Logan's Bride (21 page)

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Authors: Elizabeth August

BOOK: Logan's Bride
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“Yeah. Sounds like you got yourself a woman.”
“I heard it, too,” White Moon said, smiling widely as she approached the corral.
Jess came out of the barn. “Now that that's settled, you two think you can hold that horse steady enough for me to check that gash on his leg?”
“Anytime, little brother,” Slade replied.
The panic on Katrina's face turned to anger. “You weren't planning to ride that horse at all?”
“Only a fool would try to ride a wild horse without working him a while and getting him used to having a harness,” Slade said in an easy drawl. “And Boyd's no fool. He's got right good taste in women, too.”
Katrina considering calling “foul” and taking back her agreement to marry him, but the words refused to come. She wanted to be with him. And his family approved. It had been a long time since she'd been surrounded by people who wanted her there.
As soon as Jess had finished doctoring the horse, Slade and Boyd freed him, then quickly exited the corral. Drawing Katrina into his embrace, Boyd said gruffly, “I hope you're not considering reneging on your agreement.”
Looking up into the face she saw nightly in her dreams, she shook her head. “No. I love you too much. I just hope you never regret this.”
His lips found hers for a hungry possessive kiss. In the background she heard Slade and Jess laugh and White Moon reprimand them and shoo them on their way. Then everything but Boyd was forgotten.
Fire blazed inside of her and happiness spread through her.
“I hope you don't believe in long engagements,” he said, deserting her mouth to nibble on her ear.
“No, not long.” She forced herself to think. There were things she had to accomplish before she could marry him. “But I do want to get moved out of St. Louis first. I want Vince to believe he has me running scared.”
Releasing her, he slipped his arm around her waist. “Then let's go call moving companies. I hope you like Texas.”
She froze. “Texas?”
“I'm going to follow family tradition and join the rangers.”
Her chin tightened. “I knew it. You feel you have to quit your job with the FBI because of me. Already, I'm creating problems.”
“You have nothing to do with this. Before your aunt suddenly decided to cut her ties with Garduchi, I'd put in my resignation. I wanted to fight the bad guys closer to home. I'd spent my vacation going through the testing necessary to become a Texas Ranger. I'm to report to duty in a week and a half.”
She wasn't convinced. “Are you certain you're not doing this because of me?”
“Do you have any idea how difficult it is to become a ranger? It's not something you accomplish with a phone call.”
“I had heard it was rough,” she conceded.
“And they did put my little brother through the paces,” Slade said, coming out of the barn grinning broadly. “No one wanted to be accused of letting him in because of his family name.”
Boyd eyed him suspiciously. “I was right. That three-day survival in the desert was your little added touch, wasn't it? I'd never known anyone else who had to do that and none of the other applicants mentioned having done it.”
“I just wanted to make certain sitting around on your duff all day in the big city hadn't softened you,” Slade tossed back.
Boyd gave him an “I'll get you for that one” look, then turned his attention back to Katrina. “So how do you feel about living in Texas?”
Katrina had seen the amusement in both men's eyes during their dry exchange. Despite any disputes they might have, the members of this family loved each other and would stick by each other. Of that she was certain. And they had the kind of values she cherished. They were the family she'd always wanted to be a part of and she loved Boyd with all her heart. “Texas is good.”
Grinning happily he lifted her in his arms and kissed her soundly.
As he lowered her to the ground and she, Slade and Boyd headed to the house, she promised herself that for both Boyd's and her aunt's sake, she would still honor her vow to bring Garduchi down. When she went back to St. Louis to move her things, she would send a note along with her belongings to Boyd telling him that when she had accomplished her goal, she would marry him. Then she would disappear so that he could not find her until her quest was complete.
Chapter 17
K
atrina didn't think she'd ever enjoyed a meal more. They were at lunch. Boyd's mother, grandmother and great-grandmother were planning the wedding while his brothers exchanged mock comments of sympathy for Boyd. She knew that they would be disappointed when they discovered the ceremony would have to be delayed, but she put that thought out of her mind and concentrated on enjoying the moment. It could be a long time before she would be among them again.
“Do you want a large or small wedding?” White Moon asked Katrina.
“I have no one to invite,” Katrina replied. But she felt no hurt. She was not alone any longer. Boyd's family had drawn her into their circle and made her feel like a wanted member.
“Small, just family and very close friends,” Boyd stipulated and the women nodded in agreement.
“Would you prefer to have it here or at a church?” White Moon asked, her question directed pointedly to Katrina letting Boyd know that this was to be Katrina's choice.
“Here would be nice if it wouldn't be too much of an inconvenience,” Katrina replied and the looks of approval on everyone's faces told her that she'd made the right choice.
Morning Hawk's gaze suddenly swung to Slade and her expression became stern. “It's time you put the past behind you and went looking for a wife, as well.”
“Ain't going through that again,” he drawled in a voice that threatened anyone at the table to continue with that subject.
Katrina glanced at Boyd questioningly.
Leaning close, he whispered in her ear. “Slade married his high school sweetheart. A couple of years after they were married, when she was pregnant with their first child, she and the unborn baby were killed by a drunk driver. Tore Slade up real bad.”
Katrina looked back at the tall Texan. His relaxed expression was gone, replaced by a taunt jawline and eyes darkened by stormy shadows.
White Moon changed the subject back to Boyd and Katrina's wedding, but Katrina noticed that Slade didn't enter the jesting like before.
The ringing of the phone suddenly interrupted. Slade slid his chair back before anyone else could react. “I'll get it,” he said, looking relieved to have an excuse to leave the table.
The moment he was gone, Katrina noticed the others turn accusing faces at Morning Hawk.
The elderly woman scowled back. “He needs to get on with his life.”
“We would all like to see that, but now wasn't the time to bring it up,” Evening Flower reprimanded her mother. She smiled apologetically at Katrina. “Right now we should be happy for Katrina and Boyd. It is not the time to open old wounds.”
“It has been ten years. He should have a scar. But a festering wound is not healthy.”
Evening Flower cast her mother a warning look that ordered her to drop the subject as the sound of bootfalls coming back toward the kitchen caught her attention.
Slade's expression was grim as he entered. His gaze leveled on Boyd and Katrina. “That was the Senior Ranger Captain. He's flying out here by helicopter to see the two of you this afternoon. He should be here around four.”
Katrina felt a sinking in her stomach. “He asked for me?”
Slade nodded. “I asked him how he knew about you. Said he'd been contacted by some guy by the name of Gerald Eldridge from the FBI.”
Katrina's joy vanished. “Eldridge probably wanted to warn your superior that I might have underworld connections.” Her gaze traveled around the table coming to rest on Boyd. “You see, I was right. I'll be a taint on all of you. I can't marry you.” The words hurt as if someone had driven a knife into her and was twisting it, but she knew this was what she had to do. “The sooner I'm gone, the better for all of you.”
She started to rise, but Slade, who was still standing, reached her chair in one long stride and placed a restraining hand on her shoulder. “Not so fast, little lady. You promised my brother here that you'd marry him. That makes you one of us and it ain't easy to shake us off. I'll stand with you and Boyd when the captain has his say this afternoon. I want him to know that giving you and my brother any trouble means asking for trouble from me.”
“From all of us,” Morning Hawk declared.
The others all nodded in agreement.
“I've lived with suspicious glances all my life. You really don't want to take that on,” Katrina said tersely, again trying to rise.
Slade retained his grip on her shoulder, keeping her seated. “Anyone here want Katrina to leave?”
“She stays,” Morning Hawk stated with the authority of a sage.
The others nodded.
Boyd grinned at Katrina. “You see. Once you're accepted by my family, you're a member for life.”
Katrina stopped fighting Slade's hold as her gaze traveled around the assembly. “I just hope you don't find yourselves regretting this,” she said warningly.
 
Standing amidst Boyd and his brothers, as the helicopter landed on the front lawn, Katrina considered the bitter irony of the situation. Under any other conditions, being protected by these three hulking men would have made her feel safe and secure. But in this instance, she wasn't the one who needed protection. They were the ones who needed protection from her and the damage she could cause their reputations. Silently, she vowed that she would bring no harm to them.
As the helicopter landed and its blades slowed, two men climbed out One wore the uniform of a ranger. The other she recognized. It was Gerald Eldridge. Preparing herself for their suspicious looks, she was surprised to see the one in uniform smiling broadly as he approached.
“I'm Hank Randle, Senior Ranger Captain. Pleased to meet you Miss Polenari,” he said, holding out his hand to her.
“I'm pleased to meet you too, sir,” she replied, continuing to be amazed by his friendly demeanor, as she accepted his handshake.
“Looks like you've caught yourself a right pretty, spirited woman.” The captain addressed Boyd as he released Katrina's hand and shook Boyd's.
“He sure has,” Slade answered for Boyd.
Eldridge had been standing silently by. Now he took a step forward and extended his hand toward her. “It's good to see you looking so well. I want to apologize for what Agent Hamond put you through.”
To her shock, as she accepted his handshake she noted that his words rang with sincerity. “Apology accepted.”
Boyd introduced Slade and Jess to Eldridge. Knowing Eldridge's suspicious nature and recalling that the last time he'd talked to the man, Eldridge had warned him not to let himself get too involved with Katrina, he too was surprised by the man's attitude. It was also clear that Eldridge had not told the captain that he was worried Katrina could be one of Garduchi's people. Wondering just what Eldridge was up to, he slipped a protective arm around Katrina's waist. “So you want to tell us what's going on?”
“We could use a little privacy,” Eldridge said.
Remembering his manners, Boyd motioned them toward the house. “Come inside.”
Inside, Boyd led the two visitors into the study. Slade and Jess entered as well. When Morning Hawk, Evening Flower and White Moon also started to join the men, Hank Randle held up his hand. “This is official police business.”
“We want you to know that we know Katrina is a trustworthy and decent person and she has our full support,” White Moon said, standing her ground.
“I appreciate your opinion,” the captain replied, adding to Katrina's surprise, “I've always had the greatest respect for any Logan's opinion. I'm sure you've judged her correctly.”
I have to be hallucinating,
Katrina thought.
Morning Hawk nodded, then the women left.
“No offense, but you'll have to leave, too, Jess,” the captain said apologetically.
“No offense taken,” Jess replied and with a touch of his hand to his hat, he followed the women out, closing the door behind him.
“Now, how about if we all make ourselves comfortable,” the captain said, indicating that he'd like for everyone to sit. It was an order.
Boyd and Slade eased onto the couch on either side of Katrina, letting the two other men in the room know that they considered her under their protection.
A hint of a smile played at the corner of the captain's mouth, then his expression became businesslike as he said, “Mr. Eldridge, you have the floor.”
Gerald's manner became official. “Yesterday, I received a package. It was from Leona Serrenito and postmarked on the day we figure she died. It contained two letters and a box of tapes. The letter addressed to me explained that she figured if she testified against Vince concerning his books, she was sure to be killed. So, she'd played her little game to spend some time with her niece because she knew she'd never be able to contact Katrina again. Then she did her disappearing act. She said, she wasn't certain about sending the tapes, but after being with Katrina, felt she had to for her niece's sake. She wanted us all to know Katrina was on the level. She said she was keeping the ledgers for her own protection. Didn't do her much good, though.”
He paused and directed his full attention to Katrina. “I'm sorry we doubted you. But in our line of work, being cautious is the way we stay alive.”
“I understand. But I don't have to like it,” she replied honestly.
“So what was on the tapes?” Boyd asked.
“They were ones Leona recorded secretly in Vince Garduchi's office. One had him talking to a man by the name of Burt Simmons. Seems this Simmons owed Vince a favor and Vince had decided to collect. He told Simmons to take care of a certain contractor. The day after the conversation, the contractor disappeared. We were pretty certain Vince had something to do with the man's disappearance, but we had no body and no evidence to link him to it...until now.”
Katrina smiled wryly. “So Aunt Leona did get her revenge on Vince after all.”
Eldridge nodded. “She also included a tape made just before she disappeared in which Vince is mentioning his concern that Simmons might need to be watched. He says he's not sure he can trust the man to keep his mouth shut. When we played that tape for Simmons, he got the picture real fast. When Vince gets worried, he usually buries his problem six feet under. Simmons sang like a bird.”
Eldridge extended a letter toward Katrina. “This is for you.”
Katrina opened it and began to read. Pausing, she turned to Boyd. “She apologizes for drugging us.” Reading further, she said, “She says she hopes the tapes will vindicate me in your eyes and will make me remember her with some kindness.” Tears welled in her eyes. “I know she was selfish and self-serving, but she was the only relative I had besides my mother who ever cared about me.”
Eldridge rose and extended his hand to Katrina. “Again, I can only say I hope you will accept my apology.”
She knew his regret was genuine and could not hold a grudge. “Accepted,” she said, shaking his hand. A tear trickled down her cheek. “I'm just sorry my aunt didn't stick with us. She would be alive now.”
Eldridge's gaze took in all those present. “Those of you in this room are the only ones who know where these tapes came from. And I'd like to keep it that way. I want Garduchi to worry about having a mole in his organization.”
Katrina wiped away the tear and smiled at this ironic twist of fate. “I like the idea of making him nervous about who he can trust.”
The rest all nodded their agreement.
“Thanks,” Eldridge said, then turned his attention to Boyd. “Sure you won't change your mind and come back to the bureau? We need men like you.”
Boyd shook his head. “I'm where I belong.”
Disappointment showed on Eldridge's face. “Too bad,” he said, then added to the captain, “We'd better get going or I'll miss my plane back to Washington.” As he said goodbye to Katrina, he added, “It would probably be wise if you put some distance between Garduchi and yourself. I understand he doesn't like you being anywhere in his vicinity.”
“She's moving to Texas,” Boyd replied. “And changing her name.” A sudden thought came to him. “You should keep an eye on a St. Louis cop by the name of Russ Miller. He might be on Garduchi's payroll.”
“Will do.” Eldridge grinned. “Good luck, you two.”
Katrina's hand tightened around her aunt's letter. Again her fears of her past ruining Boyd's future and bringing a taint to the Logan name were taunting her. “Maybe it would be best if we called off the wedding,” she said, the words costing her dearly. Looking to the captain and Eldridge for support, she continued stiffly, “Those who know about the letters and the tapes know I have been vindicated but no one else will.” She looked to Boyd. “Your fellow rangers will always be suspicious of me.” She turned to Slade. “And you could fall under my shadow as well.”

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