Kiss Of The Night Wind

by Taylor, Janelle

  Hank tied his reins to the wagon with Carrie Sue’s sorrel. He mounted the driver’s seat and headed for the livery stable. T.J. secured Nighthawk’s reins to the short hitching post out front, placed his saddle inside the door, and rejoined Carrie Sue.

  “I want you to get a nap, love. Then, we’ll have a long talk after supper.” He lifted her and carried her to bed with her mildly protesting she could walk with his help. As he placed her on the bed, he chuckled and said, “But I love carrying you around, woman.”

  T.J. leaned over and kissed her, then gazed at her. “I love you, Carrie Sue, and everything’s going to work out for us. You’ll see.”

  “What if your friends come to visit? How will you explain me?”

  “No one will find us here, love. They don’t know we’ve reached town yet and they don’t know about this house.” He kissed her again and stroked her hair. “Sleep, woman,” he ordered with a grin and left the lovely bedroom.

  When she awakened nearly two hours later, T.J. washed her face and hands amidst shared laughter and playful jests. He helped her to the kitchen and into a chair. They devoured a hearty meal of fried chicken, brown gravy, biscuits, coffee, and green beans with small potatoes which he had warmed.

  “Delicious,” she murmured, licking her lips. “You’re spoiling me.”

  “I wish I could say I cook this good, but Hank got it at the hotel. I only heated and served it, ma’am. And I’ll clean it up while you rest.”

  “You’ve been doing all the work lately; let me help.”

  “No way, woman. Don’t you realize how weak you are? That was a bad wound; you’re still recovering.”

  “For once, partner, I won’t be stubborn. You’re right. My body still feels like flowing water, and this shoulder pains me to annoyance.”

  “How’s the sprained wrist?” he queried.

  “It’s fine now. The pain and swelling are gone thanks to you, doc.”

  “Good. I’ll take you in the parlor while I finish here.”

  “No, I’ll drink coffee and watch you. I want to see how good you are in the kitchen, see if your skills here match those on the trail.”

  They exchanged smiles and laughter.

  She observed and sipped coffee while he cleared the table and washed the dishes. “Who’s home is this?” she inquired. “You said it was rented, but it’s furnished. It’s charming and lovely.”

  “It belonged to a widow who died recently. She had no family to claim her possessions. The bank has it for sale. The money’s going to an orphanage like the woman requested. Hank lucked up on it.”

  “I’m glad he did; it’s wonderful. When I worked at the Harding ranch, I had a small room in the back of the house. I had to stay there unless I was doing chores in the other rooms. Then, while I was in Sante Fe working, I had a tiny room, which was all I could afford on that meager salary. Some businessmen really take advantage of women on their own by treating us like slaves and paying us hardly enough for survival, unless you’re willing to do special chores after work,” she hinted meaningfully. “The boarding house in Tucson was nice.” She brightened, then looked sad.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked, noting her change in mood.

  “I was thinking about Mrs. Thayer in Tucson. I wish I could write to her and explain things. She was so good and kind to me. But I’m suppose to be dead. I wonder if she’s heard the news.”

  T.J. said, “You can still write her a letter. You can date it before June twenty-first. I’ll mail it for you.” After she learned of her pardon, she could write the woman with the whole truth.

  “Thanks. I like this place,” she murmured. “Except for that ranch in Laredo, this is the first home I’ve lived in since my parents—”

  T.J. glanced up from his task when she fell silent. “I know how you feel, Carrie Sue; I haven’t had a home since my parents died. It’s either been strange hotel rooms or rowdy bunkhouses, crumbling shacks, or sleeping on the trail. I enjoyed our visits with Hank and Mitch, and I surely do like this place. Real homey and pretty.”

  “I liked visiting with them, too. We didn’t have time in Laredo to fix up that place into a real home, but it was nice until Quade’s detective made us flee. Being on the trail is a lousy existence, isn’t it?”

  “I didn’t think much about it until I met you. Lordy, woman, you showed me how miserable my life was. Yep, this is real nice.”

  T.J. completed his chore and suggested, “Let’s sit in the parlor, ma’am. We can behave like real folk here. No dessert or wine though.”

  Carrie Sue laughed and took his extended arm. With his assistance, she walked into the cozy room and sat on the floral couch, leaving room for him. T.J. sat beside her. He leaned his head against the back and closed his eyes, sighing deeply in contentment.

  “These next few days will be busy ones,” he remarked without opening his smokey gray eyes. He dreaded what was ahead tonight.

  She looked at him. “You’re tired, aren’t you?”

  “Yep. Driving a slow wagon for days beats on your neck and back when you’re used to a fast horse and a comfortable saddle.”

  “So does tending and hauling around a helpless invalid.”

  He turned his head and met her gaze. “You aren’t heavy or any trouble, woman.”

  “I’m both, and you know it, Mr. Rogue.” She laughed again. “It’s going to be hard to get used to your real name. It’s going to take a lot of attention and practice. Are your superiors mad at you for breaking your cover to help me?”

  “I haven’t given them the chance to fire me or scold me.” He stood up and fetched an envelope. He returned to the couch and handed it to her. “Hank gave me this. You need to read it.”

  “What is it?” she questioned as she accepted the envelope.

  “Good news for you. Maybe a bit of trouble for me.”

  She read the official notices of a full pardon for Carrie Sue Stover, then stared at the page with the President’s seal and signature, and those of the Texas Governor on the other paper. Her astonished gaze shifted to T.J.’s face.

  “Yep, those are for real, woman, just a little late.”

  “I’m free? I can come and go as I please?” she queried.

  “Yep, but that would be dangerous until everyone learns the truth. Until it’s written up in the newspapers and gets widely known, you’ll still be in peril if anyone sees you. And, there’s another problem. I have to figure out a way to explain your so-called death to everyone before they see you walking around, alive and well. I faked your death before this pardon was granted, so I have to clear up that deception before you come out. Else, Bill, Hank and me are in big trouble for breaking the law. You were a wanted criminal and we were helping you escape justice. I’ll take those two pardons and go to Ranger headquarters tomorrow and try to straighten out this mess I’ve created.”

  As the reality of the joint pardons sank in, she said with excitement, “This means I can attend Darby’s trial next week.”

  T.J. shook his head and dashed her joy and eagerness. “That’s not a wise idea, Carrie Sue. Your presence would be much too distracting in the courtroom. People, including the judge and jury, will be gaping at you instead of paying attention to the evidence Bill and I gathered. They’ll also realize I lied about your death, so they might assume I lied about the evidence to favor your brother. If I could fake your death, then I could fake evidence for him, which might cause Darby big trouble with his defense. That isn’t all, woman. There’ll be a large crowd observing and you’re still weak and injured. I don’t want you bumped around while people are trying to get a closer look at the Texas Flame. They’ll be pushing and shoving just to touch you. They might even be yanking at your clothes to snatch souvenirs. You aren’t well enough to face a mob scene like that. You need to stay here, resting and healing. I’ll give you a full report every day.”

  Carrie Sue realized he hadn’t given orders or threats. “But I could testify for him, T.J.; I know the truth. I might do him s
ome good.”

  “I doubt it. Once everyone sees how beautiful you are and they discover the truth about our love and ruse, they won’t believe a thing either of us says. Some of those envious women might convince their husbands you used your beauty to trick me into helping you and Darby. The President and Governor have requested the court to go lenient on Darby and the boys. If you show up and flaunt our deceit in their faces, it could be damaging for his case.”

  Carrie Sue realized he was right. She had to do what was best for Darby and everyone else involved—T.J., William, and Hank. They had taken great risks to help her and she owed them her loyalty.

  T.J. added, “There are some stipulations on your pardon, love. Grant’s message was in code, but I’ve translated it for you. Read it.”

  Carrie Sue discovered that her freedom was based on Thad Jamison marrying her and keeping her out of trouble and on his resigning from the Rangers and as a Special Agent for the President who would be leaving office after this term. He was required to continue as a U.S. Marshal, but in Colorado. The decoded message also said that Grant was taking full responsibility for the death ruse, ordering T.J. to say it was his idea and command. The man claimed it was his hesitation which forced T.J. to become so desperate. Grant said he understood T.J.’s love for her and didn’t fault his action. Clearly the President was giving her love a way out of his predicament. “If I don’t marry you and go to Colorado as a marshal’s wife, this pardon isn’t effective?”

  “Those are the conditions, what I promised in exchange. I told him I would do anything to get you pardoned, and he finally accepted my offer.” When she became silent and thoughtful, T.J. walked to the window and gazed outside, worried about her reaction and response. He knew she loved him, but he had betrayed her. She was upset with him and was afraid to trust him again. He couldn’t blame her.

  Carrie Sue broke her silence by saying, “I’ll do whatever you order here in Waco, T.J., because I’m certain you know what’s best for everybody concerned. I would like to see Darby. Is that possible?”

  T.J. didn’t know how to take her oblique answer. “When his trial’s over, I’ll find some way to sneak Darby here or to slip you into the jail for a last visit. But right now, it’s too dangerous. Too many curious people are hanging around the jail day and night. Once the trials ends, things will settle down and it’ll be safe.”

  They both fell silent. T.J. felt dejected. Why was she so quiet? What in blazes was going on inside her head?

  “That’s fine,” she remarked. She said suddenly, “I’m going to marry you, T.J., not because of this pardon, but because I love you. I accept what you had to do in the line of duty.”

  T.J. turned and looked at her. He walked to the couch and sat down, pulling her into his embrace. He kissed her with a fiery passion which ignited his entire body, a passion which had been denied a long time. He cautioned himself not to let his hungers run wild; she was in no condition for urgent lovemaking tonight. When she cuddled against him, he vowed, “You won’t be sorry, Carrie Sue. We’ll be happy.”

  She hugged him and replied, “I know we will.”

  As her fingers absently teased over his chest and her body nestled to his, T.J. felt his control lessening by the instant. “You’ve been up long enough, woman. It’s time for you to get back into bed. That journey here was hard on this healing body. I have to take care of you. I want you up and around soon so we can get married and head for our new home.” When her head shifted and she gazed up at him, he added, “I know I promised you a bath, but it’ll have to be in the morning after you’re rested. I’ll scrub this hair and body good; that’ll give you some energy. I’m afraid it’s too late to dry and you need to recover from that rough wagon ride. Is that all right with you?”

  Carrie Sue felt her body aching for sweet release, but she knew he was exhausted and she hadn’t had a bath in days. If she yielded to the temptation to cover his face with eager kisses, she would be unable to control her urgent desires. They hadn’t been together as one since her jailbreak, nearly two weeks ago. She was starving for him. Yet, she wanted their reunion to be something special. Tomorrow night was the perfect occasion.

  “You’re the boss, my husband-to-be,” she teased.

  T.J. chuckled merrily as he carried her to the bed. Flames licked greedily at his body as she spread kisses on his neck. After she was tucked in, he only brushed her lips lightly with his, not daring to really kiss her. “See you in the morning, love.”

  She halted him at the door by saying, “Where are you sleeping?”

  “I’ll bed down in the parlor.”

  “A hard floor over a comfortable bed?” she hinted mirthfully.

  “That’s best, woman. You need a full night’s sleep to get well. It would be much too dangerous for me to sleep in here tonight.”

  Carrie Sue gazed into his smokey gray eyes. She smiled knowingly. “It won’t be hazardous tomorrow night,” she hinted with a seductive smile.

  His eyes glowed with happiness and desire. “The things you women will exchange for a bath,” he teased.

  Soft laughter left her throat. She mischievously retorted, “No more than a famous lawman would exchange to get himself a wife.”

  “Good-night, you lusty vixen,” he murmured. “I love you.”

  “Good-night, my handsome Rogue. I love you, too.”

  After a delicious breakfast of bacon, scrambled eggs, biscuits, and coffee, T.J, heated plenty of water and filled the widow’s tub in the kitchen. He helped Carrie Sue get undressed. Then, he scrubbed her hair and waited while she bathed.

  Afterwards, he dried her quickly to prevent his kindled body from bursting into flames, and put on a fresh bandage on her shoulder. As he did so, he told her how he had stolen the ether and bandages from the doctor’s office in San Angelo. Being careful with her wounded shoulder, he pulled on the cotton gown which she had brought along from Tucson. She sat in a kitchen chair while he brushed her hair, a task they both enjoyed.

  “You’re definitely spoiling me, my love. This is wonderful.”

  “Maybe you can repay my services when you get stronger.”

  “I’d love to, my virile Rogue.” She tilted her head backwards and enticed her to kiss him.

  “Behave, woman. I have work to do and it’s back to bed with you.”

  “Sounds perfect to me,” she could not help but say.

  “I meant, I have to go to Ranger headquarters and settle our problem. Hank will be here soon to stay with you while I’m gone.”

  “You still don’t trust me?” she jested.

  “Of course I do. I just want him here for your protection. You’re too weak to defend yourself if trouble struck. I’ll stop by to see Darby and fill him in on the news. Up, vixen, it’s nap time.”

  Since she didn’t have a robe, Carrie Sue wrapped a lacy coverlet around her shoulders so she could visit with Hank Peterson in the parlor.

  As they chatted, Hank told her how much T.J. loved her, how he had panicked after her escape in El Paso, and how frightened he had been after she was wounded. “You’ve made a big difference in his life, Carrie Sue, and he’s done the same in yours. Thad and I have worked together and guarded each other’s backs many times.” To pass the time, Hank related some of their adventures.

  Hank left when T.J. returned to the cozy house. Her love related his meeting with the Rangers, saying he had let the President take the blame since his authority outweighed the Texas law. “They don’t like what I did, but they accepted it. I was a Special Agent before I was a Texas Ranger and that position carries more power. They realize I didn’t have any choice but to obey President Grant’s orders.”

  “Did you tell them about the President’s requirements?”

  T.J. shook his head. “That’s a secret bargain between us, but I told them I was resigning to become a marshal in Colorado. Considering how well-known we both are, it sounded like a good idea to them.” He grinned and quipped, “At least they were reluctant to lose me
even after learning I had deceived them. I told them you agreed to stay in hiding until the trials were over, so they agreed to let you see Darby one night when it’s safe. There’s too much commotion in town for the next few days, so you’ll have to wait a while. See where cooperation gets you, woman; right where you should be.”

  He chuckled, then revealed, “The story’s being released today of your survival and pardon. It’ll claim you’ve been sent back East to relatives. Nothing’s going to be said about our love and marriage. That’ll protect our privacy. The report will read that your death was faked until your pardon could arrive and you could be sent away secretly.”

  She sighed in relief. “I’m glad that worked out all right.”

  “Me too. Darby was in good spirits when I saw him. Even better after he heard you’re doing fine and you’ve been pardoned. He’s accepted his fate, Carrie Sue, and I’m glad. I told him you’d be seeing him before he left for prison. He’s happy about that.”

  “How do you think the trial will go?” she queried with anxiety.

  “His lawyer had just left. He thinks Darby has a strong defense. It helps that there wasn’t a shoot-out when he was captured. And no one was hurt in either San Angelo or Big Spring, and all money was returned. That lawyer’s as smart as Bill said he was; he’s gotten those false charges of Quade’s dropped. The newspapers have been filled with good reports on Darby and that frame’s been exposed in colorful detail. The papers here picked up Bill’s stories and interviews, so Darby’s going to trial almost a hero, a real Western legend.”

  “Like I said, let the papers help you after they’ve hurt you.”

  T.J. went on, “I picked up some mighty interesting information today. Quinn Harding had a heart attack when he heard about his son; he’s dead. The law has taken control of his ranch. They plan to return the stolen parcels to their rightful owners, including the Stover Ranch to Darby. His lawyer is handling a sale so the money can be used to pay back Darby’s targets and get those charges reduced. The judge says it’ll go in his favor. I hope you don’t mind.”