by Bobbi Smith
“Since you’re so worried about my physical condition…you’d do well to extract yourself from there right now,” he threatened as he moved to the edge of the bed.
Delight opened one eye to peer at him. “Why?”
“Because I’m going to come and take you out if you don’t hurry.” Jim’s gaze traced the water’s edge where it lapped enticingly against her bosom. Unable to resist the urge to touch the creamy flesh, he stood up and walked cautiously to her.
“Jim!” she protested, sitting up quickly and splashing water on the floor. She didn’t want him taking any chances with his leg. “Get back in bed.”
“I intend to in a few minutes.” His eyes were riveted on her breasts as he drew a chair up next to the bath. “And I don’t intend to go back alone.”
“Then, I guess I’d better hurry and wash.” She looked up at him, her expression telling him everything he wanted to know.
A short time later she reached for the towel and stood up.
Jim took the towel from her hand as she stepped from the bath and began to dry her with quick, brisk strokes that left her flesh tingling. “You realize I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” he told her, motioning toward the bed. “Did you happen to notice how nice and big and soft it is?”
“Now that you mention it,” she smiled up at him serenely, “it does look inviting.”
They moved to the bed where, with Delight’s help, he pulled off his nightshirt. Lying back on the bed, he drew her down beside him. She went to him eagerly, her body thirsting for a full draught of his love. Giving herself up to the headiness of his kiss, her caresses grew more bold as she sought only to please him.
Excited by Delight’s uninhibited response, Jim could deny himself no longer. They came together in love’s most passionate embrace.
As they clung together in the rapturous aftermath, Jim murmured treasured endearments to Delight while they rested, unaware of anything save the perfection of their joining. They loved through the night…each touch, each kiss a cherished enchantment, until at last, near dawn, they fell into an exhausted slumber. And even in sleep they refused to be parted, as they sought each other’s warmth and lay nestled together in blissful peace.
“Where’s Uncle Jimmy?” Roger asked cheerfully as he came down to breakfast the next morning.
“He decided to sleep late, today,” Renee told him.
“Oh.” The little boy’s face fell.
“But don’t worry, he’ll be staying here with us for a while, and you’ll have lots of time to be with him.”
“He will? That’s great,” Roger responded, his mood brightening again.
“What are your plans for the day?” Renee asked her husband and father-in-law as the maid began serving the meal.
“We’re supposed to meet Mark at his quarters around ten o’clock, so we can coordinate our efforts to locate Martin.”
“I hope you find him.”
“So do we.” Their determination was evident.
“I’d like to come along, if you don’t mind,” Ollie offered.
“Are you up to it?” George worried.
“I’m fine.”
“Good. We can use the extra help.” With that settled, they began to eat.
When breakfast was over they went their separate ways, and Renee and Roger saw them off.
“Can I go see if Uncle Jimmy’s awake yet?” he pressed, eager to spend some time with him.
“No.” Renee was firm. “He needs his rest.”
“Did the Enterprise really burn up, Mama?” Roger had overheard the general conversation of the past few days and knew that something was greatly amiss.
She looked at him quickly, realizing that it was time she told him the truth. “Yes, it did.”
“But what’s Uncle Jimmy going to do now that he doesn’t have his boat anymore? Is he going to stay here and live with us forever?” Roger was hopeful as he voiced his most fervent wish.
“I don’t think so.” Renee couldn’t suppress her grin. “But the first thing he’s going to do is get completely well again.”
“Is his leg real bad?”
“He’s getting better,” she assured him. “He’ll probably be up and walking around today.”
“Good. I don’t like it when he’s sick….” Roger was thoughtful.
“Nobody does.”
“Do you think he’ll buy a new boat?”
“I’m sure they’re planning on it.”
“I’m glad. Uncle Jimmy wouldn’t be happy without one,” he said with amazing insight for one so young.
“You’re right about that,” Renee agreed. “Now, are you ready to go to school?”
“Do I have to? Can’t I stay home with you today?”
She hid her smile when she saw his mournful expression. “No. Now get your things together. It’s time for you to leave.”
Amidst a string of protests, she followed him from the dining room to help him get ready to go. After Renee had seen him safely off, she sent the maid to Dr. Freemont with a note requesting that he drop by and check on Jim’s leg, and she returned with the news that he would be by sometime during the morning.
It was nearly ten o’clock before Delight and Jim emerged from their room and came downstairs.
“Good morning,” Renee greeted them as they came into the dining room.
“Is it too late for breakfast?” Jim asked, in good humor.
“Of course not. I’ll go tell the cook to fix you both something.”
“Thanks, Renee,” Delight said graciously. “Can I help with anything?”
“No, You two just relax and take it easy,” Renee told them as she bustled off to the back of the house.
When Renee had gone, they shared a quick passionate embrace before settling in at the table. “I think the first thing I’m going to do this morning after we eat is send word to Mother that we’re back.”
“Good. I’m sure she’s been waiting to hear.” Jim could well imagine how upsetting the past week had been for Clara.
Delight nodded, her expression reflecting her concern, “She’s probably lonely…now that Martin and I are both gone.”
“It’s probably been a very difficult time for her,” Jim agreed. “But now that you’re back, she’ll be happy.”
“I hope so.” Delight sounded worried, and Jim was puzzled by her attitude. He was about to question her further, but Renee returned.
“Are you talking about Clara?” Renee asked, coming into the room with a pot of steaming coffee.
“Yes. I’ve been concerned about her.”
“Well, Martha was going to stop by your house on her way out with Dorrie and Rose this morning to let her know that you’re back. I’m sure she’ll be over to see you right away,” she told Delight as she poured her a cup of the hot brew.
“Thank you.” Delight was pleased with the news. “I have missed her, very much.” Delight sighed. A few weeks ago Clara had had everything, and now it was all gone. Delight felt somehow responsible for Martin’s actions, and she hoped that her mother could find it in her to forgive her.
“I know, and I’m sure she’s missed you, too.”
“I also took the liberty of sending word to Dr. Freemont that you needed to have your leg checked,” Renee informed Jim as she efficiently fixed him a cup of coffee, too.
Jim grimaced at the thought, but he didn’t protest. “What time is he coming?”
“He sent word back that he should be here sometime this morning.”
“Good. The sooner he comes, the sooner I can start helping Mark.”
“How is your leg this morning?” Renee asked.
“It’s stiff and still sore, but it’s not nearly as bad as it was those first couple of days.”
Delight was relieved by his answer for she’d feared that their late-night activities might have put a strain on his leg. She smiled a bit dreamily to herself as she thought of the hours just past. It had been nothing short of heavenly, and she hope
d every night for the rest of her life would be as wonderful.
Jim noticed Delight’s contented smile and was tempted to take her in his arms, for the memory of that look stirred him, but Renee’s presence and the untimely arrival of their meal kept him regretfully restrained. The maid served their food, and they were just about to eat when Clara arrived.
“Mother!” Delight rushed out into the hall to hug her in a tearful embrace.
“Oh, darling. I’m so glad that you’re safe.” Clara held her protectively, relieved that the worst was over for them both. “When I heard about the explosion I was beside myself with worry….”
“I can imagine,” Delight sympathized. “I’m sorry you had to go through all this because of me….”
“No, Delight. Not because of you, but because I love you. Nothing is more important to me than your happiness.” Clara loved her daughter with all of her heart.
“Thank you, Mother.” Her mother’s heartfelt words freed Delight from the guilt she had been carrying deep within her. “I know how much you cared for Martin. And I was afraid…”
Clara understood Delight’s sentiments. “You were afraid that I would blame you for Martin’s actions?”
Delight nodded.
“No, darling. In the beginning of our marriage, I cared for Martin. But as time went on, I found out what he was truly like. I could forgive his indiscretions up to a point, but I could not forgive what he tried to do to you,” she said firmly. Then, smiling, she added. “But, that’s all in the past. Things will be better now.”
“Oh, yes, Mother. They will.” Delight hugged her again.
“Where’s Jim? How is he?”
“He’s in the dining room with Renee. He’s doing very well,” she told her as they walked into the room where Renee and Jim awaited them.
“Jim….” Clara went to kiss him. “It’s good to see you. Are you feeling all right?”
“I’m doing much better. Thank you.” It set his mind at rest to know that she was a strong enough woman to deal so well with the truth about her husband.
“I’m glad.” She joined them at the table. “You have to tell me everything that’s happened. I know you got married, and I think it’s wonderful. I’ve never seen anybody more in love than you two.”
Delight looked at her husband with obvious affection, and he returned her visual caress. “It hasn’t exactly been a normal marriage so far,” he laughed, reaching over to take his wife’s hand. “But we’re working on it.”
“And you have the rest of your lives to do that,” Renee added, smiling at the openness of their love.
“Has Mark heard anything about Martin yet?”
“No, not yet. But they’re still out looking for him. Hopefully he’ll turn up something soon.”
“If you find him, I want to know,” Clara stated with determination.
“Not if, Clara, when,” Jim corrected, and she nodded as his own fierce need to discover who’d been behind the plot surfaced. “We’re going to find him, and, when we do, we’re going to break the spy ring that was responsible for the attack against the Enterprise.”
“I’m afraid that won’t be happening.” The sound of Marshall’s voice cut through their discussion, and they glanced up to see him and Mark standing in the doorway, looking ominously defeated. “At least, not right away.”
“What’s happened?” Jim asked, knowing by their expressions that they were the bearers of bad news.
“We found Martin.”
“But that’s good news,” Renee started to protest, but Mark interrupted her.
“He’s dead.”
Clara gasped and paled at their revelation. “Dead?”
“His body was found this morning north of town,” Mark supplied.
“Was he robbed?” Jim asked.
“It could have been a robbery,” Mark said, frowning, “but I don’t believe it.” Piecing together all that had happened, he knew that Martin had been murdered to cover up the plot. He felt furious and totally frustrated. Martin had been their only possible connection….
“He was murdered,” Marshall stated flatly, with finality. And a heavy silence descended on the room.
Chapter Forty
Sarah was busy serving Danny and Charlie their breakfast when she heard a hoarse call. Dropping everything, she hurried with the boys into the bedroom to find the man she’d been so tenderly caring for awake at last. She paused in the doorway while her sons eagerly went forward to meet him.
“You’re awake!” Danny cried out in excitement as he approached him without fear. “We were wondering when you were going to wake up.”
“Hi!” Charlie spoke timidly from behind his brother, a little afraid of this stranger who’d been in their home for so long now.
“Hello.” Sam’s voice was gruff from lack of use, and he braced himself up weakly on his elbow to look at the two boys and the woman who stood hesitantly back.
“I’m Danny, and this is Charlie. And this is my mama.”
“I’m glad to meet you, Danny and Charlie. I’m Sam Wallace.” He smiled at the youngsters and then glanced over at their mother. “Does your mother have a name?”
“Sure,” Danny told him easily. “Her name is Sarah, and she took real good care of you, huh?”
Sam’s gaze swept to the door to look at the woman who stood there in silence.
“Yes, Danny. Your mother took care of me real good.” His eyes met hers across the room. “Thank you, Sarah.” His words were only for her.
“You’re welcome, Sam Wallace. It’s so good to have you back among the living,” Sarah was saying as she came into the room. “I’m Sarah Webb, and these are my two sons.”
He lay back as he felt himself weakening. “Where am I?”
“This is my home. We’re on the river road a little north of town.”
“How did I get here?” He frowned, trying to remember all that had happened.
“We found you in the river!” Charlie finally found his tongue.
“The river…?” Sam suddenly groaned, holding his head. “Oh, God…”
“Are you all right?” Sarah asked worriedly, quickly moving to his side.
“No…yes…” He was confused and overcome by the memories that had just returned. “How long have I been here?”
“Almost a week, now.”
“Oh, no…” He closed his eyes.
“What’s wrong? Can I help?”
“I’ve got to get back to town. I’ve got to get to Captain Clayton…” He struggled to sit up, but fell back as he was overcome by dizziness.
“But Mr. Wallace, you’re not strong enough. How could you possibly sit a horse, when you can’t even sit up in bed? Please, try to rest. I’ll send for Doc Simpson.”
“Dr. Simpson?”
“He’s been coming to check on you every day. You’ve been seriously ill.” Leaving the room momentarily with the boys, she instructed them to go for the doctor.
Sam watched her leave and knew she was right, but it didn’t lessen his determination to search out Mark Clayton. He had to find out what had happened. He had to get back to town.
Looking around the room, he spotted his clothes folded neatly, lying on top of the dresser. Sitting up in bed, he swung his legs over the side and got to his feet, keeping the blanket wrapped around his waist. But after so many days of being flat on his back, he was shaky and unsteady and could manage only a few staggering steps.
Sarah heard a noise and was coming back through the door when she saw him try to cross the room. Gasping, she rushed to his aid, just as he started to lose his balance. It took all of her strength to keep him upright as she held him tightly around his waist.
“Mr. Wallace! You shouldn’t be up!” She scolded, supporting him and trying to get him back into bed.
“I’ve got to get into town” he argued, but his voice lacked some of its original conviction as he realized now that he really was too weak to travel.
“Let’s get you back in bed,
” she directed.
“All right,” Sam finally agreed.
“Please, call me Sarah.” Her voice was breathless.
“Sarah…” he whispered her name. “Thank you, Sarah.”
“I’ll go fix you something to eat, while we wait for the doctor.”
Sam watched her as she came back into the room with his tray of food a short time later.
“Does anybody know I’m here besides the doctor?” he asked.
“Just the few neighbors who’ve been helping me,” Sarah answered. “Why?”
“Because I’m sure there are people who have been looking for me.” He didn’t want to involve her in what he knew to be a dangerous situation.
“Would you like me to send a message to them for you?”
“Yes. Right away, if you could.”
“I can send Danny as soon as he gets back.”
“Good.”
“You go ahead and eat, while I get you some paper and a pencil.” She helped him to sit up and then placed the tray on his lap.
Sam’s appetite had not yet returned, and he only picked at the food while Sarah went to find the writing materials.
“Here you are.” She came back a short time later, took the tray and she handed him the stationery and pencil.
Sarah took the food back to the kitchen while he wrote out a short, concise message for Mark, and, just in case Mark was still gone on the Enterprise, one for Marshall Westlake, too. Stuffing them into envelopes, he sealed them tightly and addressed them.
“All finished? ”
“Yes. Now all we have to do is get them delivered.” He gave her the notes.
“I’ll make sure Danny delivers these as soon as he gets back with the doctor.”
“Thanks.” Sam wanted to talk with her more, but he was growing tired. “I’ve got to rest for a while,” he told her as he lay back down.
“Fine. If you need anything…I’ll just be in the other room.”
It was almost an hour later when Danny and Charlie returned, riding with Doc Simpson in his carriage, their horse tied to the back. She hurried out to meet him.
“Doc, thanks for coming.”
“So, our mystery man has finally regained consciousness?”
“Yes. His name is Sam Wallace, and he seems quite well, considering.”
