The Lawman's Betrayal (15 page)

“You said you never saw the man’s face clearly. So how can you be sure?”

“I don’t know, but that’s him. I can feel…his evil…all the way up here. There’s no doubt in my mind. Wes, I’m telling you the truth. Why don’t you believe me?”

“Naomi, I want to believe you, but the man in the brown jacket, that’s the governor.”

Chapter Eleven

Naomi’s legs threatened to buckle under her. Her heart pounded so loudly she was afraid it would burst from her chest. She stared at Wes. Maybe she hadn’t heard him clearly. “What did you say?”

“That’s the governor.”

“No, you’re lying. Why are you lying to me?” She clenched her hands into fists. “I don’t believe you.”

“Well, it’s true. I didn’t know he was in this area. His office usually lets all U.S. Marshals know when he’s in their jurisdiction.” He took his hat off and slapped it against his thigh. “Besides, if he was in on it, why would he pardon you? Three years later? It doesn’t make any sense.”

Realization slapped her in the face. She grabbed his arm. “Ohmigod, Wes, he pardoned me…to kill me.” She stumbled over to a fallen tree limb and slumped down on it. “He’s the one trying to kill me. That’s how those men knew I was being released that day. I know it. Wes, don’t you see? It all fits.”

His face a mask of confusion, the lawman stared back at her. “Well, for the sake of argument, say it was him. Why?” His brow furrowed and then cleared. “He did run for governor that next year.”

“Maybe that’s how he financed his campaign,” Naomi ventured, “from all the stolen money. What did he do before he was the governor?”

“He was a rancher. Has one of the biggest spreads around. So I can’t see why he’d need the money.”

“But when did he buy this big spread?”

Wes whistled, then sat beside her. “He bought it…after…he became governor. Okay, okay, let’s think about this. Let’s assume he’s the man on the stairs, the man who knocked you out. Why would he pardon you? You were sentenced to life.” He stood up. “Unless—”

“Unless what?”

“I’m just grasping at straws here. Some of the guns stolen from the military have surfaced, turning up in Indian hands. That’s raising a mighty big ruckus around here. Maybe he thought he had everything all tied up in a neat little bow, and now since the guns have shown up, he can’t take any chances. He’s up for re-election soon. He can’t take the chance that you’ll finger him. I just don’t know. That’s stretching it a bit. Hell, Naomi, this just doesn’t make sense.”

“Well, if you don’t want to believe me…”

“I do want to believe you, but—”

“I know, I know. I’m Roy Brecker’s widow, I couldn’t possibly be telling the truth.” Tears threatened to run down her cheeks, and angrily she wiped them away. “Let’s go. I’m sorry for wasting your time.” She ran to her horse and climbed into the saddle. Without a backward glance, she rode from the clearing, not caring in what direction she went, as long as it was away from his disbelieving eyes.

“Naomi, wait.”

But she didn’t stop. Wes didn’t believe her, and it cut her to the core. She was positive the man at her ranch was the man on the stairs, the man who’d clobbered her on the head, and probably even killed Roy and that woman.

Branches slapped at her arms, and briars scratched her legs. A ravine loomed ahead of her to her left, deep and omnibus. A jerk of the reins sent her mount in the opposite direction. The ground cleared, and a jab of her heels sent her mare running away from the sloping ground. She heard Wes behind her, but she didn’t slow down. The mare had the bit in her teeth and was running wild. Naomi sawed on the reins, trying to slow her down but to no avail. Afraid she was going to fall, Naomi tightened her legs around the horse’s belly.

The reins flew from her hands, and she plummeted to the ground. A scream tore from her throat. She hit the ground hard, her breath leaving her in a single swoosh. Stars swirled before her eyes. She lay there for several long minutes, gasping for air and waiting for the pain to subside. Gingerly, she rubbed the back of her head. Something warm and sticky covered her fingers.

She stared vacantly at her surroundings, shaking her head in frustration. She didn’t recognize any of the landmarks. She’d thought she knew every inch of the ranch. Sometimes, she’d ridden for hours when Roy had been gone on one of his trips, but the meadow she found herself in was not familiar. Her stomach tightened into knots. What if that man found her? He’d recognize her—and kill her. Oh, she was an idiot for having run away from Wes.

“Naomi!”

Wes’s voice jerked her back to the moment. She turned and saw him barreling down on her. He dismounted in one fluid motion, ran to her and knelt by her side.

“Are you all right? You could’ve been killed.”

“I’m okay. Really, I am.”

“You crazy fool! Why did you run away from me?”

“Because you didn’t believe me. I told you the truth, and you didn’t believe me.” She swiped a hand across her eyes.

“Well, what did you expect? Dammit, Naomi, I never expected you to accuse the governor—of all people. You caught me by surprise, that’s all.” He pulled his kerchief from around his neck and wiped the dirt from her face.

Physically and emotionally exhausted, Naomi leaned into him, drawing on his strength. She’d felt alone for so long now, and it felt good to have someone else, for what little time it might be.

“I’m sorry, Naomi. Of course I believe you.”

She reached up and caressed his cheek. “Oh, Wes, I’ve never lied to you.” His body went rigid. “You don’t believe that either, do you?” She tried to pull away, but he held her back.

“Naomi, I know about the money. You lied to me about the money.”

“The money? No, I didn’t.” Then it hit her. “Oh, no. You saw me this morning with Mrs. Johnson, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, and I saw the bag of money.”

“Wes, it’s not what it looked like. Mrs. Johnson is Roy’s grandmother. Her name is Brecker, but she’s afraid to use her real name. Her son died, and she settled his estate and brought the money out here to Roy. When she found out he was dead, she saved it for me. I told her I couldn’t take it, that it wouldn’t be right.”

“You mean that wasn’t stolen money?”

“No,” she laughed softly, “but I can see why you’d think that.”

“I’m sorry.” He took her hand and kissed her palm.

Goosebumps skittered down her skin. “Wes?”

“Yeah?”

“Remember what you said?”

“Yeah, I remember. I’m an idiot.”

Hope rose in her breast. “What does that mean?”

“That means I love you, Naomi Brecker. I think I have since the first moment I saw you.” He trailed kisses down her neck, stopping to nibble on her ear lobe.

“You what? What did you say?”

“I love you.”

“Oh, Wes, I love you too. But what about—?”

“My ethics?” A wry smile touched his lips.

“Yeah?”

“I’ve thought about that and made my decision. I’m going to resign my position as U.S. Marshal, and we’re going to get out of here.” He held a finger to her lips. “After we find out who killed Roy and framed you.”

“No! I don’t want you to do that. You’re one of the best lawmen in the whole country. I can’t let you—”

“You’ve got no say-so in the matter. Now kiss me.”

He lowered his head, and Naomi met his mouth with abandon. His tongue probed for entry, and her lips parted as if of their own accord. She met his questing tongue with her own, and a shudder shook her body, warmth infusing every fiber of her being. Never had anything felt more right.

When at last he broke the kiss, Naomi’s body quivered with need. In all her time with Roy, she’d never known such intense wanting and how it could physically make you ache. “Oh, Wes, I love you so much.”

“And I love you, but this isn’t exactly the most romantic spot,” he whispered, his raspy voice caressing her cheek, “to show you exactly how much I care.”

“It doesn’t matter. As long as I’m with you.”

“Ah, sweet Naomi.” He stood and pulled her to her feet. “I passed a place a little bit nicer…come on.”

She followed him to his horse, climbed up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, loving the hard feel of him against her softness. Her body burned with desire. He turned his mount to the north and rode through an arch of boulders, then through a strand of trees and brush. In a few minutes, he reined in his mount.

A lovely secluded glade sat before her. A sparkling waterfall cascaded a few hundred feet into a crystal clear pool and flowed downstream in a shallow creek. Green grass led down to the water’s edge. “Oooh,” she cooed. “How beautiful. Why, I didn’t know this place existed. Are we still on my…I mean, my former ranch?”

“I think so.” Wes lifted his leg over the saddle horn, slid to the ground, then held out his arms to her.

As she went into his arms, euphoria wrapped its arms around her. A perfect place for a perfect union. He lowered her slowly to the ground, letting her slide down his body in sensual, tantalizing movements. She stared into his eyes, eyes that glowed blue fire. Her lips parted, inviting him to partake of her. He flicked his tongue over her lips, then plunged his tongue into her mouth. A shudder wracked her body. With her tongue, she fenced with his and sent her need spiraling.

His hand slipped down her back, then cupped her buttocks and drew her next to him. She could feel his arousal, and she pressed against him. She wanted him to feel her need. Her breath left her in a shuddering sigh as she strained against him. He scooped her up in his arms and lay her down in the soft grass by the river bank. As he trailed soft feathery kisses down the slim column of her neck, he cupped her breast, kneading the taut bud.

Naomi writhed beneath him. Slowly, he unbuttoned her shirt, pushing the soft fabric aside and revealing her breast to him. He took its peak in his mouth and tugged gently on it.

A gasp burst forth from her lips, and she cried out his name. “Wes, oh my God, please, please….”

He leaned forward and again laved the coral tip of her breast. Slowly, he undid the remaining buttons on her shirt and tugged it free of her skirt. She shrugged out of it. Then she did the same, ridding him of his shirt. He pulled her next to him. Naomi loved the feel of her soft curves against his hard chest. Such different textures. He stroked her back, exploring, touching every inch of her. Her need rose, sending her to sensual heights she’d never experienced before. His hand traveled up her thigh as he pushed her skirt higher. She trembled beneath his touch and pressed against him.

When he eased her skirt down over her hips, she lifted herself, and he slipped her undergarment off. Her fingers splayed over his chest. Then she reached up, her arms encircling his neck. He moved away, and she groaned in protest. When he returned to her side, he also had shed his clothing.

“Naomi, are you sure, my love?”

“Yes, oh, yes.”

His hand slid down her hips, and he touched her in her most private place. She opened to him, as a flower greets the sun. His fingers slipped inside her, and her breath left her in a rush. Suddenly, she cried out, arching upward as she reached the pinnacle of passion.

When she opened her eyes, he smiled and moved on top of her, claiming her mouth, then parted her thighs and drove deep inside. She twisted beneath him. With each thrust, she rose to meet him with a hunger as great as his. Her body tightened around him. Together they climbed the path to sweet bliss. When the trembling tension in her broke loose, she called his name. The fire inside her exploded into a million shooting stars.

As Wes slipped his arm under her shoulder, he drew her into the curve of his arm. He smoothed the hair back from her face

“Oh, Wes, that was…just perfect.” She teased the hair on his chest.

“Yes, it was.”

“And now,” she said and rose to her feet, “it’s time for a bath.” She turned and ran down to the creek. The water was cold, but invigorating. “Come on in.”

****

As Naomi waded from the water, the sun glistened on her wet skin, bathing her in a shower of light. Wes blessed the fates that had sent him to the prison that day. He’d not fancied that job, but now he wanted it for the rest of his life.

“Wes, look.” She stopped and pointed down the canyon. “Butterflies. Oh my goodness, there must be a million of them.” They swarmed nearer, and she lifted her hands into the air. Several of the colorful insects landed on her outstretched hands.

Wes walked to her side. “I’ve never seen this many of them at one time in one place. It’s amazing.”

She looked up at him, a thoughtful look in her eyes. “Wes, I remember something. Once, a long time ago, when I was with Roy, he told me of this beautiful valley full of butterflies he wanted me to see, but he never mentioned it again or showed it to me. Do you think…this is the place? Does it mean anything?”

“I don’t know. Get dressed, and we’ll take a look around.” After donning his clothes, Wes climbed atop a huge boulder and scanned the area. While it probably didn’t mean anything, her recollection of something Roy said certainly bore looking into. He surveyed the valley, looking for something that didn’t belong, something out of place. Below, the cloud of butterflies had drifted down the creek, hovering over the water in a brilliant mass. As he watched, the cloud moved onto a road—