The Gunfighter and the Heiress (10 page)

She assumed Crow had crept off, hoping to circle behind the intruders. It seemed sensible for her to provide necessary distraction for him. “You are welcome to share our leftovers from supper,” she said cordially. “You can water your horses at the stream while I reheat food.”

The dark-haired, hazel-eyed intruder, who looked about Crow's age, stared at her consideringly. Then he glanced at the Comanche warriors who kept their arms over their heads. “Did these truant renegades take you captive, ma'am? If they did, you don't have to fear for your life if you tell me the truth.” He inclined his shaggy head toward Teskee and Chulosa. “They crossed the Red River without permission. We received orders to return them to the reservation.”

“No, they didn't harm me. They graciously consented to escort me across this rugged country to reach Taloga Springs…. And you are?” she asked, still unsure of their identity.

“Texas Rangers,” the second rider, with frizzy red hair and green eyes, spoke up. “We patrol this section of the state.”

“Then I should like to see your badges,” she insisted.

Reluctantly, they displayed the badges they kept in their vest pockets.

“Why are you riding to Taloga Springs?” the third rider, who had blue eyes, straight blond hair and a thick neck and chest, inquired. “It's a rough place, even for the toughest of men.”

“I have my husband for protection,” she explained.

The Texas Rangers glanced skeptically at the Comanche braves. Then the dark-haired Ranger asked, “Where is this supposed husband of yours?”

“Right behind you,” Van growled ominously as he stepped into view. He held both six-shooters at the ready. “Throw down your weapons and make it snappy. I'm in a lousy mood because you are interrupting my honeymoon.”

The startled Texas Rangers tossed aside their rifles and pistols. With hands held high, they twisted in the saddle
to face Van, who continued to hold them at gunpoint to protect his Comanche friends from harm.

“Crow?”

“Montgomery,” Van acknowledged with a clipped nod to the hazel-eyed, dark-haired Ranger. “Haven't seen you for a while. Didn't miss you much.”

Van was acquainted with the three Rangers through several assignments that brought him in contact with their battalion. But he refused to classify them as friends. Although these men weren't directly responsible for the deaths of his clan members, he would never forget the heartache of his tribe, as well as the Comanche, suffered at the hands of the Rangers and the army. These men were aware of the reasons for his cautiousness and standoffish attitude toward them.

“You're married?” the second Ranger—Bristow was his name—hooted incredulously. “To
her?
You are kidding.”

“No, he isn't kidding,” Natalie said firmly. “Crow is perfect for me. Furthermore, I don't appreciate people doubting my good judgment.”

It amused and flattered him that she was his staunch supporter. “Sunshine, I thought I told you to stay in the tent,” he reminded her with a pointed glance.

“Did you? I guess I wasn't listening, dear.”

She batted her big black eyes and smiled so innocently that it was hard to be aggravated at her for disobeying his direct order. Thus far, she had obeyed his commands to stay put
zero percent
of the time. But to be fair, she had provided the distraction needed for him to get the drop on the intruders who turned out to be Rangers. Like all other men, they became sidetracked by her intelligence and beauty.

Worked every time.

“Now that we are all acquainted,” said Phelps, the
blond haired, blue-eyed Ranger who was the oldest of the threesome, “we'd like to climb down and parley with the Comanche.”

“Soon as you unload all your hardware, including the concealed weapons,” Van insisted, and then rattled off an order in Comanche. “My friends are under my protection until we sort this out.”

The warriors strode over to check the Rangers' boots and sleeves to make sure they were unarmed. After confiscating three bowie knives and three derringers similar to Natalie's, the warriors motioned for the Rangers to dismount.

“I'll heat the coffee for our powwow,” Natalie volunteered. “I'm sure our guests would like to relax until the food is ready.”

“There are problems at the reservation again.” Van sat down by the fire to join the Rangers. Teskee and Chulosa completed the circle. “My friends came to hunt meat for their starving families. They also told me about the theft of the food and supplies by soldiers at the fort. Food and supplies that
I
personally provided,” he added gruffly. “A Lieutenant Suggs seems to be in charge of the latest theft ring.”

He stared stonily at the Rangers. “I don't appreciate thieving soldiers depriving my family and friends of decent food and replacing it with contaminated beef.”

“How do you plan to stop the theft ring?” Montgomery questioned, nodding his thanks when Natalie handed him a cup of coffee.

“I'll be paying Suggs a visit after I accompany my wife to Taloga Springs.”

Bristow frowned pensively. “That still doesn't excuse your Comanche friends from taking an unannounced leave from the reservation.”

Van expelled a caustic snort. “I've heard it said that Rangers make up their rules as they go along. Why can't the Indians who are being starved and mistreated make up a few rules to fit their desperate situation?”

“You have a point.” Phelps smiled wryly, then sipped his coffee. “Since you follow the same policy you should join our ranks.”

“I've heard rumors that you were being recruited,” Bristow commented.

“I've declined,” Van announced. “I prefer to pick and chose my assignments.”

“For a high price, I hear,” Montgomery mumbled enviously. “Maybe I should change my line of work.”

“You do that. In the meantime, someone with authority and gumption needs to escort Chulosa and Teskee to the reservation and see that they arrive unharmed…and they stay that way.” Van stared pointedly at the Rangers. “Army corruption needs to be reported and stopped. You have the authority to make it happen.”

The Rangers nodded in agreement.

“Have to tell you that I've never been thrilled with the army, either,” Phelps confided. “We've locked horns with them on policy several times.”

“Then it's settled,” Van declared. “None of us like the army and its officers, who can't handle their positions of authority without resorting to corruption.”

The group was silent for a few minutes while Natalie passed out the reheated meat and stew from supper.

“What's your name, ma'am?” Bristow asked, and then grinned broadly. “I'm guessing it's not really Sunshine.”

“No, it's Natalie.” She glanced at Van then sat down beside him. “Natalie Jones…Crow.”

“Natalie…” Montgomery repeated thoughtfully.
“Didn't our captain mention something about a Natalie Something-Or-Other being abducted?”

Van studied his wife discreetly. He noted the hint of tension in her smile and saw the damnable shadow of secrets in her eyes. He wondered if her stepfather and ex-fiancé were circulating the information in hopes of tracking her down quickly. He also wondered—again—if she had told him the truth.

Another cloud of doubt about her identity filled his mind. He cast it aside, preferring to discuss the matter with Natalie in private. Before the Rangers asked questions he didn't want to answer, Van switched the topic of conversation quickly. “I want to know your specific plans for escorting Chulosa and Teskee across the Red River.”

“If you gentlemen will excuse me, I'll retire for the evening.” Natalie rose gracefully to her feet. “I'll prepare breakfast before everyone leaves camp in the morning.”

Van watched her walk away—and realized the other men were hypnotized by the feminine sway of her hips. Fierce possessiveness assailed him but he told himself that he would have to get used to that. Natalie commanded masculine attention, whether she invited it or not.

“If not for having my wife on this trip, I would detour to the reservation,” Van insisted. But he refused to send her to Taloga Springs alone. She wasn't ready to solo in the wilderness. He wasn't ready to turn her loose.

She is still my wife,
he reminded himself.
Even if in name only.
The thought prompted the memory of how she had tempted him to the crumbling edge of resistance earlier this evening and how he'd come to crave what he had told himself, repeatedly, he shouldn't have…

“Is that agreeable, Crow?”

Van scowled. “Repeat that, please. I was thinking about something else.”

All five men grinned as they glanced directly at the tent and then back at Van.

Montgomery said, “Gee, can't imagine what that something else might be. By the way, your wife is one of the most attractive women I've had the good fortune to meet.”

The other men nodded in agreement. Van sighed inwardly. Marrying a gorgeous woman with secrets in her past and adventure in her soul was more than a man could handle. Yet, Van liked having her underfoot…but not as much as he'd like to have her all to himself in bed…

The wayward thought made him squirm as desire channeled through his body. He tried to pay attention to the plan the Rangers mapped out for the trip to the reservation. But it took some doing.

N
atalie managed to get only a smidgeon of sleep that night. But having Crow's inviting warmth beside her and fretting about the circulating report of her so-called abduction made her anxious. There was no telling what scheme Marsh had hatched in his attempt to track her down.

Obviously, her stepfather had left no stone unturned and spared no expense. The far-reaching report would make it difficult to travel any direction without concern for her safety. She presumed Marsh had offered a reward for information.

Money he planned to pay from my inheritance if he manages to get his greedy hands on it,
she thought bitterly.

The next morning, preoccupied with thoughts of Marsh and Kimball, Natalie nodded a greeting to the Rangers, who had bedded down at the camp site. She scurried around, building a campfire according to Crow's specifications and preparing breakfast—also as Crow had taught her. At least she had mastered a few skills, she congratulated herself. Now, if she could cease depending on Crow in times of danger she might make real headway.

“Where did you say you called home?” Montgomery, the hazel-eyed, dark-haired Ranger, asked when she approached him.

Natalie thought fast. “Natchez, Mississippi.” It was where Marsh had sent her to a private college and where she had taught school for a time. “I came west to visit my aunt in San Antonio, then I met Crow,” she lied convincingly. “It was love at first sight.”

Montgomery arched a thick brow, then shrugged. “Whatever you say, ma'am. With Crow's legendary reputation, you shouldn't have to fret about your safety. Not too many people dare to cross him.”

Those were her thoughts exactly.

Bristow, the Ranger with curly red hair, green eyes and an engaging smile said, “When Rangers descend on outlaws, we bring hell with us. Crows brings his own special brand of hell, I'm told. Which is why the soldiers who are cheating the Comanche and Kiowa have reason to fear him.”

“Crow cares very deeply about his clan and the tribes who raised him.” She glanced into the distance to see Crow diligently brushing down Durango before tossing a saddle on his back. “This Suggs character will answer for his corruption. Indeed, I will do all within my power to see him court-martialed and tossed in jail.”

And she would, too. There were advantages to being a Robedeaux and Blair. She would pull a few political strings to stop the fraud and abuse against the Indians who raised Crow.

Montgomery chuckled. “Did you become an advocate for Indians after you married Crow?”

“No, I strongly support any group of people subjected to domination and abuse,” she clarified. “Women also fall
into that category, Mr. Montgomery. I don't want to see anyone restrained or cheated.”

The Rangers lifted their cups for refills. Natalie poured coffee then stared questioningly at them. “Have any of you heard news about the Harper Gang that escaped jail recently?

Phelps shrugged a thick shoulder. “Nothing conclusive. I assume you're asking because they swore vengeance against Crow.”

“I care a great deal about my husband,” she assured them. “I intend to protect him from harm by all means necessary.”

The Rangers stared skeptically at her. They didn't seem to think that, being a woman, she could protect anyone from anything. But they also didn't consider a man in Crow's line of work valued marriage material. Well, they were wrong. She meant it when she said Crow was perfect for her.

An hour later, the Comanche braves and the Rangers rode north. Natalie hurried off to dismantle the improvised tent and gather her belongings. Crow smiled approvingly when she strapped the supplies and luggage behind her saddle.

“Very efficient, sunshine. You receive high marks for preparing breakfast and packing up to move out.”

She smiled in response to his praise—which he offered sparingly. “I had an excellent instructor.” She swung into the saddle to head toward Nine Mile Station and on to Taloga Springs. “As much as I relish living as one with nature, I'll admit I'm yearning for the comfort of a soft bed and relaxing in a real bathtub that isn't filled with fish and the occasional snake.”

She glanced over to see those silver-blue eyes fixed on her. The intensity of his gaze startled her.

“I appreciate your kind words about me to Monty and the other Rangers and your support for my people. And your intent to protect me from harm. Bart is the only one who thinks I'm worth the effort.”

“I
know
you're worth the effort,” she said before she trotted through the trees.

“Wrong way, sunshine,” he called to her, grinning. “Remind me to purchase a compass the first chance I get. You've picked up several survival skills very quickly. But you have no sense of direction whatsoever.”

Apparently not, she thought to herself. She was headed in the direction of heartache because Crow's presence in her life and his endearing grin were getting to her in more ways than she could count.

 

Avery Marsh, followed by Kimball and the two hired henchmen, stepped down from the train in Wolf Ridge. He was tired, irritable and annoyed that Natalie, dressed in her widow's digs, had reportedly took the train west from Fort Worth to this godforsaken outpost where the railroad tracks finally ran out.

Kimball surveyed the community with distaste. “They call this a town? What do people do with themselves here?”

“Raise cattle, plow the ground and run shops,” Fred Jenson, the tall, lean henchman, replied. “For entertainment they play billiards and cards in the saloons.”

Kimball perked up. “Maybe this whistle stop has possibilities after all.” He glanced back at Avery. “While you check on Natalie I'll wet my whistle at a saloon and see if I can make extra traveling money.”

Avery glared at Kimball's departing back. The man was self-absorbed and as useless as an extra toe. However, having him out from underfoot for an hour had its rewards.
The cocky dandy bragged about his sexual exploits constantly and droned incessantly about how clever and intelligent he was. There had been times during the journey that Avery contemplated
losing
Kimball permanently—after he'd served his purpose, of course.

Glancing this way and that, Avery determined which hotel accommodations would suffice then hiked down the street to the Simon House. While Jenson and Green posed questions at the restaurants, in hopes of locating Natalie, Avery approached the hotel clerk.

“I was hoping to meet my daughter here,” Avery said pleasantly. “She dressed as a young widow for her protection but she has dark eyes and auburn hair.”

The clerk nodded enthusiastically. “You are talking about Anna Jones, aren't you? So you must be Mr. Jones.”

“I must be,” Avery said, flashing his most charming smile. “Can you tell me which room she's in?”

The clerk looked at him oddly. “She didn't inform you that she left town after she married Donovan Crow?

Married?
To Donovan Crow?
The
Donovan Crow? Hell's bells! Avery had not seen that coming. Now he would have to alter his well-laid plans. Damn that wily little bitch. He'd make her sorry she'd pitted herself against him. Avery had spent a lifetime planning golden opportunities for himself and he was damn good at it. Natalie would not outsmart him.

“I thought she was going to wait for me to show up,” Avery said, masking his irritation behind a troubled frown. “I was hopelessly delayed and she is hopelessly impetuous. Now I'll have to trail after her.”

The blond-haired, round-faced clerk swiveled the hotel registry toward Avery. “You'll need a room because I heard they are headed to Taloga Springs and the next stage doesn't leave until tomorrow morning.”

 

Two days after the Rangers and Comanches headed north, Van saw Natalie gathering inedible vegetation on the riverbank. “Don't touch that!” Van snapped abruptly.

She snatched her hand away from the green plant as if she'd been snakebit. When she flashed him an injured look, he regretted his sharp tone.

“I only wanted to gather wild carrots for supper,” she explained as she rose from a crouch, then sidestepped from the marshy area near the water.

“Those aren't wild carrots.” Van examined the handful of herbs she had picked. He tossed out two other plants. “The plants you nearly pulled from the marsh were poison hemlock.”

Wide-eyed, she gaped at him. “They looked like carrots.”

He nodded. “Yes, they do. Which is why people unfamiliar with these plants suffer accidental poisoning.”

“What are the other plants I thought were herbs?”

“Nightshade,” he informed her. “The hemlock is worse. Make sure your horse doesn't ingest that stuff, because it can be fatal to him as well as to you. As children in the village, one of our duties was to herd our horses away from the marshy creek banks to avoid poisonous plants.”

Natalie's shoulders slumped dejectedly and she blew out her breath. “I'll never figure all this out,” she mumbled. “I wanted to prepare a special meal because you said we'll reach Taloga Springs tomorrow and we'll part company.”

The thought didn't set well with him. He could escort Natalie only as far as Taloga Springs. Then he needed to follow up at the reservation and investigate the army officer accused of stealing food and supplies from his people. He was torn between his hungry desire for Natalie and his loyalty to the tribe that raised him.

“Here,” he said, refusing to dwell on the moment when they went their separate ways. “These wild carrots and mushrooms are edible.”

“Thank you,” she murmured. “I didn't intend to repay you for all your trouble by poisoning you.” She glanced up quickly and frowned. “What are the symptoms of poisoning? I suppose I should know, in case I accidentally pick the wrong plants in the future.”

“Nervousness, trembling, convulsions, dilated eyes,” he told her. “It's best to empty the stomach as quickly as possible. Otherwise…” His voice trailed off, allowing her to draw her own grim conclusions. “Other poisons have different symptoms such as muscle weakness, dizziness, severe headache and confusion.”

He noticed the ponderous frown that claimed her lovely features. “Something wrong, sunshine?”

“Dear God!” she erupted abruptly. “I never gave that a thought!”

“Never gave what a thought?”

“That bastard!” Muttering and scowling, she stamped back and forth on the sandy ridge above the river. “Why didn't I suspect that? I should have.”

“Would you mind telling me what you're talking about?”

“That's how he did it.”

“
Who
did
what?
” Van demanded impatiently.

She wheeled around, her dark eyes burning with fury. “My stepfather. I swear he slowly but surely poisoned my mother. She began complaining of headaches and weariness a year after their marriage. I was too young and ignorant to question Mama's failing health. I thought she'd become unhappy and lost the will to live when she realized Marsh was a poor substitute for my father, even if theirs hadn't been a love match.”

Natalie lurched around to pace in the opposite direction. “Hell and damnation, I should have questioned her illness instead of accepting it as easily as she did. My stepfather claimed he had consulted several doctors in town, but I'm willing to bet he didn't. In addition, he bustled me off to boarding school, claiming my mother wouldn't take time to rest if she thought I needed her attention.”

“I'm sorry, Nat,” he commiserated. “If you want me to investigate I will…. Where do you call home?”

She shook her head vehemently then wiped the tears dribbling down her cheeks with the back of her had. “No. It's too late for Mama. I just want to put the past to rest.”

Van was suspicious of her refusal to tell him she hailed from New Orleans like she did the night she was drunk. He didn't understand why she wouldn't want him to investigate if she suspected foul play. There was far more to her story than she let on and he was beginning to wonder how much was truth and how much was fiction she invented to protect her mysterious identity and her past.

Natalie drew herself up and inhaled a deep breath. “I'll start a fire and clean the wild vegetables that aren't poisonous,” she insisted before she hiked uphill.

Van watched her walk away, curious whether the report of abduction related to her, wondering what it would take to gain her confidence. He asked himself what his life would be like when she rode away, now that he'd become accustomed to having her with him constantly. By tomorrow, she would exit his life as quickly as she had arrived.

Emotions he didn't want to confront kept playing tugof-war inside him. Not to mention the unappeased desire he'd kept on a short leash. Sleeping beside Natalie night after tormenting night, without yielding to nearly overwhelming temptation, was wearing him out.

Frustrated, Van stamped off to find wild game for
supper. And afterward, he considered resorting to peyote to numb his senses and put himself into a deep sleep without those arousing fantasies hounding him. However, that would leave Natalie vulnerable if trouble came calling—as it had a nasty habit of doing in the badlands of Texas.

“Why did I agree to this marriage?” he asked himself. “Oh yeah, now I remember. This was supposed to be the easiest money I ever made. Now there's a laugh.”

Van didn't see a damn thing easy about wanting Natalie Whoever-She-Was with a burning need that refused to go away, even while he was taking nightly cold baths in the creeks and streams. His willpower was fading and it was difficult to keep his distance from her. Worse yet, the biggest threat he had to face was protecting her against
himself.

“
Easy
money?” he grumbled. “Like hell it is!”