Callahan's Gold (Southwest Desert Series Book 3) (12 page)

Then he halted. What the hell was wrong with him, anyway? Jealous? Hell, no! Rex was his partner, his friend. He was neither rival nor suspect.

Then what? Curious? Maybe. Yes, maybe that was it. Curiosity. So what was Tory trying to find out? He could go crazy trying to figure that woman out.

Damn it, he hadn't been jealous of a woman in many a year. In fact, he hadn't even been curious. And he sure as hell wouldn't start now with this one. Most of his alliances with women over the past few years had been fleeting at best.

So he and Tory had spent some time together back in Tombstone. So they had been intimate. He supposed this would be another fleeting love affair. God, he hated that word, affair. But what else could he call their relationship? Tory would be leaving Tombstone soon. And so would he. They'd probably never see each other again.

Dodge moved swiftly through the scrub oak, his long legs covering giant-sized chunks of land. He winced as the sharp spines of a cat-claw bush grabbed his sleeve and scratched the flesh beneath. "Dammit!" he muttered under his breath, and stopped long enough to check the damage to his forearm.

He slumped against a rock, letting his mind wander back to Tory and immediately forgetting about the scratch.

How could he stand not seeing those deep blue eyes of hers? He'd never forget them. Never forget how she looked up at him while they were making love, the transformation of her somewhat haughty, mystical expression to one of wild desire.

Chuckling to himself, he recalled how she had marched into the Crystal Palace last week, highly charged with emotion and anger written clearly in those blue eyes. And how she had gentled like a fawn within a few days. Gentled enough to talk about her past, about Sharkey, about the undeniable attraction she felt for Dodge. Then she had allowed something more to develop between them. Something wonderful and intimate . . .

He squeezed both hands into impotent fists. How eagerly she had fallen into his arms. He wanted to hold her now, to kiss her, to reassure her that everything would be all right, that they would be leaving there soon. That they would be successful in finding the gold. But he knew he couldn't promise her anything. Not yet.

Oh, God, how he missed their lovemaking. He was actually beginning to hate this trip because he never had an opportunity to be alone with her. They had barely been alone to talk, with no time for anything more than the briefest kiss. But there she was, right now, off alone somewhere with Rex. What the hell did they have to talk about? Is that all they were doing—just talking?

Tory saw this morning's search as the perfect opportunity to chat with Rex. They moved cautiously through thick underbrush, probing each bush with the heavy sticks Dodge had insisted they carry.

"Mind if I join you, Rex?"

His dark eyes darted up, and he welcomed her with an approving nod. "Sure, come on. Two tenderfeet in this wilderness should be better than one."

"We are alike in that respect, aren't we?"

"Probably more alike than you realize, Tory. We both have more cultural goals than to tromp around these mountains all our lives. And we just want to take our share of the action and get out."

"You're really only interested in the bottom line, aren't you, Rex? Sounds so materialistic."

"Oh, I don't mean to sound offensive, Tory. But you know I'm looking at this venture strictly from a business aspect."

"But not from a personal aspect?"

He shrugged. "I didn't really know Sharkey that well. But I suspect nobody here did, except maybe Dodge."

"Not even Ramona?" she asked, surprised.

"Sharkey was quite a loner. Didn't spend much time with anyone, even Ramona. Only when he got lonely, I suspect."

"Did he have many friends? Other than those on this trip?"

"Oh, sure, a few buddies in town he played a little poker with from time to time. I guess Dodge was the one who knew him the longest time and knew the most about him. Dodge somehow came up with your address. Maybe it was in Sharkey's trailer. All we knew was that Sharkey's daughter lived in California."

"How did you become involved with him, then, if you didn't know him very well?"

"I had invested in other gold mines in this area. Several went bust, but a couple proved profitable. When Sharkey and Dodge approached me about the Sun Seekers Mining Company, I figured it was a good investment. That's why I'm here today, searching for a damned skull. I don't want to lose my total investment in the company. If there's gold to be found, I want my share. Don't you, Tory? Isn't that why you're here?"

She smiled wryly. "I suppose so. I could use an inheritance right now. Couldn't we all?"

"Financial problems?"

"Oh, just the normal ups and downs of a business. Right now, I have a lot of debts. I guess I figured I deserved some kind of inheritance from Sharkey. But, honestly, when I left L.A., I had no idea I'd be trekking through mountains looking for a skull and map and—" She halted and sighed.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh, this is just not the way I expected to spend my time." She finished weakly, not wanting to tell Rex the alarming things that had happened in Tombstone, about the break-ins and Dodge's gun being taken. She certainly couldn't let Rex know she was trying to figure out if she could trust him.

"What's wrong? This country too rugged for a city girl?"

"Yes, something like that," she admitted ruefully. "Rex? Do you know if my father had any enemies?"

"Now, that's a leading question if I ever heard one." Rex stopped walking and found a seat on a nearby boulder. "Why? Do you think he was murdered?"

She looked at him quickly. Why did he say that word? Could he read her mind? Did he know she looked at everyone with suspicion—even him? Maybe she should just be honest, well, partially honest, with him. "I—yes, I think it's possible."

"Hell, that's what I've been saying all along! I tried to tell the sheriff and to get the county coroner to investigate, but everyone said I was jumping to conclusions. They said he'd spent too much time alone in the mountains, and because of his age, it was reasonable to assume he'd had a heart attack."

"Why did you think he might have been murdered?"

"Well, it stands to reason. I always thought Sharkey was a tough old goat. Nobody ever heard of him having heart trouble. And he knew these damn mountains like Cochise did. He wouldn't have slipped—it's just too farfetched for me to believe. Besides, he'd discovered gold! Hell, everybody's got a touch of gold fever, whether they'll admit it or not."

She searched his dark face, looking for truth. "Who do you think might have done it?"

"Could be anybody," he said with a shrug.

"Anybody?"

"Everybody who held a grudge. Even some of this group here." He leaned against a boulder and mopped his brow. "Except you and me, of course. You were an unknown until this week, Tory, so I figure that eliminates you. And I—hell, I couldn't kill anybody, no matter how much gold they had."

"Of course," she murmured, and joined him leaning against the huge rock slab. "Well, tell me, Rex, what are the motives for everyone here?"

"First is Ramona. She wanted Sharkey to marry her, give her some security. But he refused. Instead, he took out a small life insurance policy and made her the beneficiary. Maybe she saw that as her only security from Sharkey."

"I didn't know he had a life insurance policy," Tory said slowly. "But I simply can't believe Ra
mona would do anything to harm Sharkey. She loved him."

Rex shook his head. "Love does strange things to people, especially unfulfilled love. They say there's a thin line between love and hate."

"What about ..." She paused, then quickly said, "What about Dodge? Surely you don't think he'd do anything to his own partner." She didn't care what Rex said; she wouldn't believe Dodge could be guilty.

"Dodge Callahan is a man who could be capable of most anything, given the right circumstances. He and Sharkey were friends as well as business partners. All I know is, the Sun Seekers Mining Company was insured, too. Dodge and I will share a small amount, owing to the death of our working partner. Maybe he wanted to take his money and cut out."

"Rex, I can't believe that!"

"Well, you never know. I'm just saying both Dodge and Ramona will benefit from Sharkey's death. Whereas you and I . . ." He shrugged. "You had nothing to gain but the gold. And because of my previous investment, neither do I."

"Oh, I don't know, Rex. Your reasoning is weak. You're forgetting these people cared too much about Sharkey to harm him."

"What about Yazzie? He cares about nobody. But himself."

"But what's his motive?"

"He knows about the gold and wants to keep it all private."

"But why? He isn't materialistic at all."

"Who knows? Maybe he's never had a chance to be materialistic. He's a strange man, a loner. Who knows what's going on inside his head?"

"Why should I think everyone but you could do this, Rex?"

He shrugged. "Trust me, Tory—"

They were interrupted by a loud shout and again the words, "Here it is! I found the skull!"

They rushed toward the sound and found Dodge kneeling beside a cow's bleached white skull. He dug beneath it and pulled out a small metal box, like the ones used as bank lockboxes.

Tory observed the group's reactions to the discovery. Rex and Ramona hovered closely, whereas Yazzie held back and feigned indifference. She couldn't believe he was that uncaring, though. Dodge opened the box and drew out a thick plastic bag, the kind used for freezing food. And inside the freezer bag was the other half of the yellowed map!

Dodge looked up and grinned triumphantly. "Well, folks, here it is. The final directions to Pyramid and the gold!"

"Thank God," Ramona murmured, squeezing her hands together. Her face was aglow with hap
piness and pride. "It's real. I knew Sharkey wouldn't lie to us."

"Let's get on with it!" Rex exclaimed, rubbing his hands together anxiously. "Old Sharkey knew what he was talking about, after all!"

Yazzie wheeled around and hobbled back to camp. But he spoke loudly enough for them to hear. "It's too late to break camp and travel today. We'll rest this afternoon and spend one more night here. Head out tomorrow morning when we're fresh."

Tory gazed woefully after him. "One more night here? Oh, my God."

CHAPTER TEN

"Why are you letting him tell us what to do? We could go on without him," Tory said indignantly to Dodge as she fell into step with him. They were on their way to fish in a small lake a mile or so away. "We're just wasting time. We should be halfway there by now!"

"Tory," he drawled with an admonishing look, "are you prepared to climb farther up this mountain on foot? With everything you need piled on your back?"

"Well, no."

"Then, take it easy. We need Yazzie. But most especially, we need his mules at this point."

"It infuriates me that he's just using another stalling tactic, and you know it."

"Yep."

"Yazzie wants to keep us away from this place. Maybe Rex is right, after all."

He looked at her askance. "What do you mean?"

"Rex thinks Yazzie knows where Sharkey's gold is, and he's trying to keep us from finding it."

"That's possible," Dodge said thoughtfully, shifting the fishing rods from one broad shoulder to the other. "But why was he willing to go along with us and help find it?"

"I don't know. Maybe the map," she replied, grinning self-consciously. "Being a detective isn't exactly my forte, but I'm sure trying."

"The answer is simple, Sherlock Fancy Pants," Dodge said. "Yazzie's like the rest of us. He doesn't know where the gold is, but he sure wants a piece of the rock."

"I disagree that Yazzie is like the rest of us," Tory countered as she dropped back and stumbled along behind Dodge on the stony path.

"Hmm, you're right. He isn't exactly like us. Watch your step now." Dodge glanced back to make sure she was on her feet. "But we all want a piece of the rock, especially if it's a gold one. Some of us, though, want it sooner than the others." He gave her an accusing smile. "Do I detect a rush of eagerness in the newest sun seeker?"

"Well, maybe." Her blue eyes grew intense and sharp. "It's just that we're so close now, Dodge. I can feel it! And I want to get there soon!" She knotted one fist and punched the air with enthusiasm.

"It is kinda' exciting, isn't it?"

"Then how can you calmly take an extra afternoon and go fishing?"

He shrugged. "Not much choice way up here. No television or old movies to watch. Anyway, wouldn't you like something else for supper besides dried beef?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed, laughing. "I don't see how Cochise's band survived for nine years on this stuff."

"Oh, the Indians hunted for fresh meat. They had javalina or wild pigs and deer. Even an occasional mountain lion. Some say there are still black bears left up here. How does a thick, juicy bear steak sound?"

"Thanks, but no thanks," she murmured sourly. "We'll just go fishing." She continued behind him in studied silence.

Dodge's strides were long and even, the gait of a man who enjoyed the wilds and seemed to belong. Really belong.

Tory, on the other hand, viewed each bush and tree as an alien being, unusual plants growing in a wilderness amidst dangerous rock cliffs, strange ghost towns, and wild animals. The terrain was rugged, fit only for the heartiest of souls like Sharkey or Yazzie or Dodge. Even Ramona was tougher than most women. But not Tory. She was a city person, only here temporarily.

When she left, what would happen to her relationship with Dodge? Would they part and never see each other again? It seemed inevitable.

Dodge was so natural and at ease out here, and he exuded an indomitable spirit, not unlike the early miners or explorers who traversed this rugged, uncivilized land.

Although Tory enjoyed the untamed beauty around her and the absolute tranquility of the wind in the trees, she knew she couldn't last here for long. She belonged in the city where she could wear her silks and styles. She would only stay until they found gold. Then she would have to go back home, to her business.

The thought of leaving Dodge tore at her heart, and she wondered if she could endure it. Even more importantly, she wondered how he felt about it. Would he consider going to her in L.A.? No, she couldn't see that happening. They were doomed to part, and the knowledge saddened her.

Soon they arrived at the banks of a small turquoise-colored lake, hidden deep in the Dragoon Mountains. Large water oaks and giant buff- colored boulders surrounded the water, making it a bastion from the civilized world. Visions of Apaches and other peoples from past eons inhabited Tory's imagination, and she could see them bathing and washing clothes and swimming in the cool waters. Laughing, loving, living in untamed freedom.

"It's beautiful," she murmured in a low tone as her gaze swept over the remote site. "Are you sure this pond has fish, Dodge?"

"Absolutely. Blue gill, bass, and catfish."

"How did fish get way up here?"

"Farmers down in the valley stocked it years ago to keep it clean for the wildlife. They didn't want it lying foul, breeding mosquitoes and other problems. Occasional fishermen hike up this far and keep the fish population under control."

"Whether or not we catch any fish, I won't mind spending a few hours in such a lovely place." She followed Dodge to a little rocky niche between two huge boulders. They settled down and shared some water from the canteen, and Dodge threaded their fishing lines. Tory dropped her line in the water and settled in, absently watching her red and white float bob on the crystalline water. "What will you do when this is all over, Dodge?"

"You mean this trek for gold? Well, if I'm not a millionaire, I'll go back to work."

"Where? Cochise College? The University of Arizona?"

"No. I've applied at the University of Nevada in Reno. I think I'd like to work out there for a change."

"What if we struck gold? Lots of it? And you became very wealthy?"

"What would I do if I struck it rich?" He reclined lazily and studied the puffy white clouds floating in a sphere of blue. "First thing I'd do is pay off some debts. Then, buy a yacht and sail around the world. There are a million places I'd like to see, a thousand things I still want to do. And you? What if you strike it rich, Tory?"

"I'd pay my bills, too." She gave an embarrassed laugh. "I have a ton of debts. There might not be anything left after that."

"Hospital bills from your mother's illness?"

"Yes. And I let things fall behind at the shop during her illness and after . . ." She paused, sadly remembering how deeply the loss of her mother had affected her. And how she'd let everything go for months. "Mismanagement, as much as anything. I just couldn't seem to get it all together. Thank God for Megan."

"Megan? Who's she?"

"She's been my manager and right-hand person for several years now. Steady, honest, and a great friend. She stood by me during the roughest of times and is handling the shop right now."

"Sounds like you're lucky to have her."

"I am. And when I get back, I intend to give Megan a special bonus if I have the money. She certainly deserves it."

"I'd say she's lucky to have you as a boss, too."

"Maybe."

"So after you pay off your bills and give Megan her well-deserved bonus, then what? What will you buy? What will you do with the money?"

"You're mighty confident there'll be an abundance of money to pass around."

"Just 'what if?'"

Tory gazed at Dodge with a sparkle in her eyes. "Do you know what I've always wanted?"

He shook his head.

"A house."

"A what?" He leaned up on one elbow.

"After Sharkey left, we never had a house of our own. We moved from one rental to another, mostly apartments. Never had anything to call our own. Even now, I still rent an apartment. It's nice, but not mine. And I want a home, a place to sink some roots. A little house with shutters and a picket fence." She laughed. "Oh, God, that's crazy! But it's what I want."

His voice was low and gentle. "It isn't crazy if it's what you really want."

She turned her face toward his. "But it's the furthest thing from what you want, Dodge. You want freedom. I need security. We're ... so different."

"Does that matter to you, Tory?"

"Sometimes. I wish . . ."

"What?"

"Oh, nothing. It's just that you're a perennial sun seeker. And I'm looking for a chance to place some roots."

Dodge pursed his lips. "Is that what you think, Tory?"

"Yes." She nodded soberly.

"Sharkey was the only perennial sun seeker I ever knew. The rest of us were just part-timers. We shared the desire with him." He glanced over at her. "But so do you, Tory, or you wouldn't be here."

"Like father, like daughter, huh?" She smiled reluctantly and leaned back on the rock. "It's been quite an experience. I'm glad I came. I'm glad I met you, Dodge," she whispered softly. "Even if there is no gold and we never get rich."

He leaned forward and kissed her moist, inviting lips. "Is this the same fancy pants lady who castigated me for not hurrying off to find the city of gold less than an hour ago?" He kissed her again, lingering on the sides of her mouth, tasting the tangy-sweet flavor of her skin.

"Hmm," she said between kisses. "But I'm beginning to think you had the right idea, after all. Fishing at the old water hole ..."

His lips smothered hers, blocking out all sound, save a tiny purring, as they dominated and molded to her heart-shaped lips. He laid aside his fishing rod so he could hold her with both hands. He couldn't stop touching her, couldn't resist the tempting thrust of one rounded breast. "Fishing can wait," he muttered raggedly as one palm flattened against that gentle mound. Encircled and gently massaged.

"We can't . . . Oh yes, Dodge. I've wanted to be alone with you a million times during this whole trip. But it's been impossible." She breathed quickly as his thumb caressed the budding nipple beneath her blouse.

"Not half as badly as I've wanted you. I lie awake every night for hours thinking of you alone in that sleeping bag only a few feet away." He caressed her other breast, gently squeezing the tip to firmly pronounced perfection.

"I wanted you to keep me warm every night." Her hand eagerly reached out to the sturdy wall of his chest. She tingled all over from the mere feel of his hard-muscled body beneath her fingertips. He was a bulwark, an indomitable man who could overpower her with one look, one touch. And she was malleable in his hands.

Warm air swirled around them and fell hot on her face as his lips forced hers open for the intrusion of his tongue. A sweet heat radiated through her as he plunged rhythmically into the dark, honeyed depths behind her teeth.

She received his deeply thrusting tongue, then teasingly parried hers against his. At this point, it was a game they played, an adult game of sensual promises that they both could win. But neither knew if it would last beyond the moment. Although unspoken, they realized they were gamblers, playing a game of chance. But they willingly took the risk.

Tory's blue eyes closed in ecstasy, for she had no desire to end the pleasure of Dodge's exquisite lovemaking. She raised her head to the muscular pillow of his arm, reclining against his strength.

Dodge tucked her closer to his lean, trim body, shielding her from the intense sun. He was like an invincible fortress, a masculine stronghold, and Tory relished the glory of being in his arms again.

She dropped her own fishing rod and entwined her fingers in his hair, pulling his head closer to hers, letting him know the desperation of her desire. "Oh, Dodge, love me."

"I couldn't stand another minute without you," he told her passionately and kissed her soundly again. Her passion matched his as they scooted into a crevasse between boulders, just big enough for the two of them. She could feel the magnificence of his arousal through their clothes and knew the days and nights alone had created the same yearning in him that she felt.

"Unbutton your shirt," she said urgently. "I need to feel your skin next to mine."

She opened her blouse and pressed her bare breasts to the heated wall of his chest. The mingling of their fire, of warm flesh to warm flesh, set the smoldering coals within them aflame. Fervently, he kissed her face and lips and neck. Then, lowering his head to her breasts, he caressed them with eager forays, careful to lave each nipple with his moist tongue.

She arched to meet him, moaning softly with the renewed pleasure as he buried kisses in her soft breasts and along the heated valley between them.

With a ragged sigh, he shifted, and they discard their clothes. Tory watched him in frank admiration and welcomed him to her arms. He was gorgeous and she could hardly wait for him.

Together they sought the balm of complete fulfillment. His large body flattened hers as he lowered over her, molding his maleness to her soft femininity. With a muffled gasp, she opened to receive him.

Tory couldn't subdue the hidden passions that filled her with joy, spilling over with love. Dodge brought forth feelings she'd never before experienced. Even as his body physically overwhelmed hers, she knew that what she felt for this man was love. Love, sharp and driving. Love, shadowy and strong. And she prayed theirs would be a love, long lasting and shared.