Passions Wild And Free

by Janelle Taylor

  He listened attentively, then said, “Hating and talking are easier than gunning down a man, Miss Hollis. Do you honestly believe you can kill a man, face to face, or shoot him in the back?”

  Randee had deliberated this point many times before, so she did not have to think twice before replying, “Yes. Don’t worry; I won’t back down or freeze up when we come face to face with them.”

  The man studied her for a long moment, and believed her. He grasped her courage and cunning, and realized she wasn’t a glory-seeking fool or a brazen female out to shove her way into a man’s world. “Do you really think you can defeat that gang, even with my help? Do you honestly believe you can succeed where no man or other force has managed to do so?” Randee nodded, and the man exhaled loudly. “Do you honestly know what’s waiting out there for you? They’re worse than renegade Indians. They have no souls, no hearts, nothing to hold them back. They’ll kill anybody and do anything they please, and enjoy it.”

  “If you’re trying to terrify or discourage me, it won’t work. I’m going after them, Durango. I hope you’ll come along; I need you. If we follow a good plan and are careful, I know we can destroy them. We just have to figure out how they plan their strikes and carry them out, and foil them. I’m aware of the perils and their savagery, but somebody has to challenge them. I can’t let them go free after what they did at my uncle’s ranch. God forgive me, but I want to hack them to pieces and send them to hell,” she disclosed, balling her fists and clenching her teeth. She met the man’s gaze and offered, “I’ll pay you ten thousand dollars if you become my partner and we succeed.”

  He tried to keep his astonishment from showing, but was only half successful. She was serious, but was she a little too desperate? He wondered if there was more to this woman and her mission than she was revealing. He suddenly and disturbingly realized that this blonde had him as off balance as he had her! Yet right now, she looked in perfect control of herself and the situation. No doubt she was as self-sufficient and skilled as she claimed. “How do you know I’m not a member of the Epson Gang, here to find you and kill you? That notice in the paper was reckless. You’ve exposed yourself.”

  “I know you aren’t one of them,” she answered confidently. “If you were, you’d have killed me, robbed me, and moved on by now. And you’re too smart to show yourself so openly. You’re still sitting here right now because you know I’m serious and you want this job; otherwise, you’d be across the street eating delicious peach cobbler at that new. restaurant, instead of gallantly suffering through apple pie. I’ll be straight with you, Durango. You’re not the first man who’s sought this job, but you’re the first one I’ve considered hiring. I don’t have to tell you how good you are at what you do, and you know I’m not flattering you by saying you’re one of the best— maybe even the best gunman alive. I need a special man, Durango, and we both know you fit that description. I also think you appreciate honesty, and you don’t consider my explanation and behavior as being forward and false. Besides, there are some clues about this gang and their so-called random raids which only I know. If you become my “ partner, Durango, I’ll share them with you.”

  The man leaned forward, propped his elbows on the table, and rested his chin on extended thumbs. His forefingers absently rubbed his upper lip as he stared at her for a while. She didn’t look away, and he could tell she meant what she said. This matter had taken a different turn since his arrival: more than likely she possessed valuable evidence, and she was in peril here. That sheriff couldn’t protect her or this town if the Epson Gang rode in, for her or for any reason! She was lively and could be lots of fun on the trail, if she didn’t slow him down or endanger them. He must not discourage her plans, even though he came here to keep her from perilously intruding on his case. If she had information, he needed it. He had no choice; he had to go along with her until she opened up to him. “What kind of clues, Dee?”

  Randee’s expression altered noticeably. “Don’t call me that.”

  “Is it Sheriff Wade’s private name?” he asked.

  “No, it’s my mother’s name. I’ve asked Brody not to call me Dee, but he forgets. Don’t you start that habit or I’ll get very angry,” she warned. Nearly every time Brody said “Dee,” she thought of how her mother was bewitched and duped by that villainous snake Payton Slade. One day, she would have to solve that nasty problem too. Heavens, how she hated to think of her stepfather getting his greedy hands on Lee Carson’s beautiful ranch, like he had done with her father’s. Payton had wooed her mother, swept the Widow Hollis off her feet, and taken over everything Randall Hollis had loved and owned. All except for his daughter, and that wasn’t from a lack of trying! How blind and foolish her mother was, but maybe all women in love were the same way. As long as possible, she must pretend to be the heir and owner of the ranch so no one would go looking for her Uncle Lee’s next of kin. The last thing she needed was Payton Slade in her hair again!

  The man watched Randee silently. If she had a mother in Kansas, why had she come here, and alone? What were her anger, fear, and agitation about? he wondered. Like everyone, she had a weak spot, and hers was in Kansas. It was smart and vital to know a person’s strengths and weaknesses, and he needed to learn more about this woman’s traits and secrets. He should get another U.S. Agent, Willard Mason, to check it out for him. Maybe he could use that information to control her. “Miss Hollis?” he broke into her thoughts.

  Her attention returned to him. “You can call me Randee. I was named after my parents, Randall and Dee Hollis. I hate it when people get stuck with nicknames, and it’s confusing to go by your mother’s name. It’s spelled R-a-n-d-e-e, not R-a-n-d-y. I like my name, even if most people think it’s a man’s.”

  “It’s a perfect name; you look like a Randee,” he commented, then suggested, “Let’s get on with our business before our privacy is lost. Tell me what you know about the gang and how you plan to locate and capture them. Or how you plan for us to do them in.”

  Randee realized she had made herself vulnerable to this perceptive man, and she realized how wisely and cunningly he had dropped the touchy subject. It was going to be quite a challenge to work with him without being consumed. Right now she needed to get back on an even keel. “First, tell me about yourself, beginning with your real name. If I’m going to trust you, then you have to trust me.”

  The man toyed with the last two bites of his apple pie as he considered her demand and insight. This room was quiet and peaceful, and she was captivating company. He warned himself that everything was almost too disarming and pleasant. He was getting too relaxed and comfortable, too open, too drawn to this clever vixen who had perilous schemes on her mind. After a good night’s sleep, a hot bath, and delicious food, he felt mellow and soft—like expensive aged cheese. Maybe it was because this was the first time in countless months that he’d felt this way.

  Fragrant smells of preparations for the evening meal wafted in from the adjoining kitchen. He wished someone would bring them hot coffee and give him time to think, but the restaurant was actually closed at this hour. Yet, no one would tell the Durango Kid he couldn’t sit here and talk. Talk— he was not one for small talk with strangers, especially beautiful female strangers, so this relatively easy encounter surprised him. He warmed to the natural way she returned his pleasant smile and he liked her straightforward manner. Her parents had raised her well. She was confident without being cocky and vain. She was intelligent, brave, and crafty—a worthy companion or opponent for anyone. In all of his thirty-one years, few women had caught his attention so quickly and easily. Still, she was a young woman, and a perilous trail was no place for her. Hopefully he could win her confidence quickly, obtain any facts she had, and leave her somewhere safe while he went after the Epson Gang. For certain, Wadesville was no longer safe for her. She claimed she had been locked in the attic during the attack, but maybe that wasn’t true; she knew something crucial. She must, because his gut instinct told him so, and he wa
s rarely mistaken. She wanted revenge, not justice; the same was true of him. He had been after the Epson Gang for thirteen months, ever since they killed his parents and devastated his home, but they had always managed to elude him. If this beautiful golden-haired beauty knew anything that could help him complete his task, he had to get it out of her, any way. necessary.

  If he had to romance her, then so be it. Some people called him ruthless and cold-blooded, and perhaps he was when it. came to dealing with vermin like the Epson band. A firm believer in justice, he had seen the destructive evil of this gang, and he was determined to halt them. Selected, appointed, and authorized by the President, he was accountable only to this country’s leader. Furthermore, that gang had stolen three things very precious from him”: his parent’s lives; a chance to explain his wild life to his heartbroken parents; time to earn their respect, forgiveness, and understanding for what he was doing for this state and country. He had made so many sacrifices to rid Texas and America of countless villains, but because of his mandatory secret life his parents had died believing he had turned out bad. To have confided in his parents might have endangered their lives, and the lives of others in his many cases. He had taken a Presidential oath to silence and loyalty and justice, and he had kept it. Yet, he had always believed the moment would come when his parents would learn the truth about him and be very proud of him; now, that could never be. Knowing the risks and demands, he had accepted this job, but would he do so again? Presently, he couldn’t answer that painful question.

  He finally responded, “I’m from this area of Texas, but I’ve been away a long time. My parents are dead, and I have no other family. I’m thirty-one, and I come and go as I please. Considering my reputation, I have good reason to be wary of strangers, even pretty ones. I promise you, the Durango Kid isn’t wanted by the law.”

  Randee believed his claims, but felt he was distorting them in his favor. During his pensive silence, she had read signs of anger, disappointment, bitterness, and soul-deep loneliness in his gaze and expression. Reflected in his blue eyes and revealed in his somber mood, she had grasped an anguish he had endured and a burden he bore. “As far as I know, you’ve been very careful and smart. Even if you’re wanted by the law— unless it’s for cold-blooded murder—I’m not interested in any charges against you. Your name?” she prompted.

  The man mildly threatened, “If you mention this name to anyone, I’ll cut out your tongue, and that’s a promise. Marsh Logan.”

  Randee’s alert gaze traveled over the handsome man’s face, paying close attention to his eyes, nose, and mouth—places where lies were revealed first. His pupils did not enlarge, his respiration did not alter, and his lips didn’t get dry. Satisfied, she smiled and said, “I like it, much better than the Durango Kid. It’s a strong name, one you should be proud to carry. Why don’t you, Marsh?”

  He wondered if she knew he had given her his real name, a risk worth taking to win her trust and assistance. Off and on between cases since last April, he had pursued the murderous band. A month ago, he had been forced to threaten to quit his government job if President Grant refused to let him take on this personal mission. He had won the assignment for a maximum of three months, and one of those months was already gone. He had been checking out each raid site for leads when word came of Randee Hollis’ curious advertisement. He had come here simply to prevent “him” from interfering with the case. “We aren’t here to discuss me, Randee, just your job offer and plans.”

  “Can I call you ‘Marsh’?” she asked politely. “It’s much nicer and less intimidating than Durango.”

  Not surprisingly, he replied, “I’d rather you didn’t until we leave town. Someone might hear you. Not many families are happy or willing to acknowledge a notorious gunslinger as kin; mine was no different. I’d prefer to keep their good name clean and not have the Logan memory stained by my dark reputation. Now, tell me more,” he encouraged.

  Randee told Marsh what she thought was the gang’s motive, but she withheld her knowledge of the gang’s identity. She knew he would leave her behind if he didn’t need her, considering there were several other fat rewards out on the gang, rewards he might not want to share with a partner. If he viewed her help as unnecessary, he would strike out on his own, and doubtlessly assume she would still pay him for his success! She did tell him, “It’s terror strategy to scare everyone out of a certain area; that’s the only way you can explain some of the attacks. If we unmask their leader and his plot, the killing and plundering will halt. We’ll need to make a map of this area and chart their path. I’m willing to bet we’ll see a pattern. When we do, we can beat them to their next target and set a trap for them. We can outwit them, Marsh, I’m positive of it.”

  “It sounds logical, Randee, but it won’t be that simple. Between jobs, I’ve been pursuing them for thirteen months. Since they’re still on the loose, that tells you something. They appear, strike, then vanish. That calls for clever planning and timing. By the time I reach. their last target, no clues or tracks are left—if there ever were any.”

  “There aren’t,” she remarked immediately. She hastily covered her slip by saying, “After the raid at my uncle’s ranch, I looked everywhere— no tracks in any direction. That means they’re smart enough to conceal their trail; it also means they aren’t worried. about taking the time to do so. What does that tell you, Marsh?”

  “That they know everybody’s schedule in the area. It means, woman, that they spy on their targets, or they have a member who’s familiar with the territory and its people. Of course, there are never any witnesses to question. I started this pursuit for the money and the challenge; but after seeing what they leave behind, I want to destroy them. I’m used to fair fights or ones pushed on me, but the Epson Gang cuts down anybody: children, women, old men, whole families. I’ve always been one step behind them, but no more. With your help and support, I can concentrate totally on catching up or getting ahead. What else you got in mind?”

  “They wear dark hoods to protect their identities. I saw that much before I was shoved into the attic. I’m sure they don’t stay hidden all the time, so maybe we can discover where they’re from or where they hang around. I’m sure I’ll recognize some of their voices, their clothes, their mounts, and other things about them. We can visit towns and pick them off a few at a time. We can trim down their number, Marsh, I know we can. Besides, they need a hide-out or at least a meeting point. If we can track them after one of their attacks and find it, we can destroy them.” She asked unexpectedly, “Do you know how to use dynamite and can you get your hands on some? From what Uncle Lee told me, it’s only been around a few years, but it surely would better our chances with the Epson Gang. He used it one time to clear some rocks to get to an underground stream.”

  “I can use it, and I know several places we can get some. There’s one catch; to keep our plans quiet, we’ll have to steal it.”

  Randee didn’t wait before saying, “Fine, whatever’s necessary.”

  He requested, “Let me think a minute and get some points straight in my head.” To avoid being distracted by Randee’s blond good looks, Marsh lowered his head and focused his blue eyes on the table. He was aware that their departure had to be carefully planned and timed. And this meeting had to end very soon to prevent people, especially that love-besotted sheriff, from linking them together. Secrecy was vital.

  Randee observed the man who sat in deep silence before her. His gaze was angled toward the table, but it moved about rapidly as unknown thoughts raced through his sharp mind. She was anxious for him to share those cunning ideas and plans, and she waited eagerly for him to do so. Marsh Logan, she mused dreamily. It was a strong, masculine name. It suited him perfectly, just as he suited her perfectly. Here was a man attuned to his prowess and surroundings, a man who had paid dearly for his hazardous and exciting lifestyle. He was a man compelled to take on difficult challenges, provoked to court danger and death, driven to prove he was the best at wh
at he did. Or driven to prove something else …

  When Marsh lifted his head and gaze, he found Randee watching him intently. As their eyes met and lingered, he realized how much he enjoyed looking at her and being near her. Here was a woman with more than good looks, with far more than sensual appeal, with far more than superficial charm. Undoubtedly she possessed the wits and talents to go on the trail and capture outlaws, but the Epson Gang was different. That gang was large and cruel and deadly. He would use Randee’s help only as long as it was safe for her. Then, when the going got rough, he would leave herbehind and finish alone.

  “We have to hurry, Randee. It’s nearly four thirty. I don’t want the supper crowd to find us here alone. Besides, we don’t need Brody Wade becoming angry and getting into our hair. We have to keep our plans and partnership a secret from everyone, including your good friend the sheriff. We can’t afford any accidental slips or interference. You’ll need to get to the bank before it closes at five and …”

  Randee interrupted, “The deal is to pay you three hundred dollars a month for our supplies and expenses, no matter how long it takes. The ten-thousanddollar payment is already deposited at the bank, but it can’t be collected until this matter is settled and I sign the paper to release it. That’s the only way I can protect myself from being duped or harmed. Agreed?”

  “What about me? Who has the authority to release my money if you’re killed during our travels? Once those men are dead and my job’s done, what’s to keep you from cheating me, Miss Hollis?”

  Randee saw the sparkle in his eyes and heard the playful note in his voice, so she realized he was teasing. “I promise we’ll figure out some way to protect your investment.”