Gambling on Love Read online

  A loud roar suddenly pierced the air, and she jumped as if she’d been shot. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Evan standing at the railing. He yelled something, but the night breeze caught his words and took them away. He shook his fist at her.

  Suddenly, she felt very brave and foolish. She put her fingers to her lips and blew him a kiss.

  Chapter 2

  When Evan saw the beautiful gambler blow a kiss at him, he couldn’t believe his eyes. She needed a good dressing down, and preferably by him. But he’d gotten what he deserved. He’d acted a fool, listening to his body instead of his brain. He’d meant only to see her and tell her about her father, but when he’d kissed her, those thoughts had fled, replaced by a burning hunger for her. He rubbed his aching head. Now his money was gone.

  And so was she.

  But he’d find her. She’d not only stolen his money—she’d played him for a fool. Nobody had ever done that and gotten away with it. Neither would she.

  He shoved himself away from the railing and staggered back to her room. A headache pounded at his temples. He grabbed the ewer and poured water into a bowl, then splashed some on his face to clear his groggy mind. Finally, he ran his fingers through his hair, then donned his coat. His first order of business was to pay a call on the captain. Since the captain and her grandfather were one and the same, the old man would know where she was headed. With purposeful strides, he marched out of the room. He caught a glimpse of the number thirteen on the door and grimaced. So much for lucky thirteen. He continued up the stairs to the top deck, then, without knocking, barged into the wheelhouse.

  The captain, a distinguished white-haired man dressed impeccably in a crisp white shirt, a navy blue coat with brass buttons and matching trousers, whirled around to face him. “I’ve been expecting you, Mr. Montgomery.” He turned to the young men next to him. “Mr. Sinclair, will you take the helm?” After Sinclair took his place, the captain motioned to Evan. “Mr. Montgomery, shall we step outside where we can talk in private?”

  “As you wish, sir.” He followed the older man out the door.

  Once outside, Captain Devereaux spoke first. “Mr. Montgomery, I want you to know that I don’t approve of, nor condone, my granddaughter’s making such a scandalous wager. I’ve spoken sternly to her.” He paused, took a deep breath and then continued. “Neither do I approve of a gentleman making such an overture to a lady—”

  “Not many ladies gamble on riverboats, Captain.”

  The captain’s face turned red. “While that may be true, sir, my granddaughter is an innocent young woman and a lady.”

  You didn’t see her performance a few minutes ago in her cabin. I’d hardly call her innocent. “Well, sir, be that as it may, the facts speak for themselves. Loud and clear. Your granddaughter not only drugged me, but she stole my money as well.”

  The captain’s bushy white eyebrows shot up. “Surely you jest, sir.”

  Evan shrugged. “I don’t joke about serious matters like that. When I woke up, my money was gone, and so was she.”

  “Perhaps someone else entered Angel’s cabin while you were, er, asleep. There are many other passengers on board.”

  “Perhaps, but I don’t think so.”

  “I assure you, sir, that my granddaughter is not a thief.”

  “And I assure you, Captain, I am not making this up. I demand satisfaction. Where is your granddaughter?”

  The captain straightened to his full height. Even then he still had to look up at Evan. “I do not know.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  “I speak the truth. I don’t know where she is.”

  “But you know where she’s headed?”

  The captain’s face reddened. “She mentioned several places she might go.”

  “Places?” He took a guess. “New Orleans?” When the captain’s face reddened even more, he knew his shot in the dark had hit its mark. The captain was nowhere as good as his granddaughter at masking his emotions. “New Orleans is a very big town.”

  “She did not mention a specific place. Listen, Mr. Montgomery, perhaps you and I can work this out, man to man.” The captain’s voice took on a wheedling tone. “While I do not believe your charges against Angel, I am prepared to make full restitution, plus a certain amount for your trouble. After all, the theft occurred on my boat, and I feel responsible. If you’ll tell me the amount you lost, I shall have the purser take care of it.”

  Evan didn’t want the money. He wanted Angel—and her pretty neck in his hands. He blurted out an amount far exceeding what she’d taken. Captain Devereaux’s face changed from beet red to ghastly white in a split second. The captain tried to speak but almost choked on his own words. Finally, he recovered his composure. “Are you sure of that amount, sir?”

  “Yes.” A twinge of guilt at upsetting the old man pricked Evan’s conscience. He didn’t want the old gentleman to have a heart attack right here and now. Clearly, the captain had not been aware of his granddaughter’s schemes nor an accomplice to them. How many others had she lured into her cabin and taken advantage of? But nobody, especially a sassy female like Angel Devereaux, mocked him and just walked away.

  “If it is agreeable to you, sir, I could give you half that sum and send you the rest later.”

  “Sorry, Captain. Not interested. I want to know where your granddaughter is.”

  “Then I cannot help you.”

  “You mean you won’t help me. Very well. I guess I’ll have to find her myself.”

  The old man grabbed the railing for support. “And if you find her, what then? I implore you not to harm her.”

  “Rest easy, Captain. I’ve never hurt a woman before, and I don’t intend to start now. I’ll let the law take care of her. Maybe a few days in jail will teach her a lesson.”

  “Sir, you must not do that. She would not be safe in such a place, and you would ruin her reputation if she has not already done so herself by making such a scandalous wager.”

  Evan’s mouth tightened. “I don’t really care about her reputation. She made a fool out of me, and I intend to see that she pays for it.” He turned and walked to the stairs, then glanced back at the old man. “When do we dock?”

  “We arrive in New Orleans tomorrow morning.”

  “Thank you. Good night to you, sir.” Since there was nothing more he could do that evening, Evan retired to his cabin. He poured himself a brandy and planned a course of action. He was certain the old man knew where his granddaughter was and would contact her. So he’d watch the captain’s comings and goings for a few days, and those of the old Cajun woman who’d probably concocted the sleeping potion Angel had put in his drink. Anthony was meeting him at the docks. If anyone could find the Lady Gambler, Anthony Rogeart could. A Creole from a wealthy family, Anthony knew everyone in New Orleans—from the lowest harlot to the blue-bloods in the Vieux Carré.

  He finished his brandy then crawled into bed. Again, the rocking of the boat reminded him that he was a cowboy, not a sailor. Sleep eluded him for a long time. When it did come, he dreamed of a copper-haired Lady Gambler.

  And what he was going to do to her.

  ****

  As Angel stepped from the dinghy onto the deserted wharf, she shivered. Philippe placed her valises beside her, then shoved the small boat back from the pier. With a wave and a smile, he disappeared into the mist rising off the brown waters of the Mississippi.

  Her bottom lip trembled. She’d been on this waterfront hundreds of times before. Yet never alone and vulnerable. Always before, she’d known she could return to the Delta Princess. Now she could not. At least not until Evan Montgomery left town.

  She scanned the area and got her bearings. She’d go to Amelia’s house and ask to stay for two or three days—just until the Delta Princess docked tomorrow and he left. Even though Amelia’s parents didn’t approve of Angel, her closest friend from finishing school wouldn’t say no to her. Amelia could cajole her parents into anything.

  She
checked to make sure her hat still concealed her long hair. Flaunting her gender would not be a wise thing to do in this part of New Orleans. She patted the waistband of her pants for her derringer and knife. When she felt them, a small measure of courage returned. With a sigh of determination, she picked up her bags and threaded her way through the deserted streets, always taking a circuitous route to avoid passersby. At one point, she saw three drunken sailors staggering her way and slipped into a darkened doorway until they passed.

  Finally, after what seemed an eternity, she arrived at Esplanade Avenue and found Amelia’s house. A soft sigh escaped her lips. She started down the street. At that moment, a dark figure strolled out of the shadows. The constable. She muttered an oath and darted behind a clump of azalea bushes. Had Montgomery already sent the authorities after her? He’d not had time, she told herself. The officer sauntered off in the opposite direction, probably just on routine patrol. She hurried to the gate.

  Locked.

  Tears misted in her eyes. What do I do now? Walk up to the front door, knock and announce an angry cowboy is chasing me? Wake the entire household up? A crazy urge to giggle surfaced, and she berated herself for her lack of control. She studied the eight foot gate and the brick wall. Maybe she could climb over. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a ladder under a sprawling overhang of wisteria. The gardener must have forgotten to put it away. Lady Luck had at last smiled on her.

  The ladder was heavy, but somehow she managed to prop it up against the brick wall. She grabbed a valise and shimmied up the ladder, then peered over the fence. Silence greeted her. No lights showed in the main house, nor the servants’ quarters. She heaved the bag over, fully expecting someone to jump out at her. It landed with a heavy thud. When nothing happened, she did the same with the second, then followed them.

  With a valise under each arm, she tiptoed across the moonlit flagstone courtyard, then crept past the fountain. The soft gurgling of the water was a comforting sound in the night. She glanced up at the house and located her friend’s bedroom window. She set her bags down, then picked up a handful of small pebbles and threw them against the pane. After three attempts, the window opened, and Amelia’s face peered out. Angel took her hat off so she could be recognized, then placed her finger against her lips. Amelia nodded and pointed at the back steps.

  In a few moments, the door opened. Amelia, her dark brown eyes alight with pleasure, her blue-black hair cascading down her shoulders like an ebony waterfall, pulled Angel inside and hugged her. “My friend, it is good to see you, as always, but what are you doing here in the middle of the night? And dressed like that?”

  Angel made a comical face. “I’m in a bit of a jam, Melie. Can I stay with you for a few days?”

  “Why, of course. I would like nothing better.”

  “Will your parents object?”

  “Certainly not. They like you.”

  “Like they like the plague. They think I’m a bad influence on you. And they’re right. I am.”

  “But you are my friend, and such an exciting friend. Come upstairs. You must tell me all about it. I can hardly wait to hear your story. Let me help you with your luggage.”

  “Thank you.”

  Once upstairs in Amelia’s room, Angel washed up and changed into a nightgown, then the two young women sat in the middle of the bed as she related her story.

  “Angel, why did you make such a wager?”

  “Because I’m a stupid nitwit. I needed the money for Grandpapa. I don’t want him to lose the Delta Princess, and I never thought I’d lose the bet.”

  “Of course not.” Amelia placed a finger to her lips as if she were deep in thought. “Tell me, when he touched your breast, were you afraid? What did it feel like?”

  “It...oh, Melie, I’m ashamed to admit it, but it felt wonderful. It made my blood boil, and I felt like my body was on fire. I’ve never felt like that before. It’s a good thing the drug took effect when it did or I might have succumbed to temptation.”

  “I’m going to let Anthony touch me like that.”

  “Anthony? Who is this Anthony?”

  “My fiancé.”

  “Fiancé? I wasn’t aware you were engaged.”

  “It was just recently that he asked me. No one knows yet.”

  Angel squealed in delight and hugged her friend. “Congratulations. I am so happy for you. Who’s the lucky man?”

  “Anthony Rogeart. I do not think you know him.”

  “No. I don’t think so.”

  “I wrote you about him, but my letter came back.”

  “Ah, yes, sometimes we miss the mail being up and down the Mississippi all the time. I’m truly happy for you, but please think carefully. You must not act as rashly as I did.”

  “I’m going to do it. Maman will tell me nothing about what happens between a man and a woman. So I will find out for myself.”

  “But—”

  Amelia dismissed her entreaty with a wave of her hand. “I’m so glad you’re here, and just in time to come to my party. Maman and Papa are giving a soiree in two days to announce our engagement. You must stay for the party. It will be so much fun.”

  “Oh, I would love to, but I cannot. What if someone sees me?”

  “Don’t be a ninny. You said this man was a cowboy from somewhere out west. In two, three days time, he will be gone. Besides, my parents would not know him. He would not be invited to my soiree. Oh, Angel, you must stay. Promise me you’ll stay.”

  Swept up in her friend’s enthusiasm, Angel agreed. “Oh, very well, my friend. I’ll stay.”

  ****

  As he walked down the gangplank, Evan studied the faces in the crowd. Everyone in New Orleans must be on the wharf. Voices babbled in English, Spanish, French, and Creole and some dialects he didn’t recognize. Gaily-colored parrots squawked incessantly while vendors selling every conceivable item assailed the debarking passengers. Several painted women made overtures to him, but he pushed past them.

  Anthony suddenly appeared at his side. “Hello, mon ami. Welcome to New Orleans.”

  “Good to see you, my friend.” He grasped Anthony’s outstretched hand and shook it. “I didn’t know if you’d get my message or not. Thanks for meeting me.”

  “My pleasure. Come. I have a carriage waiting.”

  The two men pushed through the crowd, and Evan found himself searching the milling throng of people, looking for a woman with a crown of coppery-colored hair. When he didn’t see her, unexpected disappointment washed over him. He cursed under his breath. He was an idiot. What had he expected? That she’d meet him on the wharf? With a smile on her face and an apology on her lips?

  When they arrived at the carriage, a liveried servant opened the door. Anthony motioned for him to enter. He climbed in, then sprawled on the luxurious leather seat while Anthony sat opposite him. The carriage lumbered slowly through the crowded, narrow streets.

  “And to what do I owe the honor of your presence?” Anthony asked with a sly grin. “I’d wager a hundred dollars it has to do with a woman.”

  Evan grinned. “I wouldn’t take that bet. I want to ask you a favor.”

  “Anything.”

  “I want you to find a woman for me.”

  Anthony burst out laughing. “If I remember correctly, my friend, you’ve never had any trouble doing that yourself.”

  “Not that kind of woman. I’m looking for a woman who robbed me.”

  Anthony’s dark eyebrows shot up. “And she’s still alive? I’d like to meet her.”

  He ignored the sarcastic comment. “I’ve reason to believe she’s here in New Orleans. I intend to find her, and I need your help.”

  “But of course.” Anthony pulled a small notebook from his inside coat pocket. “And what does this woman look like? I will need a description to find her.”

  “She’s tall, about five foot seven, with hair the color of burnt copper and eyes as green as emeralds. Believe me, if anyone has seen her, they’ll remember her. That h
air is like a calling card.”

  “Sounds like a very lovely thief.”

  He glared at his friend. “She is indeed lovely—and deceitful.”

  “And what is her name?”

  “Angel Devereaux. I don’t know if that’s her real name or not. Her grandfather owns the riverboat I was on, the Delta Princess.”

  Anthony pursed his lips together. “Ah, yes, Captain Devereaux. I’ve had dealings with him before. A very nice man.”

  “Yes,” Evan agreed, “and very loyal to his family. He insists he doesn’t know the whereabouts of his granddaughter.”

  “I see. And how old is your thief?” Anthony asked as he scribbled in his notebook.

  “Hard to say. Eighteen, maybe nineteen or twenty.”

  “That’s very young for you, mon ami. I seem to remember you prefer older, more experienced women.” Anthony’s eyes sparkled with mischief.

  “She might be young, but she seems to be very experienced. Besides, I only want to get my money back. I’m not interested in her in any other way.”

  “Oh, really?” Anthony shrugged nonchalantly. “If you say so.”

  “Well, I say so.” Evan drummed his fingers on the seat.

  “And how is it that this woman stole your money?”

  For a moment, he considered making up a story, but he and Anthony had been friends too long. After he related the dismal affair of the wager, he leaned forward. “And, no, you cannot repeat that story to anyone. Ever.”

  “Believe me, mon ami, we have all been made a fool of by a woman at one time or another. So, are you still sticking with your earlier story about only wanting your money back?”

  “Well, maybe a little more than that.”

  “That’s what I thought. Revenge can be very sweet indeed. Okay, your thief, does she know anyone here in New Orleans? Friends or family?”

  Evan shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know.”

  “Well, it’s not much to go on, but I’ll get right on it.” Anthony closed the notebook and slipped it back into his pocket. “You will stay at my house, won’t you, old friend?”