Cal lifted her head to glance at the door into the other room. It was standing ajar, but she couldn’t see into the next room. Her gaze went back to Lynx outside the window. His features were taut with determination and fury. He smiled encouragingly, white teeth gleaming at her. He examined the window, deciding it would be noisy to open. His gaze went to the lantern and analyzed its revealing danger. Calinda watched him closely, comprehending his two obstacles. Lynx suddenly moved aside, removing himself from her view. Why did he go away, she fearfully wondered.
Cal had her answer when the leader strolled into the room. “Want any coffee?” Cole asked moodily.
“No, thank you,” Cal responded faintly. “I’m tired, and my head is pounding again. Could you lift the window for some fresh air; it’s smothering in here.”
“And let you get hurt sneaking out during the night?” he teased.
“If you tie my hands to the bedpost, I couldn’t possibly escape,” she suggested sassily. “Besides, I’m not stupid. You would kill me.”
Cole came over and tore a long strip from the dirty sheet. He took her hands and secured them to the post. “That should hold you.”
Cole lifted the window sash and propped it open. When he leaned forward and gazed outside, she nearly fainted. He inhaled the muggy air, then came back to her side. “Anything else, Callie?”
“Will you put out the lantern? I want to go to sleep.”
“You’re just full of demands tonight,” he murmured. “One good deed without a nice reward is enough. Now, if I was to get a little kiss, I’d be glad to help you.”
Calinda tensed in dread. If she didn’t kiss him, he wouldn’t douse the lantern to safeguard Lynx’s rescue attempt. If she did, he might get aroused and demand more than a mere kiss. How could he be so nice, then turn so mean? One minute he was gentle, the next savage. What to do? If he tried to attack her, surely Lynx would try to stop him. If Lynx tried to stop him, there were other armed men to confront. They could both be killed. She hesitated in doubt.
“What’s wrong, Callie? Don’t trust me to have self-control?”
“You’ll give me your word of honor, just one kiss?”
“My word of honor, just one kiss, until Monday,” he added.
“But if you remove your mask to kiss me, I’ll see your face.”
“Not with the lantern out. Well?” he eagerly pressed.
“All right,” she reluctantly acquiesced, wondering how Lynx felt about this necessary action.
Cole doused the light, then lifted his mask when he was near her lips. His mouth seared over hers in a demanding and greedy kiss, to which she didn’t resist or respond. Cole forced her lips apart, fusing his mouth to hers as if to devour her. He made the kiss last as long as possible. When his mouth left hers, he taunted, “That wasn’t a fair deal; a kiss can’t be one-sided.”
She replied angrily, “You gave your word. You didn’t say I had to respond.”
“I said, if I was to get a little kiss, not take one,” he argued.
“That wasn’t a little kiss,” she snapped, feeling duped. “You’re trying to trick me; I shouldn’t have trusted you.”
“Maybe you’re right. But Monday at noon, make sure you understand my meaning,” Cole warned. If he wanted her to be willing, he couldn’t press her tonight. Anyway, he had all day Sunday to work on her resistance and hopes. He walked out, whistling.
Calinda’s gaze went from the nearly closed door to the darkened lantern, to the open window. She had done all she could; the rest was up to Lynx. Her heart was racing happily; he had tracked them down and was going to rescue her, just as in Lampasas. Funny, every time she was in trouble or danger, Lynx inexplicably showed up to help. She waited; he didn’t appear at the window. Had they seen him and captured him? She trembled with growing suspense. She fretted over the perilous full moon which might expose his presence.
A towering shadow moved before the window. She held her breath as Lynx stealthily crawled through it. He stood up and paused, cocking his head to listen for a minute. Her eyes grew large with astonishment; he wasn’t wearing his guns or boots. If that outlaw entered the room again, Lynx would be helpless! Was he so self-assured that he felt he could lick three men with his bare hands?
Lynx gingerly moved forward, careful of creaking boards. He bent over her, placing his lips to her left ear. He whispered, “Don’t talk or move, Callie. I’m getting you out of here.”
Lynx withdrew a large blade from his waist, then severed the roped binding her wrists. Cal wanted to throw herself in his strong arms, but didn’t dare move as ordered. He leaned over again, saying, “Be still while I take off your boots.”
Lynx removed one, then the other, bobbling the second one before he had control of it. She tensed in alarm, then relaxed. The intoxicating rogue grinned playfully, as if this was a game. He scooped her up in his arms and set her down near the window. Her clever love reached for some blankets and fashioned them into a body-like roll on the bed. He placed her boots in a position which indicated she was lying on her side. He covered the handmade dummy with the dirty sheet, except for the boots which were peeking out near the foot. He took her hat and placed it where her head should be. He stepped back to eye his creation. In the darkness, it should pass for Calinda’s frame.
Lynx grinned in satisfaction. That should give them time to escape, if Cole Stevens didn’t try to enchant her again tonight! Naturally Lynx had recognized the man’s voice. When Calinda was out of danger, he would take care of Stevens and his reckless gang.
Lynx warned her again in silence, then slid her out the window. Cal waited anxiously as he agilely eased over the sill and joined her. He caught her head between his hands and pulled it forward. She was piqued when he didn’t kiss her, but only whispered, “See those rocks over there?” He pointed to them and waited for her to nod. “Get behind them pronto, but don’t make any noise. I’ll stand guard. If I don’t come right behind you, get the hell out of here fast.”
Calinda flung her arms around his waist, briefly craving his comforting contact. Lynx hastily seized her arms and loosened her grip. He warned, “We don’t have time for that, Cal. Get going.”
After what she’d been through, Cal yearned for a moment of solace. It had been weeks since she had seen him and touched him. Cal was too distraught to consider their danger. At that time, all she could think about was the safety of his arms.
At her hesitation, her murmured into her ear, “If you don’t get moving, we’ll be caught and shot. I didn’t risk my life for nothing.”
Calinda jerked her hands from his brawny chest, then glared at him. She whirled and headed for the assigned hiding place, gritting her teeth as the sharp rock snipped at her socked feet. Lynx stepped behind the corner of the shack and waited there until she vanished from his sight. He stepped back to the window, then fished a small object from his pocket. He placed the tiny silver star he had removed from a broken pair of spurs on the windowsill where Cole would be sure to notice it. He reached behind a bush and lifted Farley’s gunbelt, digging an impression of a small star into the scuffed leather, symbol of justice and the unknown Ranger. He hung it over the sill, then snatched up his own gunbelt and boots.
As quietly as possible, Lynx hurried to join the waiting Calinda. Once concealed by the large boulder, he dropped his boots to fasten on his gunbelt, tying a holster down to each muscled thigh. He pulled on his boots. He glanced at her and smiled broadly. “So far, so good, Callie. Let’s move out before Cole realizes that isn’t you in that bed.”
“Cole? How could you know him with a mask?” She despised the suspicions which chewed viciously at her, inspiring rash anger.
“I recognized his voice when he was trying to seduce my wife. Don’t worry; I’ll repay him after you’re home safe,” he vowed coldly. “How’s the head? Did they…hurt you, Cal?”
“Some scrapes and bruises, nothing serious,” she replied. When his hand reached out to move aside her hair to check the injury,
she twisted away from his touch and panted, “We don’t have time for that! It’s fine; just a little crack on the head. How did you find me?” she demanded, her voice exposing a strange note of accusation. “I’m surprised you took the time from your busy schedule. But I suppose a man like Lynx Cardone prefers to pay such debts with vengeful pride rather than money. No promising bulls for sale?” She had remembered all at once how he had deceived her. Was he an outlaw? What if he were killed or captured? How could she live without him? Fears and doubts clouded her reason and compelled her to strike out in fury and spite.
“What are you babbling about, woman? I think that lick on the skull is playing havoc with your senses. I’ve finished my work in Junction; we trapped some fence cutters and rustlers. I was heading home when a man tried to back-shoot me, one of Cole Stevens’ men. That’s how I learned about the kidnapping and your location.”
“I see,” she murmured skeptically. “What happened to that code of honor amongst thieves, to die in brave silence?”
“I told him I’d kill him if he didn’t speak up and fast,” he casually informed her, wondering at her frigid manner.
“How did you know he had anything to tell you?” she pressed.
“I’ll explain everything later. We can’t stand here jawing. Follow me,” he commanded, then headed off into the scattered rocks.
Calinda decided his story sounded a little too incredible and convenient. Why had Stevens called her Callie? As in Lampasas, Lynx had appeared just in the nick of time to rescue her from peril. By generous fate or Lynx’s unknown purpose? It was past time for some truthful answers. When they reached home, she would demand them. Her stockinged feet began to gingerly pick a path between sharp rocks and cacti in pursuit of her exasperating husband, dressed in satanic black as usual.
When Lynx turned to realize how far behind she was and why, he hurried back to her. He scooped her up in his arms and walked off with her, despite her muted protests. “There isn’t time to argue, Cal. Just shut that lovely mouth and follow my instructions.”
She fell into stony silence. When he set her down, she murmured sarcastically, “You don’t seem very glad to see me safe and sound, dear husband.” She knew she was being asinine, but couldn’t halt it.
“In this predicament, I’m not,” he growled. “You’re one bag of trouble, Calinda Braxton.”
“It’s Calinda Cardone, in case you’ve conveniently forgotten.”
“I haven’t forgotten. If I had, I wouldn’t be here tonight. I’ve been waiting around for hours until dark. It’s been driving me wild.”
“How did you locate me so quickly?” she inquired.
“I’ll tell you later. For someone just rescued from killers, you sure have a funny way of showing your appreciation,” he scolded. “What’s gotten into you, Cal? You sound like I’m responsible for this dangerous situation.” His gaze searched her expression, trying to unravel this curious puzzle.
“You are. If you’d been home where you belong, instead of gallivanting all over the countryside in search of adventure, they wouldn’t have dared kidnap me. Obviously this golden band isn’t a magical charm. I believe you said for me to stay home where I’d be safe and happy. Well, dear husband, I haven’t been either. I hate Texas. It’s a land of violence, deceit, and peril. I shouldn’t have agreed to marry you or remain on the ranch,” she bluntly informed the startled man. She kept herself from adding, if you can’t be honest with me. She was tired of secrecy and separation which she didn’t understand. If he loved her…
“You did, so you’ll have to make the best of both. Come on; I’m sure Father’s half out of his mind by now.” He mounted up. He held out his hand and told her to mount before him.
Calinda didn’t want to be in his line of vision or within his stimulating embrace. She much preferred his less demanding broad back. “I’ll be more comfortable riding behind you.”
“You’ll also be in the line of fire if they discover you’re missing and come after us. Stop behaving like a spoiled child, woman. We’ve wasted precious escape time as it is.”
The tension too much to contain, she angrily vented some of it, “How do you expect me to act after what I’ve endured? I could have been ravished or murdered, for all you care.”
“If I didn’t care, my rebellious wife, I wouldn’t be here.” His amber eyes narrowed. How could she blame him for this crime? Why was she so cold, sarcastic, and ungrateful? For the first time in his life, he had experienced real fear and a lack of confidence in his own abilities. He was trying to save both their lives, but she was determined to pick a silly fight! Maybe it was a reaction to her shocking ordeal. But they had to get out of here; if they were caught, that star left behind would expose his identity.
“If you’re shot in the back, I don’t want to be left alive to face those crude men. Let me sit behind you—they might be reluctant to shoot a woman. They think I’m a valuable prize,” she reasoned fearfully.
“You’re worth far more than fifty thousand dollars. But they’d kill both of us before allowing us to escape. I’m larger and stronger. I could survive a bullet in the back easier than you could. Now, hush and get up here,” he ordered firmly, his gaze daring her to refuse.
“All right,” she agreed, placing her hand in his.
Lynx gave Star his lead. The animal sensed danger from previous training and experience, and walked for a lengthy distance from the hideout before picking up his pace. At a steady gallop, they made the ranch in less than three hours, time for her silly anger to vanish.
The moment they arrived, Calinda and Lynx were surrounded by gleefully shouting people. In a flurry of excitement and greetings, the daring tale of their escape spilled forth.
“I shore am glad to see you, Mrs. Cardone,” Charlie stated.
“Not as happy as I am to see your face again,” she replied.
“How did you find her son?” Rankin shrieked. “I had the money all ready to go at their signal. I guess you got my telegram?”
Calinda glanced at Lynx. Rankin had sent for him? He had known Lynx’s location? Lynx smiled at his father, then nodded. Calinda’s anger and hurt returned two-fold at that news. Lynx related the incident on the trail with Farley, whose pocket contained the instructions for the delivery of the money, the message to be delivered to the Cardone Ranch Monday at noon. “I’m sorry I couldn’t stop by and tell you my plan to rescue her; there wasn’t time. When I discovered it was Cole Stevens behind it, I headed for his hide-out. I doubt Cal would have been safe for another day and a half.”
Calinda captured the dual meaning to his statement. How did Lynx know Cole Stevens so well? Why not, both were noted gunslingers! Had uncanny luck aided Lynx’s rescue, or was there more to it? Perhaps her roguish love had connections to many outlaws. After all, there was the stolen locket in his possession. She wanted to challenge him about it, but was afraid to let him know she’d searched his room.
“You’re a courageous and cunning man, son,” Rankin affectionately complimented Lynx. “You’re a lucky girl, Cal.”
Dazed by their deception, she murmured, “I want to thank you for offering to pay them so much money, Rankin. I’m just relieved you didn’t lose it. I promise to be more careful in the future. Right now, if you’ll excuse me, I want to get out of these filthy clothes and take a soothing bath. This has been quite a harrowing experience, and I’m exhausted.” Suddenly, she felt utterly drained.
“I’m sorry we didn’t protect you better, Cal,” Rankin apologized.
“It wasn’t your fault. Lynx, I did hear something you should pass on to the sheriff, if this Cole doesn’t change his plans now,” she began, then related the overheard details for the robbery Friday.
“I doubt Cole and his gang will be smart enough to alter those plans. The sheriff or Rangers can set up a trap and take ’em Friday. Wouldn’t do any good to return to their hideout; they’ve cleared out of there by now.” He looked at his father and said, “You’d best post guards around t
he ranch, just in case Cole doesn’t give up easily. Cal, make sure you stay within sight of the house until Cole’s gang is captured.”
“You needn’t worry; I will. Goodnight.” She entered the house, passing Salina without a word or nod. Gathering her needed items, she went to bathe. Afterwards, she would sleep in her old room. The strain of her many ordeals demanded solitude. She feared the reasons for Lynx’s dishonesty and the effect it was having on their relationship.
Both Lynx and Rankin noticed Calinda failed to hug or kiss her heroic husband. They went into the study and closed the door. “Is something bothering Cal? She was acting strangely.”
“Then it wasn’t just my imagination. I don’t have the vaguest idea, father, unless the tension of this ordeal. Maybe she’ll settle down after a bath and a sherry. She’s been a little peeved since the moment she saw me. I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m glad she’s safe. She had me scared out of my wits.”
“Tell me everything,” his father coaxed, wanting to hear of his son’s intelligence and daring.
Lynx went through the whole episode in minute detail.
“You left one of your marks behind? What happens when they learn Lynx Cardone snatched his wife from their evil clutches? They’ll know you’re the unknown Ranger. That wasn’t smart, son,” Rankin scolded him.
“I was too furious at the time to think clearly. Anyway, by Friday, Cole and his men will be under the Rangers’ control. I’ll head out at first light for the Rangers; we’ll be ready and waiting for them to strike. I have a personal score to settle with Stevens.”
“Tonight, you have something else to settle, with your wife.”
“You haven’t given Cal any hints about me or the ranch? I’m worried about the way she’s acting and looking at me.”
Rankin filled in Lynx on the happenings since he left weeks ago. Lynx was troubled by the conflicts between his wife and Salina. “I don’t think Salina should be allowed to treat my wife like that, father. I know Salina’s a valuable servant, but not irreplaceable. I don’t like her harassing Cal. You think Cal’s merely upset by Salina’s attitude? Cal might be disturbed by what she views as ill treatment from us if we allow Salina to pester her. Cal’s a proud, stubborn woman. It’s only natural for her to want to run her own home, at least be in control of it. It’s unfair to allow Salina to have more authority. I think we’d better settle this tomorrow before I pull out.”
First Love Wild Love Page 27
