Chase The Wind Read online

  Beth didn’t realize her green eyes were misty and her voice husky with emotion. “Sometimes I would watch him presenting cases in court or working on papers at his desk or interacting with people, and I’d be awed by his intelligence, charm, and self-confidence. Then, Mama was taken away. Even though Agency work rescued him, he never revived fully to the great man he had been. Until the day he died, I sensed his loneliness. Fate can be cruel; he didn’t deserve to be left alone at a young age or to have half of his heart cut out.”

  Navarro empathized with John’s similar tragedy, and with Beth’s. Although her poignant words rode too close to where he lived, he didn’t stop her because he was learning so much about her.

  Feeling uncomfortable, she rushed on. “My older sister, Caroline, took over the house and my mother’s role with me and Robert.”

  When she paused, he coaxed, “Tell me about your brother, sister, and kin in Denver.” A family, something he’d missed during childhood and would go on missing until death.

  “Robert’s married, with five little ones. He’s a doctor and has a practice there. Caroline and her husband have three kids, and they own a hotel and restaurant. After they settled down, I kept house for Papa. When he was away on missions, I had plenty of free time, so I helped my brother and sister with their children and work. That allowed me to meet all kinds of people from countless places. But something was missing. I felt as if my destiny was elsewhere. It was as if somebody was calling out to me.”

  “What did that voice say to you?”

  “I suppose it sounds silly. ‘Come, Beth, ride with the wind and you’ll find what you’re seeking.’ Those were the words. I wanted to obey, but I didn’t know where or how to look for the caller. Weird and foolish, yes?”

  “Nope. I talk to myself, too. So you married instead of leaving Denver?”

  “Papa brought Steven home after a joint assignment. At nineteen, I was considered a spinster by most people’s rules, so everyone was delighted to see me with a young man. Steven and I became friends quickly and easily. During visits between cases, he’d relate inspiring tales about his missions. He taught me all types of skills and tricks. His love for his job, going to so many places, meeting new challenges, doing important things—it was all contagious. Papa had already whet my appetite, so Steven increased my hunger. I wanted to experience that same magic, that surge of excitement, that thrill of victory. I’m sure you know what I mean. Every time he and Papa returned, they’d give me details about how they’d planned and carried out their last assignment and what was in store during the next one. By then, they were working and traveling together most of the time,” she explained.

  “How did you convince them to let you tag along?”

  “A case came up where Steven needed a female cover and none was available; back then, the Agency employed few women. I asked him to hire me, and he thought it was a good idea because the case was supposed to be simple, fast, and peril-free. But Steven and Papa were old-fashioned; neither believed we should travel as a couple without the respectable bonds of wedlock, and I agreed. We were married the next day and took off as a team. I was twenty-one and no longer a spinster, so Caroline was relieved on that point but worried about me hitting the trail to hunt down criminals.”

  So, your marriage began as a work partnership, a way to get what you wanted…Did you stay only friends since you didn’t have children in six years together? “I take it that first case was neither quick nor easy nor safe?”

  Beth wondered why he looked and sounded odd after her last few sentences. No doubt—as with most males—he assumed a woman’s, a wife’s, place was at home, definitely not on the road. “You’re right, but we did fine; I did well enough to get myself officially hired,” she finally responded. “From day one, Steven and I had a special rapport. We’d known each other and been close long enough that we were like hands on the same person, if that makes sense. Some people think it’s monotonous when two people are so alike, but we were too busy and happy to get bored with each other or our unusual existence. We saved each other’s lives several times. When danger struck or an assignment got tricky, Steven usually knew what to do, so I learned plenty from him. You’re the first agent I’ve met who has skills greater than his, according to Dan; that’s why I’m so eager to work with you.”

  Navarro wanted attention to stay focused on her, so he smiled his gratitude and asked, “I suppose you made plans about what to do and where to live if a baby came along? A child can change everything.”

  “It would have, but fortunately it didn’t.” She dropped that heart-searing topic in a hurry. “After Papa and Steven were killed, I wanted to stay on the move. I loved my work and having new adventures; it was in my blood. I also needed to continue for the same reason Papa had to leave home after Mama’s death. I didn’t want the time to grieve and suffer; that changes nothing; only makes one bitter and self-defeating. Steven was gone and I couldn’t get him back, so I had to accept it and get on with my life.” Except for one remaining link to be broken…She hated the thought that her husband’s and father’s murderer was still free while she and her family endured their losses. Somehow and some way, she had to find and punish that villain. She had a gut feeling she’d locate him during this assignment. No matter if she had to grovel to Navarro to stay on this case, she would. If he tried to push her offit, he’d have a battle on his hands!

  Navarro didn’t believe her last claim was accurate, though he didn’t think she was lying, just misleading herself. Her voice had danced with joy when she’d spoken of her husband and good memories. Then, anguish and bitterness and anger had taken control of her. He concluded Dan was right: she still loved Steven and wasn’t over his loss. He understood her feelings and loyalty, but she was too young and beautiful to spend her life alone and in torment and danger. “What about a second marriage?”

  Afraid I’ll cast my eye on you? This should halt your fears. “I haven’t looked for another husband and doubt I will. That kind of loss isn’t an experience one wants to repeat. Besides, I think I’d be bored and restless if I settled down to family life after being on the road so long. Surely that’s something you—as a loner and agent—understand, right?”

  Navarro wasn’t about to lift that hot poker and handle it. “Didn’t your family try to change your mind about not retiring?” He watched her smile.

  “Too many times to count. I’m the baby of the family, so they worry about me. I was always active, getting into any and every thing. While I was growing up, I could hardly sit still for more than ten minutes at a stretch. That made teaching me hard for my parents and tutors. You’re lucky I’ve calmed down and learned self-discipline. Mama and Papa insisted I take piano, dance, etiquette, French, and other school lessons to help me be ‘a well-rounded lady.’ We were a close, tight, loving family. But I was a handful. Sometimes they didn’t know what to do with me.”

  Beth laughed. “Robert and his friends used to tease me. He’d yell, ‘Come on, boys, let’s chase the wild wind,’ and I’d be on the run. I always escaped them because they were too scared to climb trees as high as I would and they didn’t know the best places to hide. It was strange that I grew up to marry a wild Wind.”

  Navarro was amused when she compared her husband to that force of nature. Sometimes she looked and sounded as bubbly and free as a mountain stream. She had a depth he hadn’t noticed or explored, and shouldn’t. She’d played with her ring only twice today, when first mentioning Steven and while she talked about that slavery case, so she’d been mostly honest, too.

  “I’m ready and eager to move on,” Beth added. “The case here was too simple and quick to resolve, and my Elizabeth Lawrence identity is too settled and homey, too sedate. I’ll be glad to be myself again, until we reach your friends’ ranch.”

  “I figured Beth’s your real name. Dan called you that in private.”

  “Beth is my name, so it was convenient. She’s a real person and most of that story I used about her is t
rue. But her husband spelled his name S-T-E-P-H-E-N, my husband spelled his S-T-E-V-E-N.”

  “Those are odd coincidences; two Beths marrying two Stevens.”

  “Not really; they’re common names.” Unlike yours that sounds so romantic and mysterious. “One of our agents in St. Louis who worked on that robbery/murder case knew she moved to Boston, did what I said, moved again, and dropped out of sight. Since we couldn’t track her down, we knew no one else could if they tried. Dan had the other agent set up that added part in St. Louis and Boston about Elizabeth’s move to Tucson, those alleged letters to you, and your friendship with her and her husband. If anybody at the ranch or in Tucson checks on me or you or us, his work will corroborate our story. Tomorrow, I’ll be Beth Breed.”

  “I was getting used to your fake name; that isn’t good.”

  “Why?”

  “I could slip up and use it at the wrong time.”

  “But I’m going to the ranch as Elizabeth Lawrence, so it won’t matter if you call me by her name. Remember, you’ll be calling me Beth Breed after tomorrow?” Why, she mused, was he so disturbed and not thinking clearly? After all, their marriage wouldn’t be legal and binding.

  Navarro realized he’d exposed his distraction. It was the result of an unbidden thought darting across his mind: The only woman he had believed he’d share his name with had accepted the one of Cordell before he could give it to her. Get off that lame horse and get afresh mount or you’ll ride into trouble! “What is your real name?”

  “Bethany Trask Wind. Didn’t Dan tell you who I was?” She laughed.

  Wind…Beth Wind…Chase the wind…Beth Breed … “Your last name was never mentioned; neither was your husband’s.”

  She couldn’t understand why he looked and sounded so strange again. “At least not being familiar with it will prevent slips. Don’t worry, Navarro, I’m sure you never make mistakes. I’ve used lots of names and disguises. One of my best was during that slavery assignment. I had to paint my face with that garish color those dancehall girls use. No one saw me without it because I put it on first thing in the morning and took it off last thing at night. I lived alone, so my privacy was protected. I was called Sunshine Nellie because of my hair. I was hired to dance with customers to keep them thirsty for countless drinks.” And get them aroused to the point of needing to visit that bastard’s brothel of bondage. “I even did a little singing and dancing on stage; that was kind of interesting and amusing. Heavens, my feet ached every night when I went to bed. Too bad all those customers couldn’t dance like you; they were all over my toes, and trying to hold me too tight and close, and breathing their stench in my face. It’s nice to be around a gentleman who practices cleanliness and manners.”

  “Thanks. Why did they—Somebody’s coming. I’ll check it out,” he said as he stood, and forgot to ask about her Red Palace nickname.

  Beth watched as, with fingers grazing the butt of his pistol and body ready to spring into action, Navarro moved forward to peer beyond the thick vegetation sheltering them from view. She followed and observed. He eyed the approach of visitors, then visibly untensed his muscles and jawline. Though trained and experienced in being watchful and perceptive she had not heard the carriage coming before he did. Perhaps she’d been too disarmed by him and had felt safe enough in his care to suspend her constant guard.

  “It looks as if the sweethearts want to use this beautiful location for romancing. You ready to leave, Navarro, and give them privacy? We have to speak with the preacher, see Mr. Harrison about quitting my job, and tell the Carters they need to find another tenant to rent their house. We talked so long that we don’t have much time to finalize our plans; we should hurry. We must be ready to leave Monday, if I’m still your partner.”

  “You are, so stop worrying.”

  As they headed back to prepare for departure, she remarked, “For a time there, I wasn’t sure you’d accept me.”

  “I had doubts, but you’ve convinced me to give you a chance.”

  Despite his words, she sensed continued reluctance. Once they were away from Tucson and the role she had to play there, she’d remove his uncertainties.

  “After we make those visits, you pack while I buy our supplies.”

  “I’m not taking much. I’ll ask the Carters to store most of my things until I send for them later. I won’t need my town wardrobe on the trail.”

  “I’m glad you know how to travel light.” Leastwise, I hope you do.

  “Any quick last questions, suggestions, or orders, boss?”

  The carriage was almost within sight, so time was limited. Navarro knew that suspicions at the ranch about their claims could endanger his loved ones, something he had to prevent. “Maybe asking the real question will help you be more convincing later when you talk woman to woman with Jessie. Will you marry me, Beth?”

  She was enflamed by his sexy grin and husky tone. “Yes, Navarro, I will; and thank you for proposing.”

  He made a playful bow and joked, “Thanks for accepting. I would have felt kicked in the teeth if my request was rejected.”

  Beth looked up from her kneeling position where she was loading the basket in a rush. As she replaced the last item, she laughed and quipped, “I can’t imagine any woman doing that to you in a real situation.”

  Navarro folded the quilt after she stepped off it. “Kick me in the teeth or refuse my offer?” he queried.

  “Either, but I was referring to a proposal. A man as smart as you are wouldn’t make one unless he was sure it would be accepted. That’s the only reason you’re still unmarried.”

  You’re wrong, Beth. “You’re a keen-witted woman, partner. Let me put this in the back and we’ll be ready to be generous to those two.”

  The driver of the buggy reined in when he saw them. Navarro waved him forward as he yelled, “You can take over here; we’re leaving.”

  The young man grinned. “Thanks, Mister, Mrs. Lawrence. This is the prettiest spot near town. It’s quiet, so we can talk.”

  Navarro smiled and said, “I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.”

  Both young people blushed and stayed quiet.

  Enroute, Navarro remarked. “You must know everybody in town.”

  “Hardly. That was Mr. Harrison’s oldest son and his treasure.”

  Navarro cocked his head to look at her. “Is that what a woman’s supposed to be to a man?” He realized she had made an embarrassing slip.

  Beth wished she hadn’t used that endearment of Steven’s for her. “I’ll let you answer that question for yourself when you fall in love one day.”

  He faked skepticism and amusement. “That means it will go unanswered.”

  “Even loners get tired of being alone forever, don’t they?”

  “Do you?”

  “Sometimes, but not enough to act on it.”

  “Same here. Men like me don’t stay put in the same place long enough to find the kind of woman we can love and marry. In the other pocket, a man with dust in his boots and blood shouldn’t have a family he’s always leaving behind to fend for themselves. When he’s gone, another man usually takes his place, somebody who’s dependable and always pouring love and attention on them. Can’t blame a woman and little ones for wanting more than our kind can give them.” To dupe her, he alleged, “Seen it happen too many times. The men stayed gone too much or too long, so when they returned, everything was lost.”

  You don’t fool me, Navarro Breed. Somewhere and somehow in the past, a woman you loved broke your heart. Maybe you’re still haunted by her. Maybe I can help free you. Maybe I can teach you to trust women again. In exchange, you can teach me things you know so I’ll be better at my job. If I get good enough, I can track down Steven’s killer. I owe him justice.

  Navarro nudged Beth’s arm. “Did you fall asleep with your eyes open? Did I tire you out or bore you too much?”

  She collected her lost poise. “No, I was just thinking.”

  “About what?”


  “About what you said. I believe, if you met the right woman, she’d never betray you or desert you, even if you stayed gone too much to suit her. She’d understand you have to do what you have to do. What you can do when the right one comes along is either shake that dust from your boots or fill hers up with the same kind.”

  Like I couldn’t do with Jessie? “Like Steven did with you?”

  “Yes. If the timing and person are right, that strategy works.”

  Navarro wondered if she was always so bold and outspoken; or if she was playing a questing game with him. Surely he wasn’t the reason for that tormented look. “Putting dust in her boots wouldn’t matter if there’s a family at home to keep her there. Face the truth, partner, not many females want to eat and breathe dust and suffer all kinds of hardships and punishing weather.”

  Beth laughed merrily to cover her tension. “You mean, it takes his perfect match to love and endure the same things he does; but few sane men want to marry a flighty, independent vixen?”

  “From what I’ve seen and you’ve told me, you’re as much of a loner as I am.”

  “But I haven’t been one for life, as you have. Besides, it’s not as if I’m a drifter or saddletramp. I travel doing important work. I’m rarely by myself. I’ve never avoided people or friendships with them. I trust and like most folks I meet. I’m not hiding from life or myself. The only relationships I avoid are with men; that’s the best self-protection I’ve found.”

  “Protection from what?”

  “The obvious: being hurt again. I lost my mother, father, my husband; those are hard things to get over, if one ever does. Time is supposed to heal such injuries and dull painful memories; it doesn’t, or it works too slowly. If you’d ever lost someone you loved and needed, you’d understand.”