Promise Me Forever

by Janelle Taylor

  Rachel held silent as Dan slipped into deep thought to study the new developments. He was so clever that he might come up with something.

  “I still need to go to Charleston, love. I want to see if I can find someone who might be holding the money for Phillip and doesn’t know he’s dead. I’ll check with his old family lawyer and friends.”

  “That’s a clever idea. See if anyone knows where his personal effects are stored. We might find a clue in them.”

  “I’ll check out everything that comes to mind. I’ll return in a few days, storm or no storm! You stay inside with doors locked and a gun handy this time. Promise?” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. He was eager for the day when she became Mrs. Daniel Slade McCandless. “Is it too soon to propose again, woman?”

  Rachel was taken by surprise, but kept her wits clear. “Yes. I can’t think about another marriage right now. Even if I didn’t have all these problems looming over me, I’ve been a widow for less than two months. Can’t you imagine how people would react if I wed again soon?”

  “What do we care what they say or think?” Dan quipped.

  “I shouldn’t and, if I were guilty, I wouldn’t; but I’m not and I do. Besides, think of how a swift romance and marriage will appear to the law.”

  “You’re right; I hadn’t considered that. I forget we’re both still under investigation. Any word from the authorities about your case?”

  “None. I don’t know if that’s good or bad.”

  “It’s a good sign, love. If they had any clues to work on, they would. They just don’t want to tell you this soon you’ve been cleared again.” Dan pulled her into his embrace and stroked her silky hair. “I know it’s been hard on you, love, but stay strong and brave.”

  “I will; I have you to make certain I do. Thanks for everything, Dan. You’re doing so much to help me and protect me.”

  He chuckled. “Because I’m selfish. I’m only thinking of myself. I love you and want you. The only way I can have you is to get you free of this mess first. If that costs me money, so what? I can always earn more, but I can’t find another Rachel McCandless if I let something happen to you.”

  The happy woman nestled her cheek to his chest and listened to the steady drumming of his heart. “You’re the most wonderful man alive.”

  Dan grasped her chin and lifted it. He sealed their gazes, then their mouths. Rachel responded, as she needed his comfort and touch. Soon, both were aroused by desires that craved to be sated.

  Rachel struggled to regain her self-control. She dragged her lips from his with reluctance. “I’m sorry, Dan, but I can’t make love here. I’ve been shot at twice not far away. Too many forces could be spying on us this very minute. I couldn’t relax and…”

  Dan hugged her tightly and murmured, “I understand, love. I’ll escort you home, then get back into town. I want to see if I can locate those Cubans. Maybe I can learn more than you did from them. I’ll get my ship loaded tomorrow, then sail at dawn Sunday. I’ll see you as soon as I return. Don’t forget; I’ll have two of my men camped nearby to guard you.”

  Saturday, Rachel received a response from her telegram to Harry. He said he would send Dan’s two orders on schedule, but he still refused to send any arms without payment, regardless of threats to her. The angered woman wondered if he would feel and do the same if he were receiving those threats. If he kept refusing, the hostile rebels might comply!

  By Thursday, Rachel was becoming apprehensive. Things had been quiet since last Friday, maybe too quiet, she worried. After all that had happened recently, it was a nice, but suspicious, reprieve. Perhaps no new incidents had taken place because of the two men Dan had left behind, who were camped in the woods near her home.

  Late that afternoon, one of them came to the house to tell Rachel his captain was waiting for her at the place they last met. She saddled her horse and galloped to the location in the concealing woods; this time, she tried to make certain she wasn’t followed by backtracking, hiding, and other ploys. She slid off the animal’s back into Dan’s inviting arms.

  “Lordy, how I’ve missed you,” she murmured.

  “And I’ve missed you, woman.”

  They kissed, embraced, and caressed until they were breathless and aroused. Before exchanging news, they had to share passions. Garments were cast aside, and they sank to the leafy earth to make love.

  As Dan buttoned his shirt, he said, “I placed a third order with Harry today for another hundred fifty rifles. It’s strange, love, but Luke hasn’t been able to find a single clue to those rebels. You’d think two Cubans would stand out like gale clouds on a clear day. It’s as if they vanished into a fog. Or they’re hiding for protection. Luke couldn’t even find the ship they came in on. You’re the only one who’s seen them.”

  “They certainly weren’t figments of my imagination. They’re only lying low until tomorrow. What did you learn in Charleston?”

  “Nothing, I’m afraid. If Phillip’s contact was there, I couldn’t find him. I didn’t pick up any possessions from anybody while I was there.”

  “I was hoping and praying you’d return with that money. Where can it be, Dan? You can’t hide a million dollars just anywhere.”

  “I don’t know, love; I wish I did. Don’t be upset or discouraged.”

  “I don’t like you earning money just to—”

  He silenced her with a finger to her lips. “No more talk about that. Besides, we need bait for our trap. I may not have to pass them along. If not, I can sell them elsewhere and recover my investment.”

  “Keep a few for evidence. If Harry… That’s it, Dan! I’ll blackmail the sorry bastard. If he doesn’t hand over those arms, I’ll expose him for stealing and using registered patents. He’ll have to cooperate.”

  “Don’t go threatening him alone, woman. Desperate men are—”

  “I know. Dangerous. But I’ll finally get that snake. I should have thought of this sooner. I’ll telegraph him tomorrow before we meet with the Cubans. This should gain another reprieve for Harry to get the arms here—at least part of them.” She hugged and kissed him in her ecstasy. “At last, a good-luck charm. You, Daniel Slade.”

  Rachel and Dan responded to the message she received about a meeting five miles from the plantation. They reached the location, dismounted, and joined the two men who eyed them with wariness.

  Carlos remarked, “You came with protection Señora Raquel, but it is not needed. What news do you bring? When do we sail?”

  “There’s been—”

  “No, señor, she is the only one to speak,” Carlos interrupted Dan.

  When the blue-eyed American started to argue, Rachel stayed his retort with a gentle grasp on his arm and a smile. “I’ll handle everything. This is Captain Daniel Slade of the Merry Wind; he’s the one who’ll deliver your arms when they’re finished. We expect part of the order on Monday and the rest a week later. We should be underway by the first of June.”

  Carlos frowned. “That is not our agreement, Señora Raquel.”

  “Your verbal contract was with Phillip, Mr. Torres; he’s dead and your payment is missing, so I’m doing the best I can to honor his part of the bargain. Either wait while I do, or take whatever action you wish. If you kill me or cause me more trouble, you won’t get your armas or your dinero. Comprende?” she asked in a terse tone.

  Carlos’s scowled deepened, and he had to calm a riled Joaquin before he responded. “You are the one who does not understand, Señora Raquel. You are not in a position to threaten or to betray us. Do not try to do so.”

  “I’m not; I was merely giving you good advice for all our sakes.”

  “Look, she’s doing everything she can to comply. She’s paid for all she’s ordered out of her own pocket, and I’ve agreed to ship them free as a favor to an old friend. She isn’t the problem; her partners are. They’re the ones balking. You can’t blame them, either; they never got paid.”

  “How do we know that is true, capitá
n? We do not have our dinero or our goods. We will not sail without one or the other.”

  “Then give me another ten days to comply,” Rachel entreated. “What harm can it do? I’ve tried to come up with money to cover our expenses, but I’m almost broke. All three of Phillip’s companies are near bankruptcy, so are worth nothing. The bank refused to grant me a loan. Even if I sell my home, it will take time. What more do you suggest?”

  “As I told you before, Señora Raquel, that is not our problema.”

  “It shouldn’t be mine! So give me the extension I need.”

  “We will think on it and contact you as soon as possible. Do not fail us, or you and others will sufrir. Do not considere it, capitán,” Carlos warned Dan as his fingers curled around the butt of his pistol. “Joaquin is swift and accurate. We have need of your ship and skills, so do not make him slay you. Even so, we have reported to our lider. If our next comunicaciόn is late or missing, others will come to slay and destroy, not talk as we have done. To kill us will not end the threat to her; it will make it peor, worse.”

  “Don’t threaten or scare her again,” Dan warned in a frigid tone.

  “Ah, so that is the situación,” Carlos murmured as he eyed the couple with a knowing grin. “If you wish to save her for yourself, capitán, do as we say. You will hear from us soon. Adiόs, amigos.”

  Rachel and Dan watched the two rebeldes cubanos depart.

  “Damn! I should have had a man watching so he could follow them before they disappear again. We have to find a way out of this trap, love. They’ll do what they threatened without remorse or hesitation.”

  “I know, Dan; that’s why I hate for you to be involved. Maybe that telegram to Harry will work in our favor. At least it’ll give us enough arms to bargain with. I’d love to see the look on his face when he reads it.”

  Saturday passed without the anticipated response from Harrison Clements, and Rachel was bewildered. She couldn’t believe her blackmail threat didn’t panic him into doing as she asked; no, demanded. She decided either he must be in Atlanta with his new business and hadn’t gotten her shocking message or he was on the way there to challenge her.

  Sunday afternoon, Rachel and Dan were strolling outside when two men arrived, the same investigators who had interrogated her after Phillip’s death. Rachel tensed as she feared it was about that unresolved matter and the culprit stalking her had found a cunning way to incriminate her after all.

  She tried to appear calm. “What can I do for you gentlemen today?”

  The officer focused on Rachel. “Chief Anderson asked us to come out and ask you a few questions as a favor to the police chief in Augusta, to save him a trip to Savannah. Do you mind speaking with us, ma’am?”

  “Of course not, but I’m confused. What does the Augusta police chief want to know from me?”

  “Who murdered George Leathers and why?”

  Rachel paled and shuddered. Chillbumps raced over her body. Her heart began to race and she wanted to faint. “George… is dead? How? When?”

  “Yesterday. Someone blew up the company you two own. He and a worker were killed. One of his men said you were asking suspicious questions recently about explosions and fires. Why was that, ma’am?”

  Rachel panicked. “You think I had something to do with his death?”

  “Just answer the question, please.”

  She was tempted to refuse. “Considering the business we’re in, they were normal worries, sir. He was giving me and Dan a tour of the factory and mentioned the dangers. I merely asked if we had safety measures and insurance to cover any problems. As a new partner trying to learn the business, why would my concerns seem odd to anyone?”

  “When there’s never been… an accident before, then one happens shortly after your visit and curiosity, it does, ma’am.”

  “I haven’t been there since last month, over three weeks ago. You know when I went; I asked your permission, remember?”

  “Yes, I recall our talk. How long have you known Mr. Leathers?”

  Don’t volunteer more information than he asks for, Rachel; be honest, but brief and careful. “Since I married Phillip.”

  “How many times have you seen him?”

  “Three, with Phillip last Christmas and twice since he died.”

  “Did you like him?”

  “He was a fine gentleman and good partner.”

  “Do you know if he had any enemies who’d want him dead?”

  “How could I? We live too far apart and see little of each other. Our only connection is business. As I told you, I’ve only seen him a few times. Who would want to kill such a good-natured, kind, and genial man? I can’t imagine him having enemies. Are you certain it wasn’t an accident? George said gunpowder was volatile, that any impact or spark could set it off.”

  “No accident, ma’am. Dynamite and gunpowder were used deliberately. If I recall, you were having trouble with your two partners, suspected them of cheating you, and that’s why you rushed off to see them before taking time to report your husband’s … untimely demise.”

  Rachel remembered the deceit she had used in that conversation. “As I told you that day, on the first visit, neither partner would allow me to check the books without Phillip’s permission. When I called on them after they knew of his death, both men permitted me to see all records. I found nothing to arouse my suspicions about any misdealings, and both men accepted my motive for tricking them earlier. I don’t know why Phillip mistrusted them, but his fears were groundless.”

  “Where were you during the last two days?”

  “I visited the telegraph office in town Friday; you can confirm that with the operator. I was home yesterday, and have several witnesses to verify my presence. There is no way I could have gotten there and back.”

  “She was here all day,” Dan concurred, having held silent to listen and observe, and to make his presence again less noticeable.

  “You were a witness for her last time. Do you stay around much?”

  “I’ve been on trips to Charleston and New Orleans for most of the last two weeks. I returned Tuesday. I saw Rachel on Friday, and two of my men have been camped nearby since last Sunday. You can verify my movements with the port authorities, and you can question my men about hers.”

  “Why are they staying here?”

  “Because somebody has been trying to terrorize her by playing cruel pranks. She’s had her home rocked twice, things stolen from inside, been shot at, and had ugly words painted on her front porch.”

  “Why didn’t you report those incidents, ma’am?”

  “What good would it do? Even if you believed me, you couldn’t help. We never saw the culprit or culprits involved.”

  “Probably just perverse pranks. They’ll stop when things settle down soon.”

  “They have stopped since Dan kindly left his men nearby for protection…What other suspects do you have for George’s murder?”

  “None. Nobody saw a thing. The place is a total loss. I’m afraid you’ve lost that part of your inheritance. No insurance, either.”

  “What?”

  “No insurance, ma’am. Didn’t you know that?”

  “George told me it was expensive, but he never said there wasn’t any.”

  “So you were expecting a payoff?”

  “How could I, when I didn’t know about the destruction until just now? What about Molly Sue, George’s wife? How is she?”

  “I don’t know, but the Augusta chief said Mr. Leathers had private insurance, so she won’t be hurt like you are.”

  “That’s not as important as George’s death. Is it all right if I go visit her?”

  “Chief Anderson doesn’t want you to leave town at present. He’s having a few curious matters checked out.”

  Rachel tried not to show her anxiety. “What matters?”

  “Police business, ma’am.”

  “You will notify me when I can travel?”

  “Yes, ma’am. You two are spending a l
ot of time together, eh?”

  “Is it against the law to see friends and business clients?” Dan asked.

  “Ah, yes, I recall; you’re waiting for orders. Seems you’re out of the Augusta one. Too bad. When will the Athens order come?”

  “Tomorrow, if all goes as scheduled.”

  “Then you’ll be sailing? Or staying to replace your loss elsewhere?”

  “It arrived Friday, as contracted, if you’d care to verify that, too.”

  “How convenient for you.”

  Dan’s reply was sharp and frosty. “Yes, it was.”

  “We’ll be seeing you again soon, ma’am.”

  “I hope not, except to tell me you’ve found George’s murderer and you’ve closed my other file.”

  “Mr. Leathers’ murder isn’t our case, ma’am. But if you think of anything that might be helpful, contact me in town.”

  Rachel and Dan noticed the officer didn’t comment on her case before departing with his friend, who hadn’t spoken a single word.

  “Do you think the Cubans did it?” she asked in trepidation.

  “They know their ammo is safe here, so it could be to scare you and Harry. But it seems crazy for them to move against any of you at this point.”

  “Should I have revealed that predicament to the police?”

  “No, at least not yet; they might not be connected. Even if they are, we don’t have any evidence to provide to help them catch the killer; and we could get ourselves into big trouble unnecessarily. I promise you, if the rebels are to blame, they’ll be punished.”

  “Poor Molly Sue. I’ll send her a condolence cable tomorrow. I can’t explain to her why I’m not coming to the funeral of my partner, so, unless they told her I’m a suspect, she’ll be hurt and confused.”

  “I doubt it, and she would never believe you harmed him.”

  “Why do people keep dying around me? I’m such bad luck.”

  “Calm down, love; this isn’t your fault.”

  “With George dead, will I be responsible for all the company debts?”

  “I don’t think so. We’ll ask your lawyer tomorrow.”