Promise Me Forever

by Janelle Taylor

  “That is bueno, Señora Raquel, as I would hate to burn down such a lovely casa as this and to kill such a beautiful woman.”

  “You would do that even though I’m blameless in all of this?”

  Carlos glued his intentionally frigid gaze to her pleading one. “Si, but it would pain me.” He smiled as he coaxed, “Do not make me suffer for your foolishness and greed.”

  Rachel glared at him with a clenched jaw as she scoffed, “You don’t believe a word of explanation I’ve given you!”

  “It is no importa if I do or do not. My order is to return with our arms. If I cannot, those who stop me must die. I will do my duty.”

  She had no doubt he would do as he vowed. “It isn’t fair to hold us responsible for a million dollars we never received. We can’t handle a loss that big. You’re expecting us to pay for your arms out of our pockets when they’re near empty and when we don’t even have proof you paid Phillip. Why can’t you help us resolve this matter so none of us will get hurt?”

  “It is not our problema, Señora Rachel, but we will solve it.”

  In an insulting tone, she replied, “I’m sure you will. Where can I reach you when I have news?”

  Carlos gave her a lopsided grin. “We will reach you next Friday. If you try to trap or kill us, the amigos who take our places will not be as kind and generous as Carlos Torres is being today. When I next lay eyes on this beautiful face,…” he began as he caressed her anger-flushed cheek.

  Rachel halted his flattering words as she slapped away his disturbing hand and glared at him. She panted, “Don’t you ever touch me!”

  “Ah, a woman with fire, spirit, and courage. She would make a fine compatriota, would she not, Joaquin?” The bellicose man grunted and frowned. Carlos finished his interrupted statement, “When I next lay eyes on your beautiful face, Señora Raquel, have good news for me.”

  She glared at him more forcefully and icily. “I hope I have good news for both of us. I want this offensive matter settled fast and for good.”

  Carlos chuckled in amusement and admiration. “You are smart, so I do not doubt your success. Adiós, flame of my heart.”

  Rachel watched the two Cuban rebels gallop away as if born and reared in their saddles. She sank against the porch wall, closed her eyes, and exhaled loudly to release her tension. Afterward, she felt limp and shaky. She didn’t know how she had gotten through the terrifying situation. She had no doubt those men were lethal. If only Dan were here…

  Why isn’t he? her troubled mind asked. He had left her vulnerable at a terrible moment and he hadn’t returned yesterday as promised. That had forced her to confront two dangerous enemies alone.

  Old fears and doubts about him resurfaced to torment her. His absence today was convenient for her to be terrorized by those rebels. Was he one of them? The unknown client? Had his romantic pursuit and assistance been clever ruses to evoke what he believed was the awful truth about her, only an attempt to scare her into handing over the money she claimed she didn’t have? Could she be so wrong about her love?

  No, Rachel, you’ve judged a man right this time, she reassured herself. He loves you and wants you. Something, perhaps bad weather, delayed his return. He’ll be back soon and explain. Don’t make a crime out of a simple mistake. Trust him. He’s the only one who can and will help you.

  But how could even a strong, smart, and brave man like Daniel Slade defeat two dangerous rebels or the many Cubans who could replace them? Trying to save her from them could get him killed, as Carlos threatened, as those recent notes had warned. Yet, she couldn’t go to the law for help. They wouldn’t understand, or believe her, or help her. They would only think they had more charges to level against her: theft, fraud, gun-running, and probably more. She had no choice but to find a way to complete this deal, to save many lives.

  Friday at noon, Rachel was sitting in Milton’s office, a tangible strain in the air. She hadn’t told her loyal servants about the Cubans’ visit and she hadn’t seen Daniel Slade yet. But she was determined to handle her troubles as best she could without endangering those she loved.

  “I don’t understand you, Rachel. What have I done to cause such hatred and spitefulness in you? I’m not to blame for your grim situation, so why punish me as if I am? I thought we agreed to handle this as friends, but I was mistaken. Would you please explain?”

  She noted the antagonism in his tone and in his green gaze, but for once she didn’t fear it. “I don’t hate you, Milton, and I’m not being vengeful or ridiculously stubborn. You told me that day, after you shocked me witless with your news, that you were sorry to take away my share of the firm but you had no choice. Well, I have no choice but to protect myself. You asked me to understand and accept your position; you owe me the same consideration. I have only your word that paper and loan are authentic. As you said, it’s a lot of money—mine as well as yours. The whole thing doesn’t make sense, especially the repayment date. Neither does your rush to shove me aside. You agreed to a week’s extension, then announced your takeover the next day. How did you get that news to the paper so fast? The only way was early that morning before you even saw me. The whole time we were talking, you had no intention of honoring your word to me.”

  Milton scowled as he admitted, “You’re right; I turned in the notice before our meeting. I had to submit it before their deadline. I thought it was impossible for our decision to go any other way, so why waste time? When it did, it was too late to stop release of my announcement.”

  “Why didn’t you warn me about it? You thought I wouldn’t see it? And why did you write me that hateful and demanding summons yesterday?”

  “Because you broke your promise to come in and sign the paper. I was angry and worried.”

  “More accurately,” Rachel refuted, “you were afraid I would get that contract payment today and not have to default before the deadline you gave me. Is there any way you can prove that loan agreement is genuine?”

  “Any court will agree it’s Phillip’s signature and the terms are binding.”

  “Will it, Milton? Are you absolutely positive?” To her, he looked nervous when she countered his statement without blinking an eye in fear.

  “Did Frank Henley tell you otherwise?”

  “I haven’t seen him yet. I wanted to speak with you first. Neither of us wants trouble and a scandal at this delicate time.”

  “That’s accurate. What do you suggest is fair?”

  She noticed but ignored his sarcastic tone and look. “I’ve already met with that mysterious client, but the balance won’t be paid until delivery of goods,” she lied. “Harry’s balking on his part. As soon as I convince him to cooperate, the cargo can sail and we’ll be paid. After that, you’ll be paid.”

  Wide-eyed he asked, “You still want to remain as my partner?”

  “Don’t look so horrified. Being a silent and secret partner to protect business and to entice clients suits me fine.”

  “It doesn’t suit me fine, Rachel. It could destroy this firm.”

  “Are you forgetting who owned the biggest company before you two merged? Forgetting who obtained most of the firm’s clients?”

  “Phillip never worked any harder than I did! Probably even less!”

  Rachel was vexed by his resentment of Phillip. “You’ve lost another client, Milton. You can cancel the ship for Haiti today. The deal is on delay. But when it’s ready, my client wants Captain Daniel Slade of the Merry Wind to deliver it. He’s offered them a cheaper price and a faster voyage.”

  Milton jumped to his feet in outrage. “You can’t do that to me!” he shouted at her. “I need that contract. Phillip and I had a deal.”

  With a serene tone, she said, “Show me a signed contract with my client and I’ll tell him he must honor it.”

  Milton sat down. “I don’t have one, and you know it!”

  “Do I? It seems there is a lot I wasn’t told by you, Harry, George, and even Phillip. I’m weary of secrets that have da
maged me emotionally and financially. From now on, I’m fighting back against anyone or anything who tries to hurt me. If you’re so confident you can win our dispute, take me to court and prove it.” She saw Milton go pale and shaky.

  “My God, you’re serious! You’d fight this, right or wrong!”

  “You’re damn right I will!” she replied crudely to prove she was determined. “Push me into another pit and I’ll claw myself out fighting.”

  Milton gaped at her in disbelief and alarm. He jumped up and paced as he reasoned on the matter. Finally he turned to her and said, “To save my firm and to prevent a nasty scandal, if you’ll agree to stay a silent and secret partner, I’ll grant you another extension. But only until your mystery deal is settled, one way or another. That’s as far as I’ll go. Agreed?”

  Now she gaped at him. He had backed down. Maybe Dan was right about a ruse. Maybe Milton was running scared after being challenged. “I accept,” she said to stall for more time to unmask him, as surely Dan knew how. “If you put aside the relinquishment paper for a while, I won’t bring the court or Mr. Henley into our dispute.”

  “This time should I get your promise in writing and witnessed?”

  She didn’t let him get away with his sarcasm. “If you like. It might be a good idea, so you won’t renege on my extension again.”

  “I was only joking.”

  Rachel knew his laughter and smile were forced. “I hope so.”

  “Who is this mysterious client?”

  She stood and straightened her skirt. “I can’t tell you.”

  “Why not? One of those secrets you said you despise?”

  “No, my client insists on confidentiality. Sorry.”

  “I see. It doesn’t matter to me who he is. Settle this fast, Rachel.”

  “You can bet I will. Good-bye, Milton. I’ll send you news soon.”

  “I hope so, Rachel, and I hope it’s good…Oh, yes, a load arrived earlier this morning by train from George Leathers. It’s stored in our south warehouse.”

  “Thank you. I’ll tend to it soon. If I were you, Milton, I would put a guard on the order. You don’t want anything happening to it while it’s in your care, just in case the client decides to use your shipping firm. You do recall those break-ins we had a few months ago. My client wouldn’t be happy if anything happened to his ammunition. He doesn’t seem to be a man you’d want to cross or disappoint.”

  “I’ll take care of it immediately.”

  “That’s most wise. Besides, another vandalism wouldn’t look good to our clients.”

  “I promise you, it will be safe.”

  “I’ll hold you to your word of honor. Good afternoon, Milton.”

  Outside the door, she congratulated herself on her success, thanks to Dan’s clever suggestions. First, she had to send telegrams to George and Harry to update them. Second, she wanted to ride to Factor’s Row to see if Dan’s ship could be sighted. She wished she had thought of that sooner, as she was eager for his return. But if he was in port and hadn’t seen her yet, she would have to discover why not.

  Rachel stared at the sleek clipper anchored at the end of the docking area, almost concealed from view by numerous other ships. She wondered if it was an intentional action. She was tempted to board the Merry Wind to confront Captain Daniel Slade about his curious behavior. She decided to return home to await his imminent visit and needed explanation, whenever it came and whatever it might be.

  Chapter 19

  Rachel halted to await the rider coming toward her from Moss Haven. As he reined in beside her, she noticed Dan’s look of concern.

  “Please tell me you didn’t get a message and went to meet with that mysterious client alone,” he entreated.

  “No, I’ve been to see Milton. Where have you been? You’re late.”

  “A storm held up our sailing and slowed us again during the voyage. I docked a short time ago and rented a horse to come see you. Don’t you know how dangerous it is to travel alone? Why didn’t you take Burke? For heaven’s sake, Rachel, some culprit’s been inside and around your house many times; you certainly aren’t safe out here by yourself.”

  “Everybody wants me to carry off this deal, so I’m safe. Those threats are to scare, not injure, me. I was hoping you were in town by now and we could have privacy. Let’s get out of sight before someone comes along.”

  As they led their horses into cover of the dense woods, Dan refuted, “Even from the writer of those love notes? Neither of us believes it’s the same villain. For certain he’s crazy and dangerous. Don’t do anything like this again, woman, or I’ll lock you in my cabin to protect you. Understand?”

  Rachel grinned in pleasure, caressed his tense face, and coaxed, “I’ve done fine on my own, so stop worrying so much.”

  “That’s all I’ve done since I left last week. It was a stupid oversight not to leave one or two of my men here to guard you. I will next time.”

  Rachel smiled and thanked him. “Your bluff worked with Milton,” she told Dan. “He was furious, but he says he’ll wait for repayment until after this deal is settled. But he insists on keeping McCandless off the firm’s name.” She related the shipping partner’s motive and her agreement.

  “That’s all right for a while, but not permanently. It won’t be necessary once you’re cleared of all accusations and the truth is exposed to everyone.” Dan was positive the detective he had hired would unmask Baldwin soon. If the loan agreement was forged, maybe the same deft hand had written those notes to Rachel, which would solve two pressing matters. “Anything else happen while I was gone? Lula Mae said you haven’t had any visitors today, so the client isn’t wise to trouble with his order yet.”

  Rachel saved that shocking news until last. She told him about the house being rocked again, about their pictures being stolen and the note left behind during church, and about her mother’s visit. Before he could reprimand her again for being out alone after those new incidents, she hurried on to reveal her other news. “I don’t know why Earl didn’t tell her about Phillip’s death, but he must have wanted me to handle that unpleasant task for him. He had no idea she was coming to visit me, but he thinks I might go home during his absence. Mama’s doing much better, Dan. But she did tell me Earl hasn’t been away from home on those days I’ve gotten threats. It was obvious she was telling the truth, so he can’t be to blame.”

  “I almost wish he were, so we could resolve part of the trouble.”

  “I felt the same way,” she admitted. “I sent George a telegram to thank him; the ammunition was delivered this morning. Milton’s having it guarded in our warehouse. I told George I’m working on new terms with the client. I have to make sure he doesn’t get hurt financially helping me.”

  “I’ll have the cases stored aboard my ship for safekeeping. We can’t afford for anything to happen to that part of the order.”

  “That’s a splendid idea. Thanks. I telegraphed Harry, too, but I don’t expect any help or understanding from him. I told him to send me that clearance letter for customs to see if it holds any clues, and I practically begged him to send along some rifles to appease our client for a while.”

  “I’ve already sent Harry the money I made on the New Orleans voyage to buy another hundred rifles and gear. Added to what I’ve already ordered, it’ll come to almost three thousand. If we can find ways to get up to five thousand, that’ll cover the half Phillip was paid for. If this deal is legal, we can complete the rest of it and collect the balance.”

  “I’m afraid not, Dan. Phillip accepted the full million dollars, and our client sent men to pick them up; two Cubans visited me yesterday. I have a one-week reprieve. Besides, it isn’t fair for you to buy arms to get us out of this mess; Harry and George are just as involved as I am. I can’t let you invest in a deal that has no return profit. If the two companies can’t come up with the money or goods, then we have to face the consequences. Harry will let you spend every penny you have getting him out of peril, but I can
’t. And I doubt the client will settle for five thousand or less arms when he’s paid for ten. Don’t you see, a million dollars makes renegotiations and reneging impossible? We can’t even come up with five hundred thousand worth!”

  As Dan held silent and stared at her, Rachel related the scary meeting in detail. “They said they haven’t threatened Phillip or me, yet. Dangerous as they seem, I believe them. I bet Harry’s behind all the threats, he wants this deal to go through no matter what. He thinks if he scares me badly enough, I’ll ‘find’ that money and turn it over to them.”

  “Stars above, woman, you could have been killed! I shouldn’t have left you alone. I have to sail again Sunday, but two men will remain here to protect you and I’m leaving Luke behind to do some snooping around. It’s a bigger offer than the last trip, and we need the money for more guns. Don’t argue with me; I’m not doing this to help the companies or your partners. My only concern is for your safety and survival. Crossing rebels is dangerous. Three orders from me should give us enough to bargain with, and we have George’s ammo. If you, Harry, and George will cut your profits or cancel them, we may get enough to satisfy…” He halted and frowned. “No, not with a million paid. If it was only the advance involved and we could get together half of the order, this trouble could have been settled next week.”