Return of the Fox

by Pamela Gibson

  “It’s not what you think.” Then Gabriel proceeded to tell him what had occurred and how he and Isabella decided a sham marriage might protect her. After outlining his suspicions about the perpetrators and their motive, he got to the part he liked least of all.

  “I’ve come to you for help. I think I can draw them out, but I will need a credible witness. A man such as yourself.”

  “Naturally, I’d like to help if I can. But—”

  “When the danger is past, Isabella and I will annul the marriage. We’re Catholics and don’t consider a marriage . . . sacred . . . unless we’re married by a priest.” He took a deep breath and prayed he would not be struck down on the spot for his lies. “She and I are friends only, and the marriage has not been consummated. Neither of us wanted that.”

  Sutherland canted his head and seemed to search his face for signs of a lie. A wisp of a smile started at the corners of his mouth. “She’ll be free? Her heart is not engaged?”

  “That’s what I’m saying.”

  Gabriel bit down on the inside of his cheek to keep from blurting out, but I love her and I will do everything I can to keep her. He needed the American Army. He didn’t know who might have influence over the local justice of the peace, but corruption had been the norm for so long he could only trust those he could vouch for.

  “What are you planning?”

  Gabriel let out his breath, surprised to discover he’d stopped breathing while awaiting Sutherland’s reply. “I’m going to let it be known that I have heard the rumors of gold and have found a map in Isabella’s late husband’s safe which has strange markings on it. I’ll buy some rudimentary panning supplies and tell Pablo to spread it around the stables that he’s going to help me and expects to get rich.

  “When do you return to the ranch?”

  “At dawn tomorrow. I’ve hired a coach, so we’ll arrive back at the ranch by nightfall. I’ll set out alone in two days’ time and head to the upper mesa. I’ll need a day in between to gather a few necessary supplies.” He reached into his shirt and drew out a map. “Tomas Fuentes had the good sense to have an American survey his property. This copy is for you.” He indicated the stream on the map. “I’ll be here, at the headwaters.”

  Sutherland ran his fingers through his longish hair and sighed. “I’ll try. But orders sometimes conflict with earlier plans.”

  Gabriel leaned forward, his hands on his knees. “I know you conduct reconnaissance missions, searching for pockets of resistance. I think you’ve cleaned them out by now. Say you heard there were a few hotheads out in this area, planning a raid.”

  It wasn’t far from the truth. Except the target wasn’t the American government.

  “I’ll do my damnedest to be there. What time will this show take place?”

  “Perhaps around midday? I need to plant a few hints in opportune places.” Gabriel smiled and gave him a mock salute. “Thank you.”

  Now to find Mitchell.

  He wasn’t in his room, but Lita was there.

  “Isn’t this your wedding night? Was the little bride not to your liking?” Her voice was silky and slid over his ears as she stood in front of him. “I know what you like.”

  She pressed herself against his chest and reached up to kiss him, openmouthed. He moved back and held her at arm’s length, the scent of violets strong in the room. “Where’s Mitchell?”

  “I’d like to know the answer to that myself. I don’t know why I stay here.”

  “Didn’t I see you with Slade earlier?”

  She pouted. “He took off with that alcalde fellow about the shooting. He said he’d see me later.” A sly smile crept across her face. “How about you and I having a tumble? For old times’ sake.”

  “I think not.” He stared into the face of his former lover and felt not one pang of desire. But a thought crept into his brain, and he suddenly grinned. “Tell Mitchell I’m leaving in a few hours, just after dawn, and will be at the site in two days around noon. Tell him I found the map and to meet me there.”

  “What map?”

  “He’ll know.”

  He reached out and slid his finger down Lolita’s cheek. “I married well, my dear. My bride has brought me more than land, and I expect to be totally out from under my father’s thumb very soon.”

  “She’s that well off?” Lita looked skeptical.

  “Let’s just say she’s worth her weight in gold.”

  Chapter 25

  Isabella knew the moment she woke up that Gabriel had not returned to her bed. The breeze coming in from the open window had turned cold and moist. Gabriel would have closed it.

  The covers were bunched at the foot of the bed, and she reached down to pull them up to her neck. Revelations, followed by searing passion, had given her a beautiful sleep. Now she was awake.

  And worried.

  A soft knock at the door told her Catalina was up. She entered carrying a cup of hot morning chocolate. Hesitating, her eyes darted around the room before she set the cup on the side table.

  Probably looking for Gabriel.

  “I stopped in the kitchen on my way up. We leave in an hour or so,” Catalina said.

  “How is your cousin?”

  “Expecting her fourth child, but happy. Thank you for letting me visit her.” She opened the armoire. “What would you like me to do first?”

  “Help me with my hair, and then I’ll pack my bag.”

  “I’ll pack your bag, señora. You must drink your chocolate before it gets cold.”

  She nodded and picked up the small cup on the table next to her bed.

  Why had Gabriel not remained all night? Couples of their station generally had their own rooms, but it had been their wedding night. She had forgiven him. Did he not realize it meant she’d released him from his promise?

  Feelings of inadequacy assailed her. Perhaps she no longer attracted him. Perhaps she was too naive and inexperienced, despite her former marriage. Her hair had still been in braids. Perhaps men liked hair spread over a pillow. Biting her knuckle, she continued to fret over her shortcomings, a hollow feeling expanding in her chest.

  Tomorrow night I’ll see that he stays with me.

  She scooted behind the screen and put on her traveling dress. By the time Pablo entered the room to fetch their bags, she was dressed and ready for the day.

  He and a member of the hotel staff carried the valises down the stairs and out to the waiting carriage. Gabriel was already there, seeing to the horses. In his gringo clothes he resembled the other cowboys passing by on the street.

  He also looked rumpled. Like he hadn’t slept.

  Frowning, she waited by the steps.

  “Good morning, querida. I trust you slept like the dead.”

  He gave her a perfunctory kiss on the cheek. They were in public after all. Pushing him back, she wrinkled her nose. Was that perfume she smelled?

  “Where have you been?” Her voice was louder than she intended. Pain stabbed her heart. Had he left her bed unfulfilled just to go to another woman? The pueblo teemed with brothels. As a lady, she was not supposed to know about them, but they were there, nestled together on a rude street given an even ruder name she would never speak aloud.

  He leaned in closer and whispered in her ear, “I’ve been out putting our plan in place.”

  The scent was stronger. Violet water. She did not wear that scent. An image of a voluptuous red-haired woman who reeked of that scent flitted before her eyes. The woman had mentioned “Gabe.” Was that who he’d visited in the night? Would he deny it if she asked?

  Trust is easily broken and difficult to repair.

  Her bottom lip quivered, and she lowered her head. “I see.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” She swallowed
the lump forming in her throat and looked directly into his eyes. “Do you know a woman called Señorita Montero?”

  His eyes widened, and he stepped back. “Why?”

  “Just answer my question.”

  “I knew a woman by that name long ago in Santa Barbara. A mere acquaintance, I assure you.”

  “Thank you for not lying.”

  She turned and hastened into the carriage, slamming the door in his face. Her maid was already seated inside. At least they wouldn’t have to suffer his company for the journey. It appeared he had hired a horse.

  “Are you all right, señora?”

  Catalina peered at her mistress from the opposite seat.

  “I’m just tired.”

  Catalina smiled slyly, taking her meaning another way.

  Isabella huddled in the corner of the carriage as it lurched forward. The journey would take most of the day, but at least she wouldn’t have to make small talk with her husband.

  Unfaithful wretch.

  What had she expected? That once they’d had a real talk they’d suddenly be in complete charity with one another? Men didn’t reveal their feelings as easily as women did. To be honest, it must have been difficult for him to share those old secrets. If he had been able to tell her about the night he’d escaped, why not tell the rest? She knew he’d only remained at the mission in Santa Barbara for a short time. Did he meet the Montero woman there, or had he known her before?

  Questions plagued her and fueled her suspicions. While she didn’t doubt for a second that he had loved her once, she was not sure he loved her now.

  Most men didn’t leave their bride’s bed and go immediately to another woman on their wedding night, not when the bride was willing to provide satisfaction.

  Was she? Perhaps he had sensed her initial reluctance because of her religious beliefs. How could he know she had completely changed her mind?

  I told him. Did he not believe me?

  Isabella’s cheeks burned with her shame, thinking about what he’d done to her and the pleasure she’d experienced. She’d acted out of love.

  Tears stung her eyes, and her throat ached as she suppressed them. It would not do to cry in front of Catalina. Isabella was hurt, but she was also strong. She’d recover.

  Clearing her mind of all thought, Isabella breathed deeply until her emotions were under control. Focus on the plan. Gabriel was hell-bent on catching the bandidos who wanted to take away her land. That meant putting himself in harm’s way.

  She didn’t want that.

  Even if he had been disloyal, she wouldn’t be able to bear it if anything happened to him. He’d said he’d been putting their plan in place.

  She snorted. They had not yet decided on a specific plan, and when he did finally present one to her, she hoped to talk him out of it.

  Now that she had a husband, she was perfectly safe. Once the treaty was signed, the property rights of Mexican citizens would be upheld. Commodore John D. Sloat had said as much last year when he’d made a speech in Monterey, stating he had come as a friend, not a conqueror. Lance Grainger had obtained a copy of his proclamation and had read it to Sorina, who had, in turn, spread the word. Surely the politicians would honor his word.

  Holding her breath and letting it out slowly, she felt her shoulders relax. She must put this aside and think about the reason they were returning to the ranch.

  The rumor of gold.

  Tomas had never talked about metals on their property. Spain in the past three centuries had taken much silver and gold out of its territories, making it a formidable power in the world, and when Mexico declared independence in 1821, it continued to operate the mines. None were in Alta California as far as she knew.

  She and Gabriel had gone through most of her late husband’s important documents when searching for those they might need for the marriage. The survey maps relating to the rancho’s boundaries and topography contained no marks or notations indicating the presence of metals.

  The rumors are absurd. There is no gold in Alta California.

  Summer was nearly over. Lance had mentioned during dinner that Mexico City had most likely fallen by now. Ships were due soon that would have the news. He’d said that while Spanish would be the official language of California, it was good she and Sorina spoke English.

  Her thoughts drifted back to the man who was riding alongside the coach. Was he so anxious to have the marriage annulled that he would put himself in danger to be sure her enemies were vanquished? She swallowed but couldn’t get past the lump in her throat threatening to choke her. Tears welled afresh.

  “Señora?”

  Catalina held out a clean handkerchief, concern in her eyes.

  “Thank you.”

  Isabella dabbed at her eyes and blew her nose. Settling back in her corner, she gave up on sleeping. She also gave up on crying.

  He had not said he loved her. He had said he was repaying a debt.

  Then let him.

  She didn’t need him.

  With anger taking the place of sorrow, she was able to finally close her eyes and drift off.

  ~ ~ ~

  By the time they arrived at the ranch, it was dark. Isabella had pleaded a headache and gone immediately to her bedchamber.

  Gabriel toyed with his roast pork and drank deeply of Tomas’s red wine. He hoped Isabella was not sickening. And why did she want to know about Lita? The incomparable Lolita was proving to be an asset to his plan, but she wasn’t someone his wife would have encountered. Where had she even heard the name?”

  She’d acted like she was jealous.

  She’d been very cool to him during their stop to rest the horses and take refreshment. He’d looked forward to teasing her and having her answer back with the kind of sharp retort that never failed to make him laugh. Instead she’d avoided him by going off to confer with the outriders. He’d employed two to make sure they had adequate protection. Slade was unpredictable. Gabriel was not going to take chances with his wife.

  He refilled his glass and finished his meal. Isabella was probably bathing or lying abed with a cool cloth on her forehead. His body tightened as he remembered last night, her perfect body, her passionate response. He’d hoped to repeat the performance, to make love to her over and over, careful to keep his promise however much it cost him. If the pleasure was sweet, perhaps she would not want to end the marriage.

  But first the danger must be dealt with, once and for all.

  Sighing, he put down his wine and nodded to the servant waiting to take his plate. He would not disturb Isabella tonight. The woman had to be exhausted after the daylong trip over bumpy roads.

  Waving away dessert, he headed for the study. They had not had time to examine all the documents in Tomas’s strongbox. He would do that now. The American surveyor had done a good job of mapping the main features and boundaries of the ranch. From helping to round up stray cattle in his youth, Gabriel remembered encountering the waterfall at the head of the stream that wound through the property. It would be weak now until the winter rains, a mere trickle feeding the pool below and the stream beyond. He’d chosen that place to stage his performance.

  Avila’s racehorse would be running tomorrow afternoon in San Juan Capistrano. After that, Mitchell would be free. The day after tomorrow, they would put the plan into effect.

  It was tricky though. A lot depended on how soon Lita told Slade. A smirk quirked up the corners of his mouth as he glanced at the darkness outside the window. She would have delivered the news by now. He knew her well.

  When he first met Lita, he’d been raw with a myriad of hurts, and she’d soothed away each one. Her ambition was boundless, and she told him soon after they’d met that she’d be rich one day. All she needed was the right protector.

  Aside from greed, she
also had a loose tongue if she thought her information would work to her advantage. He was sure she’d gone straight to Slade. And if Gabriel was right, Slade and his benefactors would be on their way, ready to follow him to the site.

  After picking up the stack of relevant papers, he settled in the leather chair to read. Once this was over, he could advise Isabella if there was something that needed her attention. In his opinion, of course. Her opinion was all that mattered. The ranch would still be hers.

  Two hours later, he put the neat piles into the deepest drawer of the desk and locked it. After climbing the stairs to his room, he paused in front of Isabella’s door. Raising his hand to knock, he remembered his resolve not to disturb her, stuffed his hands in his pockets, and ambled to his own room. Using the outdoor balcony, he tiptoed to her window. All was in darkness. He slipped through the door and stood at the side of the bed. She was lying on her back, her breathing even.

  She was an angel in repose, her hair in two braids, one hand flung back on the pillow. An emotion as strong as he’d ever felt stopped his breath. He loved her, and he would never let anyone hurt her.

  “Good night, querida. Sleep well.” He kissed her lightly on her forehead and tiptoed back out the door.

  Chapter 26

  The next morning Isabella ate breakfast alone, then closeted herself in her late husband’s study. First, she inventoried assets that could be sold, and then counted the money in the strongbox. If she was careful, there was enough to make it through the rest of the year and into spring.

  She’d prefer not to take Gabriel’s money. If it became necessary, she would, but it would all be paid back when their marriage was annulled.

  Gabriel had slept in a guest chamber last night. She was told he’d taken a carreta into the pueblo of San Juan Capistrano this morning and would return in the afternoon.