Catalina's Caress

by Sylvie F. Sommerfield

  She would have given anything to look into Marc Copeland's eyes. She made a decision rapidly as she always did. Then, smiling, she rose and prepared for bed.

  ❧

  Catalina struggled up from a vague dream whose substance she had been struggling to grasp. A firm and insistent knocking on her door had aroused her.

  As she sat up the door opened and a refreshed and smiling Seth stuck his head into the room.

  "I've been waiting for hours for you to wake up. I'm too impatient to wait any longer."

  "Come on in."

  He stepped inside and, closing the door, came to sit on the edge of her bed.

  "You look pleased with yourself." She laughed. "What are you up to?"

  "Taking care of problems I should have seen to a long, long time ago."

  "What are you talking about?"

  "I've made some decisions, Cat."

  "Decisions?"

  "I'm taking hold of my own life," he said gently. "I'm going to Father. I'll face the music and then tell Marc Copeland he can go to hell, that he can't do any harm to us. Maybe we'll lose the Belle, but we're going to be all right."

  "Oh, Seth." Catalina reached out to him and he put his arms around her. They hugged each other and laughed, certain this was the end of the influence Marc Copeland had over them.

  "Travis gave me the money. I shall take it back to him and thank him for at least trying to stand with me," Catalina declared in a pleased voice.

  "Good idea, and I'll go with you. I must thank him too. That would have been some sacrifice," Seth replied.

  "I know. We both owe him our gratitude."

  "Cat?"

  "What?"

  "You went to see Copeland?"

  "Yes."

  "What did he say?"

  "He was crude and obnoxious, and it would give me the greatest pleasure to see his face when you tell him all his trouble has been for nothing."

  "Did... did you get the feeling this was something"—he shrugged—"more personal than just wanting the Belle?"

  "Come to think of it, Seth, I've had that impression, but I can't see what it could be. I have never met him, have you?"

  "Not before this incident but... It's just a feeling."

  "Well, let's forget it Well see Travis this afternoon and return his money. Then tonight you can meet with Copeland and finish this affair."

  "Good. Now let's go down and join Aunt Charlotte for breakfast. You know"—he laughed—"she'll want to know everything we've been saying to each other."

  "And she'll find out too, so we may as well just tell her. She has a way of getting what she wants."

  "She's a lovely old girl, and I appreciate how much she cares for us."

  "Let's go tell her so." Cat threw back the covers and rose. "Now get out while I dress. I'll be down in a few minutes."

  ❧

  During breakfast Charlotte watched Seth and Catalina tease each other and laugh. When she inquired about their immediate plans, they told her they were both on the way to see Travis at his hotel

  "I want to return the money to him and thank him as soon as possible," Catalina said.

  "Then, after I bring Cat back from there, I'll go on down to the Belle," Seth added. "But I'll wait until we've had dinner."

  "What will you do next?" Charlotte asked.

  "Then comes the hardest part," Seth admitted.

  "Your father?"

  "My father. This is going to hurt, but it has to be done."

  "Your father is not an ogre, Seth."

  "You say that because he's never been mad at you."

  Charlotte laughed. "He will get over his anger," she declared gently, "but he will never get over the renewal of his pride in you. You deserve it"

  "Thank you, Aunt Charlotte. That means a lot to me."

  "Well, let's send for the carriage," Catalina said. "I'd like to get this money returned."

  It was a little over a half-hour's ride from Charlotte's home to Travis's hotel, and Travis was more than surprised to find both Catalina and Seth at his door. His surprise turned to well-camouflaged anger when he learned the reason for their visit. He hid his disappointment, however, when Seth handed him the satcheL

  "You mean he refused all this money?"

  "Yes," Catalina replied. "He did."

  "He wanted more?"

  "He said I didn't have enough money to buy the Belle. I guess it's really the boat he was after to begin with."

  "What are you going to do now, Seth?" Travis questioned.

  "After dinner tonight I intend to pay him a visit. It's time he was taught a little lesson. Then Cat and I are going home. My father expects me to meet him with the Belle in Memphis. I will go there and tell him what's happened. Whatever comes of that, the problem is finished. Cat and I just wanted to thank you."

  "Yes, Travis," Catalina added. "I appreciate what you tried to do. Even though we didn't use the money, you provided it and I'm grateful."

  "Cat," Travis said gently, "you know there is not much that you could ask of me that I would not try to provide. Might I join you for dinner tonight? I would like to provide the champagne for the celebration."

  "I'm sure Aunt Charlotte would be pleased," Seth said, unaware that Catalina's silence indicated that she would have preferred to end the relationship between herself and Travis.

  "Good. What time shall I be there?"

  "About seven-thirty. Aunt Charlotte is prompt."

  "And I will be."

  Seth and Catalina returned to Charlotte's home only to find that Charlotte had been driven into town. She had left a message which said she had some business with her banker and that she would return later in the afternoon.

  Seth went to his room to lie down for some much-needed rest and Catalina went to hers, assuring Seth she had the same intention. But she did not touch her bed. Instead she went to the window and looked toward the docks, wondering if she truly had seen the last of Marc Copeland ... and why she still couldn't wipe the ghost of his touch away.

  ❧

  Charlotte sat across the desk from a man she considered one of her dearest friends. He was influential in New Orleans, possessing more wealth than anyone in the city.

  Charles Dante was approaching sixty, yet he had the grace of a man who has lived a full and active life. He was tall and retained a touch of his youthful handsomeness. His hair was still dark brown, and the streaks of white in it gave him a touch of distinction as did the full mustache he wore. His eyes were hazel and they glittered now with pleasure.

  "Charlotte my dear, I swear time is a man and he's in love with you as every man in New Orleans was. He has been good to you."

  "Ah, you are still the silver-tongued Charles." Charlotte laughed.

  "I speak only the truth, my dear. Tell me, Charlotte, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

  "Must I want something to visit you?"

  "Some years ago I would have questioned that since you so enjoyed creating gossip. But today"—he chuckled—"you want something."

  "Well, you're right, Charles. I do."

  "What is it?"

  "You know everyone and everything of importance in New Orleans. Have you heard of a young man named Marc Copeland?"

  "Copeland ... Copeland. The name rings a bell."

  "You know him?"

  "I'm not sure ... seems I heard ... isn't he the one who .. . ah—" His eyes glowed. "I've heard rumors that the Belle has changed owners. Could it be the exchange was not to everyone's liking?"

  "Hardly."

  "Want to tell me about it?"

  "No," Charlotte replied with a smile, "but I want you to find out about young Marc Copeland ... all about Marc Copeland. No matter how trivial you think the information might be. I want to know everything."

  "And I'll do this for you without a question?" He laughed enthusiastically. "Tell me, Charlotte, how do you keep that sweet face when you're such a diabolical schemer?"

  "I admire you too, Charles." Charlotte joined him in laughter
. "And I shall buy you the very best dinner in town when you have the information."

  "That, my dear, is a bargain I shall look forward to."

  "Good. Now I must get back. My niece and nephew will be having dinner with me tonight." She put her hand on Charles's arm and looked up at him. "I'm grateful for your help. I really am. One day, when this little affair is over to our satisfaction, I'll explain it to you. I promise."

  "That's good enough for me, Charlotte." She nodded, patted his arm, and left.

  ❧

  When Charlotte arrived home she checked on the preparations for dinner, then went to her room to change.

  The meal, when it was served, was exceptional. The crystal seemed to shine more brightly, the china to be more beautiful, the candlelight to glow more softly. And pleasure filled the hearts of those at the table. It came as a welcome surprise to Catalina that Travis did not appear with the promised champagne. She did not know his reason and did not care. His absence pleased her.

  After they had eaten and had enjoyed their brandies, Seth rose from his chair.

  "Well, I think I'd best get down to the docks. I'm impatient to see Mr. Copeland's reaction when I tell him that the Carringtons can still spit on him and his shady dealings."

  "I wish you'd let me go with you, Seth," Catalina said. "After all this negotiation was really between him and me."

  "After the things he suggested to you, do you think I'd let him even be in the same room with you again? Forget it, Cat. He's a blackguard and I don't intend to let his influence touch you again."

  The two women sat together and listened to the door close. Both were aware that at least two hours would pass before Seth would return.

  ❧

  Seth went to the stables. At any other time he would have had a carriage made ready, but tonight speed was more important, so he saddled a horse and rode toward the docks.

  It had been many months since Seth had ridden with such assurance. For the first time in years he felt his life was on the right path. The route he chose took him along the river for some distance before it was possible to skirt the edge of town nearest the docks. The dirt road was deserted, and he rode quickly, still allowing himself the pleasure of enjoying the balmy breeze and the beauty of the moonlit star-studded night.

  He was relaxed and totally unprepared for the sudden attack. Two men leapt from the shadows and dragged him from his horse. He fought them wildly, but they had weapons. They struck swiftly and violently, and he felt the pain of several blows before unconsciousness claimed him.

  They stood over him then, and one took a wicked-bladed knife from his belt. He knelt on one knee and was about to plunge it into Seth's back when a voice spoke from the shadows.

  "Don't stab him. Just toss his body into the Mississippi. She'll take care of him."

  Travis stepped from the shadows and stood nearby. He watched as they lifted Seth's inert body and, swinging it between them, tossed it into the swift current of the river.

  "Now," Travis stated, "that's one barrier out of the way. Keep an eye on the Belle. When Copeland leaves, make sure he follows his friend. I don't want any bodies found. As far as anyone will know, he has just disappeared. Make it the same with Copeland."

  "Don't worry," one man replied gruffly. "Nobody will ever find a sign of them. We do our work well."

  Travis took a small pouch from his pocket and watched the men's eyes glow avariciously as he tossed it to them. By the time they opened it and took out the money, Travis had silently faded into the night.

  He was pleased with himself. He would soon have a clear path to Catalina ... all the barriers would have been washed away in the muddy waters of the river.

  Chapter 6

  As the hall clock chimed midnight Catalina and Charlotte paced the parlor floor. Both knew it was long past the time when Seth should have returned.

  Charlotte watched Catalina closely, somehow knowing her niece was coming to a decision, and afraid that she knew what the decision was. What she didn't know, at the moment, was how she was going to prevent her from pursuing such a course.

  She watched Catalina, knowing she was seeing her own younger self, and she felt a keen camaraderie with her niece, even though she could not show it without encouraging Catalina to do something extremely dangerous.

  "Do sit down," she said. "You have been pacing that floor for hours and you make me nervous."

  "Aunt Charlotte, Seth should have been back."

  "Seth is a young man. He has probably stopped to share a drink with friends now that he's cleared his mind."

  "Really, Aunt Charlotte, you don't believe that any more than I do. Something has happened."

  "What could possibly happen? He was only going to speak to the man. For heaven's sake, Cat, is this Copeland foolish enough to do something to Seth when he must realize Seth would be expected to return?"

  "Marc Copeland is completely without scruples. He would most certainly try something. Good God, he might—"

  "Come, Cat. It would be idiocy for him to hurt Seth."

  "He's shrewd, and he might just think that would solve his problem." Catalina began to walk toward the door.

  "Where are you going?"

  To find out what happened," she called over her shoulder. She dashed up the stairs as Charlotte rose and came to the bottom of the steps. In her room Catalina grabbed up her reticule. Then she went to a drawer and jerked it open. She ruffled through piles of lacy lingerie until her hand came to what she sought—a small single-shot derringer. She slipped the small gun into her bag and then ran from the room.

  When she reached the bottom of the steps, Charlotte grasped her arm.

  "Cat, you cannot do this!"

  "But I can, Aunt Charlotte."

  "One woman alone! What do you expect to accomplish?"

  "To find out what happened."

  "It's too dangerous. I won't let you go." Charlotte gripped her arm firmly. For a moment the two women looked at each other. Then slowly and deliberately Catalina's free hand loosened Charlotte's fingers.

  "Don't try to stop me, Aunt Charlotte. I must find out what happened. Most likely, if Seth is still there, we will come home together."

  "And if he's not?"

  Then Mr. Copeland had best have some answers. Aunt Charlotte"—Catalina's voice softened—"don't try to fool me. If you were in my place, you would do the same. I'll be careful."

  "Cat, please ..." Charlotte began, but Catalina was already moving toward the door. In a moment, it closed behind her.

  Less than twenty minutes later Catalina was slapping the reins against the horse's rump to urge it to pull the buggy more rapidly through the streets.

  ❧

  Marc drained the last of his drink and set the glass aside. He was annoyed. Annoyed with himself and with, the unwelcome thoughts he had tried energetically to put out of his mind.

  He had been certain there would be much more of a reaction from Joseph Carrington, had expected something explosive by now. He knew the story of his taking the Belle was no longer a secret He had had alterations started and that would show all of New Orleans he fully intended to make the famous Southern Belle into a floating palace of gambling and other delights. That alone should be enough to bring the old man howling, he thought.

  His confrontation with Catalina was one thorn that pricked him, but he was determined. After all, a need for revenge was all he had. It was a point of honor that he see justice done.

  What irritated him the most, however, was his loss of pleasure in Nina. He had used business as an excuse and had promised her a special night tomorrow, then had gone to his own cabin to try and clear his mind.

  Nina was less than happy about this, but she knew well that Marc was not a man to push.

  Now he removed his boots and jacket, and unbuttoned his shirt cuffs. As he slowly unbuttoned his shirt he allowed his mind to touch on the elusive Catalina again. His tongue explored his lips as he vividly remembered the taste of hers and the feel of her b
ody against his.

  Forcefully he pushed her from his mind. The luxury of enjoying her was more than he could afford. He wanted to seduce her, then discard her. He wanted to use her, to hurt her, to make her pay her share of the price. For one by one he would destroy the Carringtons.

  He threw the shirt aside and removed the rest of his clothes. Then he extinguished the lamp and went to his bunk. It had been a very eventful day, nonetheless sleep seemed to, purposely, elude him. It was replaced by the misty apparition of a slim defiant woman.

  It was past midnight and he was sure the next day promised to be more interesting. Surely repercussions would begin. He smiled as he turned over to try to sleep. Maybe she would come again to beg ... and she might realize she was in a position where she would have to meet his demands.

  This thought was pleasant enough to hold, and he did, until he relaxed and slowly felt sleep approach.

  ❧

  Catalina stopped her carriage some distance from the boat. She pulled her dark cloak about her and made her way through the dark shadows to the Belle.

  The boat was dark, but she found her way slowly, making no noise.

  She was amused that he had so much confidence in his power that he had not even posted a guard.

  Such arrogance, she thought. He needs to be taught that others are clever too—clever enough to stop him.

  She stood outside his door and reached for the handle. Gripping it, she turned it slowly ... so slowly. When it clicked softly, she laughed to herself. He had made his first foolish misstep. Very carefully she opened the door, just enough to slip inside and close it behind her.

  She had to stand immobile for a minute because her heart was pounding, her mouth was dry, and she was shaking. Slowly she regained control of herself, and her mind returned to her ultimate goal.

  Her eyes began to become accustomed to the darkness, and she could vaguely see his form on the bed.

  She moved very slowly, setting her feet down carefully to keep her movements soundless.