both need to know where we stand, don’t you?”

  Jared rose and looked down into her upturned face. His fingers lightly drifted over her parted lips. “I suppose you’re right,” he concurred. Taking her hand, he guided her to the steps. “You go on and
I’ll douse the remaining candles.”

  Maren hesitated indecisively. She wanted to embrace him, to kiss him, but she feared what that would lead to. Was she ready to follow Beth’sadvice? Mary’s advice? Her own desires?

  Jared gently pulled her into his arms and murmured, “No matter how much we want each other, Maren, tonight’s not the right time. But I would like to hold you for a moment and kiss you good night.”

  “I would like that very much,” she bravely told him.

  Jared gently cupped her face between his hands and gazed into it for what seemed like a long time. Slowly he leaned forward and kissed each of her eyes closed. His lips brushed her forehead, the tip of her nose, and her cheek. Then they attempted to cover every inch of her face before drifting over her neck and ears. Abruptly and tightly he embraced her.

  Maren felt his rigid body tremble, and she could hear his ragged respiration. He had pressed her head to his chest and was holding it there with one hand. The other, at her waist, kept her locked against him. Her eyes shut, Maren listened to his thundering heartbeat, thrilled by her effect on him. She was very aware of the sturdiness of his body, his compelling shape and size, his manly smell, his sensitivity. His hands had the strength to crush her, but they gently caressed her, inflaming her. Many impressions and images flooded her enraptured mind, and she warmed to each of them. She savored this heady contact with him, and nestled closer.

  Slowly, appreciatively, uncontrollably, his hands wandered up and down her back, stroking her tenderly while his body experienced enticing sensations. He smiled and relaxed as he heard her sigh peacefully, dreamily. It felt so good to simply hold her in his arms. He rested his chin against her dark hair and inhaled its floral scent. She fit perfectly in his embrace, and he wanted her to remain there. But first, he had some business to handle, dangerous business. After Thursday, he could concentrate on winning and possessing Maren, but not tonight. Once he took her to his bed or hers, it would be to stay, so he would not do it without explaining his impending absence, which he could not do.

  He lifted her chin and sealed their lips, but the kiss was brief. It had to be. He dared not lose mastery over his wits and body, or he would whisk her upstairs and make her his. He looked deeply, longingly, into her golden brown eyes, and promised huskily, “Soon, Maren, this powerful bond between us will be shared. It must be shared.”

  Maren’s right hand rose to caress his strong jawline. Her voice was husky with emotion as she replied, “I think I sensed that the first time I met you, when I was only fifteen. But I was certain of it on the ship and the beach. No matter what happens between us later or what you think about me for being so wanton, I will surrender to your irresistible siege when you finally decide to make your attack.”

  Maren pulled his head downward as she eased onto tiptoe and their lips met in a breathtaking and intoxicating kiss. Moments later, she gazed into his tawny eyes and smiled. “Good night, Jared Morgan.”

  He inhaled deeply and erratically to slow his racing heart, but flames of desire leapt from his brownish gold eyes as he declared, “Thursday night, Miss Maren James; be ready to yield or be gone from here, for I shall not take no that night.”

  “Nor will I, my skittish rogue.” She climbed the stairs gracefully, as Jared observed her swaying hips and mopped perspiration from his brow.

  With her stableman’s unknowing assistance the next morning, Maren returned her parents’ letters to Eric’s safe. At her request, Marc left the office to help load two of the trunks containing her belongings onto a supply wagon, and while he was away, Maren quickly unlocked the safe and replaced the letters, unaware that Eric had had them in a certain order. When the men returned, she was sitting calmly in a chair and fanning herself. She rose, leisurely bid her cousin goodbye, and left.

  At the lawyer’s office, Jared came forward and helped her down from the wagon. She waved to the stableman as she watched him depart.

  “What’s wrong, Maren?” Jared asked, glancing from the man’s retreating back to Maren’s pensive expression.

  “He was just helping me get some of my trunks from Eric’s warehouse to Lady Luck,” she replied, feeling deceitful. “Well, partner, let’s get this matter settled.”

  “Was there trouble at the warehouse?”

  “Of course not. Why should there be?”

  “You’re in a strange mood this morning.”

  “Oh?” she responded noncommittally. “Ready for business?”

  When Jared eyed her intently, she turned away. “Ready,” he answered when he realized she was not going to reveal anything to him.

  The meeting began with Jared presenting his deed for Samuel Lewis to study. When the lawyer passed it to Maren, he asked, “Is that your father’s signature?”

  Maren eyed it closely and nodded. After reading over a second paper, the wiry man passed it to his alert client. “Are those Cameron James’s notes and promises?”

  Maren read this paper twice. It stated that her father would hold Jared’s money in a “special fund” until the war ended or until it was safe for Jared to claim it. It also gave Jared the right to go over the books at any time he wished, and the authority to decide how Lady Luck should and would be run, a stipulation which troubled Maren. When she glanced over at the handsome man beside her, he knew which section she was concerned about and he smiled encouragingly.

  Maren returned to the page, certain it contained “clues” her father had planted to let her know this paper and partner were valid: the date she had broken her left wrist in a fall, the date he had given her an exquisite doll and vase from China, the Wedgwood pieces in his private collection, and the book which was their favorite reading. Revelations only her father would know.

  “Did my father leave this special fund with you?” she inquired, and the man shook his head. “Did he tell you where it would be kept?” Again, he shook his head. “What happens if I can’t locate it and turn it over to Mr. Morgan?”

  The man could not lie with Jared Morgan sitting before him. “The contract and deed are binding, Miss James. As your father’s heir, you’re responsible for resolving the matter.”

  “But if I don’t have the records and money, how can I?”

  “Then Mr. Morgan can do one of two things. He can legally take over Lady Luck to cover his losses, or he can allow you to repay him.” Samuel Lewis hoped Jared would choose to do the latter. Finally the secret partner’s identity was known, but it could become a big problem. Eric would be infuriated by this turn of events, and Jared Morgan’s fame and wealth would make him a formidable foe.

  Maren broke her pensive silence by inquiring, “How do I know he hasn’t already claimed this special fund?”

  “His word on the matter. He is well-known and respected.”

  “Is his word more binding than mine?”

  “That wasn’t my meaning, Miss James.”

  “What if I swear he’s collected the money?” Maren asked, not once looking toward the silent Jared.

  The lawyer had to reply, “How can you, Miss James? You’ve been gone for the past two years. Did you receive any messages from your father during this time?”

  “No,” she replied honestly.

  “Do you have any reason to doubt Mr. Morgan’s word?”

  “No,” she replied again. “But I do have most of his earnings from the last year; they’re in the bank. I’m handing them over this morning.”

  “Mr. Morgan, is it your intention to allow Miss James to repay you, or do you want to press for total ownership?”

  The lawyer was shocked when Jared stated, “I’m giving her until the first of the year to repay me. If she can’t, then she’s to sign over her share to me or marry me. I want this deal put into writing today.”

  Samuel looked from one impenetrable face to the other. Eric James would definitely be enraged upon hearing this news! Eric had wanted to discover the identity of her partner and then get rid of him so he could take over Lady Luck. But he had not anticipated an
obstacle like Captain Hawk. “I… I’m not sure that would be legal, sir. It reeks of blackmail.”

  Jared responded confidently, “Since Miss James is agreeable to those terms, I see no problem, and I do not want them to be revealed to anyone else. We also want it recorded that in case either partner dies, the other inherits all. That would include my ship and my personal possessions, as well as hers.”

  Lewis was surprised. “It’s most unusual to make a stranger your heir. Miss James, do you go along with such terms?”

  “Yes sir, I do. This is the only way I can keep from losing all I own.”

  Jared wished she had not added the last line. “I assure you, sir, Miss James will be taken care of before and after this matter is settled. Cameron was a friend of mine, and I would never harm his daughter.”

  Samuel Lewis decided this cloud had a silver lining: when Jared Morgan died, all he possessed would go to Maren, Eric’s cousin. “If you two are sure of this arrangement, I’ll write up the contract for you.”

  “There’s another matter I want you to handle, sir,” Jared put in. “I want you to check out the legality of her cousin’s takeover of James Shipping and his selling of her property without her knowledge or approval. At the least, Eric James owes Maren James monetary compensation and half-ownership of James Shipping.”

  The lawyer appeared to become nervous at this point. “I handled those transactions myself, Mr. Morgan. Rest assured, they were legal. Eric—Mr. James—had a letter of authority from Cameron which gave him the power to take whatever measures he deemed necessary.”

  Jared had evidence to prove those sales were illegal, but he dared not reveal it at this time. “How do we know that power was not revoked?” he asked casually as he witnessed the lawyer’s alarm increase.