"Oh, Lucky." September wound her arms around the dog’s neck and buried her face in his fur. For long trembling moments she clung to him, unable to believe he had come to her rescue.
"Come on, September. Let’s get out of here." Billy placed an arm around September’s waist, helping her to her feet.
"Not so fast."
At the icy tone of the gunman, they froze.
Dazed by the blow to his head, he got to his feet slowly. The dull metal of the gun in his hand glinted in the moonlight.
"We’ve got some unfinished business, girl. But first, I’ll get rid of the kid and the dog."
"No!" September wrapped her arms around Billy’s shoulders, shielding him with her body.
"Move aside." With one hand, the gunman flung her away and took aim at the boy.
Before Lucky could leap at this new threat, a single gunshot rang through the night’s stillness. Horrified, September watched as the gunman’s eyes widened in surprise. In slow motion he crumpled to the dirt, a dark red stain covering the front of his shirt.
From the shadows, Jase stepped into the circle of moonlight. September flew to Billy’s side. Both of them stared speechless at the stranger who had saved their lives.
"Damned little fool. You always seem to be getting yourself into trouble," he muttered.
"And you always seem to be around to get me out." She brushed a stray lock of hair from Billy’s forehead, in an oddly intimate gesture. Billy in return touched her cheek.
Jase found himself resenting this scrawny boy, who appeared so protective. "Your sister?"
The boy shook his head. "We’re friends."
Jase offered her a grim smile. "You seem to attract admirers of all ages."
Cocking his head suddenly at the sound of voices drawing near, he said, "These men work for Rawlins. And he has the law of this town in his pocket. Get out of here. Fast."
Billy took September’s hand. With his arm around her shoulder and Lucky walking closely beside her, they quickly made their way to the boardinghouse. The stranger, September noted, had melted into the darkness.
At her bedroom, September paused. "Didn’t I tell you not to follow me to Rawlins’ Saloon?"
Billy nodded.
September wrapped her arms wearily around his neck and kissed his cheek. "I’m awfully glad you had the good sense not to listen to me. Thank you, Billy," she whispered, tenderly touching his cheek. "You and Lucky saved my life."
"And that stranger," he added.
"Yes. And the stranger."
Embarrassed at the feelings she stirred by her closeness, Billy avoided her eyes. "Here. I picked this up before we left. I thought you might need it again some time."
September stared at the fish knife in his hand. With a somber look she took it from him. "It’s been a good friend. And so have you."
She gave him another kiss on the cheek. With a weak smile, she closed her bedroom door.
While she slept with the knife under her pillow, the dog drowsed, his ears attuned for any unusual sound in the night.
In another room, a young boy rolled into his blanket and thought about the soft lips which had grazed his cheek, melting his young heart, making him September’s slave forever.
And in the dark night, a solitary figure made his way to his cabin, cursing the feelings which stirred in him each time he even thought about the Velvet Voice, a waif in a severe red gown, who held an entire room full of men enthralled.
Damn the woman. One minute she was a vixen, soft, purring; the next, fighting like a she-wolf for the safety of her cubs.
Chapter Thirteen
Jacob Mueller looked up as the young woman entered. As always, the big dog waited outside the door, watching her every move.
"Morning, Miss Malloy. What can I do for you?"
"I hear there are big strikes along the Klondike. I need the proper gear for a trip there."
"I didn’t know you were interested in mining, Miss Malloy."
"I’m not. But I know my father. If there’s a big strike, he’ll be in the middle of it. And I intend to find him, now that I’ve earned enough money for the trip."
His smile faded. "I’m sorry. It isn’t that simple. There isn’t anyone who’ll take you up into the Yukon this time of year."
"But what about the pack trains?"
He pointed out the door of his store. "Have you looked at the weather, Miss? Those are snow clouds. The winter’s closing in. No one attempts the ice fields in winter."
"But I see people leaving every day."
"They’re fools, Miss Malloy. They have the fever. They really believe they can just slog through ice and snow and find gleaming yellow nuggets waiting for them in some swollen stream, or along the side of a trail."
"Are you telling me they’ll all fail?"
"I’m saying that most of them won’t even make it through White Pass. They will lose everything they’ve managed to save, and they’ll go back home more desperate than when they arrived."
She looked at him pleadingly. "There must be someone who knows this area who’s willing to take a chance."
He shook his head, speaking more to himself than to her. "The only man I know who’s foolish enough to make a trip like that in winter is Jase Conroy. I know he’s planning to go soon. He’s already put in his order for the gear."
Her head came up. "Jase Conroy? Where can I find him?"
"He doesn’t live in town, Miss Malloy. He has a cabin in the foothills."
That was even better. She wouldn’t have to spend the day looking over her shoulder for Snake’s revenge. She was no longer safe in this town.
"Can you give me directions?"
He held up a hand. "Now wait a minute. I can tell you how to get to his place. But believe me, old Jase is one man who won’t take anyone along. Especially a woman."
"Mr. Mueller, it’s worth a try. Please." She gave him a bright smile. "At least tell me where he lives."
At the light in her eyes, he relented. "No harm in trying. But I warn you, you’re not going to change old Jase’s mind."
"Thanks, Mr. Mueller. I have to try."
He gave her the directions, then watched with amusement. She didn’t have a prayer of a chance.
* * *
As September made her way from town and walked along the deserted path which led up into the hills around Skagway, she saw the dog lift his head. She felt the bite of snow in the air. Jacob Mueller was right. If not today, then soon. Winter was already upon them.
Snow had already come to the higher elevations. Drawing her shawl tightly about her shoulders, September lifted the hem of her black wool gown and picked her way through the treacherous drifts.
The cabin was made of rough-hewn timbers. It was a snug building, with pitch sealing the logs to keep out the ever present wind, which rattled down the mountains. Smoke curled from the chimney.
The big dog stopped at the sound of barking dogs. His body stiffened before he bounded ahead of her. His gait was stronger than it had ever been.
She knocked. Please, God, let old Jase Conroy be at home. I have to get started, before Snake decides to seek revenge.
The cabin door opened. September felt her mouth go suddenly dry. "You’re—Jase Conroy?"
The stranger aboard the boat. The stranger from the saloon. The stranger who had kissed her in the tent.
He looked as stunned as she felt.
"Jacob Mueller told me to see you." She licked her lips. His gaze centered on her mouth. "He said you’re the only one he knows who’s crazy enough to travel to the Yukon in winter."
His eyes softened a little. "Jacob is an old friend, so he can get away with that remark." He waited, puzzled.
"I..." She looked down. This was going to be a lot more difficult now, knowing this man was Jase Conroy. "My name is September Malloy."
He almost smiled. "September. That’s your real name?"
She nodded, then spoke the words in a rush. "I must get to the Klondike."
&nb
sp; "And you want to go with me?"
She nodded.
"Sorry." His voice hardened. "I travel alone."
His hand moved to close the door.
"Wait." She hated the pleading note in her voice. "Please."
He hesitated.
"I’ll pay you anything you ask."
His eyes narrowed. "I’m sure you have plenty of money." He remembered only too well how she earned it. "But I don’t need your money."
He was quick to note the desolation in her eyes.
"Big deposits of gold have been discovered in the Klondike. I know that’s where my father is."
"Then stay in Skagway, Miss Malloy. When he’s either found his gold, or given up the search, he’ll be back."
"You just don’t understand." Defeated, she said, "There has to be some way to make you take me along."
His voice was a low rumble of controlled fury. "I wouldn’t take you with me for all the money in Snake Rawlins’ safe. Go back to your saloon, Miss Malloy."
"I can’t. I’m not working there any more."
"Of course not." How could he forget. With a fresh rush of anger he remembered the miner and his sack of gold, and Snake’s men who wanted to take it from her. She’d finally found the big strike. She no longer needed to work for a living.
"Go back to Skagway, Miss Malloy. I can’t help you."
She kept her voice steady. "You mean you won’t."
His eyes narrowed fractionally. "That’s right. I won’t."
He stood framed in the doorway of his cabin, looking formidable. The dog, completely forgotten by both of them, watched the angry exchange. Lucky nuzzled her hand, eager to comfort her. She seemed not to notice. She turned away, then began trudging along the path which led back to Skagway. The dog trotted along by her side.
Jase frowned. September. Her name was September. For the rest of his life, he would be able to see her, small and soft and beautiful, and think of September as his favorite month of the year. Despite the kind of woman he knew her to be, despite the bile of bitterness which rose to his throat at the thought of that miner and his sack of gold, the thought of her could still make his blood hot. His hand tightened its grip on the door, as he swore and called himself every kind of fool.
* * *
The bell over the door jangled the arrival of a customer. Jacob Mueller looked up from the merchandise he was setting on the wooden shelf.
"I won’t be needing the gear for the Yukon, Mr. Mueller, unless you can tell me of someone else who would be willing to make the trip during the winter."
"Jase turned you down."
She nodded.
He read the bleak desperation in her eyes. "Jase Conroy is a loner, Miss Malloy. He keeps his own council. He lives alone and, more important, travels alone. I guess I knew from the start that he would refuse to take you along." He raised his hands, palms up, in supplication. "I’m sorry. But it was worth a try."
"When will he leave?"
He shrugged. "Jase has already ordered the supplies. The only thing holding him back is a lead dog for his team."
September’s head came up sharply. "A lead dog?"
He nodded. "Since his return to Skagway he’s put together a new dog team. I understand all he’s lacking now is a lead dog."
She paused a moment, deep in thought. "Would you say Howard Beckman knows sled dogs?"
Jacob scratched his head. "Yes. But what’s—"
"Howard Beckman told me Lucky was one of the best sled dogs in the country before he turned on Avery."
"So?"
Her eyes danced with new enthusiasm. "So I have something Jase Conroy needs. Maybe now he’ll be willing to bargain." She hurried to the door. "I may be back to place that order after all."
* * *
As he loped alongside his mistress, Lucky sensed an undercurrent of tension. Her sultry voice, as she spoke to him, was edged with excitement.
"Howard Beckman says sled dogs are only happy when they’re out on the trail, pulling a sled. Is that true, Lucky? Is it?" She ran a hand along the sleek coat, then quickened her pace. She needed to make a deal with Jase Conroy and get back to town before dark. There was danger for her in the darkness.
"Oh, Lucky. I hope you’re as good as he said. We’re dealing with a very tough customer." The dog heard the smile in her voice as she added, "But Pa said no one ever got the best of a Malloy in a deal."
As the cabin came into view, she felt her throat go dry. This strange, angry man would decide her fate. Her fists clenched as she drew nearer. She reminded herself that she came from a long line of good Irish horse traders.
Jase Conroy’s scowl deepened when he opened the door of the cabin.
"Jacob Mueller tells me you’re in the market for a good lead dog for your team."
He continued to stare at her wordlessly.
"I’m told Lucky is the best sled dog in Alaska."
For the first time he became aware of the dog at her side. Had it been there before? Jase couldn’t recall. He had had eyes for only her.
"Where did you get him?" Quickly Jase appraised the animal. It was strong and sleek, with powerful legs and chest. The eyes staring back at him were both intelligent and fearless.
"I bought him from Moon Avery."
"Avery." His gaze swung back to her. "His lead dog was a legend. Why would he sell his best dog?"
"Probably because he thought he was getting the best of the deal. The dog was near death from a beating by his master."
Jase looked at her with new respect. "Why did you bother?"
"Because I couldn’t bear to think about him dying at the hands of that madman."
Jase knelt and reached a hand to the dog, allowing it to study his scent before he began a thorough examination of the animal. As he probed, he muttered, "So that’s why he’s so loyal to you. You saved his life."
"He’s repaid the favor."
Satisfied, Jase stood, towering over her. "How much do you want for him?"
"I want to accompany you to the Klondike."
"Impossible."
She met his look coldly. "Then I hope you find yourself a good lead dog." As she began to turn away, he caught her arm. Immediately he heard the low growl of warning in the dog’s throat.
He dropped his hand. "I’ll pay you double what you paid for him."
Her voice was firm. "I wouldn’t sell him for all the money in Snake Rawlins’ safe."
Remembering that he had hurled those very words at her earlier, he frowned and seemed to consider. "What will you take?"
He saw her shoulders lift as she took in a deep breath. "I’ll take a fair bargain, Mr. Conroy. If I’m allowed to go with you, you’ll have the best lead dog in Alaska. If you insist on traveling alone, you’ll have to look elsewhere for a dog."
His tone was sharp. "Do you have any idea what you’re suggesting? Do you?" At her silence, he added, "The Klondike is over six hundred miles from here. That’s six hundred miles of ice and snow. Some days we may make no more than ten miles. And don’t think you can just climb on the sled each morning and let the team haul your carcass across the ice fields. The sled is used to carry a ton of supplies. You can ride on the straight runs. But when we’re climbing, or when the team gets bogged down in deep drifts, you’ll walk, in snow that at times will be up to your waist. The trail demands hard work. And I won’t do your share."
"You’ll take me?"
He gave a sigh of resignation at her single-mindedness. "I haven’t said I would." He watched as she lowered her eyes to hide her excitement. "I’ll have to test your dog with my team. If they work well together, I’ll agree to your terms. If your dog can’t control the other dogs, I’ll have to look elsewhere."
"All right. Go ahead and test him now."
The first hint of a smile touched Jase’s lips. "It isn’t that easy. Tonight, your dog will join the team. If the other dogs haven’t killed him by morning, we’ll go on a run."
"Kill him?" She dropped to her knees and dr
ew the big dog close. "Why would they attack Lucky?"
"Lucky, is it?" He studied the two of them and was surprised at the tight feeling in his chest. "A lead dog must assert himself with the rest of the team. If they decide to trust him, they’ll follow him blindly. But remember, Miss Malloy. Few dogs have what it takes to be leader."
He glanced at the darkening sky. "I suggest you go. Come back in two days. I’ll have an answer for you."
"He won’t stay with you." She rubbed her chin over the dog’s ruff in an intimate gesture.
"He will if you order it."
Jase watched as she caught the dog’s head in her hands. The look which passed between them was one of absolute love and devotion.
"Howard Beckman said a sled dog is only truly happy when he’s out on the trail. I hope he was right, Lucky." She buried her face in the thick fur and gave the dog a fierce hug.
Standing, she said in a choked voice, "You’re staying here now, boy."
As she took a step away, the dog moved to her side. She touched his head, then said in a strong voice, "No, Lucky. Stay."
The dog glanced uncertainly at the man who stood watching. For long moments, September stared sadly at the big dog. Then, avoiding Jase’s eyes, she said, "I’ll be back in two days."
Jase and the dog stood by the door of the cabin, watching the small figure until she was out of sight.
* * *
As soon as September finished helping Billy and Aggie with the chores, she set off for Jase Conroy’s cabin. These had been two of the longest days of her life. Fearing Snake’s wrath, she had kept out of sight, staying in her room as much as possible. Billy reported rumors that Snake’s men were searching every shack and tent in Skagway. There were even rumbles of a reward for the Velvet Voice.
The agony of not knowing what was happening to Lucky drove her to the edge of patience, which was already on a short leash. And each day that passed meant more miles between September and the man on whom she had sworn revenge. Deke Kendall. He was going to pay for what he had done to her on the boat. She had paid dearly for her innocent trust. Not only in terms of the money and valuables he stole, but also in the time and suffering she had endured since her arrival in Skagway. She was anxious to be on the trail.
September's Dream Page 14
