Passions Wild And Free

by Janelle Taylor

  Romance—what an unusual word to come from a gunslinger’s mouth and head. As with Marsh, this man could be as gentle as he was tough. Frankly, she had a hard time keeping her eyes and thoughts off of him. But she knew why; she had comprehended the attraction last night in her room. Durango couldn’t be the twin son of Marshall and Judith Logan, but could Marsh be their adopted son? Could he be this man’s brother? If not, why were they so much alike?

  As Randee prepared their meal that night in camp, she noticed one of the differences between the two men. Marsh always helped with, chores, but Durango tended the horses while she cooked supper.

  Later, while resting on their bedrolls, Randee told Durango as much as she knew about Marsh Logan, except for his being a Presidential special agent. On that matter, she let him believe the recent account in the newspaper about his working for the governor.

  Durango wanted to ask if there was something between her and Marsh, but he didn’t want to point out their similarities as the reason why she kept looking at him with those enchanting green eyes which exposed love and desire. He had taken an instant liking to her and he wanted her fiercely. Before their partnership ended, he must convince her why he was better for her than his mirror image . …

  In Fort Worth, Marsh was talking with Willard Mason, having awakened the man upon his late arrival. Willard promptly informed him it was Randee’s urgent message—brought to him by a preacher’s son because “the telegraph lines had been cut— which had alerted him to their peril. Marsh realized how frantic and desperate she must have been. He revealed his love and intentions to his friend, who was delighted.

  “We’ll meet with the U.S. Marshal and State Police in the morning. After I report all I know and suspect, they can go after Timms while I get my hands on Brody Wade. I don’t want Randee near him any longer than necessary. I’ll head there after our meeting.”

  In Wadesville, Brody was pacing the floor, drinking whiskey while he pondered this new situation with Randee. It didn’t make sense that she would leave town suddenly with the Durango Kid. Matthew had seen them meeting in the restaurant Friday, then ride off at dawn this morning. He didn’t think she was heading for Fort Worth to make up for the July fifth meeting with George Light, which she had missed because of the capture and jailbreak. He knew she and Logan were on to Timms and Bush, and were suspicious of Light. But they had no proof against any of his men, and certainly not even a tiny doubt or clue about his involvement! He had destroyed the evidence which Timms had stolen from Marsh Logan, but the persistent man would try to gather more. He had to leave Monday to meet with his men to give them their final orders, as there were only two more ranches to be conquered, plus Randee’s. He had to warn all of his men to be extra careful these days. He needed to finish his task quickly; he was too close to success to turn back or halt. Logan had nothing valid against him, and the man would die before he could obtain it … .

  Marsh left town Sunday at one o’clock and headed overland for Wadesville, passing within miles of Randee and the Durango Kid.

  Randee and Durango reached town too late to visit Willard Mason that night. They planned to see him the following morning before heading northward to check out the curious dot on Brody’s map. They registered at the hotel, freshened up, then met downstairs to eat.

  She enjoyed her evening with Durango. He told her stories about his adventures and how his colorful legend had started and grown. She was surprised and pleased when he confided that he was weary of his exciting and dangerous lifestyle, and wanted to start fresh somewhere.

  “What would you like to do, Durango?” she asked.

  “Ranch. I’ve had jobs here and there on ranches, and I always hated to leave. But trouble had this way of dogging me and making the bosses nervous. If I had my own ranch, I could remain in one place.”

  “What about becoming a ranch foreman until you can buy your own spread? After this task is over, I’m heading back to Wadesville. I have a large spread there which needs lots of work and a good foreman.” Randee told him ‘ about the Carson Ranch and her plans for it. “Once this gang is halted, I can rebuild. I was reared on a ranch in Kansas. My father had no sons, but I was as good as one. I know as much about ranching as most men, and that isn’t boasting.”

  Durango’s blue eyes sparkled as he remarked seriously, “I have no doubts you are. In all honesty, you strike me as a woman who can do about anything. I watched you on the trail, and I know you work as good with your hands dirty as you do in a lovely dress like that one. I can’t explain it, but you seem like a lot of different women, yet only one woman—a very special, one. This isn’t flattery and it has nothing to do with my eventual pursuit of you.”

  Randee’s face glowed with pleasure and she thanked him for his sincere compliments. It was wonderful to be appreciated for more than her looks and sex. She liked this man and found him most interesting. She hinted, “You didn’t answer my question. Would you like, to continue working for me, at the ranch? Or do you need time to think it over?”

  “Your offer is as tempting as you are, boss lady. One question, would it be permissible for your foreman to romance you?”

  “That’s one question I’ll need time to think over,” she jested.

  “We’ll both think hard, then talk it over when I return you home.”

  Miss Sloan “Pete” Peters, owner of the Pleasure Palace, was speaking to Willard Mason on the street. She was telling him about seeing Randee Hollis with the Durango Kid last night in a lovely restaurant, being “very cozy.” She revealed how they had sat talking and sipping wine for hours in a secluded corner, baffling her.

  Before Willard could respond, he saw Randee and Durango headed toward them. He quickly told Pete he would see her later.

  Randee smiled and spoke to the redhead as they passed on the sidewalk, curious about the woman’s coolness to her. When they reached Willard, Randee said, “We need to talk privately, Mr. Mason.”

  Inside the man’s office at the newspaper, Randee related what she had done and discovered in Wadesville, stunning both men. She handed the map and her notes to Willard and said, “You know what to do with these. Durango and I have an errand to handle, then I’ll check with you again Wednesday before heading home. To stay this time.”

  “Marsh is on his way to Wadesville now to work on Brody Wade. Why don’t you remain here while I telegraph him to return quickly?” Willard didn’t think it was his place to reveal Marsh’s personal reason for heading there in front of another person, especially a man.

  “We have something to do first. I’ll be back Wednesday.” She wanted to check out that suspicious dot before telling Mason about it. Too, if she stayed, it would appear she was only waiting for Marsh.

  Willard tried to reason with her, but Randee held fast to her decision. If Marsh wanted her, let him come after her! His conquest of her had been too easy for a man accustomed to difficult challenges. Let him worry and chase for a change!

  Willard watched them ride out of town, northward, before hurrying to the telegraph station to have a message waiting for Marsh the minute he reached Wadesville sometime that night.

  Randee and Durango made it to within twenty miles of the dot before they halted to camp. Both knew it was unwise to approach such a perilous location with exhausted horses and bodies. They ate the cold food they had brought from town and settled down to sleep.

  Durango wondered why Randee hadn’t wanted to wait for Marsh Logan’s return and assistance, but he was glad she hadn’t. Perhaps something bad had happened between them, and she wanted to avoid the other man. Other man— that was what Marsh Logan was now, his competition for this unique and ravishing creature. He wished he had met Logan before so he would know how to battle his opponent. All he knew was what Randee had told him, which was plenty. Obviously this Logan was a special man, or he wouldn’t have captured Randee Hollis’ eye and heart. But the man must have problems, or Randee wouldn’t be here, with him, at this moment. If he played it smart and
careful, he could be all the good things Marsh Logan was and avoid all the bad. To imagine a future with this woman warmed his heart and his loins.

  Randee sensed Durango’s eyes and hunger. It was flattering to know that two handsome and masterful men wanted her. Durango was so unique, just like Marsh. But Durango was straightforward, so open and honest, so direct. If only she knew where she stood with Marsh …

  Marsh reached Wadesville at dusk. He had ridden hard and fast, fatiguing both himself and Midnight. He left the loyal steed to be tended to at the livery stable, and walked to the hotel. He was shocked to learn Randee had left town Saturday morning, with the Durango Kid! The clerk had watched them mount and leave at dawn, but knew nothing more. He learned that Brody had returned, then left again this morning, but the deputy couldn’t tell him where the sheriff had gone, because the man didn’t know.

  As Marsh stood outside the hotel trying to decide what to do next, the telegraph operator approached him with a paper. Marsh read it, his eyes widening, then narrowing:

  “R and DK here today. Has all we need. All. Left town. Returning Wednesday. Get back quick. W. M.”

  Marsh knew he couldn’t push his horse and himself again this soon. He checked into the hotel for a few hours sleep while Midnight rested. He wondered where Randee and the Kid were going, and why she had left Wadesville with a stranger. He reminded himself that he and his love had been strangers when she had taken off with him, believing him to be the man with whom she was now traveling. He knew the Kid’s good reputation, but still he was worried. Randee was a tempting woman; he should know!

  What, he pondered, was the proof Randee had obtained in such a short time? Willard had stressed it was “all” they needed to wind up this case. If he left early in the morning, he could reach Fort Worth sometime Wednesday, the same day Randee and the Kid were to return.

  Marsh tossed for two hours, barely managing to doze off and on. He couldn’t stop thinking about Randee being with Durango, and Brody’s sudden departure after theirs. He wished she had remained in Fort Worth until he could get back.

  He sat up in bed and rubbed his tired eyes. “What are you up to, woman? Hell, I can’t hang around here! I can catch a nap or two on the trail. At least I’ll be heading your way. Just wait until I get my hands on you again,” he vowed anxiously. If he left now, even with enough stops along the way for Midnight, he could reach town early Wednesday morning, probably before dawn.

  Shortly after noon, Randee and Durango sneaked up to the camp of the notorious Epson Gang. Three cabins were located in a densely wooded area which bordered a lovely clearing beside a peaceful river. Two large corrals—undoubtedly for confining stolen stock—were positioned nearby, and stacks of goods seemingly littered the huge area. Tianges— shelters made of four posts set into a square and covered either by brush or colorful material— were sighted in the sunny clearing and were being used to ward off the blazing sun. The mere size of the camp was intimidating and enlightening. Only a few men were present, but it was obvious Randee and Durango had found the right place.

  “You two looking for something?” a familiar voice asked from behind them. “Move real slow and easy and lift those hands high.”

  Randee, as well as Durango, noticed the number of shadows that darkened the grassy bank before them, and they made no threatening moves. Slowly they turned, raising their hands as ordered.

  “Well, well,” Foley Timms said mirthfully. “If it isn’t Miss Hollis, and with the real Durango Kid this time. You’re one clever woman, but you won’t get out of this new predicament so easily.”

  As she heard the thundering of numerous hooves, Foley’s eyes raked her lewdly as he remarked, “Looks like the whole gang’s back, just in time to greet our beautiful visitor and her legendary escort.”

  Chapter Twenty-two

  While the gang members were dismounting and tending their horses, Randee and Durango were disarmed and taken to one of the three cabins, to be held captive there. She bluffed bravely, “You’re in big trouble if you harm us, Marshal Foley Timms. I’m looking for Brody. Durango wants to join up with him, and I have important things to report. If he isn’t here, then tell me where to find him quickly. He has problems which he doesn’t know about, and he’s in danger.”

  The man’s head fell backward as he laughed wildly. “You ain’t fooling me twice, girl,” he informed her coldly.

  Randee desperately scoffed, “I wouldn’t have fooled you before if that Marsh Logan hadn’t blackmailed me! He was going to tell Brody we were lovers. I had to help him escape. He planned it all when you were closing in on us that day near town. Then, after we were in hiding for days, I learned he’s a Special Agent and we aren’t fugitives. When he showed me a newspaper story about our jailbreak and laughed about how he’d tricked all of us, I knocked him out and escaped. I rode to Wadesville to tell Brody all about him, but Brody was gone. Durango showed up, so I hired him to help me find Brody so I can warn him before Logan catches him.”

  The man locked her over skeptically and asked with a wolfish snarl, “Do you expect me to buy that wagonload of horseshit?”

  Randee glared at him and shouted angrily, “How dare you speak to me like this! When I hired Marsh Logan, I didn’t know who he was. He told me and Brody he was the Durango Kid, and we believed him. Look at the Kid. Seeing how much they favor each other, anyone could have made that mistake.” Randee knew she should show anger and hostility about the ranch raid, so she did. “Your men killed my aunt and uncle during that raid and burned my property! That’s why I hired a gunslinger to hunt you down and punish you. At that time, I didn’t know Brody was your boss and he was only after the land. It’s mine now, so everything’s worked out for him. And that suits me just fine because my kin were trying to send me home. Brody knows why I couldn’t return to Kansas; that’s probably why he ordered the raid on the Carsons. He’s told me everything. Are you forgetting we’re to be married soon?”

  “I ain’t, forgetting nothing, girl. Nothing,” he stressed icily.

  Randee continued, while Durango watched and listened, “Logan probably made those posters himself and had them circulated so he could fool Brody and get close to him. He figured the gang would believe he was an outlaw, just like them, and try to hire him away from me. He was going to pretend he had taken my job for the money, but really wanted to locate you so he could join up. It was a clever plan, but Logan didn’t realize how Brody and I felt about each other. I admit I don’t like what Brody’s doing to get control of this area, but I suppose he thinks it’s best and I have to trust him.”

  “You don’t know nothing, girl, but I know what a sly vixen you are. I can’t wait for Brody to turn me loose on you.”

  Randee asserted hotly, “You’re a stupid fool, Timms! If you aren’t more careful, you’ll ruin everything and Brody will have you slain. I know all about Brody’s plans for several railroad lines across Texas. If you don’t believe me, I can give you their exact routes, and I can list the companies he owns as covers for the Mid-Texas Land Company. I know everything because he trusts me. Brody was letting me stay with Logan to mislead him, but you interfered with that enlightening capture. If I had let you hang a marshal, we’d all be defeated by now! Brody’s going to be furious when he hears about this.”

  Foley grabbed her arm, twisting it as he demanded, “How did you find this camp, and how do you know Brody’s plans?”

  Durango lunged at the man to help Randee, but was clubbed on the head by another outlaw. Randee jerked ‘ free and knelt beside her unconscious friend. She looked up at Foley and vowed, “You’ll regret this, you bastard! If there’s one thing Brody admires, it’s courage and loyalty. When I tell him what you’ve done to us— “

  “He’ll be here in the morning, so you can tell him then. He’s in Fort Worth on business, but he’s heading this way.”

  “He’s probably discussing something with George Light. When he arrives, you’ll be sorry you ever insulted and harmed us!”
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br />   “It’s my guess, tomorrow, you’ll be the sorry one,” Timms hinted, then left them locked in the cabin, with a guard posted outside. In his riled state, he forgot about his two earlier questions.

  Carl Bush joined Foley and asked, “What’s going on, Timms?”

  A devilishly grinning Foley explained the excitement. He cautioned, “Make sure your men keep away from her until Brody decides her fate. I’d be willing to bet the boss ain’t gonna want her anymore.”

  Carl licked his lips. “If he don’t, I’ll take care of her for him.”

  Foley looked at the flaming-haired gang leader with jet-black eyes and grasped the man’s sadistic meaning. He chuckled.

  Randee removed her bandanna and bound the bleeding wound on Durango’s head. She peeped through the loose-weave curtains and observed the talk between Carl Bush and Foley Timms. From the way both men kept glancing at her cabin and grinning lewdly, she could imagine the topic of their conversation: her. Dread filled Randee as she recalled what these violent outlaws had done to defenseless women. Her gaze slipped around the cluttered camp. There were so many of them and their evil was so enormous. How could she get out of this terrifying situation? How could she endure it if escape was prevented?

  When Durango roused, she said, “I’m sorry I got you into this trouble, Durango. When Brody arrives tomorrow, he’ll know I’m lying. He’ll probably kill us.” She showed him the small gun hidden in her boot, but remarked sadly, “It only shoots two times. There are so many of them outside. I don’t know how we could escape tonight.”

  Durango pulled her into his arms to comfort her. “Don’t worry; we’ll think of something. That was some clever talking you did earlier.”

  She retorted gratefully, “That was some brave action you took on my behalf. How’s the head?”

  “Hurts like h— crazy,” he replied, touching the aching spot.