September's Dream

by Ruth Ryan Langan

  "Oh, Patrick. Patrick. My wonderful, dreamy father." Tears rolled down her cheeks, dropping onto his red beard. Tenderly she smoothed his hair and beard, staring down at the fine white skin, so like her own. His eyes were closed, as if he were peacefully sleeping.

  She would tell herself he was asleep. He wasn’t dead. He would open his eyes and laugh at her. And in his teasing, wonderful brogue, he’d say, "Now it’s a fine surprise you’ve given me. My wee princess here in Alaska. Did you bring along a pint of ale, love?"

  He wasn’t asleep, she thought with horror. The front of his shirt was drenched in his own blood. He was dead. Brutally murdered. But his face, his handsome Irish face, was untouched. He looked almost serene.

  Jase stood by helplessly while September worked through her grief.

  "You had it all, Paddy," she crooned. "A wife who loved you, a daughter who adored you. Your queen and wee princess. But you wanted even more. A castle filled with the finest of everything. A mansion on the hill. Why didn’t you settle for half, Pa? Why did you have to have it all?"

  She looked up questioningly at Jase. "What would he have done when he found out he had the gold but had lost his queen?"

  When Jase could find no words, she answered her own question. "He’d have spent the rest of his life wandering, searching for the love he’d left behind and lost."

  Gently she let go of him, smoothing his hair as his head dropped to the floor. Unbuttoning his shirt, she touched a fingertip to the blood-red birthmark on his shoulder. For all of her life she would carry the identical mark. He called it the red mark of the Malloys.

  "I think I’ve known from the beginning that this was his fate. Patrick would have never been happy without his Inga. He had to join her in that other world. I hope there’s a heaven. Oh, I pray they’re together."

  "Come on," Jase said, wrapping his arm about her shoulder and easing her to her feet. He clutched her cold hands tightly in his. "We’ll bury him together."

  She nodded as tears streamed down her face.

  Outside, the dogs set up a deafening din. Jase walked to the sled for a pickax and shovel, while September began walking toward a hilly slope overlooking her father’s cabin.

  As she passed the tent, an arm snaked out, jerking her roughly against the canvas. Stunned, she turned and found herself face to face with Deke Kenyon. Despite the growth of shaggy blond beard, she recognized him. When he spoke, his voice sent ice through her veins.

  "I knew I’d run into you again one day, September Malloy. And I vowed that when I did, I’d make you pay for the scar you gave me."

  She stared speechless at the thin white line across his cheek, barely covered by the beard.

  "I knew some day I’d be holding a gun on you and I’d watch you beg. And you’d promise to do anything to spare your life." His sinister laugh made her heart stop. "Anything."

  "You’ll never see me beg, Deke."

  He nodded his head. "You think lover boy down there by the sled will save you?" He caught the quick look that came into her eyes. "Do you know who you’ve teamed up with?"

  "No. And I don’t care."

  "Well, you’d better care. He makes his living tracking men. He’s no better than a trained dog."

  "He’s a better man than you, Deke Kenyon, or whatever your name is," she spat contemptuously.

  He caught a handful of her hair and pulled her head back painfully. "Keep a civil tongue in your mouth, girl, or I’ll blow your head off with this gun."

  He saw her eyes narrow before she winced in pain.

  "I’ll give you a chance to live," he said angrily. "One chance. Take it or leave it."

  Tears stung her eyes as he tugged harder on her hair. In his other hand was a menacing revolver, which he pointed at her throat.

  "What chance?"

  "Say you’ll go with me. Leave Jase Conroy for the wolves and go back to Skagway with me. From there we’ll go to San Francisco and live the good life."

  His face was so close to hers she could feel the hot sting of his breath as he waited for her reply.

  She swallowed painfully. "I wouldn’t have you if you were the only man left in Alaska. In the world."

  While Jase untied the necessary tools from the sled, the dogs kept up a steady chorus of barking. Locked in his harness, Lucky strained against the restraints, frantically trying to break free. Puzzled, Jase turned to stare up the slope to determine what had the team so agitated.

  * * *

  He saw a slight movement behind the tent. It could have been a flap or tear in the canvas, fluttering in the wind. He felt the hairs on the back of his neck raise. Or it could be an intruder. Dropping the tools, he released Lucky from his harness and reached for his rifle. Keeping low to the ground, he ordered the dog by his side and moved carefully up the slope.

  From his vantage point, Jase could hear everything that was said. He felt his mouth go dry when he realized who was holding September at gunpoint, and what he intended to do. When Deke offered her freedom if she would accompany him, Jase felt a tightening around his heart. But at her bold refusal, Jase felt a burst of joy he had never experienced before. He had to save her. And he had to work fast.

  Hearing the dog’s growl deep in his throat, Jase put a restraining hand on his head. He hoped for the element of surprise.

  Stepping away from the protection of the tent, he shouted, "Drop your gun. I arrest you in the name of the Crown."

  Deke whirled. Seeing the menacing rifle in Jase’s hands, he tossed down his gun.

  "So. You’re back for more," Deke said sullenly. "I thought I finished you off last time."

  "You nearly did. But I wasn’t about to die and let you get away with murder." Jase walked closer, all the while keeping his eye on the vicious killer.

  Lucky circled, growling and baring his teeth.

  Jase’s gaze flicked over September. "Are you all right?"

  She nodded, too breathless to speak.

  Deke moved so quickly, neither September nor Jase had time to react. Wrapping his arm around her throat, he held September in front of him like a shield. From the back of his waist he produced a second gun. "Go ahead and shoot, Conroy. Let her blood be on your hands."

  As Jase hesitated, Deke snarled, "Throw down your rifle or I’ll kill her. Now."

  Furious at his lapse, Jase tossed his rifle in the snow, cursing himself. If he hadn’t allowed himself to fall in love with her, if he hadn’t cared more for her than for his own welfare, he never would have made such a foolish blunder. But his concern for her blinded him, made him careless.

  Seeing September threatened, Lucky snarled and leaped through the air. In one quick motion, Deke aimed and fired, bringing the dog down with a whimper of pain.

  September’s hands flew to her mouth, to stifle a scream. As she watched, the dog fell to the snow, its eyes glazed with pain.

  "Well, lawman, it looks like you lose again."

  September turned away from the pitiful sight of Lucky. Her eyes widened. "Lawman?"

  Deke gave a sneer. "A Mountie. And I hate Mounties."

  A man of the law. She hadn’t fallen in love with a bounty hunter or a hired gun. Jase was a Mountie. Even in this perilous situation, with the death of all her loved ones surrounding her, she felt her heart soar at the knowledge.

  "And you’re the one who left Jase to die before?"

  Deke tightened his grip, nearly cutting off her breath. "This time I’ll make sure I finish the job."

  Seeing her pain, Jase made a desperate leap for Deke. Beside her ear, September heard the terrible explosion of sound. And then Jase crumpled in the snow at her feet.

  "Jase. Oh God, no. Jase."

  Tears sprang to her eyes, but Deke continued holding her tightly, refusing to allow her to go to his aid.

  For a moment, Jase felt nothing. He was surrounded by something cool, something almost soothing. He was sinking deeper into it, unable to find his way out. He wanted to move. He fought to stand up. But something was pinn
ing him down. With a tremendous effort, he tried to stand. Pain, hot, searing, shot through his shoulder. Was it the wolf again? He tried to think. No. Lucky had been shot. And so had he. A gunman. Holding September as hostage. He forced himself to he very still. He had to think. From a great distance, he could hear their voices.

  "Now you have one chance to save that Mountie’s life."

  "Anything. I’ll do anything."

  The cruel laughter of the gunman sent waves of fresh pain through Jase.

  "I knew I’d find your weakness, Miss High and Mighty. Don’t tell me you love him?"

  September’s voice washed over Jase, cool and clean, like spring water on a summer morning.

  "I’ll do anything to save his life. Just tell me how."

  The cruel voice grew bolder. "That’s better. Much better. I told you I’d see you beg. You’re going to go with me, September. And you’ll stay with me as long as it pleases me. And when I’m tired of you, I’m sure I can find someone who’ll take you off my hands." He gave another quick laugh. "I’m a rich man now, thanks to the generosity of all those prospectors. Especially this last one."

  September went very still. Her voice sounded strangely subdued. "What are you saying? What about this last one?"

  "That old man hit it big. He had so much gold stashed in his shed, I’ll probably be a millionaire. And by the time I’ve changed his papers to my name, I’ll own the richest claim in the Yukon."

  She asked calmly, "You killed him?"

  "And a dozen more old fools like him."

  Jase’s head began to clear. He opened his eyes to see September and Deke standing over him. Deke still held the pistol in his hand. September’s hands were clenched so tightly, her knuckles were white from the exertion. As Jase watched, her hand went slowly to the pocket of her parka. He saw sunlight glint off metal. He wanted to warn her not to try something so dangerous, but he couldn’t get the words out. Helplessly, he could only lie and watch.

  "I thought you said you always win, Deke," she asked in a strangely quiet tone.

  "That’s right. Didn’t I tell you that a long time ago?"

  "Yes. That night on the boat, when you tried to force yourself on me. I’ve never forgotten that night, Deke. You couldn’t have me, but you helped yourself to my money, my mother’s locket, and even the only warm coat I owned. You left me with no way to get to my father. Penniless and alone in Skagway. But not helpless."

  Deke was smiling, as he said, "Well, September, it looks like I just won again."

  In slow motion, Jase watched as September plunged the fish knife deep into Deke’s chest.

  Deke’s eyes widened. His mouth opened, closed, then tried to form a word. Horrified, he stared down at the crimson stain smearing the front of his jacket. The gun dropped from his hand. He fixed his gaze on September and made a lunge forward. She sidestepped and watched as Deke pitched into a mound of snow.

  Her voice was as cold as ice. "Wrong, Deke. For once in your life you just lost."

  Dazed, she stared at him for long moments, then dropped to her knees beside Jase. Whimpering, Lucky dragged himself to her side. She touched the dog tenderly, burying her face in his neck and probing the shallow wound, then turned her attention to Jase.

  "I’m so glad I brought a partner along on this trip," he whispered, fighting to remain conscious.

  "Why?" she asked, tenderly cradling his head.

  "Didn’t you know? A Mountie always gets his man. Even if he has to use a woman to do it."

  Chapter Twenty-two

  "We’re almost there."

  The team drew to a halt at the summit of White Pass. Below them, spread out like a muted gray pencil sketch, lay the town of Skagway, and beyond, the beach, where hordes of prospective goldseekers scrambled up the banks carrying their dreams in their pockets.

  Though September was eager to see Billy and Aggie again, she felt a strange sadness at seeing Skagway. The end of the trail.

  What she and Jase had shared these long weeks was more precious than anything she had ever known. Even the knowledge that she was a very wealthy woman hadn’t thrilled her as much as the love she and Jase shared.

  The return trip had been unhurried. After Lucky was strong enough to lead the team and Jase was up to the rigors of the journey, they set off. Along the way, Jase took the time to share with September his many stories about his father and mother and the exciting trips they had made across this great land. In return she told him about her dreamy father and her frail, loving mother and her life in San Francisco. The happy memories they shared formed a special bond between them.

  "I’ll be able to cut through all the red tape and see that all the necessary documents and papers for your father’s claim are in order before you leave."

  Before you leave. His words were a knife thrust to her heart.

  "Thanks, Jase."

  "I’ll drop you at the boardinghouse first. I’m sure you’re dying to see Aggie and Billy."

  She nodded.

  The dogs, sensing the nearness of home, strained against the harness. But when Jase turned them away from his cabin toward the town of Skagway, the team seemed bewildered.

  Jase laughed. "They thought they were home free."

  "It shouldn’t take too long," September said, forcing a brightness to her tone she didn’t feel. "In a matter of hours I ought to be able to have everything ready for the trip back to San Francisco."

  Jase frowned and told himself it was the sting of the wind.

  When they pulled up in front of the boardinghouse, the door was thrown open and Aggie Whelan came striding to the porch. September took one look at her familiar figure, clad in a man’s britches and plaid shirt, and nearly flew into her outstretched arms.

  "Oh, Aggie. It’s so good to see you."

  "You certainly don’t look any worse for your trip. Let me look at you, child."

  Aggie held September a little away from her, then stared over her head at the man who was watching them closely.

  "I think you’ve come back a woman," she muttered, drawing her close against her bosom. "Was that man good to you?"

  September nodded, unable to speak for the lump which threatened to choke her. She swallowed. "How’s Billy?"

  "Why don’t you come on in and see for yourself?"

  September signaled for Jase to follow. Passing through the kitchen, she followed Aggie to the rarely used parlor. There, on a settee, was Billy, with his arm around a slender little girl of about fourteen with long blond ringlets and eyes the color of smoke.

  "Hello, Billy."

  "September." He jumped up and threw his arms around her, lifting her clear off the floor. "You did it. You made it back."

  "Yes." She laughed, a clear, happy sound. "Now if you’ll put me down, I’ll tell you the best part."

  As Billy set her down, she could see the girl eyeing her speculatively.

  "First, why don’t you introduce us?"

  "Oh. Sure. September Malloy, this is Melissa Allen. Her dad’s building a hotel here in town. Wants me to come and work for him. But I told him I’ve got bigger plans."

  "Hello, Melissa." Sensing the girl’s hesitation, September sought to put her at ease. "I love Billy like my own brother. I’m glad he’s found a friend his own age."

  The girl gave her a grateful smile.

  "Billy, how would you like to work for me?" September asked.

  "Doing what?"

  "Mine foreman." She laughed at the look that passed from Billy to Aggie.

  "What mine?"

  "The Wee Princess. It was my father’s claim. And now it’s mine. I’m"—she forced her voice to remain calm—"going back to San Francisco a very rich woman, but I’d like someone to oversee the operation. I know how much you want a chance to make your fortune. Jase and I both agreed you’d be the perfect choice."

  The grin split Billy’s face like a ray of sunshine. "You mean it? Gosh, September. This is the best surprise I’ve ever had."

  Aggie was looki
ng at her as if she’d lost her mind. "You really have a rich claim?"

  September nodded and glanced at Jase. He was watching them in silence.

  "My father found his pot of gold at the end of the rainbow."

  "What about you?" Aggie asked, watching September closely.

  She didn’t miss the tiny furrow between her eyes before she gave a weak smile.

  "I’m going back to San Francisco. But I’ll come back here from time to time to see how things are going."

  "How will I get up to your mine, September?" Billy asked, nearly dancing with excitement.

  "Jase will take you when the weather breaks. And he’ll be able to look in on you once in a while. He’ll help you pick out a competent crew. And if you’d like, he’ll transport the gold down here to the bank."

  Billy reached out a hand to Jase. "Thanks. That’s darn nice of you."

  Jase shook his hand, then glanced at September. "I’d better get over and register your deed."

  "I’ll go with you," she said. "And find out when the next boat is leaving."

  "There’s one this afternoon," Aggie informed her. "It got in late this morning, loaded with passengers. Should be ready to leave in a couple of hours. Will you have lunch here before you board?"

  September gave Aggie a big smile. "I’d like that. Thanks, Aggie."

  "You’re invited too, Jase," Aggie called, admiring his muscular figure as he walked out the door.

  * * *

  Lunch was a festive affair. Aggie poached succulent salmon and hauled precious potatoes, carrots, and onions from the root cellar. For dessert she baked blueberry pies, apologizing that they weren’t as good as September’s.

  "You mean she bakes a better pie than this?" Jase asked, accepting his second helping.

  "You bet," Billy chimed in. "September bakes the best pies in Alaska."

  Jase grinned at her across the table, causing her to blush. "Just full of hidden talents, aren’t you?"

  Aggie saw the look which passed between them and wondered if they knew how much could be read from their expressions.

  Keeping her voice casual, Aggie said, "Snake Rawlins left while you two were away."