Golden Torment Page 6

  Hopelessly attracted to her seductive innocence and enchanted by her ravishing beauty and gentleness, Landis couldn’t take his eyes off of her. He unknowingly captured the hand which had boldly touched his lips and had sent sparks throughout his entire body; he placed a warm, moist kiss in the palm of her hand, keenly aware of the tremors which his action inspired within her. Forgetting all reality, he was about to lean forward and kiss her again, really kiss her this time!

  Loud talk and jovial laughter from outside broke the powerful spell between them. Alarmed by her uncontrollable behavior and his potent hold over her, Kathy fled to a safe distance just before Harriet’s return. Landis’s molten eyes remained on her slender back and tawny head for a long time, unsettled by her effect on him. No female had ever bewitched him like this; she had a powerful magic which was dangerous to an unsuspecting man who loved his freedom as much as his life! He had positively pegged her right: a golden dream which couldn’t be permitted in his carefree and perilous life was definitely a golden torment! He cautioned himself against staking a claim on this golden treasure, unaware she was already invading his life.

  The congenial lumberjacks poured into the tent, stopping abruptly and bumping into each other in their shared astonishment. The tent was clean; delectable odors filled the air. Two lovely females were poised at the cook stove. The booming voice of Moore invaded the cozy atmosphere, “Surprise, men! Home cooking from now on! This here’s Mrs. Harriet Pullen and Miss Kathryn Hammond. Let’s get something clear right now; these are ladies, not saloon girls. I demand each of you treat them with respect and kindness. The first man who disobeys this order is fired. If that’s clear, let’s chow down.”

  Moore pushed his way through the cheerful group and took his seat at the back table, nearest the stove. The others quickly took their seats. Kathy and Harriet served the delicious fare, topping it off with apple pie. The men were so pleased by the excellent food and service, the clean tent, and the two lovely ladies responsible for them that they behaved respectfully without another word from Moore. They laughed at tall tales and chatted about their day’s work in the nearby mountains. It was arduous labor under difficult conditions, but they obviously loved it. One thing for sure, the sourdoughs didn’t fool around with these burly lumbermen.

  Compliments and laughter flowed as freely as the steaming black coffee. The men seemed reluctant to leave this pleasant atmosphere after finishing their pie, dessert which had delighted them and had disappeared without a trace. As they talked, Moore gave his instructions for the next day’s work, telling the men which groups to form and which treeline to work.

  It was Moore to the rescue. He called out, “Men, I know we’re savoring every minute of this great food, warm tent, and nice company; but our two cooks have endured a very busy day. I think we should leave now and let them wash up and get to bed. This clean tent and tasty food were a lot of work in only a few hours’ time. What about a show of appreciation?” He began to clap.

  Landis stood up, nimbly stretching and yawning: an action which drew Kathy’s eyes to his virile physique and arresting face. He grinned and winked at her as he followed Moore’s lead. She flushed and looked away. The entire group came to their feet and greeted the two women with roaring applause. When it finally ceased, Harriet thanked them with misty eyes and a radiant smile, then Kathy added her appreciation. To the women’s surprise, most of the men wiped their plates and put them in the wash basin. When the tent was emptied of all men except Moore and Jurrell, they also noticed how tidy the tables and floors were. They exchanged smiles.

  Kathy remarked, “You were right, Mr. Moore; clean inspires clean. That should teach us to keep things in order to lessen our work.”

  Harriet laughed merrily and agreed. As Harriet filled the dish basin with hot water, Kathy busied herself wiping off the tables and benches. She collected the metal salt and pepper dispensers and returned them to their waterproof tin. She took the brush broom to sweep away the few scraps of dropped food. The only thing left to save was three biscuits. Moore stepped up to compliment them on their wisdom and planning, “That was the best meal I’ve ever eaten, Mrs. Pullen. You prepared plenty, but wasted nothing. I made a very wise choice in cooks. You two worked hard this afternoon; this place’s never been cleaner. As for that apple pie, where’d it come from?”

  “I found some dried apples in the supply tent. I hope it was all right to use them?” she asked.

  “You’re the boss now. You can use anything there, ma’am.”

  “I’ll save the leftover biscuits to make bread pudding later this week. I don’t believe in throwing away good food. You’re a fine man to work for, sir; thank you.”

  “I tell you what, Mrs. Pullen; if you learn how to check over the supplies and how to order them yourself, I’ll pay you three extra dollars a month. As for the other chores mentioned this afternoon, the cooking comes first. If you have the time and energy, you can do whatever you please on your own time. You can also set your own prices for extra tasks. Just don’t get too tired doing them,” he teased. “I like this homey touch; you two give my place an air of respect and warmth.” They talked on about Skagway and its lumber trade.

  Landis spoke to Kathy as she was sweeping the trash outside. “Will you be all right in that supply tent?” he asked in an odd tone.

  “Since there isn’t a hotel or boarding house in this town, it’ll have to do. What good is money when there’s nothing to spend it on? There isn’t a tent or cabin to purchase,” she sadly replied. “I can’t believe this place. I’ve never seen any area so lacking or so savage. Under the circumstances, I suppose I should be grateful for the loan of the supply tent.” Yet, she craved Landis’s protective arms and presence. How was it possible to feel this way about someone she’d just met?

  “If you do have money with you, Kathy, you’d best keep that news to yourself and hide the money safely. There’s great hunger and desperation living right out there on that beach. Maybe it would be wise to let Moore keep it for you. He’s about the most honest man I’ve met. I know you’re exhausted, but I wanted to say how good it is to have you and Mrs. Pullen here with us. It isn’t much of a town yet, but it will be. Moore’s crew is cutting timber for cabins and buildings. With luck, you’ll have your boarding house within two or three months.”

  “I’ll definitely be gone in two months,” she declared confidently.

  “Can’t say as I blame you; this isn’t a place for a lady like you. But-I do hope we become good friends before you leave. ’Night, miss,” he murmured hastily and walked off, leaving her staring after him, hoping she hadn’t read the disappointment in his eyes and voice.

  Something vital stormed her whirling mind: her reason for being here in the first place and for leaving before winter. That news had seemed to annoy him in a most pleasing way. She smiled at that delightful speculation, concluding Alaska wasn’t so bad after all.

  “Landis! Wait up a minute. I have something important to ask you.” She covered the distance which his lengthy strides had created.

  She stopped before him, catching her breath for a moment. An inquisitive expression shone brightly within his dark eyes, or was it only the moon’s reflection? Her silvery-yellow light danced on his features, revealing the strong planes and angles of a face filled with strong character and irresistible charm.

  “Yes?” he asked, wanting to reach out and pull her into his arms, fiercely restraining that impulse.

  “What?” she replied in temporary confusion. He so easily stripped away her poise and thoughts that she forgot herself. In truth, she could gaze into his face and eyes for hours on end!

  “You wanted to ask me something important?” he prompted, trying to control his pleased and amused grin. How could a female surrounded by numerous men behave as if she’d never seen one before? She was observing him as if he was some unknown or rare species. A female this beautiful and ravishing could have any man she set her eyes on or her mind to possessing. That reality
goaded him, nettling feelings which gleamed in his eyes and tensed his jawline.

  Misreading his look, she stammered, “Never mind,” and turned to leave. She scolded herself for appearing to chase this vital creature with a disarming way of making her forget he was indeed a stranger!

  Astutely guessing the reason for her change in mood and expression, he gently halted her departure. “Sorry, Kathy; my mind was somewhere else. There’s a nasty problem I’m trying to settle. What did you want to ask?” he coaxed, hoping his explanation had relaxed her enough to reveal what was distressing her.

  She hesitantly faced him once more, deliberating whether or not to speak with him or to trust him. It would be foolish to allow her pride to interfere with her search for her father, so she relented. “I’ve already talked with Mr. Moore and Griff Carter about why I’m in Skagway. They couldn’t help me, but perhaps you can since you live somewhere else,” she began. She inhaled deeply, then slowly released it as she pondered just how much to tell this intrepid creature.

  “How do you know I live somewhere else?” he inquired warily.

  “You told me. At least you gave me that impression. You said you ate at Moore’s tent when you were in Skagway. Why?” she asked, perplexed by his odd reaction to her statement.

  He chuckled merrily to dispel his groundless suspicions. “I was hoping you had been asking about me,” he jested with a roguish grin. Perhaps she was just as distressed by his imminent departure as he was about hers! For certain, she wasn’t a female easily ignored or resisted!

  “I haven’t discussed you with anyone. Why should I?” she asked, chafed by his playful accusation. “I need some information from someone who lives around Dawson, or perhaps Whitehorse,” she hinted. “I have a critical, pressing matter to settle so I can leave here before winter.”

  “Go on,” he entreated.

  “My mother died recently, and I…” Waves of fresh pain and loneliness crashed against her and jolted her in this fatigued state. Tears glimmered in her somber eyes. “Perhaps we should discuss this another time; I’m really very tired,” she murmured in a strained voice, so many conflicting emotions storming her weary mind and body.

  “I’m sorry, Kathy; I didn’t know. Did you just pull up stakes and come here on an impulse?” he asked, attempting to distract her.

  “In a way,” she confessed wretchedly.

  “Now you’re sorry and want to return home?” he concluded aloud.

  “That’s only a minor part of the problem. Besides, I don’t have a home or family. Before my mother died, we were searching for my father. When she became seriously ill, she made me promise to come here and locate him. You see, he’s the only family I have now.”

  She swallowed to clear the lump in her throat before going on with her explanation and request, “You might have met him or heard his name. I must find him, Landis; can you help me?” she beseeched.

  “You mean that’s why you came here alone?” When she nodded yes, he went on, “What’s his name?” Elated by that news, he forced himself to conceal his satisfaction and relief, knowing how grave the situation was for her. So, the only man in her life was a missing father!

  “Jake Hammond,” she responded, eyes filling with new hope, innocently placing her hands on his muscled chest as if to draw comfort from him or to steady her balance.

  Watching those childlike eyes pleading with him, he hated to crush her hopes and dreams, “I’m afraid not, Kathy. But Alaska’s a big territory; just because I don’t know him doesn’t mean he isn’t here somewhere,” he candidly stated, covering her cold hands with his warm ones, wondering if she could detect the rapid thud of his racing heart.

  “I’ve been told that, by Moore and Carter. But Papa said Skagway, here!” she emphatically stressed. “And please don’t say a lot can happen to a man in two years,” she added in dismay.

  He smiled in comprehension and parried, “Then I won’t. What does he look like? Men often change their names after coming here.”

  “Why would anyone deny his rightful identity? That’s absurd,” she innocently reasoned, pulling her hands from beneath his, fearing he might observe her tremors and erratic respiration.

  In a mysterious tone he casually stated, “There are many reasons to lose your name around here. Some of these prospectors and sourdoughs are fleeing the law somewhere else. Others are too ashamed to let their families see them again. Others have deserted their wives and children to follow a golden illusion. Some…”

  She heatedly interrupted him, feeling tense and defensive, “My father isn’t like that! He has nothing to hide! He would never…” Her lips and chin quivered as the truth was painfully mirrored in her misty blue gaze. “Good-night, Mr. Jurrell,” she murmured, needing to be left alone after this new disappointment.

  “If I’m to locate Jake Hammond, I have to know what he looks like, Kathy. He could have a good reason for using another name here. Certain problems and businesses call for secrecy,” Landis hinted, knowing full well how true that statement was!

  “Forget it! I’ll look for him myself,” Kathy fiercely declared, ashamed to confess the whole truth. She was hurting, but she was proud.

  Tears were easing down her cheeks when he pulled her around to face him. “This place is nothing compared with the interior, Kathy; there’s no way you can go looking for him in there. Why not give me his description and I’ll look for him?” he softly demanded. “If he’s still around here, I’ll find him for you.”

  “I can’t,” she miserably replied, touched by his promise.

  “Why not?” he retorted impatiently, unaccustomed to resistance. “I can’t help you without his description.”

  Flustered, she shouted at him, “Because I don’t know! I haven’t seen him since I was two! Satisfied?”

  Enlightenment filled his eyes. “Do you have any idea what he looks like? Something your mother told you? A picture?”

  “He’s supposed to be tall and muscular with blond hair and eyes the color of mine. There weren’t any pictures; Papa took their wedding picture when he left. As far as I know, there hasn’t been any word from him until that letter two years ago from this terrible place. Is that sufficient?” she demanded, wishing she didn’t have to reveal so much about herself to this particular man.

  “That description could fit numerous men, Kathy. But I’ll ask around in Whitehorse, Dawson, and a few other smaller settlements. Is he a miner or fur trapper?” he gently continued his interrogation.

  She coughed to clear her constricted throat and chest. He brushed away her tears. “I don’t know. Mama refused to say much about him after he…walked out on us. She was trying to explain things to me when she died.” Humiliated, she looked away.

  “Do you know why he left home? That might give some hint as what he might be doing here or to his location.”

  She drew in a ragged breath of air. “Until I was thirteen, I was told he was away. When I discovered the truth, she would only say he was a good man. She begged me to forgive him and to find him. I don’t even know why I came here; I hate him! Why should I care?”

  “If that were true, you wouldn’t be here right now. Perhaps your mother was right; maybe he did have good cause to leave home.” Landis tried to comfort the distraught girl who was playing havoc with his concentration and wisdom.

  “Good cause? How could a decent man just pick up his belongings and leave his wife and baby to never return? What kind of a man is he? Could you do something wicked and cruel like that?” she challenged.

  “Never been married and probably never will be, so I can’t rightly accuse or defend the feelings of a married man. Still, it sounds strange to take your wife’s picture when you abandon her.”

  That disheartening news about himself caught Kathy’s full attention, pulling her thoughts from her own worries. “You never want to marry?”

  He chuckled devilishly. “Marriage isn’t for me. I’m constantly on the move. My life’s full of freedom, excitement, and dange
r. A home and family would demand too much of my time and energy. I’ve got too much to see and do to settle down. Marriage means commitment; and there isn’t any room in my life,” he stated with dismaying finality.

  “Don’t you ever get lonely?” she probed.

  “I would make a terrible husband and an even worse father. I couldn’t be saddled with heavy responsibilities or corralled by wedlock. Those chains give me the shudders! No woman would accept me like I am, and I won’t change. I like myself, and I love my way of life. Why tamper with perfection?” he jested—yet, Kathy sensed he was utterly serious.

  “Surely you get lonesome once in a while?” she disputed, wondering how any female could resist him or wish to change him.

  “Wouldn’t know about such feelings; never had ’em. Been on my own since twelve and plan to stay that way. Loneliness is like love, Kathy, only a foolish state of mind. I have good friends to spend time with when the mood strikes me. Frankly, I’m a loner and I prefer it that way,” he calmly stated opinions which Kathy found disconcerting.

  “You’ve never loved any woman? There’s none of your type around?” she questioned intently, wanting to comprehend this mysterious man.

  Robust laughter came forth. “Love?” He laughed again. “Love is like gold fever, Kathy; it’s for fools and dreamers,” he stated.

  “You’re awfully cynical for a young man,” she reproached him.

  “Young man?” he laughingly refuted her assessment. “I’m thirty-one years old, Kathy. That’s hardly young.”

  “It’s hardly ancient either,” she retorted.

  He laughed mirthfully. “I can see you’re one of those dreamy-eyed romantics. You’re in the right place. When you choose a husband, be smart and pick a rich one,” he teased mischievously, a roguish grin taunting her. “I doubt you’ll remain single long.”