Savage Conquest

by Janelle Taylor

  "Then marry me and let me take care of you," he offered.

  "This is no way to begin a marriage, attacking each other every time we meet. Besides, I want the biggest and finest wedding this state's ever had. When I get things settled with the company, then I can decide what to do about you and your terrible moods."

  "Another excuse to stall me?" he accused sullenly. "I can handle any problem while you plan our historical wedding."

  "I promise to give you an answer this coming Sunday," she stated.

  "There can be only one answer, Mandy. Your choice is me or the streets. Surely you don't need to weigh one against the other?"

  "But you aren't my only choice, Weber," she told him rashly.

  "You have another proposal? Who?" he snarled furiously.

  "I meant work, not a man," she teased him.

  "Just what kind of work can you do? I can't imagine Amanda Lawrence slaving anywhere," he playfully mocked her.

  "Is that a fact, Mister Richardson?" she sneered as if insulted. "I daresay I can do many things to earn a living. I'm honest and loyal, and normally full of energy. And, no doubt, I could have five marriage proposals by next week, if I put my mind to it."

  "I don't wish to sound cruel, my sweet, but how long would they remain extended if your loss of wealth and station were revealed?"

  "You sound as if that's the only reason a man would court mel" she panted at him. "Since you know the truth, why not withdraw your offer?"

  "Because I love you and want you, not what you have," he lied.

  "Well, you certainly don't sound like it or behave like it of late! All you do is harass me, or scold me, or insult me. You act as if you enjoy demeaning me," she charged peevishly.

  "Then why not get dressed and I'll take you out to dinner and the theater? We could ride to Washington and make a holiday of it. Why not elope?" he suggested eagerly. "That would be exciting and romantic. Just imagine the envy of your suitors."

  "Elope!" she shrieked. "Don't be absurd, Weber. You know what people think of couples who elope. I won't have people thinking me pregnant. They would stare at me for nine months!"

  "Amanda Lawrence, my patience is wearing thin. I demand an answer this minute," he declared stunningly, attempting to panic her.

  Amanda's mind raced wildly toward a scheme to extract her from this precarious situation. "Unless your proclaimed love is also wearing thin, you will not mind having your answer Sunday, If such is the case, there is no need to consider your proposal. Love and marriage are not contests where points must be made to prove one's feelings. If you have no respect for my suffering, you are not the man to share my life. Shall it be Sunday, or never?" she presented her own ultimatum.

  "You're serious, aren't you?" he inquired in surprise.

  "I have never been more so in my life," she told him smugly. "I will not discuss such a vital matter as marriage in this distraught state. I cannot make critical choices which will affect the rest of my life when I am torn by troubles and doubts and I am assailed by fatigue! If you find that unacceptable, then I bid you a permanent farewell."

  "Then I shall wait until Sunday for your decision. But I must know you still want me."

  "Your conduct and my numerous worries make it impossible forme to assess the depth of my feelings. I can only say they have not changed of late. Perhaps a trip would be a good diversion-give me time to relax and think. Perhaps the new owner of Morning Star wouldn't mind if I made a last visit. I do so regret losing it," she baited him.

  "I don't think that's wise, Mandy. It would remind you of the days spent there with Randy and your parents. I don't want you to go so far alone," he gently protested her alarming suggestion. "If you wish to visit later, then I will escort you there."

  "I suppose you're right. It would be too painful to go there again. But someday soon, I'll need to retrieve our personal belongings. Surely the new owner has packed and stored them for us. Perhaps I only need sleep," she hinted innocently.

  Delighted he had changed her mind, he smiled and agreed. "To prove I'm not pushing you, I'll stay away until Sunday afternoon. If you promise to send for me if you need anything," he added jovially.

  His words were like sweet music to her ears. She smiled to show her gratitude. "I promise. I don't know why you fret so, Weber; whoever could I choose over you?" she teased coyly. "Thanks for being so understanding and kind; I shan't forget it. Until Sunday," she hinted.

  "Until Sunday, my sweet," he replied. He kissed her hand, then left whistling.

  Amanda knew why he was so elated. He was glad he wouldn't have to see her for days and relieved not to have to play this game where he might make a wrong move. He was so cocky! Without a doubt, he believed she would say yes on Sunday. If only he knew she was already legally wed, and to a man she loved above life itself.

  Relief flooded her. Surely he didn't' know about Reis. Else, he would have tried to entrap her with enticing hints or blunt statements. Surely Reis would come home tonight. With that conclusion, she rushed upstairs for a nap. "I'll be wide awake and full of energy tonight," she said aloud with a happy giggle.

  When she awoke, she warmed water for a bath in the private closet near the kitchen. After a leisurely soaking, she was about to don a lovely dress but decided upon a sensual nightgown instead. Just as she was brushing her golden tresses, she sniffed several times. She shook her head, telling herself she couldn't smell food cooking. How could she? She was alone, and Mrs. Reed didn't have a key. Except for coffee and water, she hadn't used the stove today. When the fragrant aromas increased, she went to investigate, her bare feet treading soundlessly on the floor.

  As she peered around the doorframe, she was astonished and delighted to see her husband standing near the stove working contentedly. Deep in thought, he didn't seem aware of her. She watched his profile for a brief time, pondering his intense concentration.

  She wondered over his odd behavior. He had come home and started cooking without even saying hello! "Reis Harrison, whatever are you doing?" she questioned as she entered the room.

  He jumped and whirled around, his hand automatically going for his concealed weapon. He swiftly mastered his poise and expression. "Making us some supper. I'm starved. It's about time you joined me, wife. I've been exceptionally good to let you nap and bathe before showing you my splendid face. I fully expect to be rewarded for such generosity," he jested mirthfully, confusing her.

  He focused his gaze on his cooking, rather than showering her with kisses and hugs. He seemed reserved, distant. Yet, she watched him cover that inexplicable mood with contrived gaiety. "I don't understand," she murmured, coming to stand beside him at the stove. She wanted to fling herself into his arms and to kiss him feverishly, but something about his manner prevented it. He seemed so different.

  "While old Weber was trying to beat down the front door, I was sneaking in the back. You certainly did some mighty persuasive acting, love. I surely am glad you're on my side. I would hate to imagine those charms, wits, and courage working against me," he jested roguishly, removing the fried salt pork from the skillet.

  "You've been here since noon? Why didn't you show yourself after Weber left?" she asked in confusion, hurt by his actions. That statement meant he had overheard her talk with Weber. It also meant he had been hiding from her since his furtive arrival. Why?

  He excused his actions by saying, "You sounded as exhausted as you looked. I knew that part of your colorful tale was true. If you hadn't gone right to sleep, I would have joined you in bed," he stated huskily, slipping an arm around her waist as he worked with the other hand. "I took a short nap in Randy's room; I was dead tired too. I straightened the covers, but you might want to peek in there before Mrs. Reed returns to work. We don't want her discovering our little secret. How do you like your eggs cooked?" he inquired casually.

  Amanda simply stared at him as he began cracking eggs and dropping their contents into a bowl. "What's wrong with you?" she asked.

  He looked up f
rom his task and questioned, "What do you mean?"

  "You vanish for days, then appear without bothering to explain. Do you know how worried and frightened I've been? When you do come home, you're more interested in sleep and food than your wife!" she charged, provoked by his indifferent mood and lack of affectionate greeting.

  "Can't business wait until later? I'd prefer to spend a quiet evening with my wife. Have supper and ... turn in early," he hinted seductively. "These last few days and nights have been terrible, Mandy. Am I being selfish to want.you as my only thought for tonight? Isn't it better this way? I only wanted to surprise you."

  "Well, you certainly did," she informed him crisply. "I can see why you would let me take a nap, but why wait so long afterward?" She wanted to demand he tell her why he was being so remote, but she didn't. She fretted mutely over this new side of him.

  Passion danced .within his dark blue eyes. His mood mellowed, and he smiled contritely. "To enjoy what I'm seeing right this minute." His appreciative gaze moved over her shiny hair and enticing nightgown; then, he inhaled the freshness of her skin and the sweetness of her cologne. "I'll confess I heard what you planned for me as you raced upstairs, and I controlled myself to wait for my surprise."

  He chuckled when her cheeks flushed crimson. "It isn't often a husband gets seduced by such beauty and eagerness."

  "How would you know? You are new at this role, aren't you?" she responded coyly as she noted a halfgrin tugging at his sensual lips.

  "Yep, but I've heard plenty of tales which could inspire any male to avoid marriage. Evidently I made a wise choice," he told her, pulling her into his arms. He didn't kiss her immediately. He just held her tenderly, caressing her back and inhaling her fragrance.

  Her dreamy gaze touched on a small leather case on the floor near a chair. She was puzzled when he stiffened at her question, "Were you working? Does that satchel contain evidence against Weber?"

  He released her and returned to his task. "I thought we agreed business could wait until later. Let's eat and relax."

  "You agreed; I didn't. Did something happen you don't want to tell me?" she asked suspiciously.

  "All right, have it your way," he stated a little brusquely. "I was making out my report. I obtained some evidence, but not enough. I couldn't get home or send word without tipping my hand. I did warn you our relationship was secret and my mission might require my absence on occasion," he reminded her moodily.

  "You don't have to sound so hateful," she chided him. "What evidence did you get? How much longer will it take? Weber is pressing me again, as you heard," she added snippily when he scowled.

  "I told you I wanted our discussion to wait because I knew you'd get angry and upset by it. That was a foolish thing to tell him, Mandy. What if I can't solve this case by Sunday; what then? He's going to get suspicious. As to the evidence, I can't tell you. That way, you can't drop clues when you play your reckless games with Weber."

  "What was I supposed to do?" she flared back at him, rankled.

  "For starters, agree to his idea about Randy. That should keep him occupied for a while, maybe distracted from what I'm doing and from wooing my wife. What new excuse do you plan to use Sunday?"

  She was shocked by his suggestion. "You want him to search for her? Heavens, Reis, what if he found her? I would be in danger!"

  "I doubt he or his hired thugs could find any trace of her. And even so, you could always play dumb; you could act tricked by her and Luke. There's no way Weber could prove you were involved in their scheme, even if he suspected it. Aren't you forgetting he knows why she left, but he thinks you don't? He can't harm Randy. I'll know if he leaves town and heads that way. I can warn Luke. If he thinks there's the slightest chance of finding her, he won't be pushing you so hard."

  "You sound as if I'm his last choice!" she pouted petulantly.

  "Stow that pride, Mandy, or it'll get you into trouble. He wants her because he thinks he can manage her more easily than you and because she's unobtainable, the irresistible temptation."

  "What do you mean, she's more manageable?" she probed.

  "You are one bullheaded, outspoken female. You're smart and willful. Randy's quiet and reserved, and gives Weber the impression she isn't as intelligent as you. Also, you know the business and like it; she doesn't. Her lack of knowledge and interest in the firm would protect his schemes. And you don't seem easily intimidated or misled; Randy's shyness implies she can be. Weber has vastly underestimated her, and you should use that ignorance and conceit against him. Don't be so damn friendly with him," he declared possessively, his jealousy and vexation born of worry over her.

  Amanda wanted to argue against his statements, but she couldn't. She sullenly acquiesced. "I'll correct my errors tomorrow."

  "While we're at it, we might as well cover all points. I want you to stop taking such rash chances. I can handle the case against Weber, so stop trying to assist me. How can I concentrate on success if I'm worried about you and what you're doing? I can't promise to be around every night, and I can't risk sending a message. And I can't confide my plans to you. There are others involved now, and I won't risk endangering more lives. I don't think you realize the importance of this mission. You're being childish and selfish, Mandy. This isn't the time to prove you can outwit Weber or gain revenge on him. I take chances every time I come here. Hellfire, I risked death and defeat by confiding in you and marrying you so I wouldn't lose you! What more do you want from me?" he thundered.

  Amanda determined she wouldn't cry, but it was a battle to control her tears. Why was he being so mean, so defensive, so secretive? It wasn't jealousy. "You know where I am, but I have no idea where you go or what perils you confront! For all I knew, you could have been lying dead somewhere! You're my husband, Reis. I love you. I was so frightened I almost contacted President Grant."

  "You what!" he stormed at her, his eyeschillingat the vision of what her loose tongue could inspire. "Don't you ever contact him or anyone about mel You want to get me killed? Or in deep trouble? If anyone knew about us . . . " He fell silent, then struck the table forcefully in unleashed fury. "It was a mistake to marry during a critical mission. Damn, I gave you credit for more sense. All you want to do is play amateur detective, and damn the rules and consequences! Why can't you stay out of trouble and mischief? What have I gotten myself into? You could ruin everything, Mandy. Lives and national security are at stake. If you loved me and trusted me, you'd do as I asked."

  She was devastated by his insults. Her chin and lips quivered and tears blurred her vision. A lump came to her throat. He had dropped into a chair and was staring blankly at his clasped hands, musing over how to handle this complex female. When she could force words from her throat, she said in a trembly voice, "If this is any indication of what marriage to a spy is like, then it was a mistake for us to wed. Perhaps we shouldn't see each other again until this 'critical' mission is over, or else we might ruin our relationship all together. I wouldn't want to jeopardize it or any lives, especially yours and mine. Don't feel obligated to check on me; I'll be just fine. As to Weber, I'll follow your orders, sir. After you feed your starving body, feel free to sneak out at your leisure. If you think you've made a terrible mistake by marrying me, then by all means correct it as quickly as possible," she stated, then fled the tormenting room, slamming and locking her bedroom door.

  Reis propped his elbows on the table and rested his forehead on his palms, berating himself for taking his frustrations and fears out on his innocent wife. It wasn't fair; he had been cruel. He couldn't tell her he was distressed because one of his agents had been killed last night, for she would worry over his survival too much. Now, he must write a letter of condolence to Bill Hayes's family.

  He-couldn't blame her because Weber had tightened the security around both warehouses before he could complete his investigations. He was further disturbed because he and George Findley hadn't been given the time to sabotage the illegal weapons they had located in Weber's cra
tes. And he had discovered that a Ku Klux Klan meeting had been arranged for next week, a meeting to plan violence to black voters and several carpetbaggers, and to discuss the possible assassination of Jefferson Davis to rile up the South.

  He had taken an oath of silence and loyalty to America for the President. He shouldn't have become so angered by her fear for him, but he couldn't allow any contact with Washington. Grant had many enemies in his administration. Grant had made some terrible errors in judgment, in special-interest legislation, and in patronage. There was much corruption and scandal surrounding the President, and he was trying to correct it and redeem himself with Reis's help. Only Grant knew of his missions. If Amanda dropped clues into the wrong ears, all could be ruined. But if he couldn't trust her, he couldn't trust anyone! Why hadn't he simply explained that no one but Grant knew of this mission?

  He couldn't admit to irrational jealousy this afternoon. It wasn't her fault her life was in danger. It wasn't her fault that he had almost been caught by Weber because he had been distracted by thoughts of herl She hadn't seduced him or tricked him into a wedding. She hadn't married him for fear of poverty. It wasn't her fault he wanted this mission over so they could be together and she could be safe.

  She had become like an obsession to him, a perilous weakness, a deadly distraction. Yet, those were his problems, not hers. How could he have said such hateful things to her? Hellfire, he hadn't even shown or told her how much he had missed her! What was he doing to her, to them?

  Weber Richardson-he was the evil force in this matter. God, how he wanted to kill that man barehanded! Each time he saw Weber or overheard him plotting, it became more difficult to restrain his hatred and desire for revenge. But if he killed Weber, the trail to the others involved in these crimes would be lost. This case was so complicated and demanding. He stood and stretched to relax his taut muscles, then headed for Amanda's room to beg her forgiveness and understanding.