A Lady Bought with Rifles (39 page)

“You mean Court is spying? Smuggling?” At Ruiz's amusedly patronizing smile, I straightened with shock. “Colonel, I won't falsely accuse a man of such charges.”

“Even if he is about to separate you and your small son?”

I stared back coldly.

“An interesting thought,” Ruiz amused. “Americans have unusual temptations and opportunities in Mexico. It would almost be a wonder if the señor had not erred now and again.”

It was one thing to hope Ruiz might block our departure, quite another to connive at Court's imprisonment. And my revulsion at the scheme was not totally on his behalf, once I had a chance to think about it.

Simple for a commander to see that a suspect is shot “while escaping”—easy to plant evidence and buy witnesses. And if I were left a sudden widow … I shivered at the officer's eyes, which flickered as if coals burned far back in their darkness. I'd been forced into one marriage. I didn't want there to be a second.

“Please, Colonel.” I laid my hand on his arm. “I'm sorry to have troubled you with private matters. Thank you, but put this out of your mind.”

“Dear lady, the matter seems not so privatè after all. Be assured I will carry out my duty.” His face was expressionless as he turned away, but I sensed a ruthlessness I hadn't seen unleashed since Cruz burned.

Staring after him, I felt overwhelming panic. What had I set in motion? How could I stop it? I didn't completely hate Court; in his way he'd taken care of me and been father to Jon. I didn't want to be responsible for his death and I feared that was what it came to, for Ruiz must be sure he coverd his tracks. Holding Court on charges would be too risky, but apprehending a smuggler in the act, an American perhaps distributing rifles and ammunition to rebels.…

Oh, Ruiz could concoct almost any story and make it credible. Unlikely that my word would be taken over his, even if there were not horrid probabilities of his ensuring my silence by threats to Jon or the peaceable Yaqui miners.

How could I have blundered so badly? The man I'd thought to dominate with a smile had now become infinitely more dangerous than Court, who at least would not hurt Jon.

As Trace would have put it, I had played hell. Now I must run across the coals and try to ward off an avalanche of brimstone. I was starting for Court's office when I saw him coming down the walk. For the first time in all our married life I went to meet him.

The pleased surprise that had shone on his face dimmed as Court looked down at me and his bleached heavy brows drew together. “What's wrong, love? Jon—”

I shook my head, my throat so constricted with guilt and dread that I couldn't speak. Court swept me toward the house, his arm around me, made me sit down and poured wine.

“If it's not Jon, it can't be too bad,” he soothed. “Drink up, sweet, and let's have it.” His head jerked back suddenly and his eyes went hard as polished brass. “I saw Ruiz leave you. Miranda. Did he dare—”

“He didn't bother me,” I blurted. “But I—I'm afraid he means to accuse you of smuggling or something like it. He said Americans have many temptations and opportunities.”

“Hell, would I smuggle?” demanded Court. “He can't have any proof, because there isn't any! I'll go have it out with that crazy one right now.”

I caught his wrist as he swung toward the arch. “No, Court. He won't
care
that it's a lie. Don't you see? He can shoot you if you argue or try to get away.”

For seconds, Court gazed at me as if I'd gone mad, before belief gradually dawned. “By God, he
could
get away with it, couldn't he? With the whole country in turmoil, uprisings everywhere, no one's going to worry much about an American killed for resisting arrest for running guns. Neat. I'm surprised he's not gone higher than colonel.” To my utter confusion, Court burst into laughter, head lifting back on his powerful neck, before he sobered. “I admire ambition, but I don't mean to be Ruiz's stepping-stone,” he growled. “Especially not when it's clear he's crazy for you and would try to console your loneliness before I was properly cold.” Rubbing his chin, Court stared toward the garrison, the Mexican flag rippling green, red, and white in the breeze. “Have any idea when he'll start his comedy?”

“Soon, I think. He may guess I've told you.”

“Strange he'd hint his plan to you.” Court frowned. “What did he say exactly?”

“He asked if you had any mysterious visitors, if your behavior was unusual.” Guiltily, I used the truth, though not all of it. “And then he said what I told you about opportunities.”

Court deliberated. I knew that his quick shrewd mind was trying out positions, discarding, altering, testing. “It's the devil of a mess,” he said after what seemed a long time. “I don't have enough weapons to arm our miners and they'd be no match for soldiers anyway. If we could make it to Las Coronas, we could stand him off till I could get word to friends who'd settle his little game. But I can't leave you and Jon and he's bound to have sentries watching now he's tipped his hand.” Court slapped his hand to his knee. “Hell, I'll give the bastard a dose of his own physic.”

“What do you mean?”

Court gave a wolf smile. “I'm going to do the government a big favor by locking up an officer who's plotting to throw in with rebels. His men don't love him, and some would sell their grandmothers for a few pesos. There'll be witnesses.”

“But what if he disproves the charge?”

Court shrugged. “All I care about at the moment is putting him where he can't get at me. And a bribe or two can ensure he isn't reassigned to Mina Rara even if he can beat the treason count, which I doubt. His family have no money or influence.”

“But how will you lock him up?”

“I'll walk into headquarters and have a gun on him before he can blink. Once Ruiz is my prisoner, the rest is child's play. Captain Ortega, his second in command, might even file the charges if I made it worth his while.” Court brushed a kiss on my cheek as he concealed his Colt .38 beneath his shirt and pulled on a loose vest. “Don't fret, love. I'll have this gun in his ribs before he can say
‘Buenos días.'
”

He strode out, whistling. If he had any doubt of the outcome, it didn't show. I had to admire him. I also had to think what to do whichever way the encounter went.

If Court subjugated Ruiz, he might have to stay in Mexico long enough to push the officer's trial. If Ruiz killed Court, I had better take Jon, with whatever supplies I could gather, and get away. But if Court was arrested, locked up till an opportune time for slaughter … Damm it, I would have to try to free him since I'd caused the mess.

My head whirled, but I put down the wine and hurriedly began to assemble, for immediate flight, necessities I'd been secreting. I sent Chepa for Caguama. He could have Cascos Lindos and another sturdy
burro
waiting behind the stables along with dried meat, dried peaches and quinces, rice and beans, blankets, two changes of clothing for Jon and me, and other necessities stowed into packs that could be tied behind the
burros'
saddles. Water would be our most important need, but was heavy.

Two water skins? Three? My head throbbed and I tried not to panic as I wondered what was happening at the headquarters.

Caguama came while I was slipping the twisted pieces of gold into a leather pouch containing my jewels. I always wore my mother's crucifix, of course, with its turquoise the color of my dead love's eyes. I had only a few coins, but hoped the cheaper jewelry would serve for barter till I reached a place where I could sell the gold and the truly valuable ornaments.

Caguama's first loyalty was to Jon, his second to me. He wouldn't give away my plans, if they could be dignified with that name. So I told him what was needed, but though he nodded understanding, he didn't go at once but stood shifting his feet.

“Well?” I asked sharply.

“You go away, lady? You and Juanito?”

“Yes, my friend. You know my husband wishes to send Jon far away to school.”

“So Juanito has told me, lady. You run to keep Juanito with you. But you have no guide, no men?”

“I did not know whom to trust.”

Caguama glared at me accusingly. “You can trust me.”

“But the señor will be very angry,” I protested. “If he catches us, he might even kill anyone who helped us.”

The young Seri's grin exposed the gap in his teeth. “He must first catch, lady. Where do you go?”

I told him my vague notions of how to reach California. He shook his head, appalled. “I can take you. That is my country, at least part. But alone! You and the child? Oh, lady, you would die!”

“If you take us, the señor would put a price on you.”

He laughed and scratched his ear. “Then I would be worth something,
pero no
? To escape along the coast, lady, you are better with one Seri than with fifty soldiers or vaqueros.”

His confidence raised my spirits. “If we get away safe, my friend, we will owe you much.”

“I wish one thing.” The smile faded from his broad features. “To be with Juanito.” He began to collect the supplies and said he'd see to water and
burros
, after we arranged that I'd slip away with Jon as early as possible that evening.

“Juanito does not know yet?” the Seri asked.

I explained briefly about Ruiz and Court. “It has all happened fast, Caguama. If the colonel locks the señor up, I must try to free him. But whether we run from my husband or the commander, we had better run tonight.”

“I will be ready. He hesitated. “If Señor Sanders does not return soon, do you wish me to find out what has happened?”

“I—I don't know, Caguama. Be watchful, but don't go to the garrison unless I ask you.”.

He went out and I ran to the veranda, peered toward the headquarters. Sentries patrolled and a squad was drilling, but I could see nothing unusual.

What was going on? Surely Court would move quickly since surprise was his chief ally. If he pulled off the audacious play, he'd have to win Captain Ortega, make sure there'd be no problems from the garrison. It seemed to me that he'd been gone longer than all that could have taken.

Inwardly chilled in spite of the July heat, I leaned my face against the wall and tried to think what to do if Court was gone much longer, for that would mean Ruiz had taken him.

Should I go to headquarters and try to make some bargain with the colonel? Or let Caguama determine where Court was being held and then somehow get him loose? If only I'd never tried to influence Ruiz to block our journey! I was resolved now to escape, whatever happened, but by bringing Ruiz into the situation, I had multiplied the problems. Now I had two men to elude, one of whom, my husband—no matter how ill he'd used me—I couldn't leave under virtual death sentence.

Jon darted in with several small friends and I told them to go get lunch from Raquel or Chepa. My heart contracted as shouts and laughter rang back down the hall. Jon had never been hungry or thirsty, and if anyone in the world wasn't his friend, he was happily oblivious to it.

Suppose I took him to his death? What if we were lost or robbed because I wouldn't let him be sent away? Was I being selfish to risk him?

My thoughts roved back to when I was his age, when I begged my father and mother to let me stay with them. Offered a choice of England or a trip such as the desperate one I'd planned, which would I have chosen? The trip, of course.

He would have one parent, one friend, and one burro. Trace, am I doing right? No answer—there never had been in all these years that I had hoped for some sense of communication.

With growing dread I watched the distant garrison. And then my heart froze as a man came out of headquarters, saluted the guard, and started in my direction.

The colonel, and he was not waiting till dark.

18

My impulse was to run to my room, but I forced it down. I would go to meet him, demand to see my husband. Instinctively I knew if I showed fear, Ruiz would pounce. He would anyway, but boldness, all the cool imperiousness I could muster, might fend him off till I could do something for Court and escape with Jon and Caguama. I refused to even think that Court might be past help; there had been no shots. Ruiz probably needed time to think before his final action.

Walking rapidly but without flurry, I met the colonel by the school. “Where is my husband?” I asked flatly.

“Under guard in my office.” Ruiz permitted himself a slight smile. “I must admit I was startled to be facing a revolver, but fortunately, my aide walked in and stretched the señor out with his rifle butt.” Dark eyes played over me, gathering heat. “I was amazed, Doña Miranda, that you told the señor of our plans.”

“Arresting him was not my plan, Colonel. I had hoped you might forbid our departure on grounds of safety or national interest. I am horrified at what has happened and feel much to blame.”

“For that I have much sorrow, but when you see the advantages you should be reconciled.”

“I will not be reconciled if harm befalls my husband. I wish to see him.”

Ruiz shook his head, sighed eloquently. “Ladies! Never knowing what they want. First this, then that, changeable as mists.” His tone lost its playfulness. “Perhaps they need a man to tell them what they want and make them like it.”

“Speaking for myself only, Colonel, I know perfectly what I want in this case—the señor's release.”

“I am grieved not to oblige you, Doña Miranda, but I have my duty.”

“Which is to investigate suspicions. When you discover these to be unfounded, Colonel, you will naturally release my husband, who, also naturally, will be most grateful.”

I could almost trace his thoughts as he studied me, eyes narrowed. He could put Court out of the way, actually rape me if his blandishments didn't work, but he couldn't be sure that I'd marry him. It was even possible that I'd kill myself, and held have had considerable annoyance for nothing.