Passions Wild And Free

by Janelle Taylor

  “She didn’t see their faces. She was hiding in the attic. Those bastards wiped out everybody on the Carson Ranch and stole everything else. Randee’s lucky to be alive, and I plan to keep her that way. You just ride on out of town. She’ll get over this foolishness soon.”

  “Sounds to me like she’d be safer on the trail than hanging around here waiting for the Epson Gang to learn about her.”

  Brody’s eyes darkened as he sighted the intrigued look in the man’s eyes. “Leave her be, mister; she’s under my personal protection. By the way, what’s your name?”

  “Durango,” the dark-haired man replied as he returned Brody’s frosty stare. The two men eyed each other closely and carefully.

  “The Durango Kid?” the sheriff probed suspiciously.

  The black-clad man leaned against the door. “That’s right, but don’t eye me like a vulture, Sheriff; there’s no reward poster on me.”

  “Dee isn’t leaving here with no cocky, infamous gunslinger.”

  “You planning to stop her from hiring me?” the man asked.

  Brody’s keen gaze slowly covered the man before him. He had met and faced down many outlaws, but he realized this was not a man to challenge, not fairly anyway. Clearly this man was skilled and deadly. Yet, he couldn’t back all the way down. Wearing a silver star gave him a little bluffing room that was effective with most men, and he used it quickly. “I’m Dee’s friend and guardian, and I won’t allow anyone to take advantage of her. I think you should move on before dark. That’s what I told Waco Bob, but he didn’t listen. If he was a friend of yours, you can visit his grave outside town.”

  Everyone knew the legend of Waco Bob, a gunslinger reported to have been one of the fastest to ever live. The blue-eyed man smiled and asked, “When you gunned him down, was Bob still weak from where I winged him two months ago? I just couldn’t bring myself to kill a real legend, so I only nicked him as a warning.”

  Brody was annoyed and he didn’t answer. “She’s mine, Kid, and I won’t take kindly to you messing with her. I have lots of friends inside and outside the law. They won’t be pleased with you if you rile me. They can make your travels miserable from now on.”

  “Thanks for the friendly advice, Sheriff. I’ll give both offers some thought, yours and hers. Trouble is, hers is a lot more attractive than yours.”

  “Does that mean your life’s only worth a measly five thousand?”

  The gunman chuckled and answered, “I don’t rightly know what any man’s life is worth, Sheriff, including mine and yours. Do you?”

  “Take my advice to heart, Kid, and ignore this offer. You see, I have deputies guarding this office at all times. Check out the top of the bank, the saloon, and the feed store. If you want to be unobliging and make the wrong decision, it’ll be your last one.”

  “And my first one,” the gunslinger added with a laugh. “Besides, I haven’t challenged your friendly advice, Sheriff. Fact is, I like to stay on the good side of the law. It’s much healthier. Frankly, this sounded like a fast and easy way to make lots of money, legal-like. Real shame it’s only a grieving woman’s mistake. Be seeing you around.”

  The tall, dark-clad stranger walked toward the hotel, not to pack and leave as he’d led Brody to think, but to await a meeting with Randee Hollis. Without looking, he knew Brody Wade had lied about having concealed deputies. He had work to do, and it didn’t include tangling with a hostile sheriff who had flaming loins for that stunning blonde. Hopefully he could carry out his task here and leave without trouble. So, he mused in vexation, Randee Hollis is a female. Worse, she was a survivor of the recent raid nearby, and possibly an important witness. Considering her personality, this wild plan wasn’t surprising, but she had to be dealt with promptly. Why hadn’t he been informed of these dismaying facts? No matter, he had to halt Randee Hollis… .

  Chapter Two

  Hands loaded with packages, and over thirty minutes later than she had told the gunslinger to meet her, Randee breathlessly entered the hotel but sighted no one. Mouthing a silent prayer, she glanced into the adjoining dining area, but it was empty. Annoyed with herself for being late, no matter how unavoidably, she breathed deeply to slow her rapid respiration and to calm her agitation. Her face was flushed and damp from her exertion, and her arms were cramped. What she needed was a long, soothing bath; a tall, refreshing drink; and a good, loud scream! He had seemed so perfect for the job, one she was. beyond ready to get under way. Even though she had suspected he might not come, she was disappointed. Maybe he had been here at two thirty, she mused optimistically, but had gotten tired of waiting. She approached the clerk at the desk and asked, “Has anyone been here looking for me? I’m late for an appointment.”

  The clerk was shaking his head as a mellow voice behind her jested, “Are you ever on time for anything, Miss Hollis?”

  Randee turned and smiled, more swiftly and eagerly that she wished she had. Her slowing ‘ respiration speeded up again, and her cooling body warmed anew. Despite her distraction, she heard the clerk excuse himself to tend to chores in the back room.

  With his buttocks propped lazily on the front windowsill, the man was nearly hidden by the open door. She watched him nonchalantly push the door aside with a freshly polished boot. Overlapping his arms on his chest, he stretched out his long legs and crossed them at the ankles. His ebony hair was recently combed, but he hadn’t shaved. She had a wild impulse to walk forward seductively, lean intimately against his hard body, and caress that shadowy face before placing thousands of kisses over it. Still attired in the black shirt and pants which made him seem so irresistible and mysterious, he was like a wicked treat luring her into temptation, and perhaps he was. His powerful presence seemed to fill the room and her senses, and she wondered why she hadn’t perceived it immediately. Their gazes touched tentatively, then locked tightly. She was besieged by fiery passions which burned wildly and freely within her. She had never experienced emotions and thoughts like these, and she was unsettled by her strong physical attraction to this dark stranger. She asked herself if it was possible to be so moved by a man the first time one saw him, and every time one saw him. Of course, it is, her mind shouted, you can feel his effect all over! In fact, her attraction to him heightened each time they met. But was it proper, and safe, to react to this extent? Would her hunger continue to mount? She couldn’t answer.

  Clearly he was fascinated by her too; she read enormous interest in his consuming gaze. Perhaps that was ’ why he had shown up for this appointment, to see her again. That insight thrilled and alarmed her. It was hazardous to be so enchanted by a man, particularly in view of their impending relationship! For weeks they would be alone, solely dependent on each other for survival. But what if he didn’t want to work for her? She realized that only a minute or so had elapsed, even though it seemed more like an hour that she’d been staring at him. She gathered her wits and replied, “Frankly, I didn’t think you’d show up after our meeting in Brody’s office, but that isn’t why I’m so late.”

  His eagle-eyed gaze noted her appearance and state as he observed her intently. From her behavior and expression, she was delighted and surprised to see him again. He was glad he had her offguard, as he could learn more when a person was flustered. “I would ’ imagine that a pretty woman like you stays busy all the time,” he murmured. “But I’m happy you didn’t keep me waiting much longer.”

  She glanced towards the door through which the gaunt hotel man had vanished, and wondered if there was a special reason for such odd behavior. “Why did the clerk mislead me?” Randee queried.

  The gunslinger was impressed by her keen wits and self-control. “He didn’t know I was waiting for you, and I made him rather nervous.”

  The man stood and came forward purposefully, his movements well-coordinated. He halted before her and smiled in amusement, his blue eyes coming to life and sending excitement flowing through her.

  Randee comprehended how this man could be just as intimidating a
s he was compelling. She tried not to laugh, because the clerk’s timidity wasn’t funny, but the gunslinger’s expression and tone were. She knew she must play this scene with great care, because he had to take her seriously if there was a chance of hiring him. Too, if they were going to be on the trail together, she had to set the proper pattern for their business arrangement. She couldn’t allow herself to be swept away by these wild and crazy emotions, especially by a man who lived with death on his shoulder each day and had done … no telling what things during his lifetime. Yet, there was something about him which told Randee she could trust this man and depend on him. She ordered herself to remain calm and poised and to make a good impression. After all, their first two meetings had been unusual ones. “This has been a rather hectic day. My schedule has been off balance since rising. I apologize for making you wait, but I’m glad you didn’t leave.” He grinned as if he knew she was nervous but was artfully masking it. “Actually I’m hoping you’re qualified for this job and willing to accept my offer, because my patience has run out,” she added, but it didn’t strip the playful smile from his face.

  He mirthfully confided, “The sheriff thought I should leave town, but your offer and demands intrigue me enough to risk irritating him. You could say I’m a very curious man who enjoys a good challenge, and this certainly has enormous possibilities. I’d like to hear all about them, if you have time.” He tucked one thumb into his waistband and the other inside his front pocket, allowing his fingers to fan out over his pants. He leaned against the desk and said, “I’m anxious to see if you can persuade me to partner up with a woman, a very young woman.”

  When he talked, his lips moved in such a way as to draw her attention to them and to cause her to long to kiss him. She liked the way he held his shoulders and angled his jawline, undeniable marks of self-assurance and prowess. It pleased her to see that his hands were clean and his nails were neatly clipped. There was no shiny grease on his face and midnight hair, nor were there grimy marks to say his clothes had gone too long without washing. This, she concluded, was no ordinary man, no common gunslinger, no ill-favored drifter.

  Randee promptly noticed many things about him that seemed habitual and natural rather than something done to impress or to fool another person, such as his cleanliness and composure, such as openly admitting to being a certain kind of person who was satisfied with himself and his fate, such as appearing both well-bred and well-trained. So far, he seemed straightforward and candid, and she liked those traits. She had hundreds of questions about him floating inside her head, but doubted he would answer them. Gunslingers were usually loners, and loners usually kept most things to themselves.

  Right now, she needed to freshen up, get rid of her cumbersome bundles, and get down to business while she had his curiosity piqued. “If you’ll excuse me for only a moment longer, I would like to place these packages in my room before we begin our discussion. My arms are quivering from strain. Do you mind?”

  “You’re staying here?” he inquired, his surprise honest. “Why?”

  “Actually, I’m living here at the present,” she responded. “I promise I’ll return in five minutes or less and explain everything to you.”

  The man did not offer to help Randee with her packages because he didn’t want to be seen going to her room. “I’ll wait in the dining area. It’s quiet and private in there. Don’t be too long, because curiosity is eating me alive,” he teased before leaving her side.

  Randee watched him retrieve his hat, enter the dining room, and head for a corner table, which was out of sight from the hotel lobby. She went to her room and piled her packages on the bed, to be sorted later. Removing her bonnet, she quickly washed her face. Randee was glad her complexion was clear and smooth, and she smiled happily in the mirror. Her father had once told her, “There’s nothing bad in knowing you’re pretty and loving it. Just don’t use good looks to tease men, or they’ll get too bold and mean on you.”

  Hastily she brushed her long hair, artfully fluffing and arranging the fringe across her forehead. She knew that her tawny hair was nearly straight, but it was full and healthy and flattering. She glanced at her soiled dress, but decided not to change and thus make it appear obvious that she wanted to capture the man’s attention. She did splash on a nice fragrance, as it was a very warm day and she hadn’t bathed since the night before. Ready, she locked her door and left.

  Randee approached the table in the secluded corner of the hotel restaurant. The man stood politely, but intentionally did not come around the table to pull out her chair. As she settled herself gracefully, she glanced at what he’d ordered, then at him.

  He smiled and said, “I took the liberty of ordering us some coffee and pie. You look like a cream and sugar person,” he remarked as he passed the creamer and sugar bowl to her.

  Randee returned his pleasant smile and said, “Just sugar, please. You’ll like the pie. Mrs. Scott is an excellent cook.”

  “All she had was dried apples, and I hate apples. But I don’t want to hurt her feelings, so I’ll manage,” he disclosed with a grin before taking a bite. He frowned as he chewed and swallowed the pie.

  Randee laughed softly. “Does that mean I’m not to pack any apples for you when we leave on our trip?” she inquired suggestively.

  “I’m a trail man, Miss Hollis, so I’ll see to picking and packing the supplies. You’ll only pay for them and share the cooking.” He placed his fork on the small plate and looked at her. “Naturally that depends on whether or not we hit the trail together. You’ve got some powerful convincing to do. Tell him something; why is your name Hollis if you lived on the Carson Ranch? Are you a widow or an orphan?” As he spoke, he eyed her tumbling blond hair and lively green eyes. She had features which made a man’s fingers want to roam them, and he was looking forward to carrying out that fantasy. He noted that she hadn’t changed clothes and wondered if it was because she was too rushed or if she was afraid he might think she was preening for him.

  Randee was intrigued by his choice of positions for her. “Neither, Mr. … I don’t know your name,” she commented with a laugh. “I suppose it would be a good idea if we got acquainted first.”

  “Durango,” he replied and watched her closely.

  Randee realized he was waiting to see if she recognized his name, which meant she should. She gave it rapid thought and guessed why. “Mr. Durango, or the Durango Kid?” she suggested casually.

  “Does it matter?” he asked, leaning back in his chair and flattening his palms on the table.

  Randee boldly looked him over and said, “Considering the job I have in mind, I hope it’s the Durango Kid. Does that matter to you?”

  The man leaned forward, laughed, and reached for his coffee. “You’re quick and smart, Miss Hollis. I like that; it can save your life, and maybe mine if we team up.”

  “I’m glad you approve, Mr… . Durango. I’ll confess that I’m concerned about you lacking confidence in me. If we partner up, we need to trust and respect each other. This job is difficult and dangerous. Our survival depends on our skills and on how we work together. To answer your question, I was living on the Carson Ranch when the Epson Gang attacked it. Lee Carson was my uncle, my mother’s brother. He was killed that day. More accurately, he and everyone else were brutally slaughtered. I survived because my uncle locked me in the attic when the attack began. I remained hidden until the next morning, then walked into town to get help with the burials. It takes a lot of time and strong stomachs to bury so many people. I …”

  “You don’t have to finish, Miss Hollis, I heard all about it when I got into town last night and before I saw you this morning.”

  Randee fused her misty green eyes to his impenetrable blue ones. “When we bumped each other, you said you had just arrived, had ridden hard and long, and were too tired to think clearly or to walk straight. Which is it, Durango?” she queried his contradiction.

  “Like I said, you’re quick and alert, Miss Hollis. After our litt
le accident, I didn’t see any reason to explain myself to a pretty stranger during a fleeting moment, but I did need an acceptable apology for my bad conduct. Just now, I was trying to stop you from having to cover bloody ground. To be honest, I got in real late last night and rented a room to catch up on my sleep. This morning I took care of some personal chores before I crashed into you. I haven’t talked to anyone about the Carson attack, but this doesn’t seem the time for you to go into it with me or anyone else. If I take this job, you can tell me everything later, when it isn’t so painfully fresh in your mind.”

  Randee sipped her coffee as she listened to him. He did not appear worried or defensive, or deceitful. She appreciated his concern and kindness and she thanked him before continuing, “It didn’t seem safe to remain at the ranch alone, so I’ve been living here for several weeks. You can decide if being nineteen makes me a very young woman. I was raised in Kansas on a cattle ranch, but I left home the end of February. I made it here all alone, Durango, through snow and Indian Territory and the worst of conditions. So, yes, I can handle rough going and rough trails. My father—rest his soul—taught me to be an excellent shot and rider, and a skilled tracker. I have lots of energy and determination, and I’m no quitter or coward. With or without you, I’m going after the Epson Gang and kill them.”

  “What about bringing them to justice?” he asked, his tone lacking any mockery or enlightening clues.

  Randee’s eyes flamed with hostility. “Vicious beasts like those can’t be brought to justice. It’s kill them or let them run loose. I’d rather see them dead—even by my own hand— than let them continue this reign of terror. If you’re wondering why I didn’t help battle them during the raid, I knew it was useless. We were vastly outnumbered and taken by surprise. Uncle Lee’s cowhands were no match for skilled gunmen, and they weren’t prepared to do lethal battle at dawn. I still can’t believe how fast it all happened. There was no time to defend ourselves. The slaughter was over in less than fifteen minutes. It was like they knew when and where and how to strike. I stayed hidden because I wanted to remain alive to hunt them down and punish them.”