"Going somewhere, Mrs. Brooks?" Jake asked, holding the horse still.

He knew it was her when he bumped into her and she tried to speak in a man's voice. How could he miss the stunning eyes of such a lovely lady? Although, he was extremely confused to why she was pretending to be a man. The panicked look on her face was that of a criminal's when he would catch them off guard. Her face went from a surprised look to a relaxed expression quite quickly.

"Mr. Starling," she said. "You scared me."

"Why do I get the feeling that you are avoiding me?" he asked, stroking the horse's head, keeping his gaze locked with hers. Jake needed to play his cards the right way because he didn't need Conrad going back into hiding.

"I – I'm not avoiding you." Mrs. Brooks smiled. He could tell she was hiding something because her voice shook. "I'm surprised to see you again, so soon."

"Something has been bothering me since we met earlier. Do you have time to talk?"

"Actually, I need to get back to my hotel." She tried pulling the reins to move the horse.

Jake kept the horse still. "You see, I was at a party a year ago and met the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. She disappeared before I had a chance to learn anything about her. But I do remember her face. Please, tell me you are Whitney Brooks."

Her mouth dropped open, then she quickly closed it. Her lovely neck jumped in what must have been a hard swallow.

"I realized my error when I addressed you as Mr. Sterling," she replied softly. "It's good to see you again, Marshal."

He had a hard time believing her words, no matter how her voice nearly caressed each word. Somehow over the past year, she must have joined forces with Conrad. But the thousand dollar question was why. No matter how beautiful she was, if she was involved with Conrad, she was going to jail, too. Jake was now hoping he was wrong.

"What brings you to Fort Benton?" Jake asked.

"Oh, just passing through." She smiled. "And you?"

"Following a lead."

"Was it that man you were looking for in the saloon?" Whitney asked.

"Yes, but he got away, again. I'll get him, though." He paused as he looked over her wardrobe. "May I ask, why you are disguised as a man?"

Whitney laughed nervously.

"Oh, this," she said, moving her hand over her coat. "I must look completely silly."

"Yes, you do. Women look much better in dresses than men's clothing."

"Oh, it's a long story," Whitney said. "I've really got to get back to the hotel."

"It's late, I'll ride with you. After all, a woman shouldn't be out here without an escort." He smiled at her, taking the reins from her hand, and leading her horse to where his was tied up. There was no way he was going to let her ride off. "This will give us time to talk. I'd love to hear why you think you need to dress like a man."

As he mounted his steed, Jake could see the defeated look on her face. He felt as though he actually might get some answers now. Heading back with her to the hotel, he just might get a chance to capture Conrad as well.

"You're such a gentleman," Whitney replied. "You see, I do have a companion, who is not feeling well. I was sneaking into the saloon to get some whiskey, for medicinal purposes, of course."

"Is this your friend, Connie?" He kept watch on her expression, slowly riding to the side of her.

"Yes, you remembered." Her laugh was strained. He knew the difference between a normal laugh and a nervous one. Whitney was certainly hiding something.

"You are empty handed." He glanced at her dainty hands clutching the reins. "You left without the whiskey."

"They wanted too much for a bottle. I'll just grab some tea from the café, instead."

"So, that's why you are dressed as a man?" Jake still didn't believe her story.

"Yes. And Marshal, why are you announcing yourself as someone else, Mr. Starling?"

He chuckled lightly. "I'm looking for a thief. I'm keeping my identity hidden, so I don't scare him away."

"Does he not know what you look like?" she asked.

"He might. I just want to be extra cautious with this one."

They trotted a few more minutes in silence as Jake tried to think of something else to say, that hopefully would lead him to Conrad. He looked over at her. She reached her hand up to her hair and pulled out the pins that held her bun together so tightly. Whitney's hair dropped down her neck. She was indeed prettier than a desert rose – or any roses, for that matter.

"Have you met the mayor's wife?" Whitney asked, turning, and meeting his stare.

"The mayor's wife? Not sure. I've met a few people today."

"Her name is Cora Daley."

"Cora?" He laughed as the humorous situation struck him. Now it made sense as to why she was collecting the rent. "Yes. I was surprised at her behavior."

"From firing all those men at the docks?" Whitney asked.

"No, from raising the rent. The poor guy who is the desk clerk is in a hard way right now. I can't help but wonder how many other places are struggling, too."

"Well, with all the men she laid off work at the docks today, there will be more struggling for sure. She's very heartless. But it upsets me that she purposely laid off so many people when work is needed."

"She's a very powerful woman, I suppose."

"Doesn't it bother you that she's causing havoc for the people in this town? It makes me physical ill." Whitney sat taller on the horse. "I wish I knew how to help them. Isn't it against the law to raise taxes like she's doing or laying off people from their jobs for no good reason?"

"Sadly, no it's not a crime." Jake shook his head.

"Well, it should be." Whitney paused briefly and turned to look his way. "Why were you down by the docks?"

"I saw the thief. Which reminds me, how is your leg?" he asked.

"It still aches. I really should have stayed in tonight, but Connie needed something to settle the belly."

Silence grew between them again, but thoughts churned in Jake's head, bringing up more questions that needed to be answered. "Mrs. Brooks, when we first met a year ago, I had wanted to find you after the party and talk to you more." Her frame stiffened, so he continued. "A few days later, I heard from Mrs. Randolph that you had been in a carriage accident. I would have come to visit you, but I was trailing a thief."

She smiled, but he could tell it was forced. He was sure she dazzled many men, but he would be cautious with her.

"I was in good hands, Marshal Sterling. It was a terrible ordeal and I'm glad I've recovered... mostly, anyway."

She stopped her horse in front of a lower-end hotel. A small barn sat off to the right of the building. A few horses and a buggy were housed inside.

"Let me help you." Jake dismounted quickly and hurried to assist Whitney off the horse. She seemed to dismount without any problems – until both feet touched the ground and her leg buckled. Jake quickly slid his arms around her waist to hold her up. "Are you certain you don't need a doctor?"

Her palms pressed against his chest as she stared up into his eyes. "I just need some rest, Marshal. Thank you for seeing me back to the hotel."

Whitney's gaze slowly moved over his face as if trying to study him. He was enthralled by her beauty, even if she was in men's clothing. He enjoyed seeing her blonde hair cascade over her shoulders and back. And, although they stood in the shadows, her magnificent green eyes sparkled. He waited for her to step back, but she seemed satisfied with his arms around her. He certainly didn't want to break the contact either. His gaze dropped to her mouth. If something didn't happen soon, he'd be mighty tempted to sample her sweet heart-shaped lips.

Her breathing had quickened, but she slowly pulled away. She turned and grabbed the cane from the horse's saddle before moving toward the hotel. She paused and looked at him as if she were thinking of something to say.

"I'll take your horse to the barn," Jake said in a voice that was too deep to be his own.

"Again, thank you. Marshal, would you care to have breakfast with me in the morning?"

Jake couldn't believe what he was hearing, but he'd be foolish if he didn't accept. He needed to keep close to her to find out what Conrad was up to. She had stepped into the light from the outside lantern, casting a glow on her angelic looking face. Now he couldn't wait to see her in a pretty dress, looking like a woman.

"I'd be honored." Jake smiled, wondering why his heartbeat was leaping with excitement. "When would you like me to come for you?"

"Eight o'clock. Is that too early?" she asked, sweetly.

Jake detected achange in her voice. Whitney was acting more confident and less nervous. Whatwas this woman up to? He couldn't wait to find out.