“Hey, Rogue! Over here.” Killian called from across the room. “We’ve already set you up a tab.”
He waved at his brothers, stopping to speak to a few folks he’d recently met along the way. Word of their arrival in Red Creek and the circumstances concerning Dusty’s death had given some people a lot to talk about. Shaking his head, Rogue continued on his way, accepting a beer from a passing waitress. He and his mother were used to gossip. Having an absentee father who isn’t married to your mother provides fodder to those who love to mind other people’s business.
“Hope you brought a lot of money, high-roller.” Jackson tipped back a mug and drained it of its amber contents.
“I’m ready for the likes of you amateurs.” Rogue pulled out his chair and sat down heavily, more tired than he realized. Dylan shook his hand, but his eyes kept darting to the band performing on the small stage to the left. “You ought to get up there and play with those fellas.”
Dylan drummed his fingers on the table in time to the music. “I don’t know, maybe. I’m not sure if they’d want me to join in.”
“Shoot, they’d be honored. Has anyone recognized you yet?” Rogue asked Dylan, noticing several young women watching them closely. “I bet you have fans here.”
Shaking his head, Dylan slapped Killian on the back. “One woman asked Killian for my autograph. I’d say having you three around is like the King showing up at an Elvis impersonator convention, it’s hard to tell the real thing when you see it.”
Killian frowned. “Hey, she said I looked more like you than you do.”
“How about another round?” Jackson spoke up.
“Hell yeah!” Rogue motioned for a waitress to keep them coming. He reached in his vest pocket for the deck of cards he was never without, laying them on the table.
“Hey, how do we know those aren’t marked? You may be a card shark for all we know.” Dylan teased with a wink.
Jackson propped both elbows on the table. “I think the term is cardsharp, bro.”
Rogue began to shuffle the cards. “Actually, you’re both right. Sharp is the British choice and shark has become common in the states over the years. The word was actually schurke in German and meant swindler, which…” He raised an eyebrow at his brothers, “I’m not. My reputation is sterling in the gambling world. Having skill doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have morals.” Rogue smiled big. “Ready?” he began to hum Kenny Roger’s famous song, “got to know when to hold’em…”
“Don’t start that!” Jackson warned. “Dylan’s the musician in the family.” There was good-hearted grumbling, but the game began. Cards were dealt, bets were made and there was more laughter than money exchanged. Rogue was surprised what a good time he had with his brothers. They attracted a crowd of onlookers, mostly women who stood around, cheering them on.
“You know what I feel like?” Jackson whispered for the Walker brothers’ ears only.
“What?” Rogue asked, intrigued.
Jackson tentatively looked over his shoulder. “With all the attention we’re getting, I feel like one of those dogs in those paintings, you know the ones where they’re sitting around a table wearing people clothes and playing poker.”
“Speak for yourself,” Dylan laughed. “I’m no dog and I don’t mind the attention.”
Rogue didn’t either, but he felt funny. Something was up. A shiver kept going up and down his spine. Someone was watching him, and it wasn’t the friendly group that was hanging around the table. It was something else. “Why don’t we take a break?” He snagged one of the waitresses as they went by. “Tell your manager we have an up and coming country star here. See if they’ll let my brother, Dylan, play a tune or two with the band. I guarantee they won’t be sorry.”
Rogue watched while the waitress delivered his message. Soon the owner came out of his office, climbed on the stage, and whispered to a member of the band. The lead singer nodded enthusiastically and motioned toward Dylan. Making an announcement, the owner called for silence. “Ladies and gentlemen, give me your attention. We have a special treat for you. Dylan Walker is in the house. He plays a mean guitar. Dylan, come play for us!” There was a general round of applause and in a few minutes, Dylan was onstage wowing everyone with his talent on the electric guitar.
“Hey, he’s really good.” Jackson remarked with pride, taking a swig of beer.
Rogue and Killian nodded their agreement. “He sure is,” Rogue agreed. As Dylan finished one song, the saloon customers demanded an encore, which he gladly gave. All the while Rogue felt pinpricks of unease on his back, like laser points from a hunting rifle. Occasionally, he’d glance around, seeing no one or nothing that he thought could be making him feel like a sniper was honing in on him.
After Dylan finished, he returned to the table and the cards were put aside. No one had been cleaned out, and no one would walk away with everyone else’s money. It had been a fun game, that was all. Now, the talk turned to their women. Killian, being newly married thought everyone should join his ranks. “You don’t know what you’re missing, I’m telling you.”
“Sometimes things are complicated,” Dylan spoke lowly, not volunteering any more information.
“When the time’s right, I’ll make my move.” Jackson murmured. “Rori’s the one for me.”
Rogue shuffled the cards, just to be shuffling. “Kit’s pregnant.”
“Congratulations!” The other three spoke simultaneously.
He smiled. “Thanks, I’m thrilled about it. I’ll marry her as soon as things settle down a bit and we can find time to make all the arrangements.”
“Yea, weddings can be tricky.” Dylan agreed. “If it were me, I’d just as soon stand in front of a JP. Women want flowers, cake and doves.” He made a bit of a face.
“It’s their big day,” Jackson raised his glass to Dylan. “As a singer, you should understand the importance of setting. After all, I bet you have smoke and flashing lights on stage when you go on tour.”
Dylan didn’t answer, he just raised his hand for another beer.
Pulling his phone from his pocket, Killian reminded them. “I guess we should look at the calendar and make some plans before we call it a night.”
The others agreed and soon they’d divided up the necessary trips, each selecting a date and destination that was most suited to them. “Great, it pays that we’re from different compass points in the country,” Jackson noted. “We usually can kill two birds with one stone, so to speak.”
“See what we can accomplish when we put our minds to it.” Killian smiled. Rising, he announced, “I think I’ll head home. My honey’s waiting on me.”
The others agreed, draining their glasses. Rogue waved away their offer to pay their part. “Nope, I told you, this evening is on me.”
“Let’s do it again soon.” Dylan shook his brother’s hands. Rogue waved them on as he went to the bar to pay their tab. Watching the other three Walker boys make their way through the crowd, he couldn’t help but chuckle at the attention they were getting.
“How much?” he asked the tired-looking bartender.
After they’d settled up, he slipped his wallet into his back pocket. A small tap on his shoulder made him jump.
“Rogue? Rogue Walker?”
A sweetly feminine voice with a Hispanic accent wafted over his shoulder. He turned on his heels. “Yep, that’s me.” His eyes met a pair of dark soulful brown eyes that appeared to be misted with tears. A beautiful woman stood before him with suitcase in hand. “Can I help you, ma’am? Are you all right?”
“It’s just so good to see you. I’ve waited so long.” She dropped the case and threw her arms around his neck. “I came as soon as I could, just as you asked. Thank you for sending me the money. I was very careful. I have some left.”
She seemed sweet and sincere, but Rogue didn’t know her from Adam. His eyes widened and his body stiffened. Gently he began to try and extricate himself from the woman’s embrace. It seemed every eye in
the saloon was directed at him. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Do I know you?”
A lilting feminine laugh tickled his ears. “You are so funny. When I saw you with the other men, I hesitated. You all look very much alike. But I recognized you right off. There’s no way I wouldn’t. I’ve seen you in my dreams every night.”
Before Rogue could stop her, she planted a big kiss right on his mouth.
For the record–he did not respond.
“I’m sorry, I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else.” All of Rogue’s instincts were flaring strong. He could smell trouble as strong as the whiskey on the breath of the cowboy leaning on the bar next to him.
“Oh, no.” She laid her head on his chest contentedly. “I knew you immediately from all of the photos you sent me. You are such a tease. I fell in love with your sense of humor as well as your handsome face.” She sighed and hugged him closer. “I’m so happy to be with you, this is my every wish come true.”
Rogue raised his eyes to the ceiling, sending up a small prayer for help. “Look.” He eased her away from his body. “I don’t know who you are, and obviously there has been some type of misunderstanding.” He moved a few steps away. “I wish you well, Miss, but I’ve got to go.” Tipping his hat, Rogue made his escape, wanting to get as far away from the saloon as possible. As he hurried out the door, Rogue could still hear her calling his name.
CHAPTER TWO
Rogue helped Kit from his truck. They’d flown from Kansas to Austin, checked in with Elijah and his mom, then drove down to Galveston Island to catch the cruise ship. His mother and Kit had hit it off, just like he’d known they would. When Kit started in on Marian to move to Red Creek, Rogue had just known she’d flat-out refuse. To his shock, she told them she’d consider it.
Elijah had inundated him with questions and reports. When he returned from this cruise, Rogue resolved to sit down with his partner and see if they could come up with a more workable schedule. Living in two places and running two businesses was going to take some getting used to. He hoped they could come up with some viable solutions.
“That is one big boat!” Kit mused as they walked toward the dock where the thousand-foot ocean liner waited. “She can hold 3652 guests, plus crew.”
Rogue noticed Kit was trembling a little. “Are you all right?” Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, he kissed her temple. The Texas sunshine felt warm on his skin. An island breeze whipped Kit’s silky hair around her face.
Kit shrugged off her unease. “I’m just excited, that’s all.”
Rogue steered her toward the gate where they would check their luggage. “Is it the trip that’s exciting you…or me?”
His humor made her feel better. She determined to put her stupid fears to rest. Nothing bad would happen on this trip. This vacation would end in a wedding–she hoped. “It’s you,” she told him with a smile. “It’s always you.” The last couple of days he had been busy with his brothers and their company. But no matter how much work he had to do, Rogue always made time for her. He couldn’t seem to keep his hands off of her and that made Kit feel cherished and secure. She just hoped her plan for this cruise would make him as happy as she thought it would.
“I thought so, I’m irresistible.” Rogue winked at her as they accepted their boarding passes and made for the gangway.
Kit held on to her shoulder bag with one hand and Rogue’s hand with the other. “Yes, you are.” Maybe they could just stay in the cabin and make love the entire time. That way she wouldn’t be aware they were out at sea–miles from land, a mile of water below them... Little beads of sweat popped out on her temple. What had she been thinking? They could’ve been on the strip in Vegas by now, standing in some little white wedding chapel.
“Welcome!” A smiling cruise ship employee greeted them. Kit had to admit, everything was beautiful. The boat was snow white, trimmed in blue and red. Everything was pristine and plush. People were milling around sipping drinks, waiting for the ship to set sail. They were given directions to their cabin, but took their time strolling from deck to deck.
“This is really fancy,” Kit admitted when they found themselves on the Promenade deck. There were several restaurants, a casino, clubs, an atrium–everything you could think of and all was showcased with floor to ceiling glass windows. Comfortable seating was everywhere and someone gave Rogue a listing of the shows and stars who would be performing.
“You can say that again,” Rogue whistled. “This is like a floating city.”
They stopped at an interactive map of the boat. “Look at the pools, three of them.” She touched the surface. “And there’s miniature golf, a spa, theaters, an ice rink, a rope and climbing course…” her voice trailed off. “This is amazing.”
“Yea, and all the food we can eat.” Rogue said with a wistful sigh.
“Men.” She turned and hugged him. “You’re all alike. As long as your two basic needs are met, you’re happy.”
“What needs?” Rogue kissed her on the end of the nose.
“Food and sex.” Kit explained as they began walking toward the elevators.
“Hey, I know what’s important in this life.” He held the door for her, then punched the button. Rogue was determined to have a good time. This trip was important to Kit, they needed this time together. The last couple of days had been hectic, the week the Walker brothers had committed to had been a success. They’d each found their niche and the staff seemed comfortable with their decisions. Even the lawyer, Benner, seemed satisfied they’d made progress.
“Our cabin has a balcony. It cost a little more, but I didn’t think I’d be as comfortable in one with just a port hole. I’m a tad claustrophobic,” Kit confessed as they turned down the carpeted hall.
“Good, we’ll sit out and enjoy the view.” Rogue took the card from her and opened the door. He hoped to leave his troubles behind and commit to enjoying this trip. The only problem was that woman… Who was she? And why had she been so sure she knew him?
“Oh, this is nice!” Kit exclaimed as she saw the roomy cabin with the king size bed and seating area. The colors of the linens and upholstery were beautiful blues with bright orange and yellow pillows. She ran her hand over the bed spread. “All of this has a beautiful tropical feel, doesn’t it?”
“I like this swan,” Rogue pointed to a towel animal on the bed, folded in the shape of the beautiful bird.
“Yea, I read the porters do that for the guests, leave a different animal each morning after they’ve cleaned the cabin. It’s a bit like origami, isn’t it?”
“Yea, I guess.” Rogue walked to the balcony and opened the doors. “Hey, we’re moving.” He turned around, excited as a kid.
“We are?” Kit joined him, watching the dock disappear, then seeing other ships in the Houston ship channel. “Soon we’ll be out at sea.”
Rogue noticed her voice sounded a bit apprehensive. “Hey, this is going to be fun. Don’t worry.” He was trying to follow his own advice. The woman who had come up to him in the saloon haunted him. He’d seen her one other time since that night, standing across the street from D. Walker Mineral. After that, Rogue had made himself scarce. He’d taken the duties that kept him out of the office. Once Friday’s work day was over, he’d talked Kit into taking an early flight to Austin on the premise that he wanted to spend some extra time with Elijah and his mom. Both of those things were true, but the real reason had been to get out of town was because of her. He knew something was amiss, something wasn’t right. People didn’t just show up and make claims the way she did without cause. Rogue knew he’d have to deal with it, but it would wait until the cruise was over. He didn’t want any unpleasantness to intrude on his time with Kit.
“I’m not worried,” she said, trying to convince herself the words were true. “What do you want to do first?”
Rogue didn’t have to think twice. “Make love to my woman, then we’ll go get something to eat.” He made a grab for her and she went to
him willingly.
“Sounds good to me, cowboy.” As long as she was in his arms, Kit knew she was safe.
* * *
Back in Red Creek, Lucia sat on the edge of the narrow bed, folding and refolding a seam in her worn skirt. She didn’t know what to think. All of her hopes had dreams had seemed so near to coming true. Putting her trust in the man she’d been talking to on the internet, she’d committed herself to him and left her home in Juarez, Mexico.
Rogue Walker.
He seemed so kind and genuine. And he’d made her so many promises.
The man she’d found in this small American town was nothing like she’d hoped. She’d expected him to welcome her, take her in his home and build a life with her. After all, she had nothing to go back to. Her family was gone, her sister was missing, most likely dead. The lost girls of Juarez had another name added to their long sad list. Lucia was very afraid that if she returned to Juarez, she’d be next to go missing.
In the last few years, over seven hundred young women had gone missing–murdered. Their bodies found later abused and mutilated. Pink crosses dotted the city, all commemorating where the battered body of a victim was found. Lucia wiped the tears from her face. She’d sold everything she had, taken the money he’d wired and walked away from all she’d known. Why didn’t he want her?
Hugging herself tightly, she looked around the bare room. The owner of the saloon had taken pity on her, giving her a waitress job and this bed to sleep in. Lucia had assured him that this was temporary, she’d come to take her place as Rogue Walker’s wife. Making the sign of the cross over her heart, she offered up a prayer that this would all work out.
Lucia had no choice but to have faith. The people at D. Walker Mineral said that Rogue would return in a week.
She’d be waiting.
* * *
Out in the Caribbean, Kit peered out the porthole of their cabin. She wouldn’t go out on the balcony. The sight of the endless ocean made her shake. Pinching herself, she vowed to get it together. Rogue was having a great time, and she’d be damned if she was going to ruin it for him. He made every show, every stand-up comedian, each and every production. And he ate…and ate. Oh, and he made her feel like the only woman in the world, making love to her at every opportunity. Anyone else would be having a blast.
Kit & Rogue (The Sons of Dusty Walker) Page 3