Chase The Wind Page 3

  “That cannot be, Wise One; that glorious day is past. You must walk alone as I do.” He had been tempted to let the shaman go to wander free and happy in the hills until death claimed him; he hadn’t because he knew someone else might find the old man and be cruel or lethal. And, the revered man had been more than willing to go to the reservation, after giving Navarro some parting advice:

  “You not walk alone forever, Tl’ee’ K’us. Woman with hair burning as flaming rocks will walk at your side. Much stands between you this moon; it blow away when you chase the wind.”

  Jessica Cordell had a mane of red hair and he’d never met another flaming-haired woman, so the prophecy had to be about her, as he’d never known Sees-Through-Clouds to be wrong. She was his destiny. Had the “moon” come when the obstacle between them—a husband—would be removed? Was it Matt’s fate to suffer in prison, maybe die, for Navarro to reclaim what seemed his by right of first conquest? Yet, that possibility troubled him. An old Apache saying gusted through his mind: “Wherever the Spirit Wind blows, a brave and cunning warrior must chase it and capture it. If he does so, he will have the powers of nature in his grasp, the powers to be and to have all he desires.”

  Navarro sensed that the days ahead would reveal the many truths he needed for release from his invisible chains, and he wanted peace of mind and heart—something he hadn’t realized until tonight. What he couldn’t surmise was why he felt so solemn and tense about possibly having his dream within reach. But for now, he ordered himself, the only thing he should concentrate on was courting a blackhaired partner named Elizabeth Lawrence. I’ll see you tomorrow, Beth, and don’t give me any trouble.

  Outside Tucson, Daniel Withers, who owned a bank as a cover for his secret work, paced, and pondered his earlier decision. Was it fair or right, Dan mused, to withhold three important facts about Beth and their partnership from Navarro? He’d never deceived either of them and it evoked mixed feelings of guilt and a desire to see his two friends healed of their similar wounds. Both deserved happiness, serenity, and new loves; and, in his opinion, they were perfectly matched. With luck, Dan prayed, it would be too late for Navarro to call off the mission or to resist Beth’s magic when he learned two of those disturbing facts.

  Chapter Two

  “Anything else, dear?” Kate Carter asked Beth.

  “That’s all I need today,” Beth answered. Mrs. Carter took the money she held out to pay for ribbons she didn’t need.

  Kate Carter glanced at the handsome stranger who entered her store, approached the counter in a nimble and confident stride, and halted behind the young widow to await service. She exchanged smiles and nods with him.

  Beth surmised from a heavy sound of boots on the wood floor and length of the steps that the person behind her was a tall man. She readied herself for the impending ruse. When the man made no attempt to speak to her as Mrs. Carter made change and wrapped her purchase, she assumed it wasn’t her new partner. So far, she hadn’t noticed any man who fit the description Dan had given to her last Friday when she went to his bank under the guise of discussing a loan to purchase the house she was renting. Perhaps, the worried agent reasoned as she toyed with her wedding band, her contact had refused the assignment. Or perhaps he was only late for their scheduled meeting. It was also possible he hadn’t reached Tucson yet, and Daniel Withers had no safe way of informing her of the delay. Whatever the reason for his tardiness, she couldn’t stall her departure any longer.

  “Here you go, Beth, and thank you. Come back soon, dear.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Carter, and I’ll see you again next week.”

  When Beth half turned to face the clerk at the cash register to her right, Navarro had moved to the display case as if to examine its contents of knives and pistols, which placed him to his target’s left and in line with her body. As if surprised to hear her name and voice, he lifted his head, looked in her direction, and leaned forward to get a better look at her profile. He feigned an expression of curiosity, then astonishment. “Beth? Elizabeth Lawrence?” As she turned to face him while responding with a “Yes?”, he grinned. “It is you. What are you doing way out here? Where’s Stephen? Blazes, woman, this is a big surprise.”

  Beth did not have to fake a startled reaction to the man whose looks were more than enough to make any female’s eyes widen. This virile creature was to be her partner, her …husband? Dan had described him as tall, with dark hazel eyes, black hair, and a deep tan, but he hadn’t told her Navarro was so handsome. She recovered her poise, and hoped he attributed her reaction to good acting. “Navarro! Whatever are you doing here? The last time Stephen and I saw you, you were heading for Dakota. This is indeed a wonderful surprise. It’s been so long, too long for friends to be out of contact.” She gave him a quick hug and kiss on the cheek as she thought would be natural under the alleged circumstances.

  Navarro returned the embrace and smiled as if he were overjoyed to see her. Quick, smart, and controlled: that’s a relief. He let a tender gaze roam her features as his hands remained clasped to her upper arms. He responded easily to her question. “I’m buying a ranch in San Antonio. I’m heading there as soon as I rest up a few days and resupply. It’ll be good to see Stephen again. We’ve got plenty of catching up to do. Blazes, I’ve missed you two. Let’s go surprise that husband of yours.”

  Beth lowered thick brown lashes, dipped her head, and took a deep breath for the benefit of onlookers. After a moment, she locked a sad gaze to his inquisitive one. “Stephen’s…dead, Navarro. That’s why I moved here, to make a fresh start. I work in the land office down the street and rent a small house on the edge of town.”

  He saw the glow in her green eyes fade. He knew he must show a strong and shocked reaction. “Stephen’s dead? It can’t be true. What happened?”

  As fast as possible, Beth wanted to get beyond that part of the story she was telling. To distract herself from painful memories, she concentrated on her partner, their task, and the real Beth Lawrence’s sad tale. She hadn’t expected Navarro Breed to be…so disarming. His wide, full mouth created a sexy smile. He was several inches over six feet tall, muscular, bronzed skin, and…Were those, she mused, Spanish or Indian features? No one could doubt, or fault her for a whirlwind romance with an arresting man like him.

  As if she’d used those moments of silence to compose herself, Beth nodded and said, “He was killed during a bank robbery soon after you left. At least his death came quickly, so he didn’t suffer. I left St. Louis a few months later and finally settled here after trying living back East for a while.”

  Navarro knew she seemed intrigued by his looks. Since many whites hated Indians and detested half-breeds even more, maybe she did, too. Perhaps Dan hadn’t told her about that. If his half-Indian heritage was going to provoke a rift between them, he’d know soon enough. For now, he had a role to play. “You came this far without protection? Why didn’t you send for me? This wild territory isn’t safe for a woman alone, Elizabeth. You should know better than to take such risks.”

  “It’s no secret to you I don’t have any family, and I didn’t know how to reach you. My letters were returned unclaimed.”

  “That was because I ended up in California. I met a man on the trail after I left you two and he offered me a high-paying job protecting gold shipments. I sent word to you; my letter must have gotten lost, or stolen during a holdup. I’m sorry you had to go through that pain alone. I hope they caught and hung his killer. If not, I have a job to do.”

  “They did. I know it sounds terrible for a lady, but I attended his trial and watched him hang on the gallows. I had to see Stephen avenged, and he was.” As if suddenly aware of her distraction and location, Beth murmured, “Oh, my goodness, where are my manners? Mrs. Carter, this is an old and dear friend of mine, Navarro Breed. He and my husband were like brothers. We’ve been close friends for as long as I can remember.”

  He shook hands with the store owner’s wife. “Pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”
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  Kate sent him a beaming smile. “Same here, son.”

  Beth told the older woman, “I’m sorry we got so carried away. We’re holding up business. Our reunion is…just so unexpected.”

  Kate’s mind was spinning with ideas. “I understand, dear, so think nothing of it. Folks don’t mind waiting for something special like this.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Carter, and we’ll get out of the way so you can help the other customers. Navarro, why don’t we get something to eat at a nearby restaurant so we can have a long talk? We both have a lot of news to share.”

  “Sounds good to me, Beth. I haven’t had a decent meal in weeks. Just let me buy the ammo I came in here for first.” He purchased a box of 44 caliber cartridges. “Before I leave town, ma’am, I’ll be back for trail supplies. See you in a few days.”

  While they were still in earshot of the owner and customers, Navarro said, “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw you standing there.”

  With a merry laugh, Beth responded, “And I can’t believe you’re finally settling down in one place. What inspired this big change?”

  They paused to let a woman and child pass in a barrelcrowded aisle. Navarro took advantage of the delay to continue their ruse. “I’ve roamed around for thirty-seven years riding and ranching for others. I figured it was high time for me to have a ranch and family of my own. Don’t you agree?”

  Moving toward the entrance again, she asked, “You have a family?”

  “Nope, not yet. Haven’t found the perfect wife like Stephen did. I hope I get as lucky in that area as he was.” As Navarro waited for her to exit, he recalled that Dan had told him Beth was beautiful, well bred, smart, and charming: facts he couldn’t argue with so far. Yet, Beth’s looks were unusual. Her facial features were a little larger than the average female’s, but were very appealing. Her black hair was pulled away from her face on the top and sides and secured behind her head with a blue ribbon that matched a lovely but simple day-dress. Those Texas-size eyes were clear and shiny, and her gaze was often bold and full of self-confidence. She seemed every inch a lady, gentle and delicate as a spring flower. He couldn’t imagine this beauty being a trail duster and top agent as Dan swore she was. Surely she couldn’t be of assistance in the face of peril or endure the road’s hardships. If she were captured and questioned by their suspect, he worried, she’d no doubt spill the truth, faint, cry, or beg for mercy faster than a flash flood struck in the desert. Soon, he’d test her skills. If he found them lacking or detrimental to his success, she’d be off the case in the blink of an eye no matter what his superior said. Nothing was more important to him than protecting Jessie, Lane, and her other children while he carried out his crucial mission. When it came to his loved ones’ safety and this assignment, nobody—not even another lawman, or, in this case, lawwoman—should get in his way.

  Kate Carter was filled with excitement as she watched the young couple depart arm-in-arm. She liked Beth and was moved by the young widow’s tragic past. She hoped this reunion would lead to something special. It could, with a little help…

  While no one was nearby, Beth whispered, “We don’t want to provoke gossip about us too soon, so we shouldn’t go straight to my house and you shouldn’t come in tonight; that wouldn’t be proper even for old friends. We’ll eat in town, take a short walk, and part until tomorrow night. Don’t say anything private that might be overheard by the wrong person. Okay?”

  Navarro was amused by her words; it was as if she thought he was a greenhorn and she was the one in charge of their mission.

  As they crossed the street and no one was around, she asked, “What took you so long to arrive and make contact? I was worried.”

  “You were too much on guard. I decided to wait so you’d have no trouble looking surprised. I wasn’t sure how well you could act.”

  Beth noticed a cool and cocky gleam in his deep-set, hooded eyes; it was an expression of resolve to put her in her place behind him to which she took offense. She was assigned to be his partner, not his underling or ornament. “I’ve had plenty of practice in role playing, Mr. Breed, so don’t concern yourself about me not carrying off my part.”

  He caught the sudden chill in her tone and the tensing of her body at his reprimand. But he wanted her to know right away who was boss. Dan should have made their ranks clear to her when they spoke last week. She might have been an equal or leader with her husband, but she had to be a follower with him. “Would you be formal and icy with a close friend, Beth?”

  Vexed, she had to struggle not to frown or glare at him, as someone could witness her odd reaction. According to Dan, this Special Agent was superior to most. He had solved cases no one else could, and alone, and often against larger and stronger numbers. Obviously, Beth concluded, success had made him arrogant. With a safe distance from others for the moment, she murmured, “Pardon the slip, Navarro. I was just surprised that a legendary agent like you would walk into a dangerous case without complete trust in his partner. You won’t have to coddle me or cover for me. I’m well trained and experienced. I can take care of myself and my assignments, with or without a partner’s help. Frankly, I also prefer working alone.”

  Without hesitation, he replied, “And I’m just as surprised a legendary agent like you would make the simple slip of using a wrong name.”

  She saw his hazel eyes darken and glitter as if tiny sparks were ricocheting off of a stone. She kept quiet while passing local residents and visitors at a busy section, as did he. From the corner of her eye, she examined him in a rush: his full mouth above a squared chin with a tiny dip but not quite a cleft, his straight nose with a slight flare at its base, those remarkable eyes, framed by brows that were thick and far apart. Her gaze shifted to his high and prominent cheekbones and a strong jawline with defined hollows between them and his silky hair that was collar grazing and combed away from his thoroughly handsome face. That midnight mane had a natural part just to the right with a section that swayed to the left and across his forehead. His bronzed skin came from more than countless days under the sun, convincing her he had Indian blood. Perhaps resentment about and problems with that mixed heritage were to blame for his antagonistic personality. She stepped off the planked sidewalk to cross the dusty street.

  In dismay, Beth fretted, a battle for power and control so soon? Don’t get off on the wrong foot, woman. Relax him. Cajole him. Do whatever’s necessary to keep peace, short of cowering. No doubt he isn’t pleased to be tied to a female, or he’s afraid I’ll outshine him. For now, let him take the lead as most men think they’re supposed to do. She forced out a smile and said in a pleasant tone, “You’re right. I’ll sharpen my wits and stay at attention so the famous Navarro Breed won’t be disappointed or annoyed to have me for a partner.”

  The sable-haired man heightened his alert because he sensed she was being clever instead of honest and sincere. The way she was twisting her wedding band round and round with the thumb and middle finger of her right hand told him she was agitated. “If you’re as good at your job as Dan says, I won’t be. The street’s getting crowded, so let’s leave private talk for later.”

  She saw him smile, nod, and tip his hat to three ladies they passed along the way. She observed how each of those women eyed her companion with interest and appreciation. So, you do have manners. How about using them with me, too, because we’ll be spending lots of time together?

  “Where we heading?”

  “Mrs. Grandy’s Place has the best food and prices. It’s around the corner, on the right.” Beth wondered if he was familiar with the eating establishment and other things about Tucson, as it was policy that undercover agents who reported to Dan did so during a cloak of darkness and with haste to avoid exposing their territorial superior.

  “Don’t forget,” he murmured as she passed him to enter a single door, “we’re old friends, good friends, so do your best acting.” The glance she sent him said he was irritating her again, and rubbing her the wrong way could
create unneeded trouble. He warned himself to back off a few steps until their rules were in place. As men eyed his companion with admiration, Navarro concluded she disturbed him so much because she was so memorable. Dan should have realized that anyone—everyone—who’d met Beth on a past case wouldn’t forget a rare beauty and spirited creature like her. If she were recognized, their cover and credibility would be destroyed!

  After they were seated and had ordered, the flustered woman tried to gain time to study the perplexing male. Dan had filled her ears with ravings about Navarro’s daring exploits. She coaxed with a smile and asked in a gay tone, “Tell me where you’ve been and what you’ve been doing since Stephen and I last saw you.”

  “Ladies first, and don’t skip anything I should know.”

  If Dan had omitted relating to him any part of her borrowed identity, as her friend had left out news of Navarro’s quicksilver manner, she would correct that mistake pronto. “After you left St. Louis last January, we bought that farm outside of town the very next week. You remember, the one we showed you during your visit?” She paused for him to nod.

  “Repairs and additions were going fine and it was looking lovely. Our first crop was planted. The animals were healthy and growing. Everything seemed wonderful. Until Stephen went to town in late March on business and was shot during a bank robbery.” She didn’t have to fake a sad tone and expression as she related Stephen and Elizabeth Lawrence’s tragic tale because she empathized with the young woman who had lost so much to a vicious crime, as she herself had lost a Steven on almost the same date.

  “The trial and execution kept me distracted and busy for a while. Afterward, things changed fast as reality settled in. I didn’t know many people because we’d been too busy to try to meet them after our move. I felt alone, and the farm was too secluded for a woman by herself. There was so much to do with the crop and animals and property. I knew too little about such things and there wasn’t enough time to learn before making costly mistakes. I couldn’t finish the work on the house and other structures and I couldn’t afford to hire help. Even if I was extremely frugal, without bringing in and selling that crop, I knew our savings would deplete before winter.”