Free Wings of the Morning (Kensington Chronicles) by Lori Wick

long
    moments.
    Of course, he thought to himself. That might explain why
    Jenny is so interested in her, but is that safe? Does Tate realize
    this?
    "Are you still with us, Dolly?" Buck wanted to know when
    Tate addressed a question to him and he didn't answer.
    "I'm sorry," he said smoothly, pulling himself together
    mentally. "What were you saying, Tate?"
    "I just asked how this voyage went. I think you mentioned
    seeing Lord Hawkesbury?"
    74
    "Yes. I even spent some time with him and his wife. It was a
    good trip overall, especially since I had some time with Hawk.
    Something funny happened when I was in London, however."
    "Tell us about it," Jenny urged when Dallas paused To
    everyone's surprise he turned to Smokey.
    "Do you have a brother, Smokey?"
    "No." Smokey answered after a surprised moment, knowing
    she sounded as breathless as she felt.
    Dallas chuckled and shook his head. "I thought you might
    because I saw a sailor on the dock in London who looked very
    much like you. I mean, he had a knit cap on his head and baggy
    clothes, but it was his face I really noticed He really looked
    enough like you to be your twin brother."
    The room had grown so silent after this little story that
    Dallas' doubts returned in a flood. When he spoke again,
    there was no laughter in his voice. After sweeping the room,
    his eyes pinned Smokey to her chair.
    "While Hawk and I were visiting, he mentioned the latest
    rumor to me. He said Smoke is a woman. Can you imagine?
    You might find it amusing," Dallas went on, even though he
    obviously didn't think it funny at all, "but when I saw that
    sailor who looked like you, and remembered your name was
    Smokey, my mind ran in some pretty ridiculous directions.
    I've actually been thinking ihatyou might be Smoke." The soft
    emphasis he put on the word "you" caused shivers to run up
    Smokey's spine, but she forced herself to reply.
    "I wear baggy clothes when I'm working," she softly stuttered.
    "And a knit cap over my hair.' Smokey barely got the
    words out, thinking she might be sick:
    "Dallas must have seen you just before you headed here
    with that shipment for me," Tate put in carefully, not at all
    pleased with the way his brother-in-law had handled this.
    Tate's words caused Dallas to look slowly around the
    room. They all knew! Buck, Tate, and Jenny all knew she was
    Smoke. For some odd reason, he felt betrayed. He was also
    furious with himself for not taking the time to see Jenny that
    morning to gain some answers.
    75
    Though Dallas was unaware of just how angry he appeared
    at the moment, Smokey caught it all and blamed herself. She
    stood awkwardly, once again stuttering when she spoke.
    "I'm going to turn in now. I have a big day tomorrow.
    Thank you for a lovely supper." Before anyone could gainsay
    her, she made her way from the room on legs that could barely
    support her. She was just out of earshot when Jenny let Dallas
    have the full blast of her fury.
    "How dare you!" she spat at him in rage, coming to her feet
    in one magnificent move. "How dare you treat a guest that
    way in my home. You embarrassed the life out of her! You
    could have come to me, but no, you waited until you had an
    audience and then humiliated the life out of my friend"
    Jenny would have gone on, but she was turned suddenly
    with Tate's hands on her arms. His voice was strict, but his
    touch was tender. "Calm down, Jennifer. I'll talk with Dallas. I
    don't want you this upset right now."
    "He had no right--"
    "I know," he gently cut her off. "But if you don't calm down,
    111 call the doctor." He pulled her into his arms then and held
    her until she relaxed against him. He gave her a loving hug and
    kiss, and then held her in front of him, his eyes locked with
    hers.
    "Go upstairs and check on Smokey. I'll be up in a moment."
    He released her when she gave a small nod and saw her to the
    door. Dallas spoke as soon as the door was shut.
    "I'm sorry, Tate. I didn't mean to upset anyone."
    "I realize that,