Shadow Walker (28 page)

The journey over the Oregon Trail ended six arduous weeks from the day they left Bozeman. They left the wagon train at Oregon City, bidding good-bye to their traveling companions, some of whom were traveling north to Washington. The rest would continue west to the Oregon coast.

They left the wagon and oxen at the livery to be sold and rode their horses to the MacTavish house. Cole seemed to know the way as they
turned down several winding streets, heading toward the outskirts of town.

“Don’t the MacTavishes live in town?” Dawn asked

“They built a large house close to the sawmill a few years ago. It’s not far.”

They turned down a narrow road cut out of a forest of towering pine, Douglas fir, spruce and cedar. A short time later the house came into view. Solidly built against a backdrop of thickly forested hills, the rustic two-story structure had a rough wooden exterior that blended perfectly with its surroundings. Dawn’s mouth gaped open as they approached the house. Never had she seen a house so large or splendid.

“It’s beautiful—and so big,” she said, clearly awed. She didn’t belong in a place like this.

Cole laughed. “Ashley thought so too, but it’s what Tanner wanted for her. He insisted on building her the finest home this side of the Mississippi.”

“He must love her a great deal,” Dawn said wistfully. “Were they childhood sweethearts?”

“Hardly,” Cole said, vastly amused. “Ashley was denied a place on a wagon train because she had no husband or family, so she paid Tanner to marry her.”

Dawn’s mouth gaped open in disbelief. “She paid for a husband? That must have taken a great deal of courage.”

“There’s more. You don’t know Ashley. When she makes up her mind to something, she’ll let nothing stand in her way. I’d been jailed at Fort
Bridger for a crime I didn’t commit, and Ash was determined to clear my name.”

“Did she? Clear your name, I mean.”

“In a way. Unfortunately, she was captured by Running Elk before she reached the fort. He saw her and believed she was the red-haired medicine woman promised to them in a shaman’s dream. She was called Flame by the People.”

“Your sister was a captive? How did she get away? Did you rescue her? No, you couldn’t have, you were in jail.”

“That’s another story. Tanner came to the fort seeking help from the army to rescue Ashley and ended up breaking me out of jail. We found Running Elk’s village but became captives ourselves.” His voice broke and he grew pensive. “That was where I met Morning Mist.”

“How did you escape? And how did you became such good friends with Running Elk when you were his captive?”

“I met Morning Mist and fell in love. My affections were returned, and we were joined according to Indian customs shortly afterward. But that’s only half the story. Do you recall seeing the hank of red hair woven in Running Elk’s hair?” Dawn nodded. “It’s Running Elk’s good-luck charm, a talisman from Ashley to bring him good fortune. Ashley gave him a hank of her hair, and he’s worn it ever since. Ashley and Tanner were allowed to leave the village, but I wanted to remain with Morning Mist. Then something happened and I had to leave.”

“What was that?”

“The man responsible for the murder I was accused
of came to the village to trade with the People. I took him back to the fort to stand trial and to clear my name. I didn’t want to be a wanted man the rest of my days. My case was reopened and I was found innocent. It all took longer than I had expected, and I was unable to return to Morning Mist as quickly as I would have liked.”

He paused, finding it difficult to continue.

“During my absence the village was attacked by Crow raiders. Morning Mist was slain in the raid. She carried my child.”

Dawn felt his pain as if it were her own.

“That was eight years ago,” Cole continued. “Running Elk suggested that I stay with his people during my time of mourning. I learned skills I would have never learned on my own. I owe Running Elk and the People a great deal.”

“Why did you leave?”

“Running Elk moved his people to the reservation. It was time for me to leave. I found a job with the Pinkertons, then made a brief trip to Oregon to visit Ashley and Tanner. I’ve spent the past two years on special assignment with the railroad.”

“Thank you,” Dawn said.

“For what?”

“For telling me. It helps to understand you better. Morning Mist must have been a very special woman. I wish …” Her words drifted away.

Cole searched Dawn’s face, suddenly unable to recall Morning Mist’s beloved features. It frightened him. Morning Mist’s image had been with him so long he couldn’t imagine life without it. Yet at this moment he could recall nothing but how much he enjoyed making love to Dawn, how
sweetly she clung to him and called his name when he brought her to climax. He shook his head, trying to dispel the gnawing hunger for Dawn that was always with him.

They had reached the house now, and Dawn watched with trepidation as a flame-haired woman darted out of the door to greet them. She was so beautiful the sight of her nearly took Dawn’s breath away. Dawn felt dull and lifeless compared to the brightness and sunlight Cole’s sister exuded. She was a feminine version of Cole.

Cole leaped from his mount and held his arms wide. His sister rushed into his open arms, her green eyes awash with tears. Cole hugged her tightly, and Dawn wished she held only a small part of the love he felt for his twin.

Dawn stood apart, watching the poignant reunion between brother and sister. There was a strong bond there, she reflected, and she suddenly felt like an intruder. She wondered if Cole’s hair had ever been as bright a red as his sister’s. Living flame was the only description Dawn could think of to describe Ashley’s hair. It was no wonder Running Elk had considered her some kind of goddess.

Ashley and Cole parted, their hands clinging as they stared at one another. “You’ve changed,” Ashley said. “Your face is older, harder.” She tested the muscles of his forearms and laughed. “Your body is harder, too. Shame on you for waiting so long between visits. It’s been four years! You’ve yet to see your new niece. You left before she was born.”

“I’m here now,” Cole said. “God, I’m glad to see
you.” He gave her another quick hug. Ashley’s gaze slid past Cole to Dawn, noticing her for the first time.

“You’re not alone,” she said, surprise coloring her words. “Where are your manners, Cole? Who is your companion?”

Ashley’s eyes, so like Cole’s in color and shape, glittered with curiosity. The last time she’d seen her brother he was still grieving for his dead wife. When she’d suggested that Cole should find another woman, he’d told her he’d never remarry, never have a child now that Morning Mist was dead. Ashley had believed that time would heal his broken heart. But as the years passed and Cole remained single, she’d despaired of his ever finding another woman to love.

Cole moved to Dawn’s side. “This is Dawn. My … wife. Dawn, this is Ashley, my twin sister.”

“Your wife!” Ashley exclaimed, shocked and delighted. “I never … why didn’t you write that you had remarried?”

Dawn sent Cole a startled look. How could he introduce them as husband and wife when they weren’t really married? What would Ashley think of her when she learned the truth? “I’m happy to meet you,” she said, finally finding her tongue. “I hope I’m not imposing.”

Ashley remembered her manners once her shock passed. “Nothing of the sort. It’s about time Cole found someone to love. You’re a pretty little thing. Come inside, you must be exhausted after so arduous a journey.”

“Where is Tanner?” Cole asked as he followed Ashley inside the house.

“He and Price are at the sawmill. Our son is going to follow in his father’s footsteps. He accompanies Tanner to the sawmill every chance he gets, even though he’s only six.”

“And my niece? How is she?”

“Lily is fine,” Ashley said.

“Lily is a little lady now, all of eight years old. Tanner spoils her outrageously.”

“She probably has her mother’s temperament,” Cole teased. “Does she have red hair like you?”

“No, thank God. It’s black as sin, just like her father’s. Pierce’s hair is more like yours. Not flaming red, more the color of mahogany. You’ll see them soon.”

Dawn could find no words to describe the house. Her entire cabin would fit in the parlor. She was surprised to find no fancy furnishings, nothing pretentious. There were good sturdy pieces polished to a high luster, overstuffed sofas, comfortable chairs and thick carpets on the floor.

The rooms she could see were spacious and comfortable. Nevertheless, the house boasted more luxury than Dawn was accustomed to and it intimidated her a bit.

“I’ll bet you’re starved,” Ashley said, taking note of Dawn’s slim figure. “Have you been starving your wife, Cole? She’s thin as a rail.”

“I’ve always been thin,” Dawn said, absolving Cole of all blame.

“I’ll show you to your room. You can rest while I ask the cook to prepare something to hold you over until supper. We have our main meal in the evening, when Tanner returns from the mill.
Come along.” She led the way up the stairs, chattering as she went.

The bedroom was huge and attractively furnished. The focal point was a large four-poster bed covered with a patchwork quilt. The rest of the furnishings consisted of washstand, desk, dresser, two chairs and wardrobe, all highly polished and built for comfort.

“I hope this will suit you,” Ashley said anxiously. “It’s the best guest room in the house.”

“It’s … perfect,” Dawn said, noting the magnificent view from the window.

Ashley turned to Cole. Her eyes held a mischievous sparkle. “Would you like separate rooms?”

“I’ll share my wife’s room,” he said, sending his sister a cocky grin.

“I thought you might.” Ashley’s answering grin was every bit as cocky as Cole’s.

“There’s a bathroom down the hall,” Ashley said. “With a water closet, bathtub and running hot and cold water. Tanner thought of everything. He dug a well and built a windmill to pump water into the house. There’s even a coal burner in the cellar to heat the pipes that carry hot water.”

“Hot water,” Dawn repeated, clearly impressed. “And a water closet. I never imagined such indulgence. It must have cost a great deal to build in those luxuries.”

“The lumber business is very successful. Tanner exports lumber all over the world. Did Cole tell you that he’s grown quite wealthy from his investment in the business? Now, if you’ll both excuse me, I’ll check with the cook. Meanwhile, take
a hot bath, it will relax you after your long trip. Come downstairs in about an hour.”

“Why did you tell her we were married?” Dawn asked when they were alone. “I don’t like lying to your sister.”

“Did you want me to tell her we’re sharing a room without benefit of marriage?”

Dawn’s blue eyes widened, then narrowed. “You wouldn’t! We don’t
have
to share a room. You could have taken another room. Surely a house this size has more than one guest room.”

“There are several, if I recall correctly. And I have no intention of sleeping alone while I’m here. We’ve been sleeping together for several months now. A few more weeks can’t make any difference. Now, would you like that bath Ashley mentioned?”

“In hot water,” Dawn said longingly. “It sounds wonderful.”

“Come, I’ll show you where it is.” He held the door open and ushered her down the hall to the bathroom.

The modern bathroom boggled Dawn’s mind. She’d seen nothing to compare to this kind of luxury. While the tub was filling with water, Cole showed her how to work the water closet. There was also a sink with hot and cold running water. When the tub was full, Cole left, affording her privacy to use the water closet and undress.

Dawn sank into the tub, letting the hot water caress her skin. She found a bar of fragrant soap in a soap dish and worked up a rich lather. Suds dropped into her eyes, and she reached for the washcloth she’d seen draped over the tub.

“Are you looking for this?”

Dawn started violently. “Cole, I didn’t hear you come in.” She snatched the washcloth from his hand, expecting him to leave. Instead, he began unbuttoning his shirt. “What are you doing?”

“Tanner built the tub big enough for two. I’m going to share your bath.” He stripped off his shirt and stepped out of his pants.

Dawn stared at him. As often as she’d seen him naked she still found something new to admire about him each time he disrobed. Everything about him pleased her. Still, bathing in the same tub with him was a new experience. Did men and women normally bathe together or was Cole pushing the limits of decency? She decided to ask him.

“Is this considered decent behavior?”

“To me it is. Tanner must think so too. Move over, I’m joining you.”

Water splashed over the sides of the tub as Cole eased his big body into the water, settling across from her.

“Look at the mess you’re making! Your sister won’t be pleased.”

“I’ll clean it up.” He took the washcloth from her nerveless fingers. “I’ll wash you first, then you can wash me.”

He worked up a rich lather and began with her foot, working his way up her leg to the dark triangle at the apex. He didn’t linger there but moved to the other foot, slowly working the lather upward. When he reached her sweet center, he dropped the cloth and parted her with his fingers.

“Cole! What are you doing?”

“Exactly what it feels like.” His finger slid inside
her. He closed his eyes, savoring the tightness and warmth of her sheath as it closed around his finger.

“You shouldn’t do that. What if someone came in and saw us?” If he stopped she would die.

“I locked the door.” He slipped a second finger in beside the first. Then he began working them in and out of her, smiling when she groaned and lifted her hips to meet his questing fingers.

“Relax, sweetheart,” he whispered. “Not so fast.” He had become painfully aroused in a very short time, just as he always did when he was with Dawn. When had making love to Dawn become necessary to his well-being? he wondered distractedly. “I know what you like. Trust me to give it to you.” With his free hand he caressed her breasts, rolling each nipple between forefinger and thumb, watching passion transform her lovely features. God, he loved seeing her like this, hot for him, only for him.