Under a Desert Sky

by DiAnn Mills

  She clung to him tighter. “This could be a time to catch him. I could ask Mr. Murdock to hire only the best—possibly infiltrate the ranch hands like Pete did.” She drew in a quick breath. “Except the outcome would be entirely different.”

  “This is a dangerous undertaking. I’m not so sure we can take the risk.”

  “But we can’t live in hiding forever.”

  She was right, but the thought frightened him. “The security would take much planning and many armed men.”

  “Then we need to telephone Mr. Murdock this very minute so he can begin working on it tomorrow.”

  Tahoma stared out into the darkness, except for a few lights coming from hogans not too far in the distance.

  “Your parents might choose to attend,” she said. “Unless you think they’d be upset with you not marrying among your own people.”

  “I believe they’d make an exception when it comes to you.”

  Her lips turned upward. “Have you seen them since you left?”

  He shook his head. “We parted when I confessed my Christianity. A confession I should have made long before you arrived at Ghost Ranch.”

  “I thought that might be the case, and I’m sorry. Perhaps in light of our marriage, they might attend the ceremony and want to reconcile. Oh, Tahoma, I’m tired of the running and hiding. Let’s call the killer’s hand and be prepared for a fight.”

  He startled. “Is this Eva Fortier, the socialite from New York?”

  “No, this is the soon-to-be Eva Benally, who believes God will help us end the fear and the killings.”

  “What am I to do with you?” he whispered.

  “Marry me at Ghost Ranch, and let’s bring the demons of the past to the cliff’s edge.”

  Her plan sounded courageous, and he knew her determination. But he feared someone might get to her before he could be stopped. She had made some good points, and this had the possibility of ending the hiding and solving the murders.

  But the matter of her safety would continue to plague him night and day until it was over.

  “Since you haven’t given me a good argument for not having the wedding at Ghost Ranch, I think we have it all settled and worked out.” She nodded as though he didn’t have an argument.

  “Are you trying to bait me?” He grinned to disguise his misgivings.

  “Not at all. I just want to show you the futility of fear.”

  She was right. He turned and walked back to his desk to call Mr. Murdock at his home. She linked her arm in his, and he waited for Mr. Murdock to answer.

  “Mr. Murdock, Tahoma Benally. Hope I didn’t wake you.”

  “I was reading. Is anything wrong?”

  “Not at all.” He gazed into Eva’s face, loving every feature. “Eva’s here with me. We have an announcement to make.”

  Murdock chuckled. “I hope I know what it is.”

  “Well, sir, she has agreed to be my wife.”

  “I knew it.” Murdock called for his wife. “Sarah, you’ll never guess what I just learned.”

  After the congratulations and the “I-told-you-so,” Tahoma discussed having the wedding at the Ghost Ranch and the security measures that needed to be in place.

  “What’s the date?”

  Eva had been listening in on the conversation, and she fairly beamed with this question.

  He shook his head at her, his lovely bride-to-be. “August 22, 2:00 in the afternoon. I’ll contact Charlotte about a pastor. I’m sure Eva will want to oversee all the preparations, including contacting Victoria in the morning.”

  “Are you sure you two want to put yourselves in danger?”

  “Yes,” Eva said so Mr. Murdock could hear. “This is the only way to catch the killer and bring him to justice.”

  Tahoma prayed so. If ever his faith was to be tested, this was it.

  CHAPTER 47

  I grasped Tahoma’s hand across the truck seat, and the sunlight caught the sparkle in my engagement ring.

  “Are you ready?” he said.

  “I am.”

  He stepped out of the truck and walked around the front to open the door for me. I saw the apprehension in his eyes, and I prayed for his parents to be civil and to agree to attend the wedding. We’d come here first, even before seeing Charlotte.

  “My guess is they’ll be more excited about seeing you than me,” Tahoma said. I ignored his shrug. “But I’m part of the package.”

  “Right.” I offered all my love in a smile, for I was nervous too.

  The door of the hogan opened, and Nascha stood in the doorway. “Is that my son I see?”

  Tahoma whirled around from tending to me. “I believe so. Is this my father?”

  Mr. Benally grinned. “And do you have my daughter?”

  I gasped. Did Mr. Benally know of our upcoming marriage? I stole a look at Tahoma, and he squeezed my hand.

  “Father, your words are more true than you may realize.”

  The two men hugged, and I blinked to keep the tears away. I was such a silly woman, crying with the smallest provocation.

  “Come inside. Your mother will be returning home soon.”

  I studied Mr. Benally’s frame. He’d lost weight. Tahoma had said his father’s failing heart would take him fast. Perhaps we could give him a grandchild before the end came.

  Within the hour, Tahoma’s mother returned. We’d chosen to sit outside where a bit of a breeze cooled the harsh temperatures. My gaze flew to her as she neared us, and I believe she hastened her pace. Tahoma stood and met her.

  Please, reconcile with your son. He needs you.

  I held my breath and slowly released it when her arms slipped around his waist, and he drew her close. When she gave me a smile, I could not stop my sentimental response.

  Later we shared a midday meal. The tension subsided as each of us relaxed.

  “It is good to see you two together,” Mr. Benally said. “I was concerned about Eva’s safety and where my son had gone.”

  Tahoma explained his months away and how we’d met again. His mother smiled. She’d been quiet, perhaps her way to deal with the feelings about seeing her son.

  “We have an announcement to make,” Tahoma finally said.

  “Ah, I know what it is.” His father nodded. “But I’ll be quiet and let you tell me.”

  “We’re getting married in three days at Ghost Ranch, and we’d like for you to come.”

  Nascha glanced at his wife.

  “We should do this,” Mrs. Benally said. “I’d like to see my son get married. Maybe Eva can settle him down.” A smile slowly formed.

  “Thank you,” I whispered, because I was afraid if I spoke any louder, the tears would flow. “I know my father is looking down on us and blessing our marriage. For that matter, I believe both of my parents are smiling.”

  “I’m sure of it.” Nascha reached out his veined hand to me, and I took it. In a way, it sealed his relationship with me and my father.

  “Andrew spoke of this once.”

  I startled.

  “Yes, he said our children could make a difference between the whites and Navajo.”

  “We will do our best,” I said.

  Nascha lifted his chin. “In this happiness, I must ask about the danger. Have those who meant you harm been found?”

  Tahoma shook his head. “Another man is out there somewhere. I suspect Juan Martinez, the foreman of the Ghost Ranch, but he disappeared.”

  “They found him.” Nascha’s face saddened. “What was left of his remains was discovered by a couple of ranch hands a few days ago.”

  Obviously Charlotte planned to give us this information when we arrived. But finding Juan also meant someone had killed him, and that someone still walked the earth. Fear snaked through me. Despite my bravado, reality claimed me. But I’d made my decision to force my enemy to act, and I’d not relent.

  Tahoma drove to Ghost Ranch feeling both relief over his parents’ acceptance of his and Eva’s marriage and trepidation
that another man haunted his beloved. He wavered between speaking his mind and putting up a front for her benefit.

  “Don’t fret so.” Eva reached down to the truck seat and took his hand. “We have much to be thankful about. And we knew another man had to be involved. I think whoever that man is killed Juan when he no longer had any use for his services.”

  “You’re most likely right. But I’m worried, and nothing’s going to ease my mind until the killer is found.”

  “It may be today. Our rifles are loaded and ready to use.”

  “What am I to do with you?”

  “Marry me.”

  He glanced at her. How he loved this woman, but he saw the fear in her eyes—fear she’d not admit. “I’m anxious to talk to Rex.”

  “And I want to kiss his whiskered cheek.”

  “Best warn him that you’re about to be a married woman.”

  “Oh, I will. I can’t wait to see the look on his face when you ask him to be best man.”

  Tahoma chuckled, despite his concerns about the upcoming wedding. “Victoria is arriving tomorrow?”

  “She is.” Eva inhaled deeply. “She may be a bit difficult, but I’m glad she’s making the trip. She doesn’t plan to have Charlotte pick her up. Goodness, she’d never ride in the same car with Mr. and Mrs. Murdock. One of them would kill the other before arriving at the ranch.” She touched his face, her fingers velvety soft. “I don’t plan to tell her about our not returning to Syracuse unless she asks me directly.” She leaned her head against his shoulder. “I’m so very happy. Nothing is going to stand in the way of our perfect wedding.”

  Tahoma dare not reply. He couldn’t with the winding river of anxiety flowing through him.

  CHAPTER 48

  Victoria and I laughed and talked about the good times in Syracuse. She’d worried herself sick about me, and her loss of weight proved it. I couldn’t apologize enough. However, she seemed happier than I could remember in a long time, and I was glad she’d come to the wedding.

  “You lived in this cabin?” The disdain was evident, but I ignored it.

  “I did and loved it. My home at the reservation is smaller than this.”

  “I hope the primitive living hasn’t damaged your proper upbringing.”

  My Victoria hadn’t changed in her opinion of how life should be led. “There are many things I appreciate that I didn’t before.”

  “Do you still love sunrises?” She stood and walked to the window where the shadows of night had wrapped a blanket around us.

  “Oh, yes, and the ones here are magnificent—vivid colors of yellow, orange, pink, and purple.”

  “I’d like to see one.” She leaned my way. “Let’s rise early in the morning and drive up into the mountains you pointed out today. I’m sure the sight would be grand. My dream is to catch the sunrise and photograph it as it peeks above the horizon.”

  Her request delighted me. “I’ll make sure one of Mr. Murdock’s men is available to escort us. They don’t officially go on duty until after breakfast.”

  She frowned. “Can’t you and I go alone? I know this might be selfish, but I don’t want to share you with anyone. If some crazy madman is out there, he won’t be up that early.”

  I hesitated. “I could ask Tahoma. He’d take us to the best view.”

  “Never mind.” She looked away, wearing the pout I remembered from days gone by. “It was just a thought anyway. I’d hoped we could have one last memory together before you married. Things between us will never be as they were before—my little blonde angel and her nanny.”

  She was right, and I could indulge her this one time. After today, our relationship would never be the same. I pushed aside my reservations. “All right. We’ll leave the cabin before sunrise and take in the whole spectacular event.”

  Victoria returned to the davenport and took my hand. “Thank you. I understand you’re going against Mr. Murdock’s wishes, but we won’t be gone long, and this means the world to me. We can have a lovely breakfast afterward and spend the rest of the morning preparing you for the wedding.” She frowned. “Who knows? Maybe I can change your mind about this venture.”

  “I don’t think so. My mind is set.”

  “I can hope, can’t I? A woman of your caliber doesn’t need a man to complete her life.”

  “But I love him. Money means nothing without him beside me.”

  “All right. I’ll not scold or lecture on the eve of your wedding.” She stroked the top of my hand. “Your parents would be so proud of you. And I’m so fortunate to be a part of seeing you this happy. I can’t wait for you and Tahoma to make your home in Syracuse.”

  I didn’t have the heart to tell her the truth, so I smiled as though I agreed.

  That night I slept on the davenport and gave Victoria my bed. She had a little difficulty getting used to the outdoor plumbing and heating water to wash our faces, but once she crawled into bed, her distress ended. I should have told her to bring tea, for she’d have a difficult time rising in the morning without it. I’d forgotten so much about the things that used to make my life complete.

  The alarm clock beside me had been set for five a.m., but I sensed I wouldn’t need it.

  Tomorrow at this time, I would be sharing a bed with Tahoma. Excitement mixed with a twinge of nervousness assaulted me. For certain, sleep would evade me tonight. Had my mother felt this giddy and yet fearful the night before her wedding?

  Mrs. Tahoma Benally. Doctor and Mrs. Tahoma Benally. I must have practiced writing my soon-to-be name a hundred times.

  I didn’t think this much happiness was possible.

  Contrary to my original assessment, Victoria emerged from her bed without any prodding at all. She must have heard the single clang of the clock before I quickly turned it off. In a few minutes, we were dressed and hurrying to the car Victoria had obtained in Albuquerque.

  “Do you really need that?” She pointed to my rifle.

  “I don’t go anywhere without it.”

  “What has happened to you? Carrying a weapon seems so crude,” she said. “Never mind, you drive. I have no idea where to go, except I do want to see your favorite mountain.”

  “You mean the Perdenal?”

  “Yes, that’s it.” Victoria had her Brownie camera tucked under her arm, along with her purse, which was large enough to hold the camera. She seemed so relaxed and happy that I cast aside my concern about not telling Tahoma or Mr. Murdock about our little burst of adventure. We’d be back before the security men were finished with breakfast.

  “I should have contacted you as soon as I left here.” I placed my rifle in the backseat of the car. “And I hope you understand my reluctance was because I feared for your safety.”

  “I’m trying to accept your explanation, but it will take a bit of time for me to forgive you for keeping Mr. Murdock informed. It was a dreadful year.”

  Remorse crept through me for hurting her. However, I had not done a good job of keeping him notified of my whereabouts either. “I didn’t contact him for those months I was at the reservation. I contacted no one.”

  Victoria touched her heart. “I wasn’t aware of your sacrifice for us. I apologize for thinking you favored him over me.”

  I smiled. “I do want to tell you something that I arranged with him.”

  “What is it, my dear?”

  “If you will remember, before Grandfather’s death, I had my will drawn up and attended to a few other financial matters. You were concerned that I was the last remaining member of my family, other than Grandfather, and an intelligent young woman always takes care of legal matters.”

  “Yes, I recall our discussion about suitors who were interested only in your wealth.”

  “And you expressed a sincere worry about my marrying and your future.”

  Victoria shook her head. “I did make a pest of myself, and I appreciate the trust you set up for me.”

  “It was long overdue for all you’ve done for me. Even though Tahoma and
I have been busy planning our wedding, I did find the time to ensure that if anything ever happens to me, you’ll receive one fourth of my estate in addition to your trust fund, to which I’ve added more funds. The papers have been signed and are in Mr. Murdock’s possession.”

  Victoria covered her heart. “I never expected such generosity.”

  “It’s my pleasure. You’ve earned it. Tahoma and I have chosen to live simply for now until we decide where our life leads. The house is yours to live in for as long as you like. That has also been deeded to you in the event of my death.”

  “What does Tahoma think about this arrangement?”

  I could only imagine what she was thinking, for clearly she did not understand my love for Tahoma. “He has no problem with it. He knows you were both mother and father to me for many years. We have agreed you should always be well taken care of.”

  “Of course. I—I sincerely appreciate your thoughtfulness. You’ve always been like my own daughter.”

  “And now you have a son in Tahoma.”

  “Really, Eva. An Indian? Did you lose track of your senses while away from me? I wish you’d consulted with me first. I’m sure he will drain you dry.”

  Those words sounded like the Victoria I remembered. “God put him in my life, and I am very much in love. I told you of my devotion to him last evening. Once you get to know him, you will love him too.”

  “We’ll see. I hope his family doesn’t plan to visit us.” She shuddered.

  Again I didn’t respond. My wedding day would not be spoiled. I rolled down the window to inhale the fresh air. What a beautiful day for my wedding. Our wedding. My beloved Tahoma and I would spend the rest of our lives together, serving God and raising a beautiful family. He wanted girls, but I wanted boys like my Monarchs.

  Victoria leaned forward in the car as though studying the narrow road ahead, lit only by the car’s headlights. “Let’s pull off onto the next road.”

  “Are you wanting a little excitement? Perhaps a deer or a bobcat?”

  Before I could take my next breath, Victoria pulled a wicked-looking revolver from her purse and poked the cold metal barrel of it into my cheek. “Do as I say, now.”