“You can’t blame them, Mitch. Grant’s been surrounded by scandals for eight years. Guilty or not, soot around him has to blacken him. But he’d get my vote if he’s listed again. He seems to be running the country as well as anyone else before him. I haven’t forgotten him. He taught me plenty during the war. He was a damn good commander.”
“Word is, if they get another candidate, they might lure those Liberals back into the Republican Party. Looks like it’ll be that Hayes fellow from Ohio. He was a Union officer with a spotless record. He’s been a congressman and the Governor of Ohio three times, so he knows plenty about politics and government. It doesn’t hurt any that he’s a champion of civil service reforms. I surely hope they choose him over that Senator Blaine who’s been linked to one of those railroad scandals.”
“Who do you think the Democrats will push?” T.J. asked, worried about his friend Grant’s loss of power and distraction when he needed the President’s help in the Stover matter.
After taking another sip of his wine, Mitchell surmised, “I think it’ll be Samuel Tilden of New York. He’s the Governor and doing a good job at it. Made lots of powerful friends with plenty of money.”
“Never heard of him, but I miss lots of papers and news on the trail.”
“You been near Pine Springs lately?” Mitch asked. T.J. shook his head.
Carrie Sue had sat quietly listening to the two men and observing them. Her ears perked up when Mitchell Sterling mentioned the area near the Guadalupe Mountains, her destination! Coincidence? she mused, then told herself that was possible. Curly James hadn’t told T.J. anything before dying, and no one else knew where to look.
“That damn Salt War is boiling like a wild kettle again. We had trouble there in ’63, then again in ’67 and ’68. Charles Howard and that fiery-tempered Italian Don Louis Cardis are at each other’s throats again. And that Mexican Padre Borajo in San Elizarie isn’t helping matters. It could get real dangerous at Salt Flats and here. Borajo is siding with Cardis and trying to stir up his people against Howard and the Americans. The Padre was ordered by the church back to the Mexican interior, but he refuses to go. I don’t like the smell of the air, T.J. Both sides have been taking salt from those flats for years. I don’t see why anybody has to go and claim them and try to charge everyone else for what’s lying free on God’s earth. Governor Hubbard is keeping a keen eye on the situation, but I think he’s holding back too long. He needs to get soldiers or Rangers in here immediately to handle matters before there’s killing. If you asked me, I think it’s coming to a silly war over that white powder. You stay in touch with me, after you finish with the little lady here, in case I need your help protecting my property. Borajo is inciting his people against all Americans in this area; that worries me.”
T.J. leaned forward and propped his elbows on his knees, clutching the glass between his hands. “Don’t worry, Mitch; I’ll let you know where I can be reached when I complete her job. What do you read on King Fisher? Is he still operating near Castroville and Eagle Pass?”
“He surely is, and I hope he stay there. Papers say a Ranger called Captain McNelly is pursuing him. If I were him, I’d be mighty careful. Reports say Fisher has one hundred outlaws terrorizing the countryside down there. Fisher boasts publicly he’s seizing control of the entire area. I surely do hope he never takes a liking to El Paso.”
T.J. had one answer he needed, where Captain McNelly was and how he was doing with his case. He knew from Hank Peterson that Rangers Jones and Steele were entangled by the range wars caused by the introduction of barbed wire in ‘74. With the inventions of barbwire, the well drill, and the windmill, ranchers were spreading across the previously unusable grasslands and fencing off rangelands and waterholes, which created a whole series of problems for the law. He needed to learn who was available to assist him when the time came for action against the Stover Gang. Later, he told himself. He teased ex-Ranger Sterling, “I believe the King loves Mexico and the border area too much to take on your town. I met him once. He’s a real mean cuss who’s provoked easily. I surely would like to avoid another run-in with him, especially with all his boys around. A gun can only hold so many bullets at a time.”
Mitchell Sterling, who still lent the Rangers—especially his close friends like Thad—a hand when needed, poured himself and T.J. more wine. Carrie Sue politely refused another glass. “You heard any interesting news recently during your travels?” he questioned T.J.
The ebon-haired male leaned back in his chair and stretched out his legs. “I hear tell the train is extending its tracks this way soon. That should help your business. Makes goods easier and cheaper to get.”
The man scowled. “Yes, but it lures train robbers into the area. If there’s anything we don’t need, it’s more trouble over this way.”
“What do you mean?” her dark-haired companion inquired.
Mitch began their ruse. “That Wes Harding’s kicking up his heels all over, and the Stover Gang’s raiding again.” He glanced at the redhead and asked, “You mind if we talk about them, Miss Starns?”
Without flinching, she replied, “Certainly not. Since it involves me now, T.J. and I need to learn all we can about that gang.”
“Maybe they’ll catch the Texas Flame before you two reach Waco. That’ll make it easier for you to clear yourself. They hit the Union Express Office in Fort Worth a few weeks back, a bank in Hillsboro on the twenty-fifth, and did some rustling near Eastland on the thirtieth. Then, last Saturday, they struck a stage near Big Spring. Since you weren’t around and T.J. can vouch for your whereabouts, that should prove your innocence. Everybody knows he tells the truth, so they’ll accept his word. We’ve been warned to keep our eyes and ears open because the law thinks they’re heading toward El Paso. They’re probably on their way to New Mexico or Arizona where there’s plenty of gold and silver, if they don’t ride for San Angelo and circle back toward Waco. The soldiers from Fort Davis are on the prowl after ‘em. They’re real mean cusses, T.J. I hope they get caught real soon. Been lots of killing on this spree, and lots of boasting like they want everybody to know they’re the best outlaws in the state. Nearly every day the paper reports some new crime.”
Mitch retrieved a small bundle of newspapers and handed them to T.J. “I kept them; so if you’d like to take them along and read them on the trail, you’re welcome to them. You can’t ever tell who you’ll cross in the road, so you’d better keep up with where the trouble is. That story about you is in there, Miss Starns. It says you were hiding out in Tucson as a teacher. The law thinks a Martin Ferris helped you escape because he vanished at the same time. They think you two headed further west or northward; that’s where they’re searching.” The ex-Ranger knew that story had been retracted or corrected, but that was one paper he hadn’t included in the bundle to keep her in the dark. He also knew his friend would prevent her from seeing it anywhere. By the time they hooked up with the Stover Gang, if Darby knew about the weird incident, the bandit leader would hold Harding responsible.
T.J. sent her a keep-quiet look. “Good. That’ll give us time to clear you and get the truth out.” He rose and said, “I think my partner’s exhausted, Mitch. Why don’t you show her where to bed down for the night. I’ll bring her things along.”
Mitchell Sterling glanced at the beautiful redhead and said, “I hope we haven’t talked your ears off, Miss Starns. Kind of rude of us to leave you out of the conversation.”
Carrie Sue smiled genially and said, “I enjoyed listening to such intriguing subjects, Mitch. If you don’t mind, I’d like to read those papers tomorrow and catch up on the news.”
“Sure thing. I’ll leave them in the parlor.” He led her to a small room near the back of the house. “Will my daughter’s room be all right?”
“Yes, thank you, Mitch. I’ll see you in the morning.” She smiled again and shook his extended hand.
After Mitchell returned to the parlor, T.J. sent her a rueful smile and said, “I’m sorry
about what he said, but he believed our story.”
“We’re placing him in deep peril. That isn’t fair or right, T.J., not even from a friend who owes you a mountainous favor.”
“I know, woman, but we needed a safe place tonight and a chance to get supplies. Even if Mitch knew the truth, he would help. I just think it’s best not to let too many people in on our secret. It makes things awkward for them.”
“When the truth comes out, he’ll know we deceived him, used him. Nothing is worse than to betray a loved one or a friend.”
“If I ever see him again, I’ll say you gave me the slip along the way. He believes you’re Carolyn Starns and a terrible mistake’s been made, so he’ll think I believed you, too. Your life’s at stake, woman; we have to fool Mitch and others. I don’t like it, but it can’t be helped.”
She replied wearily, “I understand, T.J., but I hate doing this. Our being in his home can get him arrested as an accomplice. You’ll have to tell him those other lies so he won’t get into trouble later or feel betrayed by you.”
T.J. said, “I will, honest, as soon as we reach a safe place where I can send him a telegram. Get some sleep. We’ll rest here tomorrow and take off before dawn on Thursday. From here on, it’ll be more dangerous for you than before.”
He caressed her cheek. “We’ll talk more in the morning. Afterwards, I want to do some scouting around, see what I can pick up about your brother. He may be nearer than we know. Try to think of any places around here where he might hide. We’ll check them out when we leave day after tomorrow.”
As T.J. walked down the hall, he was worried about this new outbreak of crimes by Darby Stover and his gang. The message last night had told Mitch to reveal anything he had heard recently in front of Carrie Sue, but he hadn’t expected that enlightenment to include so many crimes! He wondered if the gang was indeed heading this way, or if they would turn south toward the Davis Mountains or Mexico to hide. Considering the number of targets they had taken in the last few weeks—which wasn’t like Darby Stover—surely they wouldn’t strike at the other towns near Brownwood. Maybe, he surmised, Darby had a new style, or a sly plan to work around Brownwood and Commanche while awaiting news of his sister, or her arrival. His flurry of criminal activity could be to let her know where to look for him. He wondered if Darby knew about the posters, stories, and retractions, and what the outlaw thought about the crazy incidents.
From the window, Carrie Sue watched T.J. Rogue and his friend walk down the street together, talking seriously. She shook her head in mounting sadness, for Mitchell Sterling was a terrible liar. She hadn’t fallen for their clever pretense tonight, not even surrounded by all that genial and masculine talk. Mitch had been prepared to deceive her; no doubt Hank had sent him a detailed message last night while she was sleeping in his bed. Mitch had known who she was before her arrival, and not from posters or newspaper stories. Mitch’s conversation about her brother had been carefully planned. Mitch couldn’t be trusted, nor could those false newspaper accounts.
Far worse, T.J. Rogue could not be trusted at all. A man like him would never bring her here and dupe his good friend, and they could have gotten plenty of supplies in Mesilla from Hank. There was a crafty motive and keen mind at work. If T.J. was bringing others into his duplicity and they were obliging, something terrible was at work around her. Obviously Hank and Mitch were two of the men he had been contacting in Tucson and along the way. And, for all she knew, that man in Tucson wasn’t a lawman, just another one of her lover’s accomplices. But what did these men want from her? Merciful Heavens, could it be the sixty- six thousand dollars in gold and paper money? Maybe it was more now if the gang’s big targets had contributed to their reward offers. Would her lover do this to her?
Chapter Eighteen
After breakfast, Mitchell Sterling headed for his mercantile store, leaving T.J. alone with Carrie Sue. He told them he would pick up food for dinner from a local restaurant and be home about six-thirty.
Carrie Sue had observed Mitch closely this morning. It might be crazy, but he didn’t seem like a treacherous man, nor had Hank. Maybe T.J. had duped them into willingly helping their friend. Maybe her lover was the only one of them who was being deceitful. She didn’t doubt that Mitch knew who she was, but he was following T.J.’s request to pretend he didn’t. Perhaps her love was afraid she’d skip out on him, so he had asked Mitch to scare her with those false reports.
T.J. said, “I’m going to do some scouting around town today and see what I can learn. I’ll get a newspaper and see if there’s any current news on your brother; you can read those other ones while I’m gone and maybe draw a clue from the reports. I can always pick up information in saloons from drifters, gamblers, and cowpunchers passing through town. Men get real talkative over a drink and card game.”
She clasped his hand and stroked its back with her cheek. “I’ll make sure no one sees me here at Mitch’s. I hate putting you in this awkward position, T.J., and I appreciate all you’re doing to help me. When we leave town tomorrow, we’ll head for a spot where the gang’s camped lots of times when we needed rest and distance. It’s where the Toyah Creek joins with the Pecos River, about three days from here. If they didn’t head there after that holdup at Big Spring, then we’ll ride for Commanche. There’s a cabin north of town which can’t be found easily.”
“It should take us about eight or nine days to reach the first town between here and there, so we’ll need a pack horse and additional supplies to get us to San Angelo. I’ll buy one while I’m out today. Do you mind if I trade Charlie? That pinto could be recognized and give us away,” he suggested with reluctance, knowing she liked the animal.
Her eyes and voice were sad. “I think that’s wise, but I hate to lose her. In eleven days, we should be near Brownwood and hopefully so will Darby so we can settle this matter. I wonder if people, especially lawmen, think it’s strange the Hardings want us so badly. I mean, it’s been years since we harassed them. In fact, I think it’s odd that Quade Harding put his name at the bottom of my poster.”
“Not really,” T.J. asserted. “That’s to let everyone know who’s offering the highest reward. It’s much more than the government’s two thousand each. He also wants to make certain you’re captured alive and delivered to him. Who would claim two thousand when he can get ten by taking you to Brownwood and the QH Ranch?”
“Is that legal?” she inquired.
“Yep, he can have you taken to him for payment, then he can turn you over to the law for their reward. Lawmen don’t like it, but there isn’t anything they can do about it. I would imagine the law’s keeping an eye on the Hardings over this suspicious affair. I would be.”
“But if it isn’t illegal, what good would spying on them do?”
“A man who bends or breaks one law, usually does it with others. If I were a lawman, I’d think he was up to no good, and I’d watch him. If we’re both lucky, Quade will do something wrong and get caught. Then, we won’t have to worry about endangering ourselves for revenge.”
“Don’t count on it, partner. He’s been evil for years and never been caught. I’ll admit, Quade’s as clever as he is mean and wicked.”
“Very few men get away with their crimes forever, love.”
Carrie Sue stretched and yawned. “Merciful Heavens, I’m tired. I didn’t sleep well last night. I think I’ll read those papers and get plenty of rest before we hit the trail again. You be careful today.”
“You need anything before I leave?” he asked.
“You can hold me and kiss me,” she answered, knowing where their contact would lead, but she needed him one last time.
T.J. pulled her into his arms and covered her parted lips with his. His heart ached for this secret breach between them to be destroyed. His body yearned to fuse with hers. His mind pleaded for peace.
Carrie Sue feverishly kissed and caressed T.J. as she peeled off his shirt, and he did the same for her. Their chests touched, then they swiftly
pressed together to remove any space between them. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her back to her borrowed bed. They both hurriedly removed their boots and jeans. She flung aside the covers and they fell entwined upon the bed.
They made love with a tender and tantalizing urgency which neither understood in the other. Their lips and tongues meshed in a wild and stirring dance. Their arms and hands embraced and caressed. Their bodies united as one. And afterward, they remained locked together, kissing, touching, holding, savoring, until a tranquil glow relaxed them.
T.J. arose and rinsed off in the basin nearby. He said, “I’ll wait to trade Charlie as we’re leaving, just in case her description is out. You take it easy today, and I’ll see you about six. Don’t unlock the doors for anybody, or stick this beautiful head outside.”
She stretched and yawned again. After a radiant smile, she said, “I plan to be wickedly lazy today, partner, while you get our chores done. After my bath, I might not leave this bed until dinner time.”
T.J. bent forward and kissed her on the nose. “I wish I could join you all day, but one of us has work to do.”
“We’ll have plenty of time on the trail for other… business,” she teased guilefully in a seductive tone.
As her love reached the bedroom door, she called out, “T. J., please be careful out there. I don’t want you forgetting about that sheriff we clobbered in Tucson. And don’t get into any trouble in those saloons. You stay away from those fancy dressed gals there!”
“You don’t have to be jealous or worried, love; I have all I need right here. Relax today; I’ll be safe and careful.”
Kiss Of The Night Wind Page 34