Guardian Angel

by Lise Fuller

  The scruff of military boots seemed to sound on the old commissary porch. Her head snapped up. From nowhere, warm yellow lamplights burned in the windows and a group of men leaned against the open porch railing. The apparitions smoked tobacco and discussed the growing restlessness of the neighboring Indians.

  Marie squinted and looked closer. The wind gust tossed leaves and small twigs in her face. The bluster subsided. When she looked again, she breathed a little easier. Only the pale moonlight gleamed against the log and stone, sending shadows into its deeper recesses. She shook her head and walked on. I must be more tired than I thought.

  “So yuh gonna do somethin’ about yur problem or sit there and take it on the chin?”

  “What?” Startled, Marie glanced at the old store. A small squall blew and made a tree branch tap against the side of the building. She looked behind her, searched for the voice. Perhaps the stress from her problems had gotten to her? She shouldn’t be surprised. The kind of tension she’d had would upset anyone. She shook her head and moved on.

  “Yuh heard me.”

  She looked around. The eerie voice floated on the breeze.

  “I thought yuh was a fighter, not some silly woman who couldn’t hold a grain a’ salt.”

  That did it. Marie put a hand on her hip. “Whoever you are, you could at least have the courtesy to look me in the face.”

  “Yuh really want me to? Dunno. Promised Jake I wouldn’t.”

  “Jake?” Marie turned around in a circle to look for the intruder. “You know Jake?”

  “Hah. Ought to. Been around since he was born.”

  The corner of her mouth rose. “You’re Gramps, aren’t you?” She circled in the other direction and still couldn’t see him. “Come out. I promise I won’t tell.”

  “Okay.”

  She jumped as the solid voice sounded behind her. She twirled around to face the man. In front of her stood an older Jake with a salt-and-pepper mustache. “But…” Stunned, she pointed at the building. “Where were you?”

  He had his hands on his hips and looked every bit as cocky as an older Jake would. “Don’t worry ’bout it, Miz Taylor. I move fast.” He crossed his arms. “But yuh have to make good on that promise. Yuh cain’t tell Jake yuh seen me.”

  “Why?” She bit off her smile and eyed the senile older man. Jake had warned her that certain qualities ran in the family. In the dim light, Jake’s grandfather didn’t look much more than forty-five, fifty max. His temples had a touch of gray and he wore the blue uniform of an eighteenth-century officer.

  “Well, promise me and don’t look at me like that cuz I know what you’re thinkin’. I ain’t crazy.” His hands were cold as he took her arm and tucked it into his then walked her toward the creek. “Trust me, I got all my wits about me. I just work here sometimes is all.”

  Marie covered her mouth with her hand and laughed. “I’m sorry. I…well, I let my imagination get away with me. I swear I could hear people talking, and I don’t mean anyone from this century.”

  He nodded. “The place does that to yuh, don’t it? Not to worry.” He stepped onto the bridge and gently lifted her arm to help her, as if she wore gloves and a hoop skirt. “Them that live here are here to protect.”

  She giggled. She still might be right about the senile part. “So do they have reenactments?” She pointed to his clothes.

  He grinned. “Well, I guess yuh could call it that.” He let go of her as they strolled across the wooden planks. “Anyway, that ain’t what I came here to talk about.”

  Marie frowned. “How did you know I was here?”

  “That ain’t important.” He took off his leather riding gloves and slapped them against his hand. “Miz Taylor…” He stopped and faced her. “I know yuh have a few problems but I want yuh tuh know that Jake’s in your camp. When trouble gits here, and it will, don’t go flyin’ off. Stand and fight. Like we did here at Fort Bridger. Jake’ll protect you.”

  “But how do you know? I mean, how do you know trouble’s following me?”

  “Trust me.” He touched the bill of his cap and nodded. “You deserve some happiness and so does Jake. You two should be together.” Gramps hopped off the bridge onto the dirt pathway then offered her his arm. She placed her fingertips against his uniformed forearm and stepped off.

  Smiling, the old gent walked her to the large gazebo that stood in the midst of a grove of trees. With the graciousness of an eighteenth-century gentleman, he took her hand and placed a cool kiss on the back of it. “You’re one fine lady. Now remember, we’ll be there.” He turned and walked off.

  “Gramps?”

  He stopped and looked at her.

  “What makes you so sure Jake and I are meant for each other?”

  He used that knowing Colder grin. “Let’s say I have it from a higher authority. Now, I gotta go. Remember what I said.” With that, he disappeared.

  Marie stared. Where did he go? She shook her head. He had to have gone through the trees. The shadows the moon cast must have caused the impression that he’d simply disappeared.

  Suddenly giddy, she ran up the stairs to the gazebo and imagined an army band playing. She swirled around a few times, and held out an arm as if she held part of her full ballroom skirt. She pretended to dance a waltz with a dark, handsome soldier who had escorted her to the grand event—one who looked exactly like Jake. Finally, she held up both arms and spun quickly around. The movement made her dizzy and she loved the sensation. Before she fell, she leaned her head against one of the poles that supported the roof.

  “May I have the next dance or is your card full for the evening?”

  The deep, rich voice floated to her. Marie jumped and grabbed her chest. Her heart pounded, her breath caught. Jake stood at the bottom of the stairs, smiling. Then he bolted up the steps two at a time.

  “If it is, I guess I’ll have to cut in.” He took her in his arms and gazed down at her. “I didn’t mean to scare you.” He placed a light peck on her temple.

  Marie found her voice. “Jake.” Her body warmed in his embrace. “I…”

  His thumb brushed her cheek. “I wanted to find you and thank you for helping Jesse. Wendy told me what happened.”

  Marie’s brow arched. “Wendy?”

  “Jesse’s teacher last year.” He rubbed her back.

  “Hmmm.” Marie peered into his face. “The one you have a ‘manly interest’ in?”

  Jake frowned. “Whatever gave you that idea?”

  “Let’s say Jesse isn’t blind.”

  Jake chuckled. Leaning forward, he pressed his forehead against hers. “You jealous?”

  “Not of that bimbo.”

  “Good.” Jake pressed his seductive lips against hers. “Because I don’t have any interest in her, manly or otherwise.”

  Marie swallowed. “Jake, I don’t have a claim on you. It’s really none of my business.”

  “What if I want to make it your business?”

  She pressed her lips together. “You’d be wiser not to.”

  Jake nodded. “I think it’s time I convinced you otherwise.”

  This time his kiss seared her insides and she drew away from him to catch her breath.

  The blood rushed to her head and threatened to evaporate what common sense she had left. “Jake, don’t tempt fate. Let me go before my problems crash down on you and Jesse.”

  He lifted her chin with his finger and stared into her eyes. “Sorry, Marie. Can’t do that. Not when I’m so close to having something I’ve wanted for so long.”

  “Jake,” Marie pleaded and pushed against his chest to no avail.

  He kissed her neck and her resolve about fled. Think of Jake. Of Jesse. You have to fix your problems first.

  She pulled her head back and stared at him. Her determination to see this through would be the hardest thing she’d ever had to do. “Tomorrow I’m moving out.” Her lip quivered. “I’ll…I’ll still clean the house and watch after Jesse but I’m getting too close to you, and
it’s scaring me. This isn’t what you want or what you need.”

  “Marie.” Jake grasped her elbows and forced her to look at him. “Tell me what it is. What’s pulling you away from me?” His gaze pierced her.

  Tears spilled from her eyes. “I can’t.” She pushed again.

  His steely arms held her. “Is it something I’d arrest you for? Is that what you’re afraid of?”

  “Yes,” she yelled and pounded on him with her fist. “But it wasn’t my fault. Trust me, Jake,” she mumbled under her tears, “the farther away I am from you and Jesse, the better.” She broke from him and ran down the stairs.

  “Marie,” he shouted and moved to go after her.

  “Let her go.”

  “What?” Jake swerved to find Gramps standing behind him.

  “I said, let her go.” Gramps walked up and put his hand on Jake’s shoulder. “She needs to cry it out.” He sighed. “And she needs to know you trust her. She don’t know that yet.”

  Jake closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. “Gramps, what did she do that’s so bad?”

  “What she had to.” The old ghost fretted as he eyed the younger man. “Don’t worry, son.” He clapped Jake on the back. “The right time’s gonna come so be ready.”

  Jake looked at the ghost but the specter disappeared in front of him. Jake threw up his arms then leaned against the railing. It was fruitless to push the old man for more. Jake bit his lip, looked at the distant moon and prayed. “Gramps, for God’s sake, tell me,” he mumbled under his breath. “How can I help her if I don’t know what the trouble is?” He cocked his ear and listened to the night sounds, hoped he’d hear his great-great-grandfather’s voice. The rustling leaves told him otherwise.

  He lowered his head in defeat for the moment then walked down the steps and followed Marie’s track along the dirt trail. As he came to the fort’s end, he stopped and stared at the officers’ barracks gleaming in the moonlight. Gramps had lived there once. Now he did again. Jake thought maybe he should take up residence for the night and pester the old goat. He grunted and walked on. The ornery coot wouldn’t give him the time of day if he didn’t want to.

  Jake kicked a loose stone and pondered Gramps’ words. Marie was in deep trouble and it wasn’t her fault. Somehow, he’d known that, just like he knew he’d always love her. He stared at the diner across the road and the realization hit him. Be it fate or providence, the two of them were meant for each other. His grandfather had tried to tell him that. Jake looked at the stone building again and nodded. “Thanks, Gramps.”

  He walked on, his steps quickened. If Marie thought it’d be easy to get rid of him, she was mistaken. Stubbornness ran in the family, and once Jake made up his mind, he didn’t stop until he got what he wanted.

  He decided what his next move would be, what it should have been from the very first. He wasn’t short of resources. Hell, he’d been the law in town for years now. If his grandfather wouldn’t tell him, he’d find out on his own.

  Jake got in the squad car and stared at the old fort then realized why it had taken him this long to figure out what he needed to do. He’d liked Marie from the get-go. Now he was afraid he’d find something he wouldn’t like at all.

  Chapter Eight

  Jake squinted as he stared at the report on the monitor. Frustrated, he folded his arms across his chest and leaned back in the chair. The morning sunlight peeked through the blinds of the stationhouse and glared against the drab computer screen. Beside the BMW license and registration, he’d displayed the owner’s picture. It was Marie all right. She hadn’t even bothered to lie about her last name. He grunted in frustration then hit the clear button. A three-year-old speeding ticket wasn’t anything to run from. He stared at the blank screen, confused. He’d found no warrants, no arrests, no nothing. So what the hell frightened her?

  Jake drummed his fingertips on the gray, metal desktop and tried to think. It’d been easy enough to get her social security number. Accessing it had given him a bit more information. She’d worked as a financial advisor and left the company where she’d been a rising star to work on her own. According to her ex-secretary, she’d taken most of her clients with her. The woman rattled off a number and told him smugly, if she wasn’t in, he could talk to her partner and live-in boyfriend. He glanced at his scribbled notes.

  Bill Martin. Jake already hated the guy.

  He picked up the number and rolled the smooth paper between his thumb and forefinger. What would make a savvy businesswoman flee after a couple of months of self-employment in an industry she knew so well?

  He looked at the name he’d written down again. Something in his gut told him the man had been involved, but how? He couldn’t even tell what Marie had done.

  Jake threw the paper on the desk and glanced at the file. MT Associates. That was the name of her fledgling firm. Gritting his teeth, he picked up the phone and dialed the number.

  —

  Katie patted Marie’s hand as they chatted over a cup of coffee. “Don’t worry, honey, you’re gonna stay with me. Besides, you need to get out some. All work and no play makes a dull girl.” She winked at Marie. “Tonight we’ll do the town.” She stood and straightened her skirt. “At least, what little there is of Fort Bridger.” One of the few customers left waved at Katie and the waitress returned to service the floor.

  Marie plopped an elbow on the chilly melamine table and rested her chin in her hand. God knew, she didn’t want to leave Jake, but deep in Marie’s heart she knew she had to. Somewhere between the horses, the cows, the ranch house and work, she’d fallen in love with the cowboy sheriff and his precious son. It pained her enough now. How would she feel if she’d gotten closer?

  The bells on the well used wooden door jingled. She blinked away her tears to see who had entered. Jake stood in the entrance and scanned her with those midnight-blue eyes. His stern countenance made her gulp.

  He removed his hat and came to her, intent on whatever his goal was from the look of him. “Mind if I sit down?”

  She winced at the iron in his voice. It wasn’t really a question. She licked her lips and nodded.

  Jake dropped his hat on the table and slid into the seat beside her. The corner of his mouth rose and Marie realized he stared at her mouth. It had been that affectation of hers that got their passion started to begin with.

  She looked away when he placed his palms on the table. He clasped his hands in front of him. When she looked at his face again, his eyes narrowed and drilled her with inquiry.

  Marie shifted in the booth and looked away as the silence lingered. She probably should’ve already left Fort Bridger. Swallowing, she let her gaze carry her head upward.

  Jake’s hard look bored into her. “What did you do, Marie?” His voice sounded smooth and soft but the edge she heard in his tone hit her as hard as granite.

  Marie licked her lips. “Jake, I…”

  “Honey, you missed breakfast this morning. Where were you?” The welcomed interruption from Katie’s coarse voice broke the hold Jake had on her. Marie said a silent prayer, thankful. There was nothing she could tell Jake and then be able to stay in Fort Bridger. And God knew she wanted to remain for as long as she could. Where else could she go to maintain a low profile?

  Jake eyed her for another moment then turned to Katie. “I had some data I needed to check out.” He looked at Marie and took a sip from the cup of coffee Katie’d placed in front of him.

  A shiver ran up Marie’s arms.

  “Well, I hope you found whatever you’re looking for,” Katie said, “and so’s you know, Marie’s gonna stay with me for a while. At least until you two figure things out. I wouldn’t want you worrying about her.” Katie frowned. “I don’t know what’s going on with the two of you but you’re both hankerin’ for each other plain as day. Knowin’ you both, I cain’t believe neither of you are doin’ anything ‘bout it.” She pulled a rag from her waistband and walked off. “Damn shame if you ask me,” she mumbled. “Two fools
are perfect for each other…”

  Jake rubbed the hot cup, his eyes rimmed in sadness. “I don’t want you to leave.”

  She folded her hands. “I-I don’t want to go.” She glanced at him. “I need to.” She paused and pressed her lips together. “There’s something between us and it’s growing stronger. If I don’t leave, I’m afraid—” She shook her head. “I meant what I said. I’m not making love to you again. It isn’t right and…and it wouldn’t be good for Jesse.”

  “Says who?” he rumbled.

  She lifted her chin and saw her last customer at the counter, ready to leave. “You and I both know that. Now if you’ll excuse me. I have work to do.”

  “Fine.” Jake scowled. “I can tell you this—” He stood and leaned over her as she slid to the edge of the booth. “I don’t know what Bill Martin has on you but I intend to find out.”

  Marie froze in shock and terror. “Bill?” she squeaked.

  Jake straightened. “I talked to Mr. Martin this morning, and don’t worry…” He picked up his hat and placed it on his head. “I didn’t let him know who I was or where I came from. Nor will he be able to figure it out. But I’m telling you, Marie, I’m going to find what it is that’s keeping us apart.” He leaned over and kissed her—hard. “I want you in my life. And I want to know why you’re not.” With that, he spun around and marched out.

  Marie sat stock still and watched the taillights of Jake’s cruiser as he left the parking lot. Then she closed the jaw she hadn’t realized had dropped open.

  Bill? Alive?

  She jumped out of the booth and rushed to retrieve her jacket. “Katie,” she shouted over her shoulder, “please take care of my customer. I’m going home to pack. I’ll be back for the next crowd.”

  She stopped for a split second as she realized what she had almost done. God, had he pressed her, she would have told Jake the truth.

  The thought drove her. She ran out the back and jumped into her sleek black car.

  —

  Slim Jim Hancock, alias Jim Douglas, watched the BMW tear out of the parking lot. Earlier he’d seen the sheriff come and go. He had a damn good view from his little motel room. Thank God, the angle the place had could keep him hidden. Tailing the Taylor woman was hard enough without the sheriff sniffing at her skirts.