First Love Wild Love

by Janelle Taylor

  Calinda had planned her strategy well. Tuesday she had hired a local seamstress to make her a new gown for Lynx’s homecoming; she used this excuse to return to town on Thursday. She sat in the eating area of the hotel, nervously sipping coffee and squirming in her seat. The train from Austin was late; she prayed nothing had gone wrong, yet she dreaded to hear Yancey’s words.

  Cal was ensnared by pensive study when a man tapped her on the shoulder and asked if she was Calinda Braxton. Since she was the only lady present, it was a natural assumption. She turned and looked up into his face, a pleasant one with sharply defined features. His eyes were like warm chocolate. His hair was nearly gray, hinting at his advancing age. His manner and expression implied he was of a gentle nature. She gradually relaxed and nodded.

  “You cannot imagine how glad I was to hear from you, Miss Braxton. I have been deliberating what to do with this packet. It has been in my safe for years,” Kyle hastily began as he took a seat near her.

  “I don’t understand, Mr. Yancey. Where is my father?” Cal asked softly, her voice laced with a noticeable quiver as she stared at the ominous packet.

  Kyle eagerly explained, “When Elliott Braxton gave me these papers for safe-keeping, he said he was leaving Texas. He instructed me to turn them over to you if he didn’t reclaim them within six years, which is next month. He paid me handsomely to safeguard them, to deliver them to you if necessary.”

  “You mean you haven’t seen my father or heard from him since then?” Cal murmured in dread.

  “I’m afraid not. I was wondering how I was supposed to locate you, since you didn’t respond to my letter two months past. I see you decided to come to America rather than write to me.”

  “What letter, Mr. Yancey? I’ve never received any messages from you. I’ve been living at the Cardone Ranch since May. I’m married to Lynx Cardone. I came to America to locate my father, but it’s been impossible. He’s been missing for years. A lost letter was recently delivered to me which told me to contact you. Why, I do not know. I was hoping you had news of him. I find this matter confusing. Is my father still alive?” she asked uncontrollably.

  “I have no way of knowing, Mrs. Cardone. I was retained to hold this packet. If he didn’t recover it within six years, it was to go to you. As you can see from the date, the deadline is near. Perhaps I am pre-shooting the assigned schedule, but I hardly feel he will return at the last moment. Since I have fortunately located you, surely your father will forgive my eagerness in settling this matter. Its contents are unknown to me, other than letters and a legal document. I was paid well to make certain this packet fell into no hands other than his or yours; that’s why I personally delivered it,” Kyle expounded.

  “May I see the packet?” she asked apprehensively.

  Calinda couldn’t halt her hands from trembling as she accepted the time-yellowed packet. She inhaled deeply and slowly released it before breaking the wax-seal. She withdrew four papers. The largest one captured her attention first, the missing deed to the ranch. Why would her father place a stolen deed in her possession, making her an unbidden accomplice to his crime? She placed the other papers beneath it, to focus her concentration on the legal document. She paled as she read over it; the deed was for the Cardone…Braxton Ranch! She read it several times, then asked the lawyer to explain it to her.

  Kyle glanced over the document, then informed her, “In essence, the ranch is jointly owned by Rankin Cardone and Elliott Braxton. In the event of the death of either or both men, their halves will be inherited by Lynx Cardone and Calinda Braxton. In case of mutual deaths in either family, the other family inherits everything.”

  “Are you telling me my father owned half of the Cardone Ranch?” Cal inquired dubiously, gaping at him. Surely Yancey was mistaken.

  “Not owned, owns, unless he’s deceased. In such case, you own half of the ranch and all entailed,” he casually clarified, unaware of the shock of his devastating news, intrigued by her astonishment.

  “That isn’t possible, Mr. Yancey,” Cal debated. “My father never owned any part of that ranch; he only worked there. He and Mister Cardone were close friends, never partners,” she refuted.

  Kyle Yancey peered over his spectacles to study the befuddled lady. To prevent any error, he closely examined the document again. “This deed is legal and binding, Mrs. Cardone,” he evidenced, confused by her ignorance of this matter in light of her marriage.

  “Then my father must have sold his half to the Cardones,” Cal reasoned earnestly, dreading the implications of this new riddle. Had the proclaimed stolen money actually been for a sale? Had they lied about the theft because of her father’s adulterous betrayal?

  “See if there’s a record of the sale in the packet,” he suggested.

  Calinda sought the next paper; it was a will. She handed the paper to the lawyer, who studied it. “According to this deed and will, Braxton transferred his half-ownership to you at his demise. I suppose it’s safe to assume he’s no longer alive, since he never returned. What did the Cardones tell you? You are married to this …Lynx Cardone?” he questioned, glancing at the deed for her husband’s name. He mused, was her husband the famed gunslinger and insolent rebel?

  Calinda flushed, then confessed they had told her nothing of this matter. “These papers are of little consequence at this date; your husband owns half of the ranch with his father. In the event of Rankin Cardone’s death, Lynx Cardone will be the sole owner. Are you aware, a wife’s property falls under her husband’s control after marriage?”

  “You’re saying, they actually own the entire ranch now because of my marriage?” the dismayed girl asked for total clarity.

  “That’s the size of it,” Kyle reluctantly concurred.

  “And that’s legal? No recourse?” she asked cautiously.

  “None. Why would you ask?” he quizzed curiously.

  Calinda didn’t want to ask her next question, but forced herself. “If Lynx and I weren’t married, where would I stand now?”

  “You would own half and the Cardones would own half. By marrying one of them, it legally passed into their hands and control.”

  “Are you positive my father didn’t sell it to them?” Cal probed desperately, consternation biting viciously at her heart and mind.

  “Impossible, Mrs. Cardone. He left these documents with me before leaving Texas. To sell his portion, he would need to reclaim the deed as proof of half-ownership. He hasn’t,” Kyle stated simply.

  “Then this deed is vital to prove his claim?” she pressed.

  “Yes, or your claim,” he gave the answer she feared, the answer which told why they were so intent on locating it and her father.

  “If my father took $45,000 of the ranch’s money with him when he left, would that constitute a verbal sale of his portion? Would it be viewed as theft, a criminal offense?” she probed anxiously.

  “Both partners should agree to such financial matters, but it could hardly be called criminal to take money from your own ranch. No matter, unless sale papers were signed, witnessed, and filed, it doesn’t change anything. As you see, the deed has not been altered or stamped,” he further expounded, holding out the unmarked deed.

  “I see,” Cal murmured pensively. She owned half of the ranch? Why hadn’t they told her? Why had they treated her as if she were penniless and dependent? She could have claimed and taken half of that cattle empire, a spread worth a fortune? Owned, that was the key word. Through her hasty marriage, the Cardones possessed everything…In exchange for Laura, they had stolen her inheritance.

  Calinda didn’t like what she was thinking and feeling. Yet, she couldn’t explain why they had withheld many critical facts. Didn’t they know her by now? Didn’t they realize she would have signed her half over to them because of her father’s theft and betrayal? Her father had lost all rights to the ranch; she would never have demanded anything.

  It was apparent why they had been suspicious of her in the beginning. It was evident why
they suspected Brax might return one day. It was obvious they wanted revenge, and it was noxiously clear how they had obtained it. That final missing piece to the pernicious puzzle fell rapidly and agonizingly into place, forming a picture which she didn’t want to view. She had been ignorant and trusting; why had they used her for such a wicked plot? After knowing her, why did they continue their malicious tricks? They had gained possession of the ranch; what more could they want? To lure her father and Laura back…

  Calinda lifted her tormented gaze to ask a question. “Mr. Yancey, where would I stand if I left Lynx and the ranch?”

  Surprise and bewilderment registered on the elderly lawyer’s face. “Even if you abandoned both, the ranch will remain in your husband’s control. That’s the law, Mrs. Cardone.”

  “You mean, I wouldn’t get anything? I’ve lost all rights by marrying Lynx? I couldn’t even demand payment for my share?” she persisted painfully. “If they wished, could they force me to leave?”

  “I take it you’re asking me these questions in confidence as a lawyer?” he astutely hinted before responding.

  “Yes, Mr. Yancey. Whatever your fee, I want this conversation to remain private between us. I must clarify this matter in my mind.”

  “Do you feel you’ve been duped, Mrs. Cardone?” he probed.

  “I don’t know. They never told me anything.” Calinda slowly related relevant facts and how she had been treated since her arrival. She revealed the story of her father’s disappearance and her attempt to locate him. “I’m confused by this secrecy and deception. If Lynx married me just to gain control of my half, it doesn’t appear that way. Surely their affections and acceptance can’t be false?”

  Kyle realized the young woman was on the verge of tears. He saw how vulnerable and distressed she was. “I’m well-acquainted with your husband’s reputation, Mrs. Cardone. I’m sorry to say, but I feel some miscarriage of justice has taken place. The fact they withheld this information from you suggests dishonesty. However, legally our hands are tied. We’re dealing with two powerful, cunning, and wealthy men. Even if you vowed deception, we couldn’t prove it. Unless the Cardones forced you to marry Lynx and are holding you prisoner, there’s nothing we can do. I’m afraid you’ve given up any claim to the ranch. Evidently your father suspected something might happen to him, so he entrusted the papers to me for your protection. I doubt he envisioned a complication like this. But I do find it strange and hopeful that they are keeping you at the ranch. Perhaps they care more for you than you realize. Perhaps their desire for revenge has been sated. You’re a beautiful and charming woman; any man would be pleased to have you as his wife. Why don’t you ask your husband about this situation?”

  “I can’t decide how they would react to my knowledge of this matter. I know this might sound unfair, but I pray they aren’t using this trick on me to lure my father out of hiding. Perhaps I’m safe only as long as I’m in the dark,” Cal stated uncontrollably.

  The moment that statement left her lips, memories of past dangers and mysteries attacked her mind. If anything happened to her…

  “Aren’t there other papers?” Kyle inquired gently, hoping there was an explanation to this injurious scheme.

  “A letter and a note. I’m not sure I want to read them,” she confessed, her whole world seeming to come apart.

  “Would you like me to read them to you?” Kyle offered.

  “I’d better do it myself,” she refused softly, since the affair with Laura might be mentioned, the one point she hadn’t revealed.

  Calinda struggled to restrain her tears as her bleary gaze took in the note, then the heart-racking and revealing letter. Her shaky hand covered her dry lips; she feared she would be ill right there on the floor. Her face was extremely pale; her once lively gaze was now empty and moist. She rested her arms on the table, crushing the two letters in her tight grasp, staring unseeingly at them. Her shoulders were slumped in despair, as if the burdens of the world had been placed on them. Her head was lowered; she appeared to hardly breathe. Sensing a traumatic shock in those letters, the sensitive lawyer remained silent while she mastered her emotions.

  At last, Cal understood the motive behind Laura and Brax’s actions. Each time she was positive every incisive axe had fallen, another obscure blade hovered over her head before slashing down to sever a vital part of her. God, how this gradual evisceration racked her body and soul. She didn’t know if she should be bitter, understanding, or furious. Right now, she was too distraught to think about anything. Later at home…Home? She could never call the Cardone Ranch home again. Yet, she had to return there, at least for a while.

  She thanked Kyle Yancey for his kindness and assistance. When she tried to pay him, he smiled and refused. “I’m sorry if I’ve been the bearer of dire news. If you need my services again, please don’t fail to contact me,” he urged, touched by this suffering child.

  “Promise me you won’t breathe a word of this to anyone?”

  “I promise, Mrs. Cardone. I truly hope things work out for you.”

  She smiled faintly and said, “They will; I’ll make certain.”

  Calinda left him to spend the night in the hotel room and return to Austin tomorrow. As Charlie drove her home, she was remote and sad. In response to Charlie’s concern, she told him she was merely exhausted. At the ranch, Rankin was out riding and Salina was busy with chores. Calinda reluctantly mounted the stairs to the room shared with Lynx when he was home. She went inside, locked the door, and flung herself on the bed to sob in anguish.

  Cal didn’t want to ponder the insinuations in her discovery of the ranch deed and the joint betrayal of their parents. Was she a naive pawn in a monstrous game of revenge? She and Lynx had known each other for three months and had been married for nearly two. Yet, she knew so little about him and his existence, and too much about their interlocked pasts. She could justify his secrecy about Laura and Brax, but not about the ranch. His continued silence painted him guilty.

  One suspicion bred with another to produce a litter of rapidly growing doubts. So beguiling and irresistible, Lynx had used his prowess to disarm and enchant her, to fool her completely. How could he do such terrible things to her, if he truly loved her? Was it possible he had set a trap for her, then carelessly ensnared himself by falling in love with his prey? Had she unknowingly managed to alter Rankin’s resentment and hatred into trust and affection? Did they feel it was harmful to reveal their deceptions and initial motives? Was Lynx afraid of losing her if the truth was exposed at this late date?

  So many previously unnoticed clues entered her mind. Cal remembered that night in bed when they had joked about brands. She knew his feelings toward his traitorous mother were more than lingering grief. So many of his past words and expressions assailed her groping mind, especially their discussion of that lost letter when he had refused to be candid. What had Lynx blurted out after Rankin was shot: “It’s half yours now!” Other slips from the two men filtered into her crowded mind, to swim around in her mental ocean of turbulence.

  Cal recalled the many times Lynx had alluded to a fear of losing her. Had Lynx left home to destroy all clues to the past, to protect their love? What would he say if she confronted him with these newly discovered facts? How would this letter and note affect him? Would they ease his lingering anguish and sever any remaining ties to the past? Or would it serve to breed more trouble and bitterness? She read the heart-stabbing letter again:

  My dearest daughter Calinda,

  Since this packet has been given to you as prearranged, it means I am permanently out of your life. Please do not grieve for me, but accept me as dead. I do not deserve your respect. I pray you will try to understand and forgive me. If you will read further, I will attempt to explain events which changed many lives, including your own.

  I know grave mistakes which I have made. One was in not sending for you and your mother. If you two had been with me, such dire events might never have happened. You were too young to reali
ze the lack of love between me and your mother. We both married for selfish reasons. I, for her social rank and family wealth; she, because I was the best of her suitors and an escape from her father’s family.

  As I lived and worked in this exciting and challenging territory, I met a beautiful and unique woman whom I came to love beyond all reason or caution. She consumed my thoughts and feelings. I forgot all responsibilities and morals. I tried to fight my hunger for her, but I failed. I knew it was wrong to desire her, but I was helpless to resist. Once I even planned to leave Texas to halt this powerful temptation.

  You see, my daughter, the woman is Laura Cardone, the wife of my closest friend and mother to a boy I love as a son. I could go for pages telling you about her and our fated love, but it would justify nothing in your eyes. When I forced myself to see what our love would do to Rankin and Lynx, I tried to desert her and the ranch. I could not.

  There was a complication, my daughter. Laura discovered she was carrying a child. There was no doubt that the child was mine, and not her husband’s. We were forced to make a costly decision. I had to take money and betray my friends to get my true love and our unborn child away. Once this decision was made, we could never look back or return. When Rankin discovered our affair and plans, we fought bitterly. I dared not leave Laura behind, so the money was vital for our safety and survival. How I wish you could have met the flame of my heart and known her.

  If you ever meet the Cardones, please give them patience and respect. I know they must hate me and desire revenge. To prevent them from locating us, we must flee far from Texas. Laura and I are grieved over the loss of our two children, but we must protect ourselves and our new child. I know your resentment must be great, but please forward this letter to Lynx, as he also deserves an explanation. You and Lynx must forget us. We have brought much pain into your lives. A total break is best for all of us.