Some inner doubt in her own ability to know a man's heart, some unreasoning fear of being used, made her start across the hard-packed compound toward the jail.
The little structure was an adjunct to several other buildings and sat near the northeast corner of the fort. Glee strode in and was immediately greeted by the jailor, a man of incredible averageness. It struck her that even after conversing politely for a few moments, she wouldn't have remembered anything distinct about him.
He led her right to a stack of "Wanted" posters and left her to leaf through them at her own pace. Some of the same faces and names she had seen before were flipped over quickly, and soon Glee began to relax. As she neared the back of the stack, however, her heart skipped a beat. Alex's face, albeit a poor representation, had been crudely sketched above the name Esteban Garcia. This Esteban Garcia had a full beard, and perhaps his nose was depicted with a flat quality that Alex's fine features did not have, but Glee felt faint as she stared. Finally, she read the print beneath the name.
WANTED FOR BANK ROBBERY AND MURDER
OF U.S. MARSHAL AND THREE OTHERS REWARD IF RETURNED TO SALT LAKE CITY ALIVE
$5,000
It took her several minutes to compose herself, and when she had, she went back to the jailor's desk, poster in hand.
"You all right, ma'am?" the young man asked.
He was looking at her oddly. Glee realized that she had tears running down her face, and swiped them away.
"Yes, I'm fine," she said, though her voice sounded hoarse. "Dust in my eyes, I think." She waved the paper. "Have you another one of these?"
"I might," he answered. After a few moments of searching through a desk drawer, he withdrew another identical, damning testament against the man who called himself Alex Pacheco.
"May I keep it, please?"
He nodded. "Sure you're all right ma'am?"
Again she swiped at her foolish tears, cursing herself for being so emotional. "Fine, soldier. Might you direct me to the barracks?"
He bit his lip as he considered her request, but gave her clear directions.
Like a person walking through a nightmare, Glee found her way to the soldiers' barracks, and when informed that ladies were not allowed inside, she politely asked for her servant Hakki to be sent for. She knew that he and Alex were chained together and where Hakki went, so too went Alex. As she waited, she silently berated herself for continuing to think of that sneaky bastard Esteban Garcia as "Alex." There was no "Alex." There was only a tall, handsome liar—a killer named Esteban Garcia.
Hakki touched her shoulder, and she realized that he must have spoken to her once or twice as she stood and waited.
"Mistress? What is wrong?"
She didn't even see him though she heard Hakki's voice. Her focus was completely on the man she wanted to kill. He was watching her too, a false concern showing in his eyes.
"Hakki," she said, her voice impossible to control, quavering and thick. She felt mocked by the handsome face of the devil she had kissed. Glee wanted to see the look on his face when she told him his game was over. "I wanted to let you know that our plans have changed slightly. We are not only going to stop in Salt Lake City for Mister Fletcher to see to his prisoner, but we are going to stay through his trial and watch him hang."
Immediately both men straightened with surprise. Hakki frowned, but the other man's reaction was Glee's reward. His sensual lips tightened to a straight line, and his eyes narrowed, making him look dangerous. A caged panther, ready to attack, to kill to gain freedom.
Her hand moved to strike, to put all her anger and hurt in a physical blow, but even manacled he was faster than she. He caught her wrist before she could connect with his face.
"Let me go, you devil-spawned, whoreson!" she screamed, tears flowing again. She spit in his face and was unsatisfied when he did not flinch. "Look! Look at this, you lying murderer! Deli adam! Pig! I hate you!" The last was nearly a whisper as her voice gave out. She dropped the horrid poster and ran blindly from the wooden banquette of the barracks toward the cottage.
Alex watched her go with a sick feeling of dread. His heart was beginning to feel like a lead weight in his chest. Hakki tapped his shoulder and handed him the paper Glee had left behind.
"This is your picture, Alex," he said. "But I cannot read the words."
Alex confirmed his worst fears as he looked at the "Wanted" poster where a semblance of his face was crudely depicted. "It says that Esteban Garcia is wanted for murder and bank robbery in Salt Lake City, and the reward for his capture alive is $5000."
Hakki nodded calmly. "I should kill you for what you have done."
"Get in line, amigo. Get in line."
Chapter 16 – October 22, 1852, Fort Laramie, Wyoming
Dear Cousin Raymond,
I have been gone from Boston for just under one Month and yet in many ways it seems like Years. The travel by wagon is difficult, and we are frequently battling the Autumn weather, just as you predicted. However, we are Well
I was too late to seek safe crossing with a Government Wagon Train, but I was able to find a satisfactory Guide. I do not think you would approve of him, dear Raymond, but I saw little alternative in the matter. I simply could not return to Boston.
Our Guide is Jake Fletcher, a bounty hunter who was on his way to Salt Lake City with a prisoner. He was kind enough to allow us to engage his services as a Guide to California, and thus far the trip has been tiring, but relatively safe. It has not, however, been uneventful.
Once, you told me that someday I would "eat" my words concerning some of the marital pleasures. Can you hear me chewing? Although I have not married, and am still determined never to do so - perhaps more now than ever - I have had an opportunity to discover that you were right. I met a man who helped me realize the sensual nature I have been hiding from myself for a very long time.
I tell you these things, Dearest Cousin, because I believe you will not condemn me for my Actions, but rather understand the nature of my curiosity. So, please do not think badly of my Conduct. If I cannot confide in you, My Dear, then Who? Please do not fear for my Virtue. I have not, and will not, give All to this man. He has proven himself a Scoundrel of the Worst variety, and no longer holds my favor.
I must end this letter now, as I am told the horses and mules are ready to leave. Pray for me, Cuz, as you know I am deathly afraid of horses - and now I must ride until we reach Fort Bridger some 400 miles distant, and can procure another wagon. The Trail becomes too treacherous betwixt here and there for wagons to cross successfully and with Speed.
Please give my love to your dear Mother and Father, and your Sisters as well. I think of you often with great Fondness.
Your Loving Cousin,
Glee Elizabeth Montrose
Glee reread the letter before she blotted and folded it, addressed it, and gave it to Erdogan to leave for the next mail eastward. She put the dark spectacles on her nose, glad that they would hide the red swelling around her eyes. Crying was really becoming a too-frequent occurrence, she thought with a sniff. And, it seemed that her tears were usually caused by that batârd, Alex Pacheco.
"Stuff!" she muttered. Would she ever remember to call him by his true name, Esteban Garcia? Better that she simply stopped thinking about him, then she wouldn't have to call him anything.
Glee looked around the cheerful little room one more time, and then left the cottage to start the next leg of the journey. Crossing over the Rocky Mountains would be arduous, she had been told, and if they wanted to do it speedily they would be better off trading their wagon for pack-mules and horses. Although Glee quailed at riding, she could feel winter fast approaching and knew the wisdom of speed.
The group was mounted and waiting for her when she reached the parade grounds. Fletcher rode his usual sorrel stallion, and Hakki had a similar beast. Hakki looked natural and confident, and Glee could see that he was an experienced horseman. Erdogan and Amina, however, looked insecure and nervous, as they clun
g to the saddles of their horses. Erdogan rode a smallish bay mare with two white stockings, and Amina a gray gelding which appeared anxious to be off.
Their prisoner had been given a huge black draft horse with a white star, owing, no doubt, to Alex's size. They'd manacled his hands together, and shackled his legs under the belly of the horse. He might be able to ride away, if Fletcher didn't shoot him down, but he'd never be able to get off the horse's back. Glee tried to ignore him as she moved toward the tall, speckled mare that had been saddled for her use. But, Alex's horse shied at her approach, and he leaned over its great neck to whisper something in its ear. The sound of his deep, silky whispers made Glee's skin tingle, and she wondered bitterly if he had found her as easy to control as the horse.
"Get on the go'damn horse, lady," Fletcher snapped. "Ain't got all day!"
Glee stiffened her spine and got up on the little box which made her tall enough to mount the big horse. "I told you, Mister Fletcher, that I do not ride. If I seem somewhat reluctant, you must remember that and try to be patient."
Without thinking, Glee put her right foot up to the stirrup.
"No, niña," Alex said softly. "The left foot, or you will ride backward."
She shot him a dirty look, but saw merit in his advice and was able to mount the horse. Hakki instructed her on holding the reins properly, and keeping the balls of her feet planted on the stirrups to maintain control with her knees. Learning the horse's peculiar gait was entirely up to her, however, and it took several hours of bouncing and lurching before she could even begin to anticipate the motions.
When they stopped to make camp that night, Glee was saddle sore and stiff. She was actually afraid to dismount because she didn't think her legs would hold her and she didn't want to crumple under the horse. Hakki was helping Amina to dismount, and Glee waited anxiously for him to approach her.
Alex's leg shackles had been removed and he came to her, holding out his cuffed hands to give her assist. She turned up her nose at him. "I don't need your help, Garcia."
"Then why don't you get down?" he asked, a dark eyebrow quirked.
"Maybe I'm waiting for you to go away first," she answered.
"Liar," was his amused response, but he walked into the little clearing Fletcher had chosen for their camp.
Fortunately for her, Hakki came soon after Alex walked away, and gently lifted her from the horse's back. As she predicted, her legs buckled and it took several minutes for her to gain control. Amina was having much the same trouble, and Erdogan was actually sitting on the ground moaning.
Nearly two hours later, tents erected, another supper of beans and bacon consumed, the three novice riders did what they could for each other with medicinal oil rubs and sympathy. It wasn't much, but eventually they slept.
* * * *
Alex sat, secured to a tree, and listened to the crickets and the occasional rustling of leaves. He watched Hakki make a last check on the horses and then come toward him with the coffee pot and two cups.
The tall Turk sat beside him, leaning on the tree, and poured coffee, handing a cup to Alex when he was done.
"Why did you do this thing to her?" Hakki asked without rancor.
Alex drew a hot, bitter, mouthful in before he answered. "I didn't do anything she didn't want, amigo. Nothing has changed as far as I'm concerned."
"She now believes that you are Esteban Garcia. You still say you are not?"
Alex nodded and tipped his head back to stare into the starry sky through the half-naked boughs of the maple tree. "I'm Alejandro Pacheco. Always have been and always will be. The opinion of one stubborn, distrustful woman will not change who I am."
Hakki seemed to consider this for a time. "She is confused, my friend. I do not think she knows much of men."
Alex snorted. "After living in a harem for two years? I've got a pretty good idea what she looks like under those rags she wears. You cannot tell me that the pasha or Sultan, whatever he is, didn't see as much as I have."
"I cannot say what the Sultan saw." Hakki shrugged. "But I do know that I was ordered to preserve her virginities for Prince Akmed, the Sultan's second son."
Now it was Alex's turn to think for a moment before speaking. He wished fervently that he'd had an opportunity to read more than a few snippets from her journal. Hakki had given him some things to consider. Perhaps he had been wrong about her. Perhaps her only experience had been with women, not necessarily her preferred experience. It didn't matter anymore. Glee Montrose hated him, or rather, hated the man she thought him to be. It would be better to concentrate on escape.
He took another sip of his coffee and considered Hakki again. “Inexperience with men might be her problem, but I’m not in much of a position to help with that.”
“A woman depends on a man to teach her pleasure, yes? I was explaining this to Amina only-"
"Hakki," Alex interrupted. "How is it we are having this conversation? You're a eunuch, aren't you?"
"You know I am, my friend. We have bathed together many times."
"Then how...?"
Hakki nodded his understanding. "I was not born this way, Alex. My tribe is in Egypt, in the desert. I was captured during a raid on a rich caravan I was hired to protect, and taken along with others by slave traders. This was during my sixteenth year. Eunuchs are worth one hundred times the price of a simple slave, and I was too big to become a pet for some boy-loving Sultan or pasha anyway."
"¡Madré de Dios! Sixteen! You were just a boy."
"That may be true in some ways, Alex, but not in all. I was mature enough for my body to have become masculine and capable." He shook his dark head. "Not like Erdogan. He was captured when he was seven. It is as though he has always been a eunuch."
"So," Alex said slowly, "you are telling me that although you cannot sire children you can still...?"
"Oh yes."
Alex laughed until his eyes began to water. "Dios, you must have been popular in the harem."
Hakki smiled. "It was not widely known among the women. I was very, very careful. Perhaps only fifteen or twenty knew."
"Fifteen or twenty, eh?"
"Yes, but the Sultan had more than two hundred women in the harem. It was necessary to keep my abilities a secret. If I had been caught I would have died a horrible death. The Sultan's women are for his use alone."
"And his sons'."
Hakki shrugged. "If he wishes. Or his guests, or those he might wish to honor with a gift. What he does with them is entirely up to him."
Alex considered for a minute, wondering what Glee must have gone through among those women. Women with no hope of finding a lifetime mate and a normal life. Of course, they would turn to each other with their needs. There was no chance that they might fulfill them otherwise.
"Tell me Hakki, were they very beautiful?"
Hakki closed his eyes for a moment and smiled. "Many of them were perfect, Alex. So divine that Allah must have made them just for the pleasure of looking at them."
"How did Glee fit in there?"
Hakki shrugged. "I could not say. I did not guard the part of the harem where she was housed, and only saw her in the hamam, the bathing chamber. She was as beautiful as the most lovely among them, of course. You know that she is beautiful."
Alex nodded, his body reacting automatically to his sensual visions of Glee. "She had a friend there. Nilüfer?"
"Yes, I remember them together often. Nilüfer was one of the women I guarded. How do you know of her?"
"Glee mentioned her to me once," Alex lied.
"Ah. Yes, they were great friends."
Alex didn't know how to ask what he truly wanted to know. Had Glee been seduced by Nilüfer? He supposed it didn't matter. Glee and he would never have reason to be intimate again, unless... Unless he followed through on his early plan to take her with him when he escaped.
He yawned dramatically, suddenly wanting to be alone to think things through. "It's late, amigo."
Hakki tipped out the
dregs of his coffee. "Yes, and we have many miles to travel through the mountains yet." He took Alex's cup. "Good night, Alex Pacheco."
"Buenos noches, Hakki."
When Hakki had gone, Alex settled into his bedroll and considered his few options. For one reason or another, they were discarded one at a time until he was back to where he had started. He would escape, he promised himself. And take la pequeña tigresa with him.
Chapter 17
Twelve more butt-weary days brought them over the Black Hills and into the alkali fields. The skeletons of hundreds of oxen littered the trail, leaving little doubt in Glee's mind that the travel by horseback was worth the difficulties it brought.
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