Tracie Peterson - [Desert Roses 01] (18 page)

Joel left the senator to his own devices and crossed the room to greet Keegan and his reluctant fiancée. “Good to see you, Mr. Keegan,” Joel lied. He had so little use for the man. His overinflated sense of self-worth was an irritation to Joel. More worrisome was Winthrop’s apparent belief that the man was of value. Joel would have to deal with that soon. “Hello, darling,” he added, turning to Valerie. He kissed her on the cheek, surprising her momentarily. “You look positively radiant.”

Valerie eyed him suspiciously but said nothing. Joel smiled and continued as if nothing were amiss. “I hope you’re looking forward to tonight’s party,” he said to Keegan. “The senator is eager to discuss his plans for the campaign.”

“I wouldn’t miss it. I’m eager to hear his plans and know his mind.”

Yes, I’m sure you are
, Joel thought. He took hold of Valerie, however, without comment. “Val, darling, we need to discuss our plans for announcing our engagement.”

“I thought you’d worked that all out with Daddy,” she said rather sarcastically.

Joel laughed. “You’re such a goose, Val. Of course we’ve
worked it all out. I simply need to tell you what’s expected of you.”

Keegan laughed out loud at this. “Good man. Put her in her place and tell her what to do. That’s the way to groom them. If you don’t catch them early, they’ll turn out like my daughter. Headstrong and inconsiderate of the men in her life.”

“Now, Mr. Keegan, I find your daughter quite delightful. Quite . . . delightful,” Joel said, emphasizing the words. “I’ll look forward to her being close by in Washington should you accept the senator’s position once he’s installed as president.”

Joel watched the man’s face contort from an expression of anger and disgust to the realization that someone was actually mentioning a position for him. Joel loved to throw crumbs to the dogs that way. If nothing else, it often proved entertaining just to watch them fight amongst themselves. Of course, this time, he wanted to make clear that he considered Alex a part of the package. Keegan seemed to understand rather quickly and, as that understanding dawned on him, he nodded.

“I’m sure Alexandria would love Washington.”

Valerie frowned and tried to pull away from Joel but he held her fast. “Perhaps Val and she can be great friends.” Joel tightened his grip on Valerie’s arm. “Ah, here comes your lovely wife, Mr. Keegan. I’m sure you’ll have things to discuss with her, so if you’ll excuse us . . .”

“Of course,” Keegan said, giving Valerie a wicked smile. “I enjoyed our time together.”

Valerie smiled in return. “As did I. Perhaps we can spend time together later. I’ll expect to dance with you this evening.” Her voice dripped honey, and Joel felt as though she purposefully worked to humiliate him.

“You may count on it,” Keegan replied.

Joel yanked Valerie away from Keegan with the briefest acknowledgment of Mrs. Keegan. The woman looked haggard,
so he offered nothing more than his greeting before forcing Valerie into a quiet corner.

“Your father’s campaign is dependent upon you playing your part, my dear. I have plans for you that do not include playing the tramp with Rufus Keegan.”

“What do you want from me?”

“You know very well what I want,” Joel said, lowering his voice. “And one of these days I’ll tire of waiting for what I want and simply take it.”

“Are you threatening me?” “Actually, yes. I am. Now, will you be a good girl and cooperate with me?”

“I’ll never cooperate with you. I’m going to speak with Daddy and see that this ridiculous farce is brought to an end. I don’t love you and I have no desire to marry you. I only agreed to the matter to shut you both up for the time. Daddy may adore you, but you know only too well how I feel about you.” She squared her shoulders and seemed to strengthen her resolve. “Besides that, I know things about you. Things that could see you sent to prison for a long time—if not put to death.”

She adjusted her hat and turned as if to go. Joel refused to be dismissed in such a manner, and he refused to allow her to ruin his plans. “You think to threaten me and walk away? I’ve worked too hard for you to spoil this. What makes you think I’d ever allow you to cause me the slightest bit of trouble? I can see you put in your place rather quickly, Val. A place that would be far more frightening and worrisome than the one you’re in now.”

“You talk big, but you’re nothing more than my father’s flunky.”

“If we were alone, I would slap you across the face,” Joel said, clenching his teeth.

“Well, rest assured we will never be alone. I could end up like that poor prostitute in Washington.” She smiled. “See? You aren’t the only one capable of learning secrets.”

Joel’s gaze narrowed. “You think me incapable of accomplishing whatever I set my mind to, but I’d ask you to reflect back on that banker’s son you made such a fuss over last year.”

Valerie grew still. “Leave Andrew out of this. You know his death hurt me greatly.”

“Yes, I do. That’s why I arranged it.”

Valerie’s face drained of color. “What are you saying?” “I’m saying you were getting out of control. People were beginning to talk. It seemed the sensible thing to do.” Joel prided himself on his stoic tone and rigid stance. He loved the power he felt over Valerie. Loved the complete disbelief and heartache written in her look.

“But . . . he . . . he . . . drowned,” Valerie offered weakly.

“Yes, I know. I was there.” Joel loosened his hold on her arm and smiled rather contentedly. “The man was a nuisance to me. Just as you are beginning to be. Just remember, Val dear, I seldom tolerate irritations for long.” He reached up and rubbed her cheek with his thumb. “Poor darling. Here you thought you could scare me with your knowledge of past events, when it’s you who should be terrified. Those two deaths are just a pittance. When people annoy me, I make them go away. It’s that simple. Keep it in mind, my dear. Once we’re married and your fortune is mine, you’ll want to be particularly well-behaved.”

“I’m not afraid of you. Kill me. This misery is worse than death,” she said, jerking away from his touch.

“Oh, but, my dear, I wasn’t speaking of your death,” he said, giving her a cold smile. “I was speaking of your dear father, our next president. It would truly be a pity if he were to die so soon after our marriage. Why, we might never know what a truly wonderful president he might make.”

She stared at him openmouthed for a moment, tears forming in her eyes as she searched his face. Turning abruptly, she hurried away from him as if he’d suddenly grown horns atop his head. Joel drew a deep breath and stood awash in a sensation of nervous excitement. He’d never told anyone
of his deed. It seemed risqué, bold, even adventurous. Of course, she’d say nothing about it. She’d be too afraid of how it might appear to other people. There was one thing about Valerie that Joel knew he could count on: She adored her father. And that adoration ensured his control.

Seeing the Keegans standing outside on the veranda, Joel made his way to join them. He wanted to press home his point regarding Alex. Walking outside, Joel found the warmth of the day uncomfortable, but the shade afforded them on El Tovar’s porch was welcome.

As he approached the Keegans, Rufus pulled his wife behind one of the stone archway supports. Joel thought it rather strange. It looked as if Keegan was trying to hide away from the other guests. Joel smiled to himself. The Keegans apparently had things they’d rather not discuss with an audience, but that was exactly what Joel was going to give them. Stepping from the porch, Joel positioned himself just beneath the arch and well out of sight of Keegan.

“What do you suppose to gain by this?” Keegan asked his wife.

“Rufus, I have no desire to fight with you. I have simply come to tell you that I’m leaving. I want a divorce, and I mean to have one.”

Joel started at this news. He pressed closer to the porch. He had to hear every word, for this could prove very beneficial.

“There will be no divorce,” Keegan growled out. “You are my wife and you’ll stay that way.”

“You’re mistaken, Rufus. I’ve endured a great deal because of your escapades, but no more. Alex and I will quietly leave. There needn’t be any public show.”

“Ah, so Alexandria is in this. I should have known. I warned her . . .”

“Alex did nothing,” Katherine Keegan interjected. “I simply came here because it seemed a good way to tell her goodbye and inform you at the same time. She has insisted I allow her to come with me, and frankly, I’m glad for her company.”

“There will be no divorce! I won’t tolerate it. I won’t bear such public humiliation when I’m attempting to better myself with a position in Washington.”

“I’ve borne your public humiliation for years. In fact, the final straw arrived at my door just before coming here.”

“What do you mean?” Keegan asked, his rage apparent in his tone.

“I mean your child. Your illegitimate son. One of your conquests, a Miss Gloria Scott, has given birth to your son and has made it clear to me that she’ll make this quite public if we do not pay her well. I have no desire to be a part of this. Divorce me and marry her, but do not expect me to stand by idly and bear even more disgrace.” Her voice broke and she began to cry. “I cannot take this anymore. You must understand.”

Joel thought the news rather tasty. There was a great deal he could do with something like this. Already the plans were churning in his head. He’d have to get one of his men to go check out this Gloria Scott woman.

“No divorce. I’ll see you dead first.” Keegan’s low, ominous tone struck a chord in Joel. He recognized his own determination in Keegan’s temperament.

“Do you hear me, Katherine? I’ll see you dead before I let you do this.”

“Then kill me,” she sobbed. “Kill me and release me from this unholy bond.”

Keegan laughed. “You miserable wretch. What a waste of my time. Stay out of my way. Go hide yourself in your room and leave me to work my plan.”

“Please, Rufus. Please. Not just for my sake, but for Alex. She deserves happiness, even if that’s impossible for us.”

“It’s not impossible for us, woman. I’m living it daily. You’re the only one who is unhappy. But trust me, it could be much worse.”

The crying grew louder and Joel backed away a bit to avoid being seen. He’d heard enough. Rufus Keegan had fathered an
illegitimate child. Katherine Keegan wanted a divorce. This was rich fodder for the purposes of controlling a man—or a woman. He immediately thought of Alex. He licked his lips, anxious to pick up where he’d left off with her. Valerie would be his wife and with her would come fortune and status, but Alexandria Keegan would be his as well. It was just a matter of coordinating the details. Something Joel was very, very good at.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“I brought you some supper, Luke,” Michaela said after he’d opened the door to his cabin. “Looks like a pretty night for a party, don’t you think?”

“I guess so.” Luke wasn’t in the mood for small talk. “Thanks for the grub.”

She put the tray on the table and turned to look Luke straight in the eye. “Are you in pain?”

“Not really. Why do you ask?”

“Because you look like you’re in pain, and I just wondered if it was your arm or Alex that’s causing you the most grief.”

Luke felt his stomach tighten. What did she know about his feelings for Alex? Why should she even suggest such a thing as Alex causing him pain?

“Look, I know this is none of my business, Luke, but I think you probably need to talk to someone, and since I know the situation probably better than most, you can talk to me.”

“Talk to you about what?” he asked, turning away.

“About being in love with Alex. About Alex being in love with you.”

He turned back around at this. “Alex said that?”

Michaela laughed. “You’ve got it bad for her, don’t you?”

“Just answer my question.”

“No, Alex didn’t say that she was in love with you. But I’m with her more hours of the day than not. I can tell how she feels. I can tell how you feel as well.”

“How?” He watched her as she considered his question. She seemed completely at ease.

“It’s the way you look at her. The way you touch her fingers when she hands you something. It’s the way you speak to her. Everything about you sings it loud and clear.”

“Very well. I do love Alex, but that stays right here between you and me. You may have figured me out, but I don’t think
you know Alex very well at all. I saw her in Joel Harper’s arms last night. She can’t be that much in love with me if she’s carrying on like that with him.”

“You don’t honestly think she was in his arms because she wanted to be, do you? He forced his attentions on her, and she had to fight him off to get away.”

“What? She told you this?” Luke felt sick to his stomach imagining that Alex had needed him—that she’d been in trouble no more than fifty yards away—and he’d done nothing about it.

“Luke, Alex is going through a lot right now. I can’t give you all the details, but you have to understand that things aren’t at all good. She’s going to need you now more than ever, and I felt like I needed to speak my mind. You need to tell her how you feel about her. Don’t let the days get away from you—tell her tonight.”