Rogue stopped to let the other man talk. Pacing around the room, he listened. “What the fuck?” He went to his desk, sat down and turned on the laptop. After a few clicks, he yelled. “Son of a bitch!” A few people out in the lobby area turned to look, but he ignored them. “No, I don’t know what’s happening. I’ve got to contact my lawyer and see what the hell’s going on.”
Slamming down the phone, he made a few more clicks. There was no doubt about it. His personal bank account was…empty. Checks that he hadn’t written, withdrawals that he hadn’t made had cleaned him out. Angry and frustrated, Rogue picked up the phone again, giving Zane a call. In a few seconds, he answered.
“I wondered when I’d hear from you, Walker.”
“Well, I need to talk to you. I’ve got problems.”
“I’m aware. Elijah and I are on our way, we’re actually in Kansas City waiting on a small charter to bring us to Red Creek.”
This surprised Rogue. “Wait. How did you know about the credit card and my bank account?” There was some noise on the line. Rogue could hear Zane and Elijah talking. “What’s going on, Zane?”
“Look, this isn’t something to talk about on the phone. Just give us a bit. We’ll be there in a little while. Are you in town or…” Zane hesitated, and Rogue jumped in.
“I’m at D. Walker, I’ll wait on you.” Rogue slammed the phone down. He felt violated. Someone had stolen from him and he intended to find out who it was.
A knock on the door caused him to lift his head, it was Abby. “How was the trip?” she asked with a smile.
The question took him by surprise. He gave a wry laugh. Even though they’d just returned, the cruise seemed like a month ago. It was odd how something could happen and just take the shine off of everything. He took a deep breath, trying to put things in perspective. This was bad, but it was just a mistake–hell, it was just money. He’d straighten it out or he’d make some more. What was important waited for him at home–Kit.
“The cruise was wonderful.” Rogue gave his employee a sincere smile. “I came home a married man. Kit and I were married on the ship.”
“Wow! Congratulations!” Abby exclaimed, then grew serious. “We’ve all known Kit a long time. We were never really close, she was a year or two ahead of me in school, but she’s one of our own.” Raising one finger, she wagged it at Rogue. “You treat her right. None of your Daddy’s shenanigans. Do you hear me?”
Rogue started to remind her who was boss, but he could tell she was sincere. “I don’t intend to treat Kit with anything but love and respect.”
To Rogue’s surprise, Abby didn’t look convinced. “You’d better.” Pausing, as if weighing her words, she finally exhaled and pinned Rogue with a stare. “We had a visitor while you were gone. A Hispanic girl named Lucia. She was looking for you.”
Damn! Rogue dry-scrubbed his face. “I think I know who you’re talking about. I never met the woman before last week. She’s a stranger to me.”
Abby looked skeptical. “You’d better be good to Kit, Rogue Walker. I know where you live.”
“Of course I’m going to be good to her. I love her.”
“That’s what your Daddy said…” She stopped when there was a commotion at the front. A flurry of activity caused them both to turn. “It’s Kit!” Abby exclaimed and she ran to greet her. Before Rogue could join them, the receptionist made an announcement. “Everyone! Kit and Rogue are married!” The ensuing clamor of congratulations and hugs and questions reminded Rogue why he didn’t enjoy group activities.
Kit could see that Rogue was uncomfortable. She was worried about her horse, but the look on his face made her worry more about him. He wasn’t enjoying the confusion and all the attention he was getting, that was obvious. Her wifely instincts–she smiled at the thought–told her this was something more. After thanking everyone profusely, she took her husband by the hand. “Will you excuse us?”
He appeared grateful and added his final thanks to hers. Once they were alone in his office, they both started to speak at the same time.
“I need to tell…”
“Something’s just happened…”
Both stopped talking. Kit motioned. “You go first.”
Rogue looked at the clock, then at her. “Let’s go to the saloon. We can get an out of the way booth and talk. I need a drink.”
Kit didn’t argue, she picked up her purse and went with him.
“Abby, if anyone comes looking for me, we’re going to be at the saloon having coffee.” And maybe something stronger, he thought.
She gave them a generous smile. “Aww, you two want to be alone.” She nodded. “Sure, I’ll let anyone know who asks…unless…”
Rogue gave her a hard look and she closed her lips. He almost expected her to do a key-locking motion, but she didn’t. He let out a long breath. God, things had gone downhill fast.
The saloon was only three blocks from D. Walker Mineral. “It’s been awhile since I’ve been here,” Kit said as he held the door for her.
The tone of her voice told him something entirely different. Even though Rogue felt like shit, his Kit could make him smile. “Have you ever been in here, my good girl?”
As she stepped in, Kit looked around as if expecting something to jump out at her. “Once. I was selling raffle tickets for the church.”
“It’s eleven o’clock in the morning, I can promise you the sin level is at a minimum.” He led her to an empty booth in the back. “Besides, I know you have a wild side.” Rogue whispered in her ear. “I’ve seen it firsthand.”
Kit blushed. “That’s different. It’s you,” she explained as if her explanation made sense–and to Rogue, it did. She belonged to him. He was the only man who would ever see her wild side and that was the way he wanted it to be.
Once they were seated, a waitress came by to take their drink order. Kit wanted a diet soda and Rogue just ordered coffee. He realized he needed to keep a clear head. “We’ll get something to eat a little later.” Right now they had things to discuss.
He was just about to spill his bad news when Kit just blurted hers out.
“Rogue, my Palomino mare was stolen while we were gone.”
His mouth dropped open. “You’ve got to be kidding. How did you find out?”
“Jack Alfred, a White Wing employee was watching after them while we were on the cruise. He got up one morning and she was gone. He found vehicle tracks at one of the gates. The sheriff’s been notified, but there’s not a lot to go on.”
“Well, damn. I’m so sorry.” He started racking his brain to think of something to do. “I don’t guess you had any kind of chip implanted in her or anything like that.”
“Good idea, but no.” Kit sighed. “We can send someone around to the sale barns and check out the stock, but I’m thinking this will be hard to solve.”
“I’m afraid you’re right.” She leaned back in the seat while the waiter served them. When he was gone, she took a sip, then looked at Rogue again. “I’m just afraid that whoever did it will come back for more.”
“Maybe we should put up cameras.”
“I thought about that and we should,” she said. “Tonight, I’m bringing them all in the barn by the house. They’d rather be out at night and not cooped up, but that’s all I can think of at the moment to do.”
“I’ll help you round them up as soon as I can this evening,” he offered and she gave him a grateful smile.
“Thank you.” Covering his big hand with hers, she caressed it. He was so strong, so capable. And hers. “Now, what’s wrong with you? I noticed you were a bit more upset in the office than a little congratulatory session should make you.”
Rogue took his Stetson off and set it on the table. He held her gaze. “Well, I’ve run into some trouble. You remember when my credit card was declined?”
“Yea, of course. Did you call the company and find out what the problem is?”
“I did.” He shook his head. “My card was declined because
it was maxed out. It was stolen, I suppose, or my number was hacked.”
“You’re disputing the charges aren’t you?”
“Sure.” Rogue huffed. This certainly wasn’t the conversation he’d been hoping to have just after returning from his honeymoon. “That wasn’t all.”
Kit could see how troubled he was, she felt the tension even in his outstretched hand. “What? Tell me.”
“My bank account was wiped out. Someone got the numbers and just cleaned me out, maxed my card–hell, I don’t know how this happened.”
“Oh, my God!” She sat up straighter, then realized she’d yelled, gaining the attention of almost everyone in the room. “What are you going to do? Call the police?”
Rogue took a deep breath, realizing he needed to reassure his wife. “Don’t worry. I called Zane. He’s coming up and bringing Elijah with him. Apparently they have some information.” Seeing she was still upset, he added. “Look, I have various holdings in various accounts. We’re by no means destitute.”
She rubbed her forehead with one hand while holding his tightly with the other. “I’m not worried about that, I just can’t stand the thought that we’ve been…violated. Someone has stolen from us!”
She was right, Rogue thought. They’d both been hit…at the same time. He was mentally trying to connect the dots when someone walked up.
“Hello.” Kit said. “Are you ready for another coffee, Rogue?” she asked.
“Yea, that would be good.” When he looked up to the waitress, he almost dropped his cup.
It was the woman…the one from the other night.
“Rogue, I’d like to speak with you, please?”
She carried a tray and a rag. The woman was obviously working at the saloon. “This isn’t a good time,” Rogue began, seeing Kit’s questioning face.
“I’ve waited for you here for over a week. I don’t understand. You asked for me to come. You arranged it. Don’t you want me here? What about everything you said to me. Didn’t you mean it?”
Kit looked from Rogue to the stunning woman who stood at their table. She looked like a model. Next to this exotic beauty, she felt plain. What was going on? Her mind tried to make sense of what she was hearing, but her heart was sinking. “Would you like to sit down?” The woman looked like she was dead on her feet.
Rogue stared at Kit as if she’d lost her mind. “There’s no need. As I told this young lady last week, she’s mistaken me for someone else.”
“Thank you, I’m on my break.” Taking Kit up on her offer, she sat. “No, Rogue, I have your letters and your emails here.” She began digging in the deep pocket of her apron.
Kit was panicking, but she tried to remain calm. Rogue was her husband. But who was this? “What’s your name and where are you from?”
“I’m from Juarez, as Rogue knows.” She looked at Kit with something that appeared to be jealousy. “My name is Lucia. My given name is Cordova, but my married name is Walker.”
Kit shook her head and swallowed. Surely she’d misunderstood. “What did you say?”
Lucia placed a small sheaf of papers in front of Rogue. “You act like you don’t know me, yet we’ve talked for months. You told me you loved me. You sent me money. You asked me to come to you.” She looked back at Kit who was staring stone-faced with tears in her eyes. “I am Rogue’s wife.”
“No. Hell, no.” Rogue looked at Kit. He felt like a rug had just been jerked out from under his feet. “Last week was the first time I even knew you existed, lady.”
“It looks like we arrived just in time.” A gruff male voice sounded behind Rogue.
He glanced back to see his friends. “Zane, Elijah.” Rogue said their names with relief in his voice. The Calvary had arrived. Hopefully they’d have answers.
“I seem to be having another problem here. This woman is claiming that I’ve been communicating with her, that I sent her money.” Rogue was watching Kit. She was believing this shit! “It’s ridiculous, but she’s claiming we’re married.”
Kit cleared her throat. “I’m a bit confused. I thought you married me.”
If Rogue could have turned back time and started this day over, he would have flown around the world like superman. Unfortunately–he wasn’t, he didn’t even own a damn cape. “I did marry you, baby.”
“You married me also. By proxy. I have the notarized papers to prove I am your wife.”
Standing by Zane, Elijah cleared his voice, then announced dryly. “This may be a little cliché–but will the real Mrs. Rogue Walker please stand up?”
CHAPTER FOUR
Kit felt like every nightmare she’d ever had was coming true. She stood. “I think I need to go.”
Rogue jumped up. “No, wait. Kit, please don’t leave. This is all just a huge mistake. A wild misunderstanding. I don’t know this woman.”
Lucia looked stricken. Kit actually felt sorry for her. “I think you two need to talk.”
She walked away. Glancing at Elijah and Zane, Rogue gave them an exasperated look, then took off after Kit. “Wait, please!”
He grabbed her arm, but she tried to pull away. Guiding her down a hall that led to the restrooms, Rogue tried to take her in his arms. “You’ve got to listen to me. Something is going on and I can’t explain any of this.”
Kit wanted to believe him. She wanted to, but she had a really bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. “Are you telling me this isn’t real? Is this a ruse? Is somebody pulling an incredibly bad joke on you? Or has everything we shared been a lie?”
“No, it hasn’t been a lie.” He looked stricken. “But I don’t know what’s going on.”
Trying to stay calm, Kit covered her face with both hands. Then, a horrible thought struck her. “Is this payback? Did you do all of this to return the humiliation of me leaving you naked on the side of the road?”
“Hell, no. I have you, now. There’s nothing more I want in this world than you.” Rogue was pleading for his life. “I love you, Kit-Kat.”
Kit’s body seemed like a magnet and his was a lodestone. She was so drawn to him. She wanted nothing more than to throw herself in his arms and pretend none of this was happening–but it was. “I’m going to go. You seem to have a lot of things to straighten out. I’ll talk to you later.”
Rogue grabbed her, but she slipped through his fingers. He felt lost.
A touch on his shoulder alerted him that someone had come close. “Rogue, I think we need to talk to this woman.” It was Zane. “Where can we go?”
Rogue thought a minute. He didn’t want to go to D. Walker, this wasn’t something he wanted the employees or his brothers to get wind of–not yet anyway. And he couldn’t go to White Wing... “Let’s go to Dusty’s place at Osprey Lake. We’ll have some privacy there.” He’d give Marliss a call and tell her they were coming. For the time being he didn’t know what was going on, but Rogue knew he could count on her to be discrete.
“I think you need to speak to Lucia.” Zane suggested. “I’m not giving any credence to what she claims, but she may know something.”
“About what?”
“I’ll explain when we’re alone.”
Zane’s explanation was no explanation at all. Rogue felt like he’d stepped through the looking glass. The Twilight Zone seemed a friendlier place than his world did at the moment. He looked back toward the table where Elijah sat with Lucia. They seemed to be deep in conversation. Reluctantly, he moved toward them. His partner was dressed in his usual attire–jeans, a western shirt and a blue jean jacket. Boots and hat went without saying. His eyes wandered to the woman. She was a pretty little thing, he supposed. Hell, Rogue was so in love with Kit, he could barely give this woman a passing glance. She’d been instrumental in hurting the woman he loved and that wasn’t something he could forgive easily.
Stepping over to the table where his best friend sat talking with the stranger, Zane spoke evenly. “Lucia, Miss Cordova, would you mind coming with us so we can work some of this out?”
“My name is Lucia Walker,” she cut Rogue a hurtful glance. “Yes. I will speak with you, but I request some time alone with my husband first.”
Rogue was about to flat out refuse. Before he could, Elijah stood, took him by the arm. “Walk with me a second.” There was hardly anyone else in the establishment at this hour, and none that were paying them much attention.
“What?”
His tone was sharp, but Elijah didn’t react. He realized that Rogue’s ire was not directed at him, it was just the situation. “I’ve been talking to her.” Placing his hands on his hips, Eli shook his head. “I’ll eat my Stetson if that woman has an ulterior motive. She’s got some story.”
“I’m not interested in her story right now.” Rogue didn’t think he was being unreasonable.
Raising his hand, Eli nodded. “I know. It’s possible, however, that she’s just as much of a victim as you are.”
Rogue opened his mouth, started to say something, then closed it. He glanced back at where his lawyer talked to Lucia Cordova. “All right. I’ll listen.”
“Good, because something big is going on, and I don’t think this woman has the technological know-how or the wherewithal to do it.”
“What do you mean?” Rogue asked, but Zane interrupted them.
“Let’s speak to the manager and see if we can get Lucia time off so we can get to the bottom of this.”
“Good idea.” Together they went to the saloon manager’s small office. Rogue had met him a couple of times. He was a bearded middle-aged man with a beer gut. His redeeming quality was a jovial attitude and a ready smile.
“What can I do for you, Mr. Walker?” He threw back his head and laughed. “I’m not sure which one you are, but I do know you are a Walker.”
Zane smirked. “And you used to think you were special.”
Rogue ignored his smart-ass lawyer. “We have some business with your employee, Mrs.…uh Walker. Could we arrange for her to have a bit of time off to take care of some legal affairs?” He put his hand over his wallet. “I’d be glad to cover any loss you might incur.”
Kit & Rogue (The Sons of Dusty Walker) Page 7