Promise Me Forever

by Janelle Taylor

  Rachel made several purchases to cover her tale to Harry. Dan did the same with one of the superb knives for Luke Conner.

  During the evening at the Duepree Opera House very little conversing could take place while listening to one traveling Italian group. That relieved Rachel and Dan, who put on faces of enjoyment.

  As Harry dropped them off at the hotel, Dan said, “I want to place an arms order with Phillip’s company before I leave. What time is convenient for me to speak with you tomorrow and to sign a contract?”

  “One o’clock?”

  “Fine, see you then.” After Harry rode off, Dan pointed out that Harry didn’t seem surprised about his news or ask any questions about the number of rifles he intended to purchase. “That’s strange,” he observed. “I wonder if George sent word to him about my intention or if he pressed George for information about us.”

  “How else could he have known you’d do business with him after our arrival? That disappoints me. I was hoping and believing George could be trusted. Ted, too. I pray I’m right about those two.”

  “I think it’s best if we don’t trust anybody completely, Rachel. We know it was curious that the clerk summoned Harry as there shouldn’t be anything odd about Phillip’s wife visiting his store. We must stay alert. We only have a few more days here.”

  Rachel and Dan sat down before Harry’s desk, and the part owner of the company relaxed in his chair. She listened and observed as the men talked.

  Dan explained his cover story about the imminent conflict in and around Turkey and why he was purchasing the arms. He related his order for ammunition from George Leathers in Augusta, with a delivery date to Savannah of May fourteenth. “How close to buying three thousand weapons can I come with a hundred thousand dollars? I have the full payment with me, so you’ll get the money in advance. How soon can they be ready?” Dan told Harry he wanted the lever-action repeater with the tube loader through the butt, and gave the cartridge size of a center-fire shell he had ordered.

  Harry was surprised and pleased. “That’s a big purchase, Dan. I received a telegram from George on Saturday about your order from him and impending one from me, but he didn’t reveal it was this large. Since you hadn’t mentioned it to me yet, I thought you’d changed your mind about using us. Can you get it cleared through customs in Savannah?”

  “I already have a letter of permission,” Dan lied, “so no problem there. I also want gunsights and slings on them.”

  As Harry did figuring on paper at his desk, Rachel concluded George had not alerted Harry of their arrival, so Harry’s astonishment had been real. Perhaps after spending time on Tuesday and Friday with her and Dan, Harry had telegraphed George for information about their Augusta visit. George must not have told Harry anything intimidating, considering his amorous behavior Saturday night. As they had played their holiday ruse well, Harry should be fooled about her motives for coming to see him.

  Harry looked at Dan. “I can let you have 2,860 rifles with attachments for that amount. They can be in Savannah by May twenty-fourth. How does that suit you and your schedule?”

  “Perfect. I was impressed by that rifle you showed us the other day. I’m certain the soldiers will be more than satisfied with that model. I’ll keep one for myself and give a few to my men.”

  “It’s a good choice, Dan, and a dependable weapon.”

  “Won’t that interfere with our deadline for that big order Phillip obtained?” Rachel inquired. “How can you make that many in such a short time?”

  “Ten thousand rifles doesn’t take forever to construct, Rachel. I already have the dynamite ordered. It should arrive soon. The entire order will reach the port there on time as promised, as will Dan’s.”

  Rachel struggled to hide her astonishment at those revelations. “Dynamite? From you? Why not through George?”

  “We hope George doesn’t find out about that part of our joint deal,” Harry continued. “Phillip wanted me to order it elsewhere, because it was cheaper than their Augusta company could make, and our Athens company profit will be higher. Of course, everything depends on Phillip getting the money to me soon, at least the advance for half of it. A five-hundred-thousand-dollar order that goes wrong could ruin us. That’s a lot of weapons to lie around long.”

  “Five hundred thousand dollars? That certainly is a large deal, especially when added to the matching one with George. My goodness, a million-dollar purchase!”

  Harry’s frosty blue gaze narrowed. “Phillip didn’t tell you? I assumed you knew after what you said earlier.” He frowned when she shook her head. “He didn’t give you the details, but I guess it doesn’t matter if I do. We’re getting three hundred thousand for arms and two hundred thousand for dynamite, gunsights, and slings. By the time Phillip collects his share of our profits here and his share from George’s order, he’ll make a tidy earning on one deal. Before long, you’ll have a lot of money to spend. I’m delighted he obtained that contract, but I can’t do much more about it until I get the advance. Partner or not, I can’t take risks like that. He should have let you and Dan bring the money to me, or brought it himself before he left town for so long. It puts me and our company in a financial bind. I don’t like doing business this way, but Phillip assured me nothing can go wrong at this point.”

  “Why didn’t you collect the money when you visited him?”

  “He had a silly excuse about wanting to deliver the advances to me and George on that following Monday,” Harry scoffed. “I hope nothing’s happened and that isn’t where he’s really gone, to repair the damage. I must say, George is worried, too. We both have our necks out on this deal.”

  “Because Phillip backed out of it once before, you’re afraid he’ll do so again?” she ventured.

  “Yes, and that was foolish. You can’t sign a contract, take five-hundred-thousand dollars in advance, then cancel the deal. That’s bad business. When he balked in late February, I was worried. But after a serious talk with him during my visit he told me and George to get on with the orders.”

  Rachel realized the two partners had restarted the orders the day Phillip had died and that both could be ruined if that deal didn’t take place, a deal her husband had wanted terminated.

  “I can’t deliver arms and George can’t deliver ammunition on May fourteenth if we don’t get the advance first. The client could take possession, then not pay the balance. I don’t even want to think about that.”

  Rachel tried to appear calm. “I’m sure that won’t happen, Harry; Phillip wouldn’t allow it to fail. Who is this rich and important client?”

  “I don’t know, and that worries me. Phillip said it was confidential and that he would assume full responsibility for all facets of the deal. He took the order, he’s to deliver it on one of his ships, and he’s collecting the money. Are you sure you don’t know where I can reach him?”

  Rachel didn’t believe Harry was that uninformed about business so vital. “I’m sorry, Harry, but he’s out of touch. I’m sure nothing will go wrong. If Phillip doesn’t return by the fourteenth of next month, surely the client will come to the house to check on his late order. If that happens, I’ll contact you and we’ll handle the final details. We certainly don’t want to jeopardize a deal of this size, or risk damaging the companies. If Phillip doesn’t return on schedule, I’ll help out any way I can.”

  “Why wouldn’t he return on time?” Harry asked.

  Rachel shrugged her shoulders. “Storms at sea, sudden illness, or a problem on the ship could slow him,” she speculated. “I doubt any of that will happen, but I’ll keep alert for a problem and for our client’s arrival.”

  “That still doesn’t account for the unpaid advances, Rachel—a half a million dollars,” Harry retorted. “As soon as Phillip contacts you, ask him where it is, then hire a guard to deliver it to me and George.”

  “Perhaps Milton can give us the client’s name and location. Since Phillip is using one of their ships, it’s probably recorded in th
eir books.”

  “It isn’t, because I’ve already telegraphed Milton for assistance and he says he doesn’t know anything about it. I don’t like the way matters are going and I don’t like being kept in the dark. Phillip shouldn’t have left at this time or withheld those advances. I hope nothing’s happened to them, because I don’t know how he could repay that much out of his pocket. We’d appreciate any help you can give us, Rachel, to carry out this deal. You can begin by locating that money and getting it to us fast. If we fail, everybody is out of a big profit and we can all lose our shares of the companies.”

  Rachel knew those warnings were true; and it sounded as if Harry was directing them straight at her, not as messages to relay to Phillip. She’d examined the Savannah firm’s books to find no shipping schedule for the order or for that date, as Milton had claimed. She possessed no client’s name, no destination, and no advance, yet, a million dollar order and the companies’ survivals were at stake, and maybe hers, too…

  “Do you mind if I see the company books while I’m here?” she asked. “I can give Phillip a report about how much that advance is needed.”

  “He’s already received a financial report, Rachel, so he knows the condition of the company. Besides, I couldn’t allow anyone to study them without a letter of approval from Phillip, not even his wife.”

  She faked a smile. “I understand. It is not a problem. I would like to see the warehouse at the depot; it’s the only part of the company I haven’t visited.”

  Harry shook his head of flaxen hair. “That would be a waste of time, Rachel. It’s just a big, empty, and dusty storage building.”

  “You’re right; I wouldn’t want to get filthy seeing nothing. We’ll be returning home early Thursday morning, so I doubt we’ll see you again during this visit. I want to thank you for those lovely evenings.”

  “You’re welcome. Just tell Phillip I need word from him immediately.”

  “I will, Harry, but don’t worry; I’m sure this delay isn’t serious.”

  “It had better not be,” Harry said with barely suppressed anger.

  “So, what do you think, Rachel?” Dan asked.

  “I don’t know, Dan. That mysterious deal has everyone crazy.”

  “Phillip will settle them down after he returns.”

  “Harry and George are right to worry; I’m worried, too. Something about this deal, the money, and Phillip’s sudden… departure is strange.”

  Dan pretended not to notice her near slip. “You aren’t suggesting Phillip stole the advance and ran off with it?”

  “Of course not. He would never leave me behind.”

  To get closer to her, Dan sounded skeptical as he remarked, “I hope not, Rachel, because as Phillip’s wife and heir, you’d have plenty of enemies after you for their payments or goods. You don’t suppose Phillip’s been paid the entire million dollars, do you?”

  She hoped and prayed not. “I honestly don’t know, Dan. The more I hear and see, the more I’m baffled.”

  “Stars above, Rachel, there’s no telling what they would do for that amount if someone took it from them. Money can make murderers of some men. Don’t forget, you’ve already been threatened several times.”

  “If Phillip didn’t return, do you think I’d be in greater peril?”

  If she were terrified, she might turn more to him, so he said, “Damn right I do. It’s a good thing I’ll be around to protect you until this mystery is solved. I have to stay in Savannah until after the twenty-fourth when my guns arrive. By then we’ll know if there’s trouble in the wind for you. I won’t sail until I know for certain you’re safe.”

  “Thank you, Dan. You’re the best friend I have.” She hesitated, then entreated, “May I ask you one other thing?” He nodded. “Was Phillip a big gambler like George and Harry implied? Do you think he could bet with another man’s money? Gamble enough to possibly lose that advance?”

  Dan gave serious consideration to her question. “Not the Phillip I knew. But we’ve been separated for years, Rachel, so I can’t answer for certain. You’ve never picked up any clues about him having such a weakness?”

  “No, never.” She closed her eyes and murmured, “I pray it isn’t true.”

  Dan sent up that same prayer, but he replied with half-truths and clever guile. “Maybe there’s a good explanation for Phillip’s actions. Maybe he hasn’t given them the advances because he doesn’t trust them fully. Maybe his trip is his way of avoiding them so he can hold on to the money until the last minute. If they drew him into their companies in ‘73 with lies about their conditions, then claimed slacked-off trade to cover those deceptions, Phillip may just want to handle this deal himself, protect and take his profit, then sell out like he told you.”

  “Do you think, when Phillip backed out in February, it angered Harry or George—or both—or the client so much that one or all of them were behind the incidents I mentioned to you, sort of as warnings to get it started again?” When he looked confused, she clarified. “You remember, the ship that was destroyed, the warehouse that was vandalized, the two seamen who were beaten, and the dockworker who was killed?” He nodded again, and she continued. “The shipping firm had to compensate those clients and families, so it cost Phillip and Milton a lot of money, and Milton wasn’t happy about it. You don’t suppose Phillip felt responsible or felt his client was guilty so he used the advance to cover those payments, do you?”

  Dan was impressed by her intelligence and her reasoning powers. “I don’t know what to think at this point, Rachel. Let’s wait until we return home and ask Phillip for answers before we jump into the wrong ocean looking for them ourselves.” Dan stretched and yawned. “It’s late and we’re tired, so I’ll see you in the morning. Get some rest and sleep.”

  Dan needed to check out a suspicion fast. The more he learned, the more confused he became. He was having strong feelings that this mysterious deal could have something to do with his brother’s death and that Rachel McCandless might be innocent.

  By the next evening, their last one in Athens, Rachel and Dan hadn’t seen much of each other. He had gone to the telegraph office across the street to send cables to Burke and to Luke telling of their arrival schedule for pickups at the railroad station in Savannah on Friday.

  Rachel had a lot of packing to do and stayed in her room most of the afternoon, sorting and folding items. At seven, after a light meal taken in the room, someone knocked on her door. Rachel hoped it wasn’t Harry and was tempted not to respond. Besides, she couldn’t see him or anyone, as she was wearing only her red silk nightgown. “Who is it?”

  “It’s Dan, Rachel; I need to speak privately with you. Now.”

  She hesitated as she looked down at her scanty attire. It was reckless, but she called back, “Just a moment, Dan; I’m not dressed.” She pulled a concealing housecoat over the gown, secured the belt snugly, and answered the door. To keep out of sight of a guest who might be passing by, she stood behind the door as she allowed him to enter. She closed and bolted the lock. “What is it? A problem?”

  Dan stared at her with mouth agape and blue eyes wide. He had seen edges of red silk near her ankles and knew what she was wearing beneath that shorter robe, and remembered all too well how it looked on her.

  Rachel flushed and murmured, “I told you I wasn’t dressed properly, but your voice sounded as if it was important?”

  “I sneaked to the depot warehouse last night. That storage building was filled with crates, oblong, riflesize. Harry lied to us.”

  “Why did you take such a risk? Harry is dangerous.”

  “Because I knew that if he had lied, he would rush to move them in case you sneaked a peek inside as we were leaving in the morning. I went back just now, and he does have men moving them to another building. If something deceitful isn’t going on, he wouldn’t take that action.”

  “What shall we do about it?”

  Dan used the best words he could think of to give her an opportunity to conf
ess everything to him. “Nothing this trip. We’ll report it to Phillip when he returns. Let him investigate and discover what’s going on. Don’t get more involved, Rachel; you’ve had tastes of how dangerous this matter is. Phillip shouldn’t have sent you here to nose around, and I think that was a devious story he told you. I think he was hoping, with your wits, you’d stumble across something he wants to learn. Frankly, I’m disappointed and annoyed with him for placing you in peril.”

  “I’m sure it wasn’t intentional, Dan. Surely Phillip wouldn’t endanger me. I’ll go home and try to solve the matter from there.”

  Rachel was convinced Dan wasn’t a threat to her. He was too caring, helpful, and protective to be wicked. He had become a good and close friend. They worked well together. She was heading home to face her other problem, one that could destroy her budding relationship with Daniel Slade. She could lose him before she could win him.

  Dan could not resist her allure. He pulled her into his arms and lowered his mouth to hers. She did not resist him, but responded with mutual desire and eagerness. His mouth feasted on hers, then left to trek over her face, to press his lips against each feature.

  Fires leapt within Rachel’s body, powerful and unfamiliar ones. Her heart raced. Her breathing changed to short and shallow gasps between heady kisses and a fierce hunger chewed at her core and urged her to feed it.

  A matching hunger gnawed at him. Dan’s body felt hot and shaky all over as it reacted to her intense response.

  What will he think of me if I surrender to him while he believes Phillip is alive? Rachel suddenly wondered. After he hears the awful rumors about me, will he think I yielded to ensnare him as my next “victim “? She told herself she should wait until after he knew the truth. If he wasn’t genuine and he spurned her, it would be better for her if she never learned what it was like to have him only to lose him. In a near breathless whisper as his teeth nibbled at one ear, she said, “We mustn’t, Dan, not yet, not tonight.”