The Spanish Outlaw (11 page)

“Not much. I’ve been thinking about asking my new friend, Raúl, to join us for our walk this evening.”

She dared take a peek at his expression. Head cocked, he arched a dark eyebrow at her.

“May I ask why? After all, he is a stranger to both of us.”

“Indeed. He is also a man who does a lot of traveling because of his business. I thought we could ask him about your uncle.”

Anton stopped against the railing, leaned his back against the long, sturdy piece of wood as he folded his arms over a broad chest. Still, his mouth had yet to crack a smile or even a grin. Clearly, her suggestion didn’t amuse him.

“And why would we do that?”

She shrugged. “Didn’t you tell me that your uncle is very powerful?”

“
Sí
.”

“If he is so powerful, wouldn’t a lot of people know him, or about him?”

Anton nodded. “You forget one thing,
querida
. If people knew my uncle, they would be fearful to talk about him behind his back.”

“I don’t see why.”

“No, I suppose you do not. It is hard to know what my uncle would do to a person if they betrayed him, unless you have seen it yourself.”

Vivian
held her tongue. It seemed Anton didn’t want her to ask Raúl questions, and she couldn’t help but wonder if Anton again lied to her. Perhaps she was on the right track, after all. Talking to Raúl had been a clever idea.

“Anton, we don’t have to come right out and tell
Raúl everything. We can just say you’re related to Juanito, and you’re looking for him.”

“Sorry, but that will not work, either.”

Silently, she growled. No,
he
did not want it to work, which was why he kept discouraging her. The true story lie underneath all of this—the story she would eventually uncover. The sooner the better.

“Regardless,
Raúl has asked us to take supper with him tomorrow, so I think we should be hospitable and join him. Even if you don’t think it’s a good idea to ask him questions, I certainly do. After all, I’m the one learning to be a Pinkerton Agent, and I generally go with my instincts. Right now they are telling me to ask Raúl about your uncle.”

Anton’s chest rose and fell with difficulty. His jaw hard, his lips pursed, and those hypnotic eyes glared at her. She wouldn’t allow him to frighten her.
Raúl would be able to help them one way or another, she felt it.

“Besides, we’re on a ship. What can happen now?” She gave a light chuckle and laid her hand on his arm still folded across his chest.

His gaze dropped to her fingers before jumping up to meet her eyes. Within seconds, a different emotion filled his eyes, making her heart beat a different rhythm. His brown stare softened considerably the longer he looked at her. Strange how quickly his moods changed.

Maybe she shouldn’t have touched him. He had told her what happens. But now, she couldn’t pull her hand away. His melting gaze left her immobile. Then he placed his hand over hers to hold it there.

A knot tightened in her chest, and her throat turned dry. Curse her reaction! Why did he always have to affect her in such a manner? Why did he make her body tingle and cry out to be held by his strong arms?

She swallowed, trying to add moisture to her cotton-filled throat. Clearing her improper thoughts, she scrambled to remember what they’d been discussing.

As she opened her mouth to speak, Anton placed his finger over her lips. Heated sparks spread through her body. The words stopped in her throat, and her mind turned blank.

“
Querida
, you forget one thing.”

“
Wh—what?” Her voice quivered.

“I know my uncle better than you. I know what he can do. If he knew I sailed on this ship, his men would be here with us, also.”

Was he trying to frighten her again? Or perhaps he tried to steer her away from the truth.

Her fuzzy mind waged a battle with her heart over what she should feel. As soon as she broke contact with him, her brain would function again. But, as she gently tugged her hand away, his grip tightened and wouldn’t allow her to budge.

“Vivian, you must believe me.”

She nodded slowly, keeping her stare on his remarkable chocolate eyes. “Of course I believe you, Anton. I just merely suggested we get to know
Raúl a little better. If the worst case scenario happened, and your uncle’s men sailed on this ship, we may need Raúl’s help.”

Anton’s hold on her loosened, and she pulled her hand away.

He shrugged. “What if Raúl is one of my uncle’s men? Then what?”

Breathing easier, she took a step back, inhaling the deep salt air, hoping it would clear her mind and cool her heated body.

“I don’t believe that, Anton.”

His long, lean fingers caressed her cheek, and she realized she hadn’t stepped back far enough. Her skin burned beneath his touch.

“This is also an instinctual feeling?” he asked.

“Exactly.”

“And you expect me to trust your feelings?”

“But of course.
Just as you expect me to believe in you.” She smiled, trying her best to make it genuine. What she said wasn’t a lie. Not really. She merely told him what he wanted to hear.

The warmth from his gaze caressed her face before he offered her his arm. “Then, by all means, take me to your new
amigo
, and introduce us.”

Her breath caught in her throat. Was he serious? Why
did he change his tune so quickly? It didn’t matter. She wouldn’t allow his doubtful nature to dissuade her from her goal, any more than she would let his touch distract her from her mission...to prove his guilt.

“Promise me one thing,
Vivian.”

“What is that?”

“When you ask Raúl questions about my uncle, please do not hint of my relation to Juanito. Also, do not let Raúl know you are a Pinkerton Agent.”

She shook her head. “Why can’t I let him know where I’m employed?”

“Because he will not trust you. He will not freely give away his answers.”

“Then what shall I tell him?”

“I do not know,
querida
. But I am certain your clever mind will think of something.”

Biting the inside of her lip, she stewed inwardly. Her suspicions about him grew deeper by the minute. Well, she’d prove to Anton she could pull this off and that
Raúl would open up and tell her what he knew.

Chapter Eight

The
introduction between Anton and Raúl proceeded smoother than Vivian had expected. Anton acted as her protective uncle asking Raúl far too many personal questions about his life, finances, and intentions. Like a gentleman, Raúl gave precise answers and never indicated he wanted more than her friendship.

Supper passed easily. Not once did
Vivian worry about either man. It was as if everyone had a role to play tonight.

She certainly had a part to perform, and within moments, she needed to put her detective skills to work. She wrestled with whether or not to inform Anton of her intentions. Knowing that hardheaded man, he’d try to stop her since he assumed she constantly needed protection.

Anton pushed away his empty plate and rose from the table. They ate in the lovely dining area, and thankfully well enough away from everyone so they could carry on a decent conversation.

“That was filling, do you not agree?” Anton directed his question to
Vivian.

“Indeed it was.”

“Might I suggest a walk on deck to enjoy the evening?”

She switched her gaze to
Raúl. “What do you say? Would you like to join us?”

He rose and offered his arm.
“Only if you will allow me to be your escort.”

Vivian
remained seated, her focus bouncing back to Anton as she readied herself for his reaction. Tiny lines of tension pulled at the corners of his mouth. His eyes darkened, but not in the same manner or shade she saw when he held her in his arms and peered lovingly into her eyes. Instead, it almost appeared as if jealousy became the root of his attitude.

A nerve in his cheek jumped. “As her guardian, I think you should have directed that question to me first,
Raúl.”

Panic surged through her, and she lost her breath. It appeared her first order of business would be calming Anton’s anger. She needed to stand near
Raúl if she planned on lifting his room key from his pocket.

She stood and walked next to Anton. Patting his arm, she
gazed into his eyes. “Come now, Uncle Anton. Don’t worry so.” She winked. “All will be fine since you will be joining us.”

“I suppose.” He arched an eyebrow.

Vivian gave him a quick, platonic hug, whispering in his ear, “I’m going to sneak away in a minute. Keep him entertained so he doesn’t follow me.”

Anton’s forehead creased, his eyes narrowed. She didn’t have time to explain. Not now while they stood with
Raúl.

She turned back to their new friend and slipped her hand around his arm. “Shall we proceed?”

Raúl gave Anton an assessing stare. Vivian held her breath, waiting for approval, and after a couple of silent, and very unnerving seconds, Anton nodded.

Topside, without her cloak, the cool wind played across her skin, sending a shiver through her. She’d left her wrap in her room on purpose.

Raúl frowned. “Where is your cape? You will catch your death out here if you do not keep yourself covered.”

“I shall be all right. You can keep me warm.” She snuggled against his arm, slyly maneuvering a hand into his coat pocket. When her fingers grazed the metallic key, she held her breath. Carefully, she pinched the key between two fingers as she slowly slid it out, then grasped it her palm.

Anton’s eyes widened, and he cleared his throat. Anger darkened his face as he directed his stare on her.

“
Vivian, I am still your guardian, and you must maintain proper decorum. You do not know Raúl well enough to be so open with him. I insist you hurry back to the room and fetch your cloak.”

She held herself from laughing. Although Anton gave a splendid performance as her uncle, he was still very humorous.

“Raúl, please forgive me for—”

“No need to apologize.” He threw a glare at Anton. “Unlike most men, I do understand the needs of women.” Smiling at
Vivian, he caressed the hand still hooked over his arm. “But your uncle is correct. You need to have some protection from the cold.”

She stepped back and nodded.
“If you will excuse me, then. I shall return momentarily.”

Anton pulled himself straighter.
“Hurry, my dear. And in your absence, I shall get to know Raúl a little better.”

She held
in her sigh of relief until she hurried down the stairs and stood in front of Raúl’s room. As she slid the key into the slot, her hand shook. She didn’t know why nerves suddenly made their debut. She really wasn’t tense, just excited.

Inside, the room was very dim. Only small slivers of moonlight filtered through the window, but not enough to conduct a thorough search.

She found a lamp on the table, and after lighting it, she started her search in a corner. Just as her cabin, there wasn’t much space to hide things, which meant everything was probably stored in his trunks. Which she found locked.

Growling, she fished through her hair for one of her pins, hoping it didn’t pull apart her bun in the process. Careful and steady, she positioned the pin over the bolt on the first trunk and slid it in. It had been a while since she
had to pick a lock.

At a young age, her brother Matthew learned the talent and tried to teach it to her. She hadn’t quite polished the skill before her father discovered what his children had been doing, and took a willow branch to their backsides. Now when she needed the knowledge the most, she couldn’t quite remember how.

Where was Matthew Wentworth when she needed him?

Finally, the security devise clicked and opened. With shaky hands, she lifted the trunk lid. Shiny steel gleamed from within, and she blinked to adjust her vision. Several swords lay in a bed of red silk, along with knives and muskets.

Her chest clenched. Why did Raúl have so many weapons? Did this have something to do with his trade business?

The floorboards outside the bedroom creaked, and
Vivian froze, straining to listen. Footsteps clicked nearby, making her heart jump to her throat.

Getting caught wasn’t part of her plan.

Quickly, she closed the lid and snapped on the lock. Then she turned off the lamp. Taking precaution to be as quiet as possible, she tiptoed to the door and pressed her ear against the wood. A rattle of coins came from nearby as the footsteps neared.

She backed against the wall, hoping it would swallow her. Even if
Raúl walked inside, the door would hide her only until he closed it.

A soft rap sounded and she jumped.

“Vivian? Are you in there?”

She placed her hand on her bosom as she regulated her out of control breathing. “Yes, Anton.” She opened the door and peeked out.

“Come quickly. We have no time to waste. Raúl is on his way.”

Anton grasped her wrist and pulled her out. She didn’t have time to analyze his stern expression, or how he knew where she was in the first place.

“What should I do with the key?” She held out her hand, as the key lay flat on her palm.

Anton glanced around the area, then snatched the key and laid it beside the door. “It will have to stay there.”

From one corridor to the next, he led them until they hurried inside their room. She sank on the bed and breathed slower while he paced the floor in front of her. His angry eyes stayed on her.

“
Vivian, will you kindly explain what you were doing in his room?”

Sheepishly, she grinned and shrugged. “Looking for my cloak?”

The corner of his lip tugged upward. “Try again.”

“How did you know I was there in the first place?”

“You have proven time and time again that you are a woman of adventure. You are also a Pinkerton agent. Need I say more?”

It looked as if he was getting to know her habits just as she knew most of his. Holding back a grin, she stood and faced him, planting her hands on her hips.
“Exactly. But what excuse did you use to leave Raúl to come find me?”

“I told him I worried about your welfare since you had been sick of late
, and I needed to find you.” Raking his fingers through his hair, he sighed deeply. “Did you discover anything of importance? Should we trust him?”

“I’m not certain. I needed more time to look. Before your interruption, I had barely opened the first trunk. He still had two more.”

“What did you find in the first trunk? Anything noteworthy?”

“Actually,” she said, stepping closer to him and laying her hand on his arm. “Many different weapons filled the trunk.”

Anton’s eyes widened.

“Right now, I don’t know if that’s good or bad. He is in the trading business, after all.”

He clutched her shoulders and pulled her close. Soft eyes bore into hers, making her limbs melt and her heart pitter-patter.

“
Vivian, be very careful. If Raúl is one of my uncle’s men, he is trained to be dangerous. He would not think twice before breaking your neck with one snap of his hands.” Anton stroked her cheek, letting his fingers trail down the column of her throat. “I do not know what I would do if that happened.”

Her heart jumped to her throat and turned her mouth dry. “Anton, you forget, I can take care of myself.”

He shook his head. “No,
querida
. You are not as strong as you want to believe. I also know this is your first time being a detective and you will make mistakes along the way—just as you have done so far since our first meeting.”

She grumbled and pulled away from him.
How dare he!
She’d show him. Thankfully, he didn’t know the truth. She’d give anything to become a real Pinkerton agent.

Chuckling, he pulled her back into his arms. “Do you know what your problem is?”

“
My
problem? I didn’t realize
I
had a problem.”

“You are so stubborn, you cannot see past the end of your cute little nose.” He touched his finger to the tip. “We are going to have many conflicts, and until you realize I am your trusted protector, I will always keep my eyes on you to make certain you do not get yourself in trouble.”

“But...”

His lips swooped down and landed on hers. Gently, he kissed her, pulling her closer. Heat spre
ad through her, just as it always did while in his arms.

Lifting her hands to link around his neck, she melted against him, but just as she
relaxed, he pulled away. His eyes twinkled as a grin touched his mouth.

“
Querida
, you are nearly ready to accept me. If only you can learn to trust what your heart is telling you.” He turned and walked out the door.

Her shoulders sagged, and she chided herself for her weakness. The man could play her like a harp, because every time he
caressed her, she sang for him.

Breathing deeply, she sat on the edge of the bed and pulled the pins from her hair.
Oh no!
Her hands froze. She’d left one in Raúl’s room! Now she prayed he didn’t discover it…or she would be in a lot of trouble!

* * * *

Vivian stood at the helm of the ship, the smooth wood of the wheel rubbed against her palms as her gaze fixed straight ahead. Warm wind blew in her hair and a stray lock brushed her cheek. Once in a while a drop of water from the ocean splashed against the side of the ship and touched her skin, making her blink.

Her
thoughts were not on the tour Captain Bushwell gave, but of last evening with Anton and Raúl. She wanted desperately to find something. To prove to Anton—and herself—she would make a good detective. She didn’t dare tell him about her hairpin, though.

The idea of creeping into
Raúl’s room had surprised her. She really didn’t know if she was brave enough. Thankfully, she had started to think like an agent and take chances.

Anton was a great
performer and had played the role of an older, over-protective relative perfectly. Yet sometimes, his eyes smoldered when he looked upon her, and his touch was like a whispered caress. Since she’d instructed him to stop seducing her, she should be very upset over this, but instead, she found her heart softening the longer she watched him.

She hadn’t had the opportunity to ask
Raúl if he knew Juanito so far today. In fact, she couldn’t even begin her questions because Anton controlled the subject matter every time. Thankfully, Raúl hadn’t said anything about her hairpin, either.

As she rubbed her palm against the wheel, she barely registered that
Raúl and Captain Bushwell stood not far off to her side. Not when Anton’s aura overpowered every other sensation on today’s tour given by the good captain.

Directly behind her, Anton explained certain navigation laws. His knowledge on the subject impressed her, and it seemed as though he had become the tour guide.
Vivian waited for Captain Bushwell to intercede, but his silence indicated he, too, was amazed at the vast information Anton shared.

“Leeway is measured by the angle of the course steered and the direction through the water,” Anton said. His breath teased her ear, his deep voice stirred tingles on her skin. “If the wind hits from the left, the ship will move to the right of the course and vice versa. Understand?”