George frowned. “Not sure I understand how it would have made a difference.”
“Are you with the town paper, sir?” Madison scowled.
“No, Doctor, I assure you I’m here on my own.”
“You say you’re new in town. You’re not here for a physical ailment...but you’re gathering information on Miss Stuart...” His gaze drifted over the file on his desk.
George held his breath, praying he’d left the file in the same spot and condition the doc had.
“Well, Mr. Masters, I have no more information to give you on Miss Stuart, and I’ve pressing matters to attend to, so if you aren’t ill as my maid had indicated, I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to leave.” Madison stood, forcing George to do the same.
“If you ever are ill, feel free to make an appointment.” Madison’s gaze narrowed.
“I sure will, Doc.” George strode through the door.
Once outside, he scanned the placid, tree lined street. Next, he planned to pay a call on Miss Elizabeth Baker.
Chapter Eight
Tuesday afternoon, Quinn escorted Cassidy to town square for supplies. She strode through the mercantile to the druggist, extracting the list of items she needed from her reticule.
“How do, Miss Cassie.” The druggist, Mr. Henson took her list. After scanning, he nodded. “Be just a few minutes, ma’am.”
She smiled, then approached Quinn, who examined items on the shelves. He picked up a porcelain shaving mug and rubbed his clean-shaved jaw. “Reckon I could use one of these. Mine’s chipped.”
The bells above the entry door jingled, drawing her gaze. Miss Baker entered, fiddling with the strap of her reticule. Quinn’s head jerked up, and Cassidy tried to hide a grin. His eyes widened, his mouth gaped. Her older brother seemed enchanted by the blonde-haired woman.
Miss Baker maneuvered her bustle through the narrow aisle and nodded to Cassidy. The teacher’s smile wavered as her gaze settled on Quinn. Her delicate brows rose.
Cassidy cleared her throat. “I hope you’re well today, Miss Baker.”
“And you as well, Miss Stuart.”
“How’s your arm?”
The teacher glanced downward. “It’s fine.”
Turning to Quinn, Cassidy gestured. “Quinn, allow me to introduce Miss Baker. She’s the new school marm. And Miss Baker, this is my older brother, Quinn.”
Miss Baker’s gaze rose to meet Quinn’s.
Cassidy glanced at Quinn, then back to the teacher. Although she didn’t know the woman well, she appeared nervous about something. Cassidy cleared her throat. “He’s been interning at the hospital in Harrisburg.”
“Oh, I see.” Miss Baker bit her lip.
Quinn frowned. “Yes, ma’am. Mighty pleased to meet you.”
She blushed. “Will you be in town long, Mr. Stuart, or should I say, Doctor?”
“Either is fine, ma’am. I’ve just finished my internship and plan to stay in town for good.”
Miss Baker cleared her throat. “Well, I surely hope to see you again soon.” She turned to the druggist as he returned with Cassidy’s items.
“How may I help you, ma’am?” he asked.
The teacher produced a small piece of paper. “If you have these items on hand, sir, I’d be most grateful.”
The druggist scanned the list. “I believe I do, ma’am. If you’ll allow me to take care of Miss Stuart, I’ll be right happy to look.”
“Thank you, sir.” Miss Baker stepped back to allow Cassidy access to the counter.
As she paid for the supplies, she couldn’t help but steal a glance back at Miss Baker. Something seemed to be bothering the teacher. Unless she was just shy around new men. Of course, Cassidy would never pry into another’s business.
****
George entered the mercantile and glanced around. He needed some tooth powder and a new toothbrush, as well as information on a woman named Miss Baker. As he surveyed the shelves for the items he needed, he caught sight of Cassidy standing at the counter.
He stepped toward her, the familiar lilac scent wafting to him. She didn’t notice he stood behind her as she picked up a packet of scented soaps from her basket, lifting each under her pert nose, she closed her eyes and sniffed.
He stepped closer.
She turned and gasped. “George, what are you doing? You nearly scared me to death.” Her lush lips parted, stirring his body to react to old, but delightful memories.
“I’m here for supplies,” George said. “Ran out of soap and shaving cream.”
She adjusted her hat. “I reckoned you’d be leaving town now you’ve seen to your pa.”
He shrugged. “I’m not ready to go quite yet.”
She swallowed. The slender curve of her ivory throat enticed him. He had a sudden urge to lean over and kiss the pulse point, then work his way up to her full lips. In a haze, he realized she’d said something and eyed him with a raised brow.
“Uh, pardon me?”
She quirked her luscious lips. He could almost recall the taste but longed to refresh his memory.
“You said you’ve been to California and New York, but never told me where you’ve living now?”
He cleared his throat. “New York City.”
“You’ve a home there?”
He shrugged. “Can’t really call it a home. I’m living in a hotel.”
“Oh.” She glanced away. “Well. Be sure to stop by the house before you leave. Quinn and Sarah are home. Reckon they’d like to say hello. Quinn was here with me earlier today, but I had to stop back again because Sarah coerced me to purchase her favorite soaps.”
“Well, I would enjoy seeing your brother again, but Sarah...if you recall, she didn’t much like me. And I can imagine she hates me since I left you. And Quinn’s likely none too happy with me either. I wouldn’t be surprised if he punched me in the jaw.” He glanced around the store, glad Cassidy’s brother wasn’t with her.
“Well, I don’t want you to leave again without at least saying goodbye.” She gazed at him, then turned toward the counter and engaged in conversation with the clerk.
George stood frozen to the spot, not registering their chatter as she paid for her purchases. Was she serious about him paying another visit to the house, or being polite?
****
After first checking at the boardinghouse and finding she wasn’t in, George discovered the elusive Miss Elizabeth Baker at the one room school house. The only one in town. He stood outside the school, as eight children of varying ages raced past him on their way home. A few of them shot him curious glances, but most seemed intent on escaping their studies for another day.
Through the glass paned windows, he glimpsed the school teacher moving about. She must be tidying up the classroom before leaving. George had no intention of going to the door. He didn’t want to frighten or corner her. He’d wait until she left for home, no matter how long it took.
He passed the time eyeing a flock of sparrows chattering in the trees overhead, beating their tiny wings against the branches. And he thought of Cassidy. Regret washed over him. Why had he left? Had he been afraid to try to make a life with a woman who truly loved him? He sighed. Likely, he’d returned much too late to do anything to change her opinion of him. She’d never trust him again. And he couldn’t blame her.
When Miss Baker finally opened the door, she halted, her eyes widening. He didn’t move from the spot on the grass, his back against a massive oak. She backed away, hand still on the doorknob, light brows drawn.
“Ma’am.” George stood but didn’t approach. “I’m sorry if I frightened you. I just wanted to ask a few questions.”
Her gaze darkened and her throat worked, but she didn’t close the door or move from the doorway. Used to charming information out of people, George couldn’t afford to frighten the teacher. He stood his ground, not daring to draw closer.
“I wanted to ask you about Dr. Madison.”
A white hand rose to her throat, and her gaze nar
rowed. “Why ask me about him?” She glanced about as if searching for help.
George raised his hand. “Please, ma’am, I mean you no harm, I swear. All I want to do is ask you a few questions about your visit with the doctor.”
She bit her lip.
“If you’d allow me to come a bit closer, we wouldn’t have to shout.”
Her gaze darted about, and she tightened the blue plaid shawl around her shoulders. He should have brought Mrs. Claymore with him. She would have had a calming effect on this timid, young woman. Or maybe, if the children hadn’t rushed off after school, she would have been less scared.
She stepped toward him, but halted. He held his breath, afraid any move would send her scurrying in the other direction. Like a wild rabbit who had been chased by a wolf. Or worse, screaming her lungs out for help. A few feet from his position, she stopped again, her brow knitting into a scowl.
“Why do you want to know about my doctor visit?” She worried her bottom lip with her teeth.
“I’m investigating Dr. Madison.”
“Why?” She scanned the school grounds, like she expected someone to jump out and grab her.
George sighed. He didn’t want to reveal himself as a Pinkerton agent, but he had to gain her trust. “Because he harmed a patient in his former practice...in Philadelphia.”
Miss Baker frowned. “Harmed a patient? How?”
“My client...” He spread his hands. “He told me the doctor assaulted his daughter.”
The schoolteacher’s eyes widened and her mouth gaped. “I... all he did was examine me and apply antiseptic to my arm. Nothing else...” She blushed a bright pink.
“Are you sure that’s all he did, ma’am? If he hurt you...”
“No... Of course, he didn’t...” She turned and raced back to the schoolhouse, slamming the door behind her.
George stared after her. Her demeanor told him more than her words. But he didn’t dare approach her. Maybe in a few days. He didn’t reckon she’d spill anything to a man, anyway. He needed someone who could draw her out.
****
Scott leaned back in his chair nursing a glass of bourbon. At midafternoon, empty tables and stools at the bar signaled an off time for the local tavern. The solitude allowed his thoughts to drift to the lovely school teacher. At her next visit, he’d go a bit further, and if his actions didn’t scare her away...well... A smile flitted across his lips as he raised his glass. So long as he could control her, he wouldn’t have to fear repercussions, like with the bitch in Philadelphia, who went running to her father.
He frowned. But now he had Mr. Masters poking around in his business. Who was he anyway? If not with the paper, perhaps he was with law enforcement. Had the bitch’s father sent Masters to find some new evidence to discredit him? If so, and he connected with Miss Baker, they could disgrace him with more vicious gossip and accusations. And that did not fit into his plans, not one bit.
After Miss Stuart had botched the Tasker birth, he’d thought his fortune was turning around. Scott planned to rake in the townsfolk as the only reliable doctor left in town. He wouldn’t allow anyone to ruin his chances of starting over, no matter what he had to do to stop them.
The bartender sauntered toward him, but Scott waved him away, dropping a bill onto the counter.
“Leaving already, Doc?” the burly man asked.
“I have some pressing business to attend.” Scott stood and straightened his coat, lifting his hat to his head. Maybe he’d just pay a call on Miss Baker to be sure she hadn’t talked to the man. And then, he’d find out just who this Mr. Masters really was and what he should do about him.
Chapter Nine
“George!”
George glanced up from his usual corner table in the tavern where he’d been taking most of his meals. He recognized the familiar voice: Cassidy’s brother.
Quinn stepped over to the table, his grin widening. “Ma and Cassie told me you were back in town. I’ve been hoping to run into you.”
George fingered his jaw, trying to assess Quinn’s mood. “Have a seat, unless you’ve come to sock me in the mouth.”
Quinn laughed. “Don’t think I didn’t want to five years ago, but time heals...at least I hope Cassie’s gotten over you.” He pulled out a chair and sat. “She told me you were in town to pay respect to your pa.”
George nodded. “There’s a bit more to it than that.” Quinn had been a great ally when they served together during the war. George might have to reveal some part of his purpose here in order to recruit Quinn’s help and gain his confidence. “I can’t say too much, but I’m concerned about what a doctor named Madison is spewing about Cassidy.”
Quinn glanced around the tavern. “I’ve been in Harrisburg, but she told me he’s been trying to take our patients. If he has his way, the whole town will belong to him, and our practice will be ruined.”
“I hear tell he had problems with his former practice in Philadelphia. A patient complaint.”
Quinn straightened. “That so? Now I’m extremely interested, George. If I could meet you somewhere private...” He glanced around at the few patrons and the serving woman. “... away from prying eyes and ears.”
“Come by my hotel room in a few hours.” George drew a few bills from his coat pocket and placed them on the table. “I’m trying to gather evidence from one of his patients here in town. A young woman.”
Quinn nodded. “I’ll be there.”
****
Cassidy cornered Quinn as soon as he arrived home. She wanted to let him know what she had planned now that he was home for good.
As they settled at the kitchen table, she set a slice of pie before him. “I have some ideas for the practice...at least I had, before Dr. Madison had to come and ruin it all.”
Quinn raised a brow. “What did you have in mind, Sis?” He lifted his fork and dug in.
Cassidy leaned her elbows on the tabletop and folded her arms. “Well, with you back and the few patients I’ve been able to hold on to, I thought, you wouldn’t really need me all that much.”
“Just where is this going?” He set his fork down. “Of course, I’ll need you.”
“Well, once we rebuild the practice, if that’s even possible now. But I thought, with you here, I could apply to medical school.”
“What school?” He frowned.
“The one you attended in Philadelphia.” She glanced at him, daring him to utter a protest.
He pushed a hand through his hair. “Well, Cassie, I think that’s an admirable idea.”
“You do?”
“But...it’s hard for a woman to get accepted to that school.”
“I’ve heard of women attending medical schools,” she protested.
“Well...” He swallowed. “How about we discuss this after dinner? I have an appointment in town right now.”
“All right,” she agreed. But she had to wonder if Quinn would betray her by using the same arguments Papa had to keep her at home as his assistant.
****
George glanced out the window, catching sight of Quinn strolling toward the hotel. Although he had to tell the man something, he’d avoid revealing his true identity. At least for now. He waited for the rap at the door, then opened it to Cassie’s brother.
“C’mon in.” George motioned him into the room, then closed the door.
Quinn settled on the one chair in the room. George sat across from him on the bed.
“So, George, what do you know about Madison?”
“Reckon I should start at the beginning.” George leaned forward. “I was living in New York City with no money but gambling earnings, when who did I meet but Colonel Wellingham. Remember him?”
“Do I!” Quinn grinned. “How’s the old man doing?”
“Well...” George spread his hands. “It seems he had a run in with Doc Madison in Philadelphia. His daughter had catarrh, and the doc examined her.”
Quinn leaned over on his elbows. “And?”
“Le
t’s say, the doc got a bit personal with the young lady. He took liberties and she slapped him, then ran out of the office half naked. When she told her father, he confronted Madison, but he denied the whole thing, blaming Wellingham’s daughter. Accused her of being a strumpet who accosted him.”
Quinn whistled. “What did Wellingham do?”
“He believed his daughter’s story, of course, and threatened to call in the authorities.”
Quinn nodded.
“But Madison’s father, Dr. Horace Madison, is a very wealthy and prestigious physician in Philadelphia. He apparently has a lot of politicians in his pocket, so the colonel wasn’t able to press charges against Scott Madison. He later learned the doc had left his father’s practice and disappeared. Wellingham wondered if he’d gone somewhere else until the gossip about the incident cooled down.”
“What happened to his daughter?” Quinn asked.
“She was disgraced. She quietly married a man who’d served under the colonel. They moved out west to avoid ostracism. But Wellingham heard a rumor about Scott setting up practice in a small town in Pennsylvania. He investigated and found out he was in Burkeville. Knowing I was from here, he asked for my help.”
“So, you’re here to investigate and get some new dirt on Madison.”
“I surely hope so.” George rose from the bed and paced. “I respect the colonel and want to make things right for him and his daughter, as well as getting a dangerous man out of this town, so he can’t prey on any more young women.”
Quinn grimaced. “I’d like to see him out of here, too. Cassie’s had a hard time keeping up the practice with him in town and now the Tasker deaths have added to the fire. He’s accused her of being incompetent.”
“I know. I hate to see her blamed for something not her fault. I want to see this bastard not only run out of town, but if I catch him harming a patient, the colonel could bring the law into it as well. I just need proof.”
Quinn looked up. “You mentioned a young woman in town...”
“I went to his office, pretending to be a patient. I saw a file on his last patient. A Miss Elizabeth Baker.”
Cassidy's War Page 6
