Fortune's Flames Page 27

  “Why have you changed your mind about Eric?” “I dislike Eric James immensely, so I let that color my judgment and interfere with my reasoning. After Maren’s attack, I put aside my feelings and tried to see this matter clearly. If Samuel Lewis is working with Eric as we suspect, he would have found a way to forge a partnership deed in order to fool Maren; he’s a lawyer. Then when the real partner showed up, if he ever did, Eric would have gotten rid of him and taken his share. I think you’re the target, not Maren. Who could get past you to harm her, or get to Lady Luck with you as her partner? Surely you realize these troubles began after your arrival. Maybe her kidnapping was intended to make you think they’re after her. The more I’ve thought about this situation, the more I think Eric wants her to have this place, if only to keep her from questioning his other deals or trying to reclaim her father’s holdings.”

  “I still think Eric James is behind this trouble, but I’m willing to check out the possibilities that someone else is responsible for it. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open.”

  “I’ll let you know anything I learn and I’m sure you’ll do the same for me.”

  “I appreciate your help, Dan, especially your rescue of Maren.”

  Dan watched Jared leave the poker table in the front room and walk into the kitchen. Since the door was open, he could see the way Jared Morgan looked at Maren James. He turned from the enamored couple and lovingly gazed about the room he was in. This place had been his home, his work, his life, and his love until Maren had returned. What would happen if Eric James took control of it? Would the devious James keep his word?

  “Ready to eat, Dan?” Mary asked from the doorway.

  After dinner was consumed and the table was cleared, the men enjoyed a mellow port while the women washed the dishes and refreshed themselves. At eight o’clock, Dan asked Mary to take a walk with him. He guided her down the street and into his small apartment, where he lit only two candles so the room would be dim while he saw to the task he dreaded: deceiving this good woman into unknowingly assisting him in his scheme. But he had to make certain that he did not fall under Jared’s suspicion.

  Dan sat down on the small sofa by Mary and placed an arm around her. He needed to make Mary trust him implicitly. “You know I moved out of Lady Luck because of you, not Maren,” he lied.

  “Why?” Mary asked in surprise.

  Dan looked into her blue eyes and said, “We’ve been living there together for years, but I never thought you’d noticed me until lately. When I saw you watching me like I was watching you, I was afraid I would act badly if I stayed there.”

  “Badly? In what way, Dan?”

  “Like this, Mary,” he answered and fondled her breasts as he kissed her. Keeping his eyes closed to avoid seeing the woman he was duping, he said, “I’ve been aching to make love to you. I was afraid I’d show my feelings in front of Maren and Jared and they’d think something improper had been going on between us during our years at Lady Luck.”

  Mary was succumbing to Dan’s good looks and his seduction. She had been many years without a man. “They couldn’t say anything, Dan, because they’re just as guilty.”

  Dan suckled at her ear lobe, sending fires of passion through her body.

  “What do you mean?” he asked.

  “I think they’ve been… spending the nights together,” she revealed, trembling with desire and hoping Dan would continue his pursuit of her.

  “Are you sure?” Dan asked as he drove her wild with caresses and kisses. After Mary related what had happened the night the squirrels had gotten into the gambling house, Dan’s approaches became bolder. A half-ownership of Lady Luck was at stake, as was his home, his only love, his very life. He had to win over this woman, and it was going to be easier than he had imagined because she was igniting his passions now.

  “Would you yield to me, Mary?” he asked huskily.

  “Yes, Dan, yes,” she replied breathlessly. She allowed him to lead her into his small bedroom, to undress her, and take her to his bed.

  But as he caressed her, Dan’s mind wandered. He was furious with Howard Heath for overstepping his authority. Eric had left Dan in charge, not Lewis or Heath. He considered getting rid of Heath; after all, the gambler had disposed of Evelyn Sims. Following the attack on Maren, he had berated Heath for doing such a stupid thing, and he would do the same with Lewis when the lawyer returned. He was glad that he had discovered their plot and had made himself appear a hero to Maren and the others—Eric would kill all of them if anything happened to Maren—but he regretted that it was not Jared who had been tripped on the stairs as Heath and Evelyn had planned. Still, Evelyn should have known a woman’s foot from a man’s, he thought. Now that Jared was having the locks changed on the following day, he couldn’t chance arranging another accident inside Lady Luck for only four people would have keys to the new locks.

  And Jared was clever. It would not be easy to outwit him. He must get him relaxed, catch him off guard. Then he could take care of Maren’s partner before Eric returned or Jared left. He hated to kill Jared Morgan, but he saw no other way to protect himself and to get his share of Lady Luck. Eric would never satisfy his greed, and when it came to Lady Luck, Dan was just as greedy. Perhaps after Jared’s death, Maren, in her grief, would marry him. Then he could control Lady Luck without having to harm Cameron’s daughter. That plan set easier on his conscience. Yes, it was better to get Lady Luck by marrying Maren and then killing Eric James.

  Maren snuggled into Jared’s arms. “I don’t think they’re back yet. I wonder what’s keeping them. Do you think they’re all right? I mean, our enemies wouldn’t harm them to punish us, would they?”

  “How do you know you didn’t miss the sound of those bells while I had you distracted, woman?” Jared had mounted warning bells which could be lowered over all exterior doors at night so no one could enter without making them ring, and the bells had not sounded since Mary and Dan had left. “Maybe they went to Dan’s place to be alone? You’ve seen how they look at each other and how much time they spend together.”

  “I know, and I find it incredible. They’ve lived here for years, but their romance didn’t start until Dan moved out. Still, I’m happy for them. They’ve been at Lady Luck for as long as I remember; they both love it.”

  Jared started to ask her a question about Mary, but Maren rolled atop him and covered his mouth with hers. As she caressed him, she commanded, “Forget about everyone but me tonight.”

  Jared grinned into her face, which was lit by golden candlelight. The suspicion did not quite form in his keen mind because it seemed so absurd and because his wife was blissfully tormenting him.

  Lilibeth Payne arrived on Monday afternoon. She squealed with excitement and then hugged Maren tightly while Jared carried her bag to Maren’s room. She would stay with Maren at least one night, possibly two. As she and Maren walked through the elegant gaming rooms and then headed upstairs, she eyed the sumptuous furnishings.

  “It’s wonderful, Maren, absolutely splendid and wicked. Papa may come into town this week, so I’m registered at the hotel. If he caught me here, he’d flay the hide from my beautiful back, but I can’t resist spending at least a night with you. You’ll help me trick him, won’t you?”

  “Of course I will,” Maren replied, although she dreaded being separated from her husband, even for that long.

  As the two young women sat on Maren’s sofa, Beth coaxed, “Tell me all about that handsome privateer across the hall. Have you hooked him yet?”

  “Let’s just say he doesn’t see anyone else. But he’ll have to leave soon, and I miss him already. Have you heard from Bart lately?”

  “Nothing. I don’t want to talk about him; it only makes me worry. You know me, Maren; when I worry, I’m awful to be around. Let’s go shopping this afternoon.”

  “I can’t,” Maren told her; then she told Beth about the accident on the stairs and the attack at the warehouse. “Jared thinks someone is trying to hurt me,
so he’s ordered me to stay inside for a while.”

  “Whoever would want to harm my dearest friend?”

  “We don’t know. We think someone wants to drive me out of Lady Luck. It sounds crazy, but it’s been frightening. Don’t tell anyone.”

  “Why haven’t you notified the authorites? Let them investigate.”

  “It isn’t that simple, Beth. They can’t do much. Jared and Dan are keeping an eye on me.”

  “But you’re in danger, Maren.”

  “Including the two guards, four men are watching over me.”

  “Day and night?” Beth giggled.

  “You’re incorrigible, Lilibeth Payne.”

  “I’m not to blame for that. God and Nature made me this way.”

  “Whatever shall I do with…” Maren halted when someone knocked on her door. She went to answer it, and found Jared standing before her.

  “May I speak with you privately for a moment, Maren?” he asked.

  Maren turned to her petite friend and said playfully, “Make yourself comfortable, Miss Payne. I’ll return shortly; business calls.”

  Jared led her to his room and, after closing the door, told her that Kip had brought another message from his contact at Barataria. “Most of the pirate ships of any size and speed are anchored near Grand Isle so it’s the perfect time for me to try to convince the pirates to aid America. Two of the most feared or revered captains, depending on how you choose to view them, will be there.” Jared chuckled. “The Water Snake and Jean Lafitte. The Water Snake is taking me to them, under his protection. If I can persuade the other captains to join our cause, we would have enough ships to wreak havoc on the Brits. We’re vastly outnumbered by the Royal Navy; we need these ships, Maren. I’m offering the pirates a pardon and a chance to join the American Navy.”

  “Can you trust this Water Snake? I’ve heard terrible things about him. Suppose he intends to trick you and turn you over to the British?”

  Jared laughed. “We buy our wine shipments from him, my love, and he helped me at Mobile Bay. He’s got a ship I envy and a totally loyal crew. He has already agreed to join me, and he’s the best man to persuade the others to unite with us, especially Lafitte. I trust him. If you’re ever in trouble, ask for René Blanc. Only his most trusted friends know his real name.”

  “If you talk the pirates into joining you, your missions here will be over, won’t they?” Maren asked reluctantly. “You’ll be leaving.”

  He embraced her and held her close. “You forget, love, checking on Eric is one of my missions, and he hasn’t returned yet.”

  Maren’s arms encircled him as she asked, “How long will you wait for my cousin before you go in search of him?”

  “I’m the absentminded one,” he jested. “I’m always forgetting how quick and clever you are. You’re right, Mrs. Morgan. At most I can spend only four to six weeks here.”

  “That means you’re supposed to leave at the end of this month or during the early part of August. Why didn’t you tell me you had such a schedule?”

  “And make us both miserable? I didn’t want you to feel rushed, Maren. I wanted you to enjoy our short time together. I’ll never forsake you, woman.”

  “I know, Jared. But that means we have only a couple of weeks.”

  “Better to have a few weeks together than no time at all.”

  “You’re right. I should be grateful for even a day with you, and I am. I love you, Jared, and I know you will do what you must to end this war soon.”

  They hugged and kissed, then Maren asked, “How will you find the pirates’ stronghold? There are hundreds of waterways through those bayous. They’re filled with snakes and alligators and quicksand and smugglers. People go into them and are never seen again.”

  “Fret not, little woman; Kip’s going with me, and René is sending someone to take us there and bring us back. This is the notorious Captain Hawk you’re looking at. Who would challenge a legend like me?”

  “A fool who envies you and wants the honor of placing your sword in his sheath. You and Kip will be armed, won’t you?”

  “Naturally. I’d be naked without my cutlass and pistol. Remember your promise, love; tell no one about our marriage. I put the license and the deeds in the bank box where they’ll be safe. The key to it is hanging on a nail just inside the hidden cabinet, to the left.”

  “How long will this meeting take?”

  “I hope it will be resolved tonight, but I can’t rush them.”

  “I know, but surely no war conference lasts more than two days. If you’re still gone Wednesday night, I’m coming after you.”

  “Do you know your way through the bayous, my mischievous vixen?”

  “No, but I’ll find someone who does.”

  “You and Beth have fun, and be careful.”

  “I will.”

  He kissed her once more before he departed; then Maren rejoined Beth. The two women talked all afternoon, but Maren kept her promise to Jared and did not reveal her married state.

  That night, until someone was ready to use one of the “guest rooms,” Maren let Beth spy on the downstairs activities from behind the drapery on the stairway landing.

  And that night the Lady Luck manager began to work on making Mary distrust Jared so she would plant seeds of doubt in Maren’s mind. He did this by asking cunningly worded questions and by murmuring about how suspicious the accidents were, especially in timing. He mentioned how lucky it was for the villains that Jared had not been around to help Maren, and he cleverly pointed out what Jared had to gain if Maren was killed. When the woman asked Dan if he suspected that Jared was involved, Dan looked skeptical and replied, “They’re supposed to be in love, so why would Jared Morgan try to harm her? No one should suspect a man like him of treachery and greed.”

  The next afternoon, Maren allowed Beth to persuade her to take a walk to get some fresh air and exercise. As they strolled across the street before Lady Luck, chatting happily, a carriage bolted down the street and nearly ran over Maren, who had lagged behind to lower her parsol. Knocked aside by the terrified horse, she landed hard and was dazed. Beth screamed, but the carriage continued headlong down the street until it vanished. Rushing to Maren’s side, she then helped her friend to rise. Since Maren’s ankle hurt when she put pressure on it, Beth assisted her to the sidewalk before rushing over to Lady Luck.

  Within moments, Dan was lifting Maren. He carried her home, and then he and Mary chided the young woman for leaving the house.

  “It was an accident, Dan, a runaway carriage.”

  “Accident, my foot,” Mary argued. “Something like this happens every time Jared is out of sight. You must stay home when he isn’t around,” she warned.

  Maren glanced at the housekeeper and wondered what she was implying. “I’ll be fine,” she said.

  “I’m so worried about you, Miss Maren. These accidents scare me.”

  “This was a real one. Ask Beth.”

  Beth’s face was pale and she was shaky. “I’m not convinced it was, Maren. It looked to me like the horse was being raced wildly.”

  “That’s silly. How could anyone know when you and I would take a walk? And who would risk being seen in daylight?” she reasoned.

  “Someone lying in wait for you,” Dan replied. “We can’t be too cautious. Please, stay home.”

  “Where are Ned and Harry?” Maren asked.

  “They’re in the stable,” Mary responded. “I asked them to feed the horses because the stableman is sick today.”

  “Perfect timing, just like always,” Dan remarked. He knew who was responsible for this new attack, and it riled him. Howard Heath had to be dealt with quickly, before he ruined everything!

  The following afternoon, Dan went to Maren’s room. “Good news,” he said. “Howard Heath fell off his horse and broke his neck. He’s dead. He won’t trouble us again, but we can’t let up on our precautions, Maren; there are probably more of them.”

  “Darn it, Dan! I’m t
ired of living like this. I don’t want to be a prisoner in my own home, living every minute on alert. What can we do? What if we have a little talk with Samuel Lewis and scare him?”

  “Jared would be furious if we went against his orders. Wait until he returns and then we’ll discuss this new strategy with him. I’m going to check with the neighbors to see if anybody noticed anything suspicious. Ned and Harry are guarding the place. Stay put, all right?”

  “If you insist,” Maren reluctantly agreed. After Dan left, she paced the room on her sore ankle. The situation was vexing her. Beth had left that morning, and she needed to talk with someone. She went downstairs to see Mary.

  When Maren sat down at the kitchen table, Mary joined her, then asked, “What are we going to do, Miss Maren?”

  “I don’t know, but we have to do something soon. These incidents are driving me crazy. I wish Jared were here.”

  “Do you think,” Mary began hesitantly, “there’s a reason why these accidents only happen when he’s gone?”

  “What do you mean?” Maren asked.

  “I’m not certain, but I think it’s mighty strange he’s never around when you’re in danger. Ned and Harry never see anyone watching the place, so how does this villain know when to strike?”