by Bobbi Smith
“I think I’m on to something….”
“What?”
“I just found out tonight that MacIntosh has been lying to Dorrie. He told her that he’d served with Paul back in sixty-one. I guess, to win her trust and encourage her to confide in him. But, Jim, Wade MacIntosh was nowhere near St. Louis then.”
“How do you know?”
“I’d done some checking up on him previously and…”
“You did? Why?” Jim urged.
Mark looked a bit shamefaced, “In the beginning, it was because I was jealous, I guess. But now it’s paid off.”
“So you think he might have been trying to use her?”
“Surely, if Wade really wanted to court Dorrie, he wouldn’t begin their relationship by talking about her long-dead fiancé. And what about today, when he deliberately had me rescheduled? He must have known that Dorrie and I had plans, so he figured the easiest way to get rid of me was to put me on duty.”
“He did stop by last night….”
“Everything fits…you know Dorrie would be a logical choice if someone wanted to get inside information about your steamers.”
The two men considered the possibility in silence.
“How long has Wade been actively courting her?”
“Since the Taylors’ ball.”
Jim paused. “We had word that they’d pinpointed us before that night, though. So it couldn’t have been him, not with Dorrie’s unsuspecting help, anyway.”
Mark considered his words. “I’m going to keep a close watch on him. Our next shipment is critical.”
“Be careful,” Jim agreed. “If he is part of a conspiracy, he probably has friends.”
“I’ll let you know if I find out anything.”
“Good. I’ll be waiting to hear from you.”
Chapter Twenty-nine
“Gentlemen, the gold arrives in town tomorrow night late. It will be taken on board the Westlake steamer Enterprise at approximately midnight. There will be at least a double guard staying with this shipment at all times until it reaches its final destination,” Nathan concluded. “Now that Wade and Anna-belle have provided us with this very delicate information, it’s up to us to follow through. Gordon? Are you prepared to act?”
Gordon Tyndale was ready. Spreading out a map, he indicated a place on the Mississippi near the Arkansas-Missouri border.
“This is it.” He glanced around the room to make sure that he had everyone’s attention. “At the fueling station, near New Madrid…”
“You’ve made the necessary contacts?” Nathan pressed.
“Everything is set. Our people have been informed. Now all they’re waiting for is the final word.”
“You have it,” Wade confirmed, his eyes alive with the thrill of an imminent victory.
A furtive noise from outside the window silenced everyone in the room.
“Wade,” Nathan said in a deadly tone. “Find out who or what made that sound. There can be no mistakes made now.”
Wade quietly left the back room of Nathan’s home. Circling the house, he drew his sidearm in anticipation of a confrontation. He didn’t want to use his gun, but he knew he would if it was necessary to ensure the success of their venture. They had worked too long and too hard for it to fall through now.
The young man hiding in the bushes beneath the window where the meeting was taking place didn’t realize that he’d been discovered until it was too late. Wade hit him as hard as he could at the base of the skull with the butt end of his gun, and he slumped forward, unconscious.
Glad for the concealing darkness, Wade dragged the limp man around to the back of the house. Knocking softly, he was grateful when Nathan opened the door right away. With a violent curse, he dumped the spy inside on the floor and quickly locked the door.
“Damn! Someone must be on to us!” he swore as the other men crowded around.
“What are we going to do with him?” Gordon asked nervously.
“We have to get rid of him. He knows who we are and what we’re doing. Nathan—we’ll need some rope and something to gag him with. Blindfold him, too. We don’t want him to see any more than he already has…”
Nathan rushed to get the needed materials as Wade unceremoniously rolled the injured man over. Searching the pockets of his jacket and pants, he found nothing important but decided to keep all of his possessions to make what happened to him next look like a robbery.
Thrusting the various articles at the other men, he said, “Here, get rid of these. We don’t want him to be too easy to identify when they find him.”
“You’re going to kill him?” Elroy Lucas squeaked in terror.
“What the hell did you think I was going to do with him? Invite him in for a drink? Of course I’m gonna kill him. This is a war, Elroy,” Wade sneered. “Or have you been so safe and protected here in the city that you’ve forgotten what’s really happening out in the field?”
“But it’s murder.” Elroy quaked.
“No. It’s called saving our necks. Do you know what they’d do to us if they found out about our plans?” When the room fell silent, Wade smiled grimly. “We would be either hung or shot, probably before the week was out…Annabelle, too.” He glanced in her direction.
Standing proud and unafraid, she reflected his determination. “Kill him.”
Nathan came back with the rope and cloths just as the man started to stir. Wade made a quick job of blindfolding and gagging him, and then he bound his hands behind him and tied his feet together.
“Get a carriage around back,” Wade ordered tersely. “An-nabelle, I’ll need a blanket or two.”
By now the man was fully awake, struggling in vain at the bonds that were cutting off the circulation in his hands and feet. Wade kicked him viciously in the side, knocking the wind from him and forcing him to lie still.
“I’ll be back,” he said, glancing in disgust at the stricken faces of the men surrounding him.
Throwing the blankets over the prone man, he hoisted him over his shoulder and carried him out to the waiting carriage. Shoving him inside on the floor, he made sure the blankets were covering him completely and then shut the door. Borrowing a nondescript black coat and hat from Nathan, Wade disguised himself as a driver and then drove off at a slow speed, careful not to draw attention.
Wade made his way to a deserted place near the river a little north of town. It was a dark night and the wind had died, leaving everything ominously silent. Opening the carriage door, Wade pulled the covers off his cargo and dragged the man from the vehicle. Levering him over his shoulder once more, he struggled through the overgrowth to a small clearing where he let him down.
The man was conscious and completely helpless, and Wade grinned to himself. It gave him an extraordinary feeling of power to know that he had total control over the situation.
“I want some answers, and I want them now. Do you understand?” Wade asked, his voice sinister.
The man nodded.
“I’ll take off your gag so you can answer. If you so much as say one word out of turn, I’ll put a bullet through your head. Do you understand?”
Again he nodded.
Wade slipped the tight gag from him. “What’s your name?”
“Sam,” he managed to croak. “Sam Wallace.”
“Sam, I’m only going to ask this next question once. Who hired you?”
Sam swallowed nervously, knowing that he’d failed in his job and that this man would do anything to get the answers he wanted.
“Sam—I’m not a patient man.” Wade drew his revolver and cocked it.
Familiar with the sound of a gun’s being readied, Sam broke out in a cold sweat. “Captain Clayton hired me…”
“Clayton…for what? What were you looking for tonight?”
Sam was openly sobbing now as Wade pressed the cold metal of the gun barrel against his temple. “I was supposed to follow Major MacIntosh and let Captain Clayton know everything he did.”
“Th
at was all?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And what have you reported to Captain Clayton so far?”
“Nothing…” His voice broke.
“Good,” Wade said smugly, holstering his gun. “Now, don’t move.”
Sam breathed a deep sigh of relief as he heard the gun being slid back into the holster. Thinking himself saved, he sat perfectly still as Wade untied his feet.
“Stand up. I’ll lead you out.”
Sam was tempted to run, to try to get away, but he had no idea where he was, and his captor had a gun. Struggling to his feet, he followed the sound of Wade’s voice across the uneven ground, stumbling as his numb feet refused to support him.
“Stop right there,” Wade commanded.
Sam stood anxiously awaiting the next order. But there was not to be a next order. With swift, silent deadliness, Wade struck him again from behind, and Sam collapsed heavily without making a sound.
Hauling him by his armpits, Wade dragged him the last few feet to the drop-off at the river’s edge. Untying his hands and removing the cloth around his eyes, Wade felt no emotion as he pushed him over the small bluff into the icy blackness of the Mississippi.
Wade smiled ferally when he heard the ensuing splash and then turned to make his way back to the carriage. It would be days before Sam’s body would be found, and by then the gold would be theirs.
Pleased that he’d thought of an alternative to using his pistol, for a gunshot might have drawn unwanted attention, he calmly took up the reins. Wade hoped that the meeting was over so he could avoid the other men. He found their sniveling presence revolting, and he could hardly wait until this operation had been completed so he wouldn’t have to deal with them anymore. Concentrating on his driving, he headed back toward Nathan’s.
* * *
Standing near the warmth of the fireplace, leaning negligently against the mantel, Martin sipped slowly at his after-dinner brandy. His eyes hooded to disguise his feelings, he observed Delight and Jim as they sat together on the sofa. It had been Clara’s idea to invite Jim to dinner tonight, and Martin was finding it difficult to control the emotions that were raging within him as he watched them.
Delight, wearing a modest but seductive dinner gown, looked beautiful, as usual. The dress seemed to cling to the curves of her breasts, and Martin was hard put not to stare in open fascination at her. Forcing his thoughts away from her delectable body, he glanced at Westlake, who was sitting at her side.
Jim had his arm resting on the back of the sofa, and his hand was idly caressing the nape of Delight’s neck. Martin wanted to tell him in no uncertain terms to get his hands off her, but he knew that Clara approved of such loving displays and that he would get no support from her. Westlake looked too confident, as far as Martin was concerned, and he wished he could be there to watch when the Rebs caught up with him on this next trip.
Yes, after this week, Delight would be his for the taking. A half-sneering smile curved his lips as he recalled her struggle to get away from him the last time he’d had her in his arms. Never again would he have to worry about her refusing him…not once she realized how powerful he’d become…Once more he had to force himself to think of other things.
“So, you’ll be leaving us soon, won’t you, Jim?” he asked cordially, already knowing the answer.
“Yes. Much to my regret.” Jim looked down at Delight with open adoration.
“He won’t be gone long.” She reaffirmed the fact that he’d be away probably less than two weeks.
“I’m planning on making this a rush trip.” Jim grinned at Clara.
“Good. I’m looking forward to your wedding,” Clara told them cheerfully. “It will be a wonderful day for all of us. Don’t you think so, Martin?”
“Absolutely, my dear,” he answered suavely, giving her what he hoped passed for a tender look.
Clara seemed satisfied with his response and fell silent, comfortable in the glow of Jim and Delight’s newfound happiness.
“I hate to do this, darling.” Jim looked at Delight regretfully. “But I have to go. I have a nine o’clock meeting with Mark.”
“Can’t it wait until tomorrow?” Delight protested. She hadn’t been alone with Jim since yesterday in the bedroom at Cedarhill, and she was longing for his embrace.
“I’m afraid not, sweetheart. It’s business.”
“But you worked all day…don’t you need a little relaxation?”
“I do, but I’m not going to get it.” He grinned, knowing her ploy. “I should have more time for you tomorrow. I promise.”
“All right. I understand, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.” She smiled at her next thought. “I think I will travel with you once we’re married.”
“Delight!” Clara exclaimed in surprise.
“Don’t you think that’s a wonderful idea? We’d never have to be apart.”
“It just isn’t done,” Clara began and then had second thoughts. “Is it, Jim?”
“We could always be the first…” He chuckled at Clara’s shocked expression. “Don’t worry Clara. I won’t let her do anything outrageous. I love her too much.”
“Thank heaven.” Clara laughed. Then, realizing that Jim had to leave, she stood. “We’ll give you two a few minutes of privacy, since you have to go. Martin?” Clara turned to her husband expectantly.
“A good idea, my love.” He took her arm and they left the room together.
Jim traced the delicate line of her jaw with his thumb before tilting her face up to him. “I love you,” he whispered before his mouth descended to hers, pledging her all of his love.
Delight slipped her arms around his neck and returned his kiss full mea sure. They only had one more day together before he had to leave! She wanted to absorb Jim within her…to keep him with her all the time…to never let him go…
With great regret, Jim moved slightly away from her. “I do have to meet Mark…”
“I know,” she sighed, leaning forward to brush her lips tantalizingly against his. “Just one more?” she asked, not giving Jim time to really decide before she kissed him deeply.
He was more than willing to spend the rest of his life making love to her, but tonight he had pressing business that couldn’t wait. With more control than he believed himself capable of, he gently loosened her arms from about him and stood up, drawing her up with him.
“Walk me to the door?”
She grinned at him mischievously. “I almost convinced you to stay, didn’t I?”
“Were I a man of less fortitude, I don’t think I could ever leave you….”
“Good,” Delight grinned as they started out into the hall. “Tomorrow?”
“Of course. It will be during the afternoon, but I’m not sure of a time yet.”
“I’ll be waiting to hear from you.”
With one last passionate embrace, he left her, eager now to have the trip over and done with so they would never have to go through these senseless good-byes again.
“So, you did what had to be done?” Nathan Morgan asked Wade as he handed him a double bourbon.
“Yes,” came his answer.
“Should I know anything more about it?”
“There’s no need for you to involve yourself. Suffice it to say that he won’t be telling Captain Clayton anything about our activities.”
“Did Clayton suspect us?”
“No. He was only after me, and I think it was because of our mutual interest in Dorrie Westlake.”
Nathan nodded his understanding.
“How is dear Dorrie?” Annabelle asked snidely.
“I spent practically the whole day with her yesterday and learned very little. Either she doesn’t concern herself with her brothers’ business or she just doesn’t care.”
“It must have been boring for you.”
“It was. Although I did find out that Jim and Delight are going to be married very soon. Supposedly after this next trip.”
“How wonderful fo
r them…” Annabelle seethed, her emotions a combination of anger and forbidden jealousy.
“Don’t worry, darling,” Wade said easily. “That is one wedding that will never take place. Aren’t you glad that Delight is going to be the one in mourning for him and not you?”
“When you put it that way, it does sound better.” She managed to smile convincingly, although Jim’s rejection was still a painful memory for her.
“Just a few more days and it will all be over.” Nathan sighed in relief. “I can’t tell you how glad I am that there’s another group involved in the actual raid on the boat. I don’t think Gordon has any ability in that area at all.”
“I don’t know about Gordon, but the rest of the men are useless. Can you imagine what would happen if they were the ones handling the raid?”
“Bungling the raid would be more like it,” Annabelle added.
“Who did they contact?”
“One of the guerrilla bands that’s operating in the southeastern part of the state.”
“Good. Now all we have to do is sit back and wait.” Wade smiled confidently, convinced that they’d done everything possible to ensure the success of this mission.
“What if something goes wrong?” Annabelle suddenly worried.
“Nothing can go wrong. We’ve all covered our tracks. There is no possible way that a raid near New Madrid by a band of Southern guerrillas could be traced back to us,” Nathan assured her.
“Then let’s drink to it.”
And, raising their glasses in a toast, they drank to the Cause and to the success of their plan.
Jim sat with Mark in the deserted saloon on board the Enterprise.
“Have you heard anything?”
“Not a word.” Mark frowned. “Sam’s been tailing him all day, and he was supposed to report back to me by eight o’clock.”
“Do you think he’s on to something?”
“I don’t know. But it is unusual for him to be late. He’s always been reliable in the past.”
