Forever Hidden

by Tracie Peterson

  Taking a rag from the table, he went to dust the shelves and books one final time, but his nose began to twitch and a fit of sneezes overcame him. Stupid dust. Oh, how he hated the way it stuffed him up.

  “God bless you.”

  Geoffrey spun on his heel. A man stood there. “I’m sorry, I must not have heard you knock.” How strange that the man would let himself in.

  “My apologies.” The man before him was attired in a fine suit and had his hair slicked back in the latest fashion. His stance was one of complete confidence—almost arrogance. “I came to introduce myself.” He bowed ever so properly. “Judas Reynolds, at your service. I own Reynolds’s Shipping and Freight.” The man stuck out his hand.

  “Dr. Geoffrey Kingston. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He took the outstretched hand and shook it. But something made the hair on his neck prickle.

  Mr. Reynolds sat on the settee, crossed his legs, and lifted his right arm to the back of the couch. Looking like he owned the world. “I service all the doctors in the area—well, I am the only shipping company—and so if you have need of anything, simply let me know and I will get it ordered for you.”

  “That’s good to know. I will probably need to make an order pretty soon, once I inventory everything that Dr. Gordon still has in stock.”

  “I figured as much. I must say, it’s good to have some fresh blood in this town. Our doctors have been such sticks in the mud. Old fashioned, you know what I mean.” He waved his hand and nodded as if Geoffrey would agree with everything he said. “I’ve been waiting for a man such as yourself to get here.”

  “Oh?” A ripple of pride coursed through him. It would be nice to be looked upon as respectable and full of wisdom. But weren’t the other doctors relatively new as well? Maybe they were old? Or was the man referring to Dr. Gordon?

  “Yes.” Mr. Reynolds leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees. “In fact, I have a business proposition for you.”

  Business proposition? The rich types were all alike. Always wanting to be first in line or top of the list. “I’m a doctor, Mr. Reynolds. I will treat all of my patients with the utmost duty and respect. There will be no special treatment.”

  A rough chuckle left the man’s lips. “I’m not looking for special treatment as a patient. I’m looking for a business partner. Doing exactly what you were doing at your last location. In Wichita, was it?”

  Geoffrey felt the blood drain from his face. His knees went weak, and he sat down in a chair across from his guest. How had he been found out? He forced his tone to remain calm. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about, Mr. Reynolds.”

  The man tsked and shook his head. “Oh, I think you know very well. And I think you would make a fabulous business partner. I’m sure I can get my hands on all the fake medicine you want. Just like in your last city. Then we can charge a good sum to make a profit. Over time, if your patients get sicker, we can give them the real stuff, but at a higher price. As a last resort, you understand.”

  This man knew everything. But how? Geoffrey had changed his name. Gone back to school to get his medical certificate in his new name. How could this be?

  “I can see that you are bewildered.” Mr. Reynolds stood. “Let me be very clear, Herbert Winthrop. I know who you are. I’m not asking for much. Just the opportunity for a lucrative business.” He looked down at his nails and flicked a piece of lint to the floor. “Are we in agreement?”

  All Geoffrey’s hopes and dreams crumbled around him. No matter what he did, he couldn’t escape his past. And he’d thought he’d come to the very ends of the earth. Was there no way out?

  No. Not without money or prospects.

  He had neither.

  Geoffrey swallowed the defeat in his throat. “If I agree to this, you’ll keep my past a secret?”

  “So you can start a new life and be known as the good doctor? Of course.” Judas Reynolds extended his hand again. “You have my word.”

  “And you’ll order the real medicine so that I have it on hand for a crisis?”

  “Absolutely. I’m the last one to want to see an epidemic. I’m not heartless. But you and I both know that most people don’t need medicine anyway. Their ailments are all in their minds.”

  He had no choice. Geoffrey gave a brief nod. “You have a deal.”

  John put on his best shirt and pants. Looking in the mirror, he hoped it would suffice. He hadn’t been to a party in a while. Especially not one where his boss was hoping to surprise his daughter, and where the three granddaughters were all young and beautiful.

  As he walked over to the main house, he hesitated. He didn’t have a gift for Mrs. Powell. Would it be improper for him to show up without anything? Well, it was too late for him to do anything about it now. He would simply have to apologize.

  Chuck’s daughter was a kind woman. But how could she ever have fallen for a ne’er-do-well like her late husband? Chuck had told him all about the high hopes he’d had for his son-in-law and how it ended in tragedy. Melissa Powell and her daughters deserved better. Still, the younger Powell women had seemed to adore their father. Though why, John hadn’t quite figured out. Not that it was any of his business.

  Stepping up to the front porch felt strange. He always entered through the back door, but his instructions had been clear.

  The door swung open and Chuck greeted him with a smile. “So far so good. She has no idea.”

  “Has everyone arrived?”

  “Yes. They’re all hiding in the parlor. Melissa went to dress for dinner, because I told her we were going to the Roadhouse for a special concert that Herb asked the girls to give.”

  “Sounds like you’ve thought of everything.”

  “I sure hope so. We’ve never been able to pull something like this off.” Chuck shook his head. “Now get in here so we’re ready when she comes down.”

  John did as he was told and found a group of men huddled in the corner. Awkward was the best word to describe them all. Typical men, not fond of parties. Unless they were given in their honor.

  No. Not even then.

  Madysen ran into the room, her green skirts swishing as she whisper-shouted to everyone. “Quiet. She’s coming!”

  Havyn and Whitney entered the room, looking beautiful. Their dresses looked like they were made of the same green fabric as their younger sister’s. The fabric shimmered in the light.

  Whitney took her seat on the piano bench. Havyn picked up a violin and bow.

  Melissa entered, pulling on a pair of gloves. “Are we about ready to—”

  “Surprise!”

  Shouts emanated from all over the room as people jumped out of their hiding places.

  Melissa put a hand to her chest, shock on her face. “Oh my gracious. What is this?”

  “Happy birthday!”

  “Blessings to you on your birthday!”

  The salutations echoed from every corner.

  Mrs. Powell’s hands went to her cheeks. “But it’s not my birthday!”

  “We know!” Chuck went to her side. “That’s why we planned it for today. There was no other way to surprise you.”

  She blinked several times. “I can’t believe it.”

  Chuck took his daughter’s hand and led her to a seat at the front. He gave his granddaughters a nod.

  Havyn lifted the violin to rest under her chin, a serious look on her face. Whitney began playing something lovely on the piano. Gentle and sweet, it began to build, like something exciting was about to happen.

  Madysen stood up and addressed the crowd when Whitney paused after the opening notes of her accompaniment. “And now, Mother, for another surprise.” She clapped her hands together and bounced on her toes. “Havyn has prepared Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major, opus thirty-five.”

  Mrs. Powell’s eyes went wide as her mouth made a tiny o.

  And then . . .

  The most glorious sounds came out of Havyn’s violin.

  After a few seconds,
the entire crowd was enraptured. Oohs and aahs were heard around the room.

  As the song progressed, Havyn’s fingers flew over the strings as she moved the bow, creating the most beautiful music. John couldn’t take his eyes off her. With her eyes closed, her expression drew him in to the music.

  When the violin paused, John caught the sound of the piano. Oh! Whitney was also playing. As she accompanied her sister, her whole form seemed to be engaged with the grand piano.

  Time stood still. John didn’t even want to take a breath for fear he might interrupt the beauty of the music. The clock chimed and a quick glance at it told him an entire half an hour had passed. His focus returned to the redheaded beauty and her violin.

  Madysen slipped into a chair beside him. “This is my favorite part.” Her voice was hushed. “She’s amazing, isn’t she?”

  “Yes. She is.” John watched as Havyn played notes so fast he couldn’t even comprehend the hours it must have taken to practice such a piece. The music built and built, with Whitney leaning over the piano and almost appearing to attack the keys. Havyn’s hands flew faster and the notes grew higher. When the piece was finished in a robust finale, she took a deep breath, and let the bow fall to her side.

  The crowd surged to their feet and applauded. Cheers of encore were shouted. Havyn curtsied and then motioned toward her sister, who stood from the piano bench and curtsied as well.

  Before the clapping stopped, Madysen joined her sisters at the front and Whitney nodded.

  “‘Rock of Ages cleft for me . . .’” Whitney sang the first line clear as a bell and held out the last note of the phrase.

  “‘Let me hide myself in Thee.’” Havyn joined her sister in harmony, and they held out the last note again.

  Chills ran up John’s spine.

  “‘Let the water and the blood . . .’” Madysen had joined them now. The blend was so beautiful, John couldn’t figure out which voice was which.

  “‘From thy wounded side which flowed. Be of sin the double cure . . . Save from wrath and make me pure . . .’”

  As the girls continued with the verses of the beloved hymn, John found himself taking a deep, satisfying breath. How he’d missed music. His father had taught him back in Italy, but when he and Nonno came to the States, the music ended. And it had left a large hole.

  A hole that was now filled to overflowing by three sisters and their amazing talents. He looked from one to the other. They were beautiful.

  But for some reason, his attention kept going back to the one in the middle.

  Havyn.

  Their gazes connected and he swallowed.

  Chuck elbowed him. “I saw that.”

  “What?” John’s collar felt like it was getting tighter.

  “Oh, this is going to be fun.”

  Eight

  Chuck leaned back in his chair. He couldn’t remember ever feeling so . . .

  Exhausted.

  Six more calves had been born in the middle of the night after the party. He had purposefully staggered the cows’ breeding so they’d always have calves to sell and trade, as well as plenty of milk. The system worked well, but took its toll.

  The constant worry about when his body would fail him again plagued his mind. John was a huge help and was learning fast, but last night . . .

  Chuck shook his head. Whatever made him go out to the barn by himself? He hadn’t wanted to wake his new foreman, but it just hadn’t been smart. While helping one of the cows, his legs went out from under him again. His head twinged, and it took several moments for him to gain enough clarity to even think about standing up.

  It was all too clear that he needed to see Dr. Gordon soon. Before the man left for his long trip. Time to stop worrying about how bad the prognosis would be and find out what was going on.

  He’d meant to see Doc this morning, but the day had passed in a flurry of work. As he made his way just now to his study, he worked to breathe deep. To keep his heart from racing.

  He leaned down to unlock the bottom drawer of his desk, where he kept a stash of gold nuggets and the ledgers. Let other men trust banks with their money. No robbers or crooked bankers would see, let alone have access to, his money. He had gold hidden in different places on the property.

  He pulled out the ledgers to go over the numbers, but he couldn’t focus. It would be good for him to hand this off to John soon.

  Melissa and the girls didn’t know how much money he had. When he was gone, they could rest knowing that he had provided for their futures. While his girls hadn’t known a lot of want since their father died, they still worked hard to keep the farm prosperous. They weren’t spoiled or demanding. Chuck and Melissa had both wanted it that way. By teaching them to do for themselves, they would never lack for provision. And because they’d learned to trust in God, they would never want for hope. With those two things . . .

  His girls would be able to face life without him.

  Thinking of them brought the sting of tears. He wasn’t ready to leave them. Not yet. They brought him so much joy. And they needed a strong male figure in their lives. Someone to protect them. Someone to walk them down the aisle when they got married. Someone to be great-grandpa when the time came.

  Please, Lord, let me be around for that time.

  Doc Gordon had been telling him what to do, things to help him improve for a while now, but Chuck had ignored it all. It was probably time to act on it. Especially if he wanted to be around for the future.

  Bowing his head, he placed his forehead in his hands. Father, I know I don’t deserve all You’ve given me. I’ve failed You in so many ways, but I need Your grace and Your help. I don’t want to leave my girls with a mess. But have I done the right thing? Is the contract with John right in Your eyes? He is such a good man. Thank You for bringing him here. . . . I hope I didn’t scare him off by pushing so soon. He let out a sigh. I’ve been so stubborn in ignoring Doc’s advice. Forgive me, Father. Help me to do what’s right now. Don’t let my foolishness hurt my family. Please.

  A tap sounded on the door.

  “Come in.” Chuck lifted his head.

  John appeared in the doorway. “Two more calves.”

  Chuck smiled. “Just now?”

  John nodded, walked over, and sat in a chair. “We definitely are going to have our hands full.” The smile on his face showed how much he enjoyed the work here.

  “That we are. Well, I should say . . . you are. I think it’s time for you to take over a lot of the responsibility. I was just thanking God for bringing you here.”

  The smile slid off John’s face. “Are you all right? Has something happened?”

  How much should he tell him? Probably everything. But he was too weary tonight. “No. But I’m feeling the need to cut back soon. I’ve been ignoring Doc’s orders to slow down for too long. You’ve got a handle on most everything now.”

  “I hope so. But I’m sure there’s still a lot to learn.” John placed a folded paper on Chuck’s desk. “And I’ve made my decision.”

  “Oh?”

  “I signed the contract. The more I prayed about it, the more I knew in my heart that God brought me here.” John pressed his lips together. “But I have a request.”

  “Go ahead.” Chuck leaned back in his chair. Thank heaven John would be there. Just in case.

  “I don’t want the ladies to know about it. I understand your need for this contract for the ease of your mind, but I think we should keep it between us. And once the good Lord allows me to marry, then I’ll ask you to draw up a new contract. But it will be more of a will and last testament. I don’t ever want them to think that I did any of this for your farm or your money.”

  “That’s very honorable of you, John. And thank you for acquiescing to an old man’s request. I’ll keep it locked up here in my desk.”

  “Thank you.” The younger man stood. “Well, I’m pretty beat. I should probably head to bed. Good night.” He turned toward the door.

  “John?”
>
  “Yes, sir?” He looked over his shoulder.

  Chuck put his hand on the ledgers. “There’s a lot more that I need to tell you. The books here. Things that Melissa doesn’t know about the money and how I pay the workers. But I’m exhausted. Why don’t we meet in here tomorrow night after dinner?”

  “I’ll be here.” John put his hand on the doorknob. “Oh, and one more thing?”

  Chuck raised his eyebrows.

  “I’ll be the one to help the cows birth in the middle of the night from now on. Agreed?”

  How did he find out? Oh well, it was for the best. Chuck couldn’t help but chuckle. “Agreed.”

  The feed bucket swinging at her side, Havyn hummed a little tune to her chickens. What a glorious day. The sun was shining, the snow had melted down to a thin layer that glistened like diamonds, and she’d played the concerto for Mama without a single mistake.

  Not only that, the family had pulled off their mother’s surprise party! She’d talked of nothing else since the party and had thanked them all at least one hundred times.

  Last night, Havyn and her sisters had discussed it at length. Now that they’d actually surprised their mother and helped her to have a happy birthday, they weren’t sure what to do next year. But they all agreed that they better come up with something soon so they could plan.

  What a joy it had been to see her mother’s face beam with shock and then pride as Havyn began the violin concerto. Overall, the evening had been perfect. Absolutely perfect.

  Working her way around the chicken yard, Havyn hummed a romantic tune and let her thoughts wander. More than once at the party, she’d noticed their new foreman watching her. While she didn’t know John very well yet, her heart did a little flip every time she saw him. She looked down at the chickens and shrugged. “Maybe it’s the accent.”

  Ethel clucked and chattered her response.

  “I’m glad to see that you agree. Best to keep these things in perspective, you know.”

  Several of the other chickens voiced their opinions. Well, at least what Havyn imagined was their opinions. Why didn’t more people have chickens as pets? They were good companions and they actually gave something back to the relationship. Eggs.