Kiss Of The Night Wind

by Taylor, Janelle

  “If you’re not, partner, I’ll thrash you good after I rescue you.”

  T.J.’s gaze fused with hers for a moment, and both smiled as each felt as if they had the other exactly where wanted…

  Carrie Sue noticed that T.J. didn’t take his saddlebags with him, but she couldn’t locate them during a brief search. She did find a Mexican blouse, skirt, and sandals in Mrs. Sterling’s closet. She took them to use as a disguise to get her out of town. She packed enough supplies for a two day trip, careful to use two canteens to give her and her horse plenty of water between creeks. She clipped out the newspaper articles on Darby’s false raids and packed them.

  She knew her brother hadn’t committed those robberies and rustlings, but she couldn’t decide if another gang posing as them had. That was something she needed to discuss with Darby. Either it was a ruse to draw them into the open, a trick to lure her into the area, or they had a serious problem of impersonation.

  She wrote T.J. a carefully worded note. In case their paths crossed again, she didn’t want him to know she was suspicious of him.

  She clipped a lock of her hair and bound the end with a blue ribbon. She placed both on her pillow. Using extra blankets, she formed a body roll and covered it, making it appear she was asleep if her lover returned earlier than planned and looked in on her. She drew the heavy curtains over the lace ones to darken the room and aid her ruse.

  Carrie Sue donned the Mexican garments and covered her head with a colorful shawl, normally used to ward off the sun’s heat, but one which would conceal her fiery hair. She carried her things to the barn behind Mitchell Sterling’s home. From recall on their arrival, she knew the merchantman had around ten fine horses in his corral.

  “Sorry, Charlie, but you have to stay behind this time,” she murmured as she stroked the pinto’s neck. “That hide of yours is too easily recognized.” She chose a sturdy sorrel and saddled him. Taking one of Mitchell’s saddles, she placed it where hers had been and hoped it wouldn’t be noticed as the wrong one until she was long gone.

  She secured her saddlebags, bedroll, and supplies behind her cantle and looped the canteens over her pommel. She mounted, tossed the shawl over her head, and left the barn. The daring desperado left the area by the back way, hardly enticing any notice in her disguise, which made her grateful this town was populated so heavily with Mexicans. Once El Paso was behind her, she kneed the reddish-brown stallion into a gallop toward the Guadalupe Mountains, northeast of town.

  Carrie Sue knew the Hueco Mountains would come first, then the Cornudas, Salt Flats, and Guadalupes. She wasn’t worried about the Salt War which Mitchell had mentioned last night, but she would be on alert for any threat in that region.

  Outside of town, she encountered scattered scrubs and grass clumps on dry and sandy ground. Sometimes the land was flat; other times it was covered with rolling hills, deep ravines, and shallow dry washes. She could make out the Huecos in the distant haze. Above her the sky was a rich blue shade, unlike the pale blue of Arizona. The clouds were large and billowy. A rider could take refuge under them from the blazing sun. She loved Texas and found its climate and landscape less demanding than Arizona’s and New Mexico’s desert terrain and soaring heat.

  She journeyed steadily, aware that T.J. would head southeast to search for her when her disappearance was discovered this evening. She took the time to cover her tracks for a while. Yet, if his Apache training was still in full force and his investigation into her escape paid off, it wouldn’t do any good to conceal her trail from his keen wits.

  After a few hours, she located a safe place to change her clothes and don her boots, packing the stolen ones in case they were needed another time. She took breaks only when her mount needed them. She wanted to put as much distance as possible between her and El Paso as quickly as possible. Too, she wanted to reach Darby soon. Besides, her appetite was missing as she reflected on T.J. and Darby.

  The riding was easy in this less rugged region. The grassland and scrubs were green this time of year and following a recent rain. She always saw mountains, or hills, or mesas, or buttes in the distance on all sides. Often the hills appeared to be covered by green fuzz which she knew was shortgrass. She was familiar with this area, so she didn’t worry over getting lost.

  Her Remington revolvers were strapped around her waist and to her thighs, the forty-fours giving her confidence and a sense of security, as did her enormous skills with them. Her Henry rifle, a fifteen-shot repeater with lever-action, was close at hand if needed. She missed her lover something terrible, but she could take care of herself. Still, she hoped and prayed she wouldn’t run into anyone who’d seen her poster. She hated the thought of killing someone to defend herself, but ten thousand dollars would make a life-anddeath struggle for anyone.

  Despite what she had told T.J. about a lack of sleep last night, she had slumbered fairly well under the circumstances. She watched the sunset’s reflections on the clouds before her. They were shades of pink against a backdrop of intermingled blues, grays, and lavenders. It was a serene sight, but it didn’t relax her. She remained on guard as she continued her slowed pace after dark, as she intended to go on for a few more hours before napping.

  When T.J. returned, he stabled the pack horse before he fed Nighthawk and Charlie, then put their supplies in the barn, which he packed and readied to move out early in the morning. He checked to make certain his saddlebags were still where he had concealed them, and noticed they hadn’t been disturbed. He smiled in pleasure, not wanting her to find the telegraph key, picture of Annabelle and Marie, and his badges. He walked to the house and found it quiet.

  T.J. went to the back room and eased open the door. He saw the shapely form lying in the darkened room. He smiled again, and decided to let her rest a while longer. Mitchell had gotten a late supply of goods and wouldn’t get home until seven.

  T.J. returned to the parlor and fetched himself a drink from the sideboard. He relaxed in a chair and called to mind the telegram he had received two hours ago, telling him of Darby Stover’s raid on a Wells Fargo office in Brady, a good day’s ride from Brownwood, eleven days from El Paso. That told him where the Stover Gang was operating and where he and Carrie Sue needed to head in the morning.

  He hadn’t learned much at the two saloons, only heard more about President Grant’s problems with the election later this year and more about the Stover Gang’s movements. T.J. wondered if his position would be affected by the election of a new president. Currently he could come and go anywhere as he pleased with his three badges. They came in handy if a certain mission took him out of Texas into other states. They always gave him more jurisdiction, authority, and power than local or state lawmen, if the undercover T.J. Rogue was forced to become Thaddeus Jamison. He used whichever badge was needed for that time, place, and task. Sometimes he ran into bad or stubborn lawmen and had to pull rank on them with one or more of his badges. Yet, he always tried to work as Rogue so few knew him as Lawman Thaddeus Jerome Jamison, especially in Texas.

  Actually, he liked being a Special Agent for the President, a United States Marshal, and a Texas Ranger. If he ever had to chose one job and rank over the other two, he didn’t know which one it would be. He only wished the possession of so much power could help his love, but it didn’t. He sipped his drink and sighed deeply.

  When he realized it was nearly dark outside, he decided to awaken Carrie Sue. He lit a lamp and carried it down the hallway. He opened the door and approached the bed. His hands reached out and pulled back the covers.

  T.J.’s eyes widened, then narrowed as he angrily scooped up the lock of golden red hair and the folded note. He sat down the lamp and read it:

  Dear T.J.,

  Please forgive me for deserting you like this. Since you aren’t a wanted man and we keep endangering your friends, it’s best if I continue alone to Commanche. I know bounty hunters and lawmen will be searching for me, but I have to take those risks without involving you further. I can’
t keep using and duping your friends. And I can’t allow you to be killed because of me.

  The newspapers are wrong about Darby. He never strikes Union Express and he never gives his name boastfully. He never makes that many hits so close together. Another gang must be using his reputation and name or it’s a trick by the law to lure us out and capture us. If he doesn’t know what’s happening, I have to warn him. I have to let him see for himself that I’m fine, in case the papers tell more lies and claim I’ve been captured to entrap him.

  Thanks for everything. When I’m settled somewhere far away, I’ll contact you through Hank Peterson because you trust him. I took his address, so I’ll write or telegraph you as Sue Starns. I love you and will miss you dreadfully. Please be careful and don’t come after me. I would die if you were slain trying to help me. And I couldn’t bear it if you were sent to prison because of me.

  I know where Darby is hiding. Curly told me that day in Tucson, but I had to keep it from you. I am certain Darby is lying low for a month or two like he told Curly, so he can’t be guilty of all these suspicious attacks.

  I swear to write you later and hope you’ll want to hear from me and come to see me. I’ve left you a souvenir on my pillow from the Texas Flame. I hope it’s the only one in your collection with real meaning. I can’t wait until we’re together again. I’ll try to make it happen very soon. Forgive my new ruse. I love you, T.J. Rogue.

  C.S.S.

  T.J. sank to the bed, staring at the shocking note and worrying over her reckless action. He had to find her, and fast! But how had she gotten away? Charlie was still in the barn. He realized she must have stolen one of Mitchell’s horses.

  The distressed lawman hurried to the corral. He had studied his friend’s horses earlier and decided which one to trade for Charlie. He had to smile when he saw that the chosen sorrel was missing. It was obvious she had good taste in horseflesh. He checked the saddle near his, and grasped that clever precaution. He hadn’t noticed it wasn’t hers when he was in the barn earlier. He checked their old supplies, to find some missing and two canteens gone. At least she would have plenty of water and food. And, she was well-armed and skilled.

  He returned to the house, impressed with her preparations, wits and courage. He couldn’t track her at night beneath such a scanty moon, and it was too late to question possible witnesses. He went to her room and admired her handiwork there before making the bed. In the parlor, T.J. took a seat to think.

  Mitchell came home with their dinner. He smiled and greeted his dark-haired friend. He sensed T.J.’s sullen mood and questioned it.

  T.J. informed him, “I’ve got bad trouble, Mitch. Carrie Sue took off right after my departure this morning, so she has a good headstart on me.” The intelligent lawman related what the redhaired fugitive had said to him last night and this morning and most of what her note had revealed. “Lordy, Mitch, where is she heading?” He paced anxiously as he made his plans. “I’ll head for Brownwood to see what’s happening there. Maybe Dave has some news by now. If she’s right about her brother’s innocence in these crimes, where is Darby Stover and who’s to blame? If Carrie Sue honestly believes her brother headed for Oklahoma to lay low, could she be riding in that direction?”

  T.J. sighed. “I just can’t decide what’s she’s thinking and doing. Telegraph Dave in the morning, then send word to me in San Angelo. I should get there in a few days. Maybe we can meet in Commanche. I’d like to know what I’m riding into before I reach Brownwood.”

  The ex-Ranger asked gravely, “Do you think he’s being framed?”

  “Lordy, I don’t know. From what she’s told me about Darby, it doesn’t sound like him, and he’s surely changed his pattern. If anyone should know how he thinks and operates, it’s his sister. But if she’s mistaken or Darby’s changed and she’s heading for Brownwood, she’ll be riding into danger with all that’s going on in that area. Even with her poster recalled, she could get snared by accident.”

  Mitchell remarked, “At least we know why she wants to see him in person. I can’t blame her. She’s a real prize, T.J., and I don’t mean reward-wise. Frankly, I like her and believe her.”

  T.J. jumped up to pace nervously, which was not like him. His smokey gray gaze was somber and his body was taut with unnatural fear. “I wish you were still working with me. We’ve solved some tough cases together and I can use your help and wits on this one. Lordy, I’m too closely involved with her to think straight.”

  “Sorry, old friend, but I’m enjoying my retirement and family. But I’ll do whatever I can to assist you from here. You think she would listen if you confessed the truth? Would help you with your mission? If she truly loves you, it’s got to be real tough on her being in this mess.”

  T.J. halted and looked at his friend. “She would never betray her brother for any reason or any person, including me and a pardon, which I can’t arrange. Even Grant refuses a presidential pardon for her.”

  “That shouldn’t surprise you. She’s an outlaw. And he’s trying to secure a third term. He won’t do anything to cause more doubts about himself. He’s already been accused of doing illegal things for his friends.”

  “I understand, but it riles me to be so damn helpless!” T.J. revealed, “She took those newspaper clippings to show Darby. Lordy, Mitch, much as I hate the man and want to see him punished, I hope she doesn’t find out those reports are accurate. It’ll crush her.” T.J. inhaled deeply and let the spent air out loudly. “Maybe Darby Stover wants to go straight and he’s desperate to get enough money to take off to parts unknown. Or maybe he wants enough money to send his sister far away to safety. I just can’t figure it out yet. I need to locate her and meet this clever brother of hers.”

  Mitchell questioned, “What if Curly James lied to her about seeing Darby on his way to Tucson? What if she’s riding into a trap? Didn’t you say he worked for Harding in the past? I think I’ll check to see if he telegraphed anyone from Tucson and betrayed her.”

  T.J. whirled and gaped at Mitchell Sterling. “Lordy, I overlooked that angle! What if that bastard was still on Harding’s payroll? Curly knew exactly where Carrie Sue was at and maybe where Darby was camped. He used to ride with the Stover Gang, so Darby wouldn’t be suspicious of him. Curly could have alerted his old boss to their locations for those rewards. You’re right; we need to learn if any messages were passed between them. Check the office here, too. If Curly saw Darby before he reached the Texas border, he might have contacted Quade from here. This is where he was to meet his boys before I got to them.”

  “I’ll handle it first thing in the morning and wire you in San Angelo,” Mitchell promised. “I’ll also wire Dave in Brownwood and let him know you’re on the way and what’s going on. Check with him when you arrive.”

  “Damn!” T.J. swore irritably. “If only I’d arrested Curly, then I could question him or have him questioned. Revenge stinks this time!”

  “That would have broken your cover, Ranger Jamison. At least he’s out of the way and can’t do more harm to her. You want me to wire Hank to tell him to be on the alert for news from her?”

  “Yep. Thanks. I’ll keep in touch with you and him. At first light, I’ll do some scouting and questioning. Surely someone saw a beautiful redhead leaving town. I need to know which direction she took. Damn that Curly! There’s no telling where he sent her! Or to whom…”

  “Just hope it’s toward her brother so she’ll have some protection.”

  T.J.’s eyes brightened and enlarged. “You know something, Mitch? If Darby’s gang is being framed, Curly was the perfect one to let that other gang leader know Darby was out of reach for weeks so they could impersonate him and his men. With Darby laying low and out of touch, the law would put the blame on the Stover Gang. I wonder…” He paused to contemplate the matter. “What if there’s more to this alleged frame than money? What if someone wants Darby in deeper trouble? Make it so he can’t go anywhere without being hunted? Maybe even force Darby to seek reve
nge to halt his imperiling intrusion? Make it too dangerous for Carrie Sue to approach and rejoin her brother?”

  “Quade Harding?” the astute Mitchell hinted.

  “Damn right!” T.J. shouted angrily. “If there is a frame and has been for years, that means Carrie Sue and her brother might not be responsible for all the charges against them. And if Quade Harding is in the middle of this mischief, we’ll get him for sure this time.”

  “You’re overlooking another point, my friend; they are still outlaws and they’re guilty of plenty of crimes. Taking a few away won’t help her much, if any,” Mitchell warned.

  “I know,” T.J. murmured and clenched his teeth. He withdrew the fiery lock from his pocket and passed it beneath his nose. The hair was soft and fragrant and brought her image to mind. The words in her note raced through his head. Was love, he pondered, her real reason for deserting him? What did she think he would feel and do after discovering her escape? Had he done anything to arouse her suspicions against him? Anything besides his crazy behavior over his saddlebags? He had to admit everything about their meeting and relationship was curiously coincidental. As smart and instinctive as she was, Carrie Sue had to realize most of those incidents were strange. No wonder she couldn’t dismiss her lingering doubts!

  T.J. thought about their lovemaking this morning. She had known she was running out on him soon. Lordy, her emotions must be in turmoil. She had exposed love and urgency, a desperation he now understood.

  Mitchell queried him on his plans, and they discussed them in detail. Except for his Ranger badge, T.J. left the others and his papers with Mitch for safekeeping and secrecy.

  T.J. told his friend about the stolen horse, which had been traded last night for the pinto. “I’m glad she was smart enough to change mounts; that mare is probably associated with her by now. You best keep it in the barn and sell it across the border real quick.”