Chase The Wind

by Janelle Taylor

  “So, you do all the work and take all the chances while I simply keep you company?”

  “For the time being, yep. Later, you’ll do the same as me. Before that day comes, woman, I want you trained to handle anything that comes up.”

  Beth smiled as she accepted his strategy. “I’ll work hard and I won’t disappoint you.”

  “Just bear with me a while and obey every order.”

  “You don’t have to worry so much about me; I’m not stupid or rash.”

  “I do have to worry about you, partner; Charles has a bad itch for you. As soon as his journey’s over, he’s planning to get rid of your husband and take you as his wife.”

  Beth noticed a cold glint in his hazel eyes and a razor edge to his tone. Even so, she murmured, “You’re teasing me, right?”

  “I’m serious. Matt, Jessie, and the children are in danger, too.”

  Beth was horrified as she listened to that part of his report. “I didn’t mean to entice him to such ideas.”

  “It’s never safe to make any man a tempting offer, then withdraw it.”

  She couldn’t tell whether he was scolding or cautioning her. “Even in the line of duty, Agent Breed?”

  He removed the bandana, ran fingers through his hair, and put on his hat. Charles’s vile craving for her and threat to Jessica, Lane, Matt, and friends provoked an unfamiliar fury and panic—and hatred?—that could cloud his judgment and wits if he didn’t control them. He had wanted to jump over that rock to tear out the beast’s deadly claws and fangs. For a minute, he had thought, The mission be damned! I’ll kill you to make sure you never harm any of them! And the first person who’d come to mind to protect was Beth Breed. Beth Wind, his distraught mind corrected.

  In his unsettled state, he muttered, “Everybody does reckless things in the name of duty to ourselves, or others, or good causes. I’m no different. I can’t chance messing up the assignment. Maybe sometimes we do have to choose between arresting a criminal and taking justice into our own hands so he can’t do worse. If a man lacks honor and integrity and loyalty, he’s worthless. Guess it comes down to when and where we draw the line between ‘em.”

  Or the reason for needing to draw a divisive mark. So, she mused, it wasn’t jealousy concerning his or Charles’s feelings for her that had Navarro riled and alarmed, and he was calling her “Beth Breed” only by habit. “We’ll make certain he doesn’t get near any of the Cordells.”

  “Not even if I have to kill every one of them barehanded.”

  How I wish you could feel such love and loyalty to me, Navarro.

  The couple traveled east of mountains and hills that screened their presence in a region that was too barren and dry to traverse in the open without exposing themselves. The caravan threw up dust clouds that were seen from far away, and the two agents avoided doing the same thing, with their path.

  From the old and rocky road the villains were using, Navarro knew where they’d be crossing the Rio Grande. Without heavy burdens to slow their pace, they reached the river long before their target. They rested, ate, and cooled off in the bluish green water where ample trees, rocks, and thick vegetation would keep them from being seen by foes.

  “You stay put while I check out our snakes. But keep alert and ready to ride; I showed you places you can lose them.”

  “How do you know they’ll stop here or any will leave the others?”

  “It’ll be eating, resting, and watering time. Since Evan’s gone and Blue’s their best scout, he’ll come to study the area for signs of danger.”

  “Heavens, you’re so intelligent and cunning. After this mission is over and we part, I hope I remember everything I’m learning from you. Thanks for not getting irritated when I ask so many questions.”

  “Keep asking and learning, Beth, and I’ll do my part to help. I want you to come out of this alive and unharmed. Yep, just as I figured,” he murmured from behind his fieldglasses. “Real nice of Charles to send Blue and a friend ahead to study the terrain. This’ll be quicker and easier than plucking fruit off a prickly pear.” He handed Beth the fieldglasses. “No reflections with these. I’ll be back later.” He gave her a quick kiss on the lips and hurried off to confront peril alone.

  Beth packed the fieldglasses with her things, though she was tempted to observe him through them. She resaddled Sunshine and loaded her gear to be prepared to escape if trouble came calling. Navarro’s things were concealed in bushes, as he rode bareback and took only his Indian weapons.

  Navarro positioned and readied himself amongst jutting boulders that seemed to be tossed from sky to earth in a haphazard manner. Ranges of several mountains enclosed the area and prevented any long-distance spying by the wagon train heading in the direction where crossing would be easy. Floral scents from tamarisk, mesquite, willow, and wildflowers drifted into his nose, as did the odor of dried dirt. Since he was wearing moccasins instead of telltale boots, he didn’t have to worry about disturbing moss and lichen that grew on rocks. He had covered his black stallion’s hooves with thick cloths to imply an unshod animal was used when tracks were found later. To protect his hands and face from painful pricks, he made sure he didn’t get too close to dagger plants, cholla, or ocotilla. He was on guard for real snakes, in particular the rattler who frequented this rugged area. He also was careful not to walk into dozing or foraging javelinas, as their noises and movement would attract unwanted attention. As he waited, a few animals came to drink from the river but most were avoiding the noon heat.

  The two targets came into sight, dismounted near the bank, and studied the ground. They walked in opposite directions as they continued their search to unearth any problems. When the stranger reached Navarro’s hiding spot, the agent jumped him from behind and slid his knife across the villain’s throat. He shoved the body into a gully and waited for the second one to approach. When Blue called to his companion, Navarro made muffled sounds and groans as if an accident had occurred.

  Blue grumbled, scowled, and stalked toward him. “Where are you?”

  Navarro leapt off the rock and onto Blue’s back. Before the man could react, the agent’s right hand side-pinned Blue’s gun arm so he couldn’t draw a weapon to defend himself or fire a warning shot in the air. His left arm came over Blue’s shoulder with speed and he drove the blade into the evil man’s heart with force. He flung the body to the ground, flipped it over, and yanked off Blue’s riding gloves to check his hands.

  Navarro removed from the two bodies any possessions that might tempt a thief, then he fired an arrow into Blue’s stomach. Afterward, he broke off the shaft and tossed it aside as if Blue had done so before engaging in a lethal battle. The lawman scuffed up the ground to indicate a fierce struggle. He hurried to the men’s horses at the river and whistled for his stallion, who responded without delay to his beloved master’s summons.

  Navarro stroked Night Cloud’s neck, and the animal nuzzled his owner’s hand. “Run ‘em downriver, Night Cloud, and stay.” He slapped the two sorrels on their rears and his stallion chased them through the water away from the site. He concealed anything he didn’t want found and finished setting up the scene to mislead Charles and his hirelings.

  When the group arrived to find no one around, Jim Tiller took several men and scouted the area. After the bodies were discovered, a warning was rushed to Charles, who joined them in the rocks.

  “What happened, Jim?”

  “Looks like they spooked some Injun. One set of moccasin prints and one unshod horse. Robbed ‘em and took off downriver with their horses. Probably long gone, dry as this blood is. Want some boys to go after him?”

  “No, let’s take a break and move on. If he’s got friends nearby, he could be going after them. Keep the boys close to the wagons and on alert. Just make sure that redskin don’t follow us; himself or with a band. We don’t want to lose any more men.”

  Navarro didn’t leave until after the wagon train crossed the river and was rolling onward toward their next
campsite. Knowing the caravan’s noise would cover any sound he made, he whistled for Night Cloud. The stallion responded within minutes, splashing water as he raced toward his master.

  Beth sat in the shade of a cottonwood that did little cooling in the midday heat. Perspiration rolled down her back and between her breasts under the buckskin garments. Moisture beaded on her face for only a moment before the thirsty air drank it. Her brain felt as if it were being roasted in an oven. She dared not remove her hat and allow fiery hair to show; that color would be visible for a long way against the dull shades and greens of this region. She hated to imagine what it was going to be like to ride deeper into the Chihuahuan Desert. She knew she needed to be careful of being lulled into dazed wits or attacked by dehydration.

  Navarro’s return elated her. She smiled and hugged him before questioning him.

  He related his successful actions and reminded her they’d hang back for a while. “I’ll hide the gifts we got at the ranch in those clefts over there and cover ‘em with brush. I’ll fetch ‘em after we finish this assignment.”

  As they rested in shade, Navarro began a reluctant topic: his ghostly rival for the redhead’s love. “Blue was the man who killed Steven, maybe your father, too. He had those knife scars you mentioned, two X’s right where you said they’d be, between the thumb and first finger on his left hand. You’ve got your justice and revenge, Beth. Those marks tie the two cases together just as Dan suspected they would. Charles is out three men and that guard dog, but he still has twenty-three mean hombres.”

  Beth let it all settle in a moment. “Justice and revenge.” Navarro had gotten them for her. That link to her past was over. Unless…No, she reasoned, Navarro wouldn’t lie just to take her mind off of searching for her family’s killer. “Thanks. I…I have to be alone for a while. I’ll be back soon.”

  “Watch out for snakes and such.”

  “I will,” she tossed over her shoulder.

  Beth reached a private spot and leaned against a slanted boulder. Even with a hat pulled down to her brows, her eyes squinted in the brilliant light. Her heart raced as a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings assailed mind and body. Unbidden tears stung her heat-dried eyes and threatened to flood down her cheeks.

  Rest in peace, Papa, Steven; you’ve been avenged. Now, I have to get on with my life without you two. If only…

  Navarro watched Beth almost lose the battle not to cry, weep over the husband she had loved and lost, still loved, it appeared to him. He knew from his tormenting experience with Jessie, no one could force a lost and lingering love from another’s heart and mind. Until she released herself from an emotional prison, new love couldn’t bloom and flourish. Since he wanted to win her, he must have patience while she freed herself.

  Navarro pondered the talk they’d had at the ranch. He’d alleged he had nothing to offer except friendship and desire; that was no longer true. His warning was foolish, and perhaps had damaged any budding feelings for him. He wished he could erase what he’d said. To expose his love now was just as reckless; it was too soon after his “break” with Jessie for Beth to believe such a claim, and Beth wasn’t ready to hear it or to respond to it. He sneaked away to allow her privacy to master her anguish.

  * * *

  They camped that night on the Rio San Antonio in Mexico, miles northeast of Charles’s chosen site. Until darkness engulfed the land, Navarro used a tall peak for spying on their enemies to make sure no one was sent back to check their flank. They ate cured ham in biscuits and dried fruit furnished by Jessica and sipped tepid water.

  Shortly before all light was lost and he was assured of safety, Navarro allowed Beth to strip and bathe in the river. After she finished and while she stood guard, he did the same. Soon, blackness encompassed them because a quarter moon rode so close to the sun’s coattail. That situation prevented her from seeing his face, which was stubbled with five o’clock shadow. “We can’t see a thing coming at us without a campfire for light.”

  “That’s good since I look a mess,” he joked. “I won’t cut my hair or shave while we’re on the trail; it’ll help disguise me when I go into a village or town, in case any of Charles’s men head in for some reason. They’d be sure to recognize me without a beard and mustache. You, woman, there’s no way we could hide your beauty and identity. You aren’t afraid of the dark, are you?” he teased across the scant space separating them.

  “No, are you?” she quipped.

  “Nope. Good thing we aren’t because we can’t risk a fire or snuggling. I hope you don’t have any visitors again like you did that night on the trail.” He knew he didn’t have to clarify which seductive night he meant.

  Beth clutched the ebony wolf carving in her hand. They couldn’t chance any contact that could distract them, but she wished he would wrap his arm around her and let her sit next to him. She wasn’t frightened; still she craved his touch and solace. They hadn’t talked much today. At least the sun’s demanding heat was gone and cool desert air wafted over her. Crickets and frogs nearby didn’t seem troubled or silenced by the impenetrable darkness. She sniffed with delight the night-blooming cactus that perfumed the area. The horses had grazed and drunk and were quiet except for their breathing. That’s all she heard from her partner, his steady breathing.

  Two wagons—one schooner and one freight hauler—kept heading west for Chihuahua and a rendezvous with Diaz’s soldiers. Four men on horses rode with them as escorts. The other eight wagons and hirelings turned northwestward toward the Arizona border as Navarro had overheard.

  They journeyed all day through the hilly and mountainous section. After their leaders halted for the night, Navarro guided Beth onward a few miles to camp on the Rio Conchos. He wanted privacy to teach her more self-defense and knife tactics, and did so until light began to fail them beneath the quarter moon. Dusty and sweaty from practice, each stood guard while the other stripped and washed.

  “Few things feel better than a bath under these conditions,” Navarro observed. “Besides, I enjoy the view when it’s your turn.”

  “You don’t even steal a peek at me, Navarro Breed, and you know it.”

  “Are you sure?” he jested with a roguish grin.

  “With your skills, I would never argue with certainty against you.”

  “Wouldn’t it be nice if we could scrub each other?”

  “Sheer heaven, but far too distracting and perilous. Maybe later.”

  “That’s one promise I’ll be sure to remember and collect.”

  “Did I make a promise?”

  “You implied one; that’s the same thing. And don’t go withdrawing it.”

  “I won’t. And if you forget, I’ll remind you of your vow in return.”

  Vow…Wedding vows…He wished theirs were true.

  So did Beth as she settled on her bedroll to search for sleep.

  They journeyed through the Sierra de la Tasajera region with its mixture of high and low topography. On occasion at a distance in a valley, they saw small villages where peasants labored with crops or sheep. On a section of grassland, they noticed two ranches where vaqueros wrangled cattle and horses on nice spreads with watermills and large haciendas. West of their location was the Sierra Madre Occidental, one of Mexico’s two cordilleras, a mountain range that Geronimo favored when he fled America for rest and regrouping. The landscape was much like what they had left behind in their country: dry, rugged, and wildly beautiful. Vegetation was much the same, too—cactus, agave, mesquite, scrub brush, and cassava. But added to the familiar wildlife were pumas and wolves, two creatures almost nonexistent across the border.

  Teaching her some Spanish along the way, Navarro told her the territory was called tierra caliente, meaning “hot land.”

  When they set up camp on a stream miles from their targets, Navarro thought it was safe enough for bow and arrow practice. “This canyon won’t let our sounds go beyond its walls. We might need to use these weapons if things change between here and the border. You
said you’d used them but you’re rusty. Let’s get you all clean and shiny again.”

  An hour later, Navarro said, “You’re good with that bow, woman.”

  “In a pinch, I’d do all right as backup. But you, total accuracy.”

  “What I taught you helped; all you need is a little more practice. You learn fast, Agent Wind. You’re getting as good on the trail as I am.”

  “Only because of all you’ve shown me and told me. I wish…”

  “You wish what?”

  “I wish Papa and Steven had possessed skills like yours so they’d still be alive. Or if I’d had them back then, I could have saved—”

  “No, Beth, you couldn’t have. No man, not even me, could escape an ambush with odds like they rode into. If you’d gotten there sooner, you would have prayed for death before men like Blue and his friends finished with you. Never blame yourself for not being there.”

  Like you don’t blame yourself for not being there when Jessica learned she was pregnant and needed you? It was mean and wrong to assuage one’s guilt and anguish at another’s expense, so Beth refused to let that cruel and rude retort leave her quivering lips. “I’ll try. If I forgot to thank you for dealing with their murderer, I’ll do it now; thanks, Navarro.”

  “You don’t need words; you say it with actions and expressions. Now, if you want to get that dust and sweat off, best do it before dark.”