First Love Wild Love Page 7

  She walked to the veranda, promptly aware all three bedrooms opened onto it. As with the front two balconies, it had a waist-high adobe railing for safety. She strolled to each of the three back arches and two side ones to scan the picturesque setting. From her lofty position, she could see a distance in many directions. She leaned over the edge, mildly surprised to see the bottom floor revealed only windows. She did notice two other entrances, one for the kitchen and one she would learn was Salina’s room. She sat in one of the chairs and allowed her placid senses to be engulfed by the splendor of nature before her gaze.

  When Rankin hadn’t returned by evening, Calinda questioned the sullen Salina about him and his return. The girl’s eyes flung daggers at Calinda as Salina informed her Rankin wouldn’t be home until tomorrow night, that he had gone to purchase her some clothes in several nearby towns. The Mexican girl bade Calinda goodnight and went to her room in the rear of the house, with only an outside entrance.

  Calinda went to the sitting room and selected a book from the shelves. She read for a while, then went to bed. Why hadn’t Rankin told her his plans? A surprise? But why take such pains and expense with her? Evidently he was very lonely and wanted to keep her around.

  Lying in bed, Calinda’s mind rebelliously chased a sunny-haired man with mocking tawny eyes. How she wished she could forget Cody and his bedeviling touch. Why did little twinges pain her when she realized she would never see him again? His smiling face with its twinkling eyes loomed before her dreamy vision. She snuggled into the bed, recalling how his embrace had felt, how he had smelled, how his shirt had felt clinging to her nude body. Her fingers trailed over her lips as they craved to taste his again.

  She felt warm and edgy, but didn’t know why. She shifted this way and that, trying to find a comfortable position. He was like a pesty insect, buzzing around inside her head, refusing to leave her in peace. Cody Richards, her mind murmured softly, damn you for haunting me. Did she dare ask Rankin about this mysterious Cody?

  Suspense filled Calinda’s heart as dreams of what she would say and do if Cody discovered her identity and pursued her flashed through her mind. Would he check on her when he returned to Fort Worth and the Red Satin Saloon? Had he only been looking for a good time that night? Nelle had said that was the reason for his room and trips there. What if he was married? She hadn’t even asked Nelle about that possibility. What was Cody really like? How far away was this Laredo? Would he bother to look her up one day? Probably not. A man with Cody’s looks and wealth could have any woman, many women. Even though he had cunningly seduced her, he no doubt felt he didn’t owe her anything since he had left her money and a crafty apology! But he did owe her something. He had forced himself into her life and heart and made an unforgettable impression there. By now, Cody had probably forgotten all about her and their night together…

  To the east of Dallas, Major John Jones was having a meeting with his undercover Ranger, the mysterious and irresistible man who filled Calinda’s dreams. Major Jones possessed all the traits demanded for a successful leader: he was a man with superior intelligence, a man feared and respected for his courage and daring, a man with a cool head and unerring judgment, a man who would give quarter and never ask for it. Jones was short and slender for such a powerful force, standing under five-nine and weighing less than one hundred and forty. Yet, he exuded strength and confidence.

  Lynx Cardone listened as his superior told him General Steele had ordered Jones to Denton County to study the violence and crimes there. When Lynx remarked he was growing weary of his secret service, Major Jones reminded him of the importance of his undercover work. He listed several examples, two of which included getting into tight places and giving advanced warning of planned Ranger assassinations like he did in June of ’77. A man in Lynx’s stealthy position could ride into a troubled area, study it, then report to the arriving Rangers. Lynx’s clues often aided their work and safety. But the perceptive Jones sensed a novel tension in his friend and fellow Ranger. As Jones watched Lynx, his penetrating eyes saw a noticeable glow of vitality and gentleness, a sensitivity and alertness which were rare.

  A quiet and deliberate man, Major Jones laughed softly and said, “Maybe we’ll have help on this problem. The Pinkerton men are holed up at LeGrand, and Marshal Russell and his deputies are over at the Windsor Hotel. We’ve got more bounty hunters, special agents, and detectives in town than Texas has cattle.” He lightly stroked a thick mustache which almost concealed his upper lip. He was the perfect image of the aristocratic Southern gentleman.

  “Is Armstrong coming in on this mission?” Lynx asked, watching Jones’s dark eyes twinkle.

  “He’s working the southern area, down Kerrville and San Antonio way. Here’s your crime book, Lynx. Don’t lose it,” he jested.

  Lynx scanned the vital book which listed the names and descriptions of wanted men. Lynx sipped his coffee as Major Jones tossed his gear on the bed. Lynx’s gaze eased over the supplies which all Rangers carried: Winchester rifle, Colt pistols with their eagles carved on ivory handles, Bowie knife, blanket, gum coat, riata, ammo, salt, and sweetened and dried corn for relieving thirst.

  “It won’t be much longer before you can wear your badge, Lynx. Be patient, son, you’re doing us a valuable service. You’ve figured out it’s the Bass gang that’s operating around here?”

  Lynx nodded his head. Jones continued, “I’m setting Peak on his trail. See if you can latch on to any of Sam’s men. Here’s a list of their names; memorize it and burn it.”

  Lynx read the seven names listed under Sam Bass’s. There was an eighth name with a question mark beside it. Jones explained, “We’re not sure about Murphy. Just be aware of him. Bass seems to be favoring the Texas Central and the Texas & Pacific Railroads. I’m checking their schedules now. I’ll fill you in later. I sent for Lieutenant Reynolds, but don’t know when he’ll arrive. Quick as I get this matter studied, I’ll decide how many Rangers we’ll be needing.”

  “Where’s McNelly?” Lynx asked, leaning back in the chair.

  “Down Palo Alto way. He’s needed there right now.”

  “I’ll hang around the Split Horn Saloon a few days.”

  Jones halted his work to glance at his friend. “That’s a rough place, Lynx. Be careful. Been home lately?”

  Lynx sighed heavily and stroked his bristly chin. “Not in months. For the time being, that seems best.” He chuckled wryly.

  “Rankin still flaying your hide?” Jones teased knowingly.

  “He will until he learns the truth.”

  “Won’t be much longer,” John Jones encouraged once more.

  “I hope not, sir.” Lynx didn’t tell Jones about the flame-haired girl who continued to haunt him, even though he struggled to erase her from his mind. Maybe he should ride over to Fort Worth tomorrow and see if Callie was still around and if she was all right. He wasn’t sure if he dared see her this soon, but this ignorance was sheer torture.

  When Lynx rode to the Red Satin Saloon that following night, only Jake Tarply knew of his coming or going. When he discovered Jake out back taking a break for fresh air, Lynx questioned him about the redhead who had arrived by stage a few days past. After learning what he had come for, Lynx mounted and raced the wind to Dallas, cursing Callie O’Hara all the way and berating himself for even caring about her.

  The little vixen had fooled him completely, an uncommon mistake on his part, one which rankled for several reasons. When Callie’s outlaw sweetheart discovered Lynx Cardone had bedded his stunning zorra first, perhaps a future showdown would result from his reckless night of passion. Lynx chuckled coldly. He might enjoy this one!

  Anger and revenge gnawed at Lynx. He shouldn’t have given Callie another thought. Why had he allowed that conniving bitch to burn through his tough hide? Apparently the only truth to leave her soft lips concerned the stage hold-up and her losses, which she deviously recovered at his and Nelle’s expenses. But the traitorous Callie would pay dearly if and
when their paths crossed again! Cousin or not, how dare Callie betray darlin’ Nelle! Tonight, the flame in his heart smoldered brightly with fury, not passion…

  Like a child at birthday or Christmas time, Calinda squealed with excitement and pleasure as she opened the boxes Rankin had placed on her bed. His taste was excellent and his generosity extravagant. Everything Calinda could need or want was there. Rankin had taken one of her dresses and an outline of her shoe for appropriate sizes. He had even purchased jeans and boots for riding, as western women could dress and ride like men. There were dresses, nightgowns, underwear, shirts, pants, skirts, blouses, shoes, boots, and a gun with a leather holster.

  Calinda argued against the expense but Rankin said, “While I was in town on business, I remembered the robbery and your losses. Your father left before I paid him for the last cattle drive. I only spent the money due him; he shouldn’t mind.”

  That last lie eased Calinda’s conscience. But she knew from Salina that Rankin had gone specifically to shop for her. Evidently he was proud and didn’t want her to guess his kind motives. Rankin was slightly flustered when the young girl hugged him and thanked him over and over. “A lovely young lady should be dressed in silks and satins, but that’s the best they had to offer nearby. Next time I go to Wichita Falls or San Antonio, you can tag along and choose some more clothes. When I show you off to my friends and neighbors, I want you to be the prettiest girl in Texas.”

  As Calinda admired the clothes, Rankin watched her closely. She possessed many fine qualities. Even if she had originally come here to cause trouble, Rankin would soon have her too indebted and charmed to do so. If she was anything like she seemed, she wouldn’t have the stomach or desire to deceive or betray the Cardones.

  Impressionable and susceptible, Calinda was overwhelmed by Rankin’s plans and actions. The next few weeks saw her adjusting easily and quickly to life on the Cardone Ranch. As she eased into the ranch routine, she showed a freshness and warmth which appealed to Rankin. During these past years, Rankin hadn’t realized how lonely and barren his life had become. Rankin found himself enjoying Calinda’s wit, charm, and intelligence. She sparkled with life and made him feel vital and young again. A budding fondness and delight in her companionship came to pass during those following weeks after her arrival, deepening in spite of his lingering doubts and resistance.

  Frequently they were seen riding together, laughing freely and getting to know each other as Rankin introduced Calinda to his cattle spread and way of life. During meals, they would engage in stimulating conversation. Calinda’s eyes would shine with enthusiasm as Rankin told her the history of the west and his ranch. She came to respect and admire him and to love the ranch and her new existence. Helpless to alter her situation, she eagerly accepted it. Each task learned or observed was done with carefree adventure and gay spirit.

  True to his word, Rankin taught Calinda how to play billiards, then cards. Many nights their laughter and wagers could be heard above the stillness of the night. Calinda learned to ride a horse western style. She watched calves and colts being branded. She perched on the corral fence in her jeans, boots, and colorful shirt as cowboys broke wild horses. She rode beside Rankin as he checked on herds or fences. Each passing day drew them closer, a respect and admiration for each blooming steadily. Neither mentioned Calinda’s departure, as if it were unthinkable.

  At times, Calinda thought she noted strange looks in Rankin’s eyes, but dismissed them as tricks of light or attributed them to fatigue. It almost seemed Rankin wanted to fully accept her permanent residence and affections, but was afraid to do so. Sometimes, Calinda sensed he was withholding facts from her, that he was telling her only what he wanted her to know. She scolded herself for harboring such unkind suspicions. When Rankin was distant or moody, she concluded it was from loneliness for his son or perhaps painful memories which her feminine presence inspired. Calinda decided that Rankin was a wary man, a man afraid to share too much of himself, a man afraid of being hurt or deserted. To Calinda, Rankin was a special and uncommon man, a private man who defended his home and feelings. It didn’t take long for the ranch to seem like home and Rankin like family.

  Rankin dreaded the facts this girl might uncover, facts he wanted to remain buried. He knew he was becoming extremely fond of Calinda; he was beginning to trust her. He was torn between two warring emotions. It was difficult to see Calinda as Brax’s child, but she was. Was it dangerous or insane to keep her around? Should he give her money and send her away? How could a sweet, artless child survive alone? Calinda hadn’t said or done anything unusual. Rankin fretted over this affection which was destroying his clear head and lessening his desire for revenge. But Rankin selfishly ignored his qualms, deciding to deal with Calinda’s reality and future some distant day.

  One night, Calinda was asking Rankin if there was anything they could do to try to locate her father. Rankin stiffened and grew silent, taken off guard by her unexpected question. His voice was bitter and sullen as he advised her to accept her loss. When she rejected that harsh suggestion, she was stunned when Rankin reminded her of her father’s abandonment, and told her Brax had been selfish and insensitive.

  “How can you speak of him this way?” she asked sadly.

  “You forget, Cal,” he stated, calling her by his chosen nickname, “I knew him for years, but you haven’t seen him since you were a baby. A man can change greatly in that length of time. Looking back, I doubt I knew him at all. I’m sorry if you find the truth painful and upsetting, but you persist in learning it. Do not press for facts which will hurt you. Brax helped me carve this ranch out of a dangerous wilderness, then deserted it before we could enjoy our success. He was like my brother; Lynx loved him and looked up to him. I think that’s part of Lynx’s problem. My son has never gotten over what happened that day.” Angered, he had made a careless slip.

  “I don’t understand,” she murmured, observing him closely, hearing an odd inflection in his words.

  To gain Calinda’s sympathy and to prevent more discussion, Rankin said, “I’ve told you all I can; the past is a painful subject, Cal. You see, we…lost Laura that same day. It was hard for a teenager to lose two people in one blow. Sometimes I think Lynx loved and respected Brax more than me.”

  A twinge nipped at Calinda. What had destroyed the closeness between Rankin and her father? Why would Brax abruptly disappear? There was a mystery here which Calinda felt she shouldn’t question now, but would study later. Rankin had shown some strong feelings which alarmed Calinda: resentment, anger, and coldness. She recalled their first meeting with rising curiosity. Rankin had surely mistrusted and disliked her. Why? Very strange…

  As if ignorant of his slips, Rankin stood up and stretched. He suggested they turn in for the night. Calinda went to her room with mounting intrigue to keep her company. Clearly, Rankin Cardone didn’t want to discuss her father or the muddy past. Did Rankin blame her father for adding to their misery and grief, for Lynx’s departure and continued absence? Did he also blame her? Apparently her father and Lynx had left at a painful moment in time, left Rankin to suffer and to recover on his own. If such talks made him edgy and unhappy, Calinda, as his guest, shouldn’t broach them, for now.

  Another storm was brewing in the Cardone house. Witnessing the growing bond between Rankin and Calinda, Salina did everything she could to prove Calinda didn’t belong in Texas and that she was taking advantage of Rankin’s charity. Salina tried to inspire resentment toward Calinda, to make Calinda appear a haughty and soft lady who should be asked to leave. The fiery tempered and envious Salina wanted Calinda gone before Lynx’s return. She was determined to do anything to become the mistress of this ranch, the wife of Lynx Cardone. Her snide remarks and jealousy soon grew visible to the men and to Rankin, all of whom dismissed it as harmless feminine rivalry.

  When Salina continued her hatefulness toward Calinda, Rankin warned the feisty girl to behave, but that only increased Salina’s envy and malice. It didn�
�t help matters when Calinda insisted on doing her own chores: washing and ironing her clothes, helping to set and clear the table, and cleaning her own room. Such tasks only proved Calinda wasn’t soft and vain, much to Salina’s chagrin.

  Calinda was well-liked and received by the ranch-hands. She was a breath of fresh air on a stifling day. She was taught to shoot and ride as well as the men. Each day her knowledge and skills increased.

  On Saturday, Rankin took Calinda along to a neighbor’s barbecue and dance. Her winning charm and freshness helped her make friends quickly and easily. As Rankin watched her talking and learning to squaredance, a new idea came to mind…

  Rankin reassessed his situation. Calinda was resilient and well-bred. She was beautiful and friendly. If his plans could be carried out, Calinda would be the ideal choice for a Cardone, a perfect wife for his wayward son. An heir would solve all of his problems. Was it possible to entice Lynx to marry her? A striking wife and child might persuade Lynx to remain home. With so much at stake, could Lynx be compelled to respond to his duties just once? Surely one look at Cal and Lynx would accept his vital role as husband and father…Too, Lynx was a man to turn a woman’s head. If Lynx agreed to his scheme, Calinda shouldn’t be able to resist his charms and prowess. After all, if Cal made trouble, Lynx would be the eventual loser. After a marriage between them, it wouldn’t matter what Calinda discovered…Besides, Rankin trusted and adored her.

  When Salina noticed Rankin elaborating on Lynx’s good looks and strong character and hinting at how he needed to settle down, she sensed what the older man was plotting. She fumed and ranted in her room at night. Calinda Braxton would never get Lynx Cardone!

  That next day, Salina initiated her own scheme. When Calinda entered the kitchen for the dishes, Salina glanced at her. “Mi amor will be home soon,” she stated casually. “Tengo muchos ansioso. He is so caronil, so intrepido. Tanto guapo, un ardiente pasion,” she stated dramatically, sighing as if caught in the throes of fiery passion.