“Jimmy, why don’t you take your wife out to the kitchen? I am sure Lizzie would welcome a cup of tea. I know I would. I’ll call you when we’re ready.”
Jamie saw his ma was reluctant to leave, but at a nudge from his da, she kissed him on the forehead and taking Lizzie’s hand, left them to it. Once the door closed behind them, he started to shake. He couldn’t control his body.
The doctor rushed to his side.
“I couldn’t save him, Doc,” he blurted. “I did everything I could. So did Mitch. But he fell in to a deep snowdrift and it was so cold.”
“Who fell? Barry?”
“Yeah, we got him back out but he was freezing. It was so cold and we didn't have anything to warm him up. We finally found some shelter, but I don’t think Barry woke up. Not really. He opened his eyes but not for long. We sort of dragged him for the last bit. I swear we did everything we could.”
“Calm down, Jamie, and speak slowly. So, Barry fell into the snowdrift when you were leaving the factory?” she asked.
“Yes, soon afterward. It was snowing so hard, we couldn’t see where we were going.”
Erin made him take long deep breaths before she would let him speak again. It was a horrible sort of relief to tell his whole story.
“And then, when he fell into the snowdrift, you rescued him and brought him into shelter, in the middle of the snow storm,” Erin said, smiling reassuringly.
At least that’s what he thought she was doing. He kept talking. Once he’d started, it was like opening the floodgates. “We half-dragged, half-carried him for a while. We couldn’t find anyone. Then we spotted a small shelter and we made for that. At some point Barry wanted to lie down and just sleep, but it was still snowing and cold. We got inside and I had to let Barry sleep as I tried to get a fire going. He wouldn’t move. He wouldn’t do anything. When I tried to wake him, he…w…w…” Jamie couldn’t continue.
“From what you’ve said, Jamie, I think your friend died of hypothermia. There was nothing you could have done to save him. Even if he had been found and brought to a hospital, given the temperatures we had and the fact he fell into the snowdrift, he would likely have died.”
“But his ma said…”
“His ma is talking from grief. She isn’t thinking rationally. They said he was found half dressed?”
Jamie nodded. How could he explain they’d been so cold, they’d stripped their best friend’s body. They did it to survive. Well he had. Mitch hadn’t wanted to do it but he’d insisted.
“The policeman said the café owner told them about the body and when they found it, he wasn’t fully dressed. He wasn’t either. When we knew he was dead, we stripped him. Not fully.” Jamie looked everywhere but at her face. “It was so cold and we had only a couple of blankets with more holes than anything. I thought Mitch was going to die too. I couldn’t bear to be left alone. I am so sorry. So sorry.”
Erin let him cry for a bit. He knew it wasn’t the Irishman thing to do, but he couldn’t help himself. He’d been holding in his horror and grief for too long.
“Jamie, your friend Mitch owes you his life. The doctors at the hospital confirmed that to him, to his parents and to the police,” she said softly. “Jamie, Barry died and that is a tragedy. But it could have been so much worse. Now let me examine you again. I know I have done this before when you weren’t fully conscious but I need to be sure there are no lasting effects of exposure. I want to see your feet and hands and ears. Every bit that was exposed.”
As Erin examined him, Jamie stayed silent. When she seemed satisfied that he wasn’t in danger of losing any of his extremities, she suggested they call his parents back into the room.
“Wait doc. Have you heard anything about my brother Paul? ma didn’t mention him and I didn’t want to ask.”
Erin shook her head. Jamie closed his eyes for a second. Paul had to be okay. He just had to be.
When he opened them again, Erin said quietly, “no news is good news. I think it’s taking longer for everything to get back on track in New York than people expected. Your da wanted to go looking for him but I suggested your ma needed him close by. There was a lot of neighbors calling.”
Jamie could imagine the gossip. They would have a field day and his family would be the subject of their scrutiny. All because of what he had done.
“Jamie, you know people will gossip. Those who have nothing better to do but pick at other people’s lives in order to ease their own unhappiness. My best advice to you is to ignore everything. You know you did what you could and that is all that matters,” Doc Erin squeezed his hand as if trying to reassure him.
He nodded before asking hesitantly, “Do you think Lizzie will come back in? I’d like to explain to her. Tell her I ain’t no murderer.”
“Given Lizzie hasn’t really left your side since you returned, I think she already knows that.” Erin opened the door and Jamie could see everyone waiting on the other side of it.
“Why don’t you all come in?” Doc Erin asked.
They filed in silently.
“Lizzie, why don’t you sit on this side, and Jamie’s parents can sit on the other. I am delighted to tell you there is no long-term damage from what I can see. I would prefer if Jamie would stay in bed for the next two to three days. Just to be on the safe side.”
“Yes, Doc, whatever you think best,” his da said.
“No alcohol, but plenty of nice hot drinks. Some chocolate if you have it. Plenty of good milk. Let him eat when he is ready, small meals would be best. His stomach has been starved so a little and often works better than a large feast.”
The people around the bed stared at Jamie as if he were a figment of their imagination.
“I’ve spoken to Jamie at length about what happened. He will tell you in his own time. But from what I have heard, he’s a hero. The boy, Mitch, almost certainly owes his life to Jamie’s quick thinking. I believe Barry would have died even if he had been able to reach a hospital.” Doc Erin smiled at him before continuing. “I will provide the police with my professional opinion. I certainly hope this will be the end of anyone, and that includes you Jamie Headford,” Erin smiled down at him, “blaming Jamie for what happened to Barry. Unfortunately he wasn’t the only victim of the horrible blizzard.”
“Thanks so much for coming back again and again. I can see why Carmel Doherty thinks so highly of you, doc.”
Jamie could see his da was getting emotional talking to Doc Erin and it made his eyes fill up too.
“It was a pleasure Jimmy. You have a fine son and as for Carmel thinking highly of me– the feeling is entirely mutual.”
Chapter 42
“Oh Jamie, I thought you were dead. I don't know what I would have done if you had died. I’m really sorry for Barry but I’m so glad it wasn't you. That's makes me an awful person doesn't it?” Lizzie babbled as her tears flowed.
Lizzie had moved the chair she was sitting on so close to the bed, she could rest her head beside his arm. Jamie caressed her hair. His ma and da had finally left them alone. He had so much to say to Lizzie but now she was here, he was tongue-tied.
“Lizzie, I....”
She raised her head, her tears making marks down her cheeks. He gently wiped them away.
“Lizzie, we survived. Both of us. I was worried sick about you as well but we’re both alive. We won.”
“Oh Jamie, it was horrible and now they think Sadie might not walk properly again. How could something so awful happen to someone so nice?”
Jamie held her again as she gave in to tears. Bad things happened to nice people too. Wasn’t it the case with Barry?
“Lizzie we have to believe Sadie will be all right. Doc Erin is looking after her. She seems like a good doctor to me.”
“She is, so kind and caring and knows her stuff. You should have seen her in the hotel. She has it set up like a real hospital. Tommy thinks she saved our lives.”
“Is Tommy still with Sadie?”
Lizzie nodde
d, her eyes staring at him. He stared back and then his gaze shifted to her lips and back to her eyes. She leaned forward and kissed him lightly. He dragged her down closer so he could return the kiss properly.
“I love you Lizzie Carpenter and I never want to be without you again.”
“I love you too, Jamie. Don't you ever leave me.”
“I thought it was important for me to save some money so we could set up a proper home. That’s what I was waiting on. But the storm taught me a lesson. It's more important to be with the one you love than the place you live in. I want to be with you Lizzie, more than anything else in this world.”
“Oh Jamie, you can’t know how long I’ve wanted you to say something. I've loved you for ages.”
“Then why did you get all upset with me? You were so cranky before the storm.”
She pulled back, her eyes growing stormy. Had he gone too far?
“When?”
“That Sunday night when I walked you home,” he said.
“And you talked about nothing but how well you had played the game?”
Jamie stopped, opened his mouth but nothing came out. “Was that it?”
“I was waiting for you to kiss me but you just kept talking about a stupid game of football.”
“Oh!”
“Yes, oh!”
Jamie pulled her down and kissed her passionately once more. “Was that what I should have done?”
“Mmm maybe” she answered.
He pulled her closer so she was almost lying on the bed.
“Jamie, your parents will have a fit if they walk through that door.”
“They won't come in without knocking. They know I want to talk to you.”
“You call this talking?” she asked.
Jamie didn't reply but kissed her over and over again. Then he sat up straighter in the bed. He had to explain to Lizzie.
“Lizzie, listen this is serious. I want you to know I did everything I could to save Barry.”
“I know.”
“Shush. Listen. I did, but people may not believe me. You saw how Marcia reacted and she knows me better than most.”
“She’s upset her boy died. She’s grieving, she doesn't mean it.”
“Doesn't she? You weren't here when the police came. She wanted them to arrest me. Charge me with murder or something.” Lizzie shuddered, so he held her tighter. “Lizzie, other people may feel the same way.”
“Let them. I know the truth. Your friends know the truth.”
“Are you sure, because if you walk away now I won't blame you.”
“Walk away? Jamie Headford did you hit your head when you were out in that snow? I never walk away from a fight. I love you, you eejit. It took you so long to tell me I ain't going anywhere in case you change your mind.”
He grinned up at her, wanting to run away with her there and then. “I’ll never change my mind. Lizzie Carpenter, will you marry me?”
“Yes, Jamie Headford, I will.”
Chapter 43
“There has to be an easier way to do this,” Tommy said, attempting to shovel compacted snow that was frozen solid. There was no sign of anyone coming from the City to help them clear the snow off the streets, so he and some other men from the hotel had taken the task upon themselves, only to find it was a lot harder than they’d expected. “Maybe we could light some fires? That way the snow would melt and run off the streets. It would be much faster,” Aaron suggested.
Tommy grinned at Aaron as he had been thinking along similar lines. He was amazed how often they agreed on things. A deep friendship was developing between them and also with Robbie. He had heard Aaron hadn’t liked Robbie too much when they first met but now the two men got on very well.
“But how do we stop the snow falling down and crushing someone?” one of the men asked.
Tommy shrugged. He couldn’t explain to them how they should do it, he would have to show them. So he led the little group and together they started lighting small fires and clearing the mountain of snow blocking the streets around the hotel. Then Mrs. Murphy and some of her kitchen staff came out to throw ash and grit on the ground to make it easier for the horses to get through. The hotel was dangerously close to running out of supplies, so everyone helped in whatever way they could.
Robbie Fenton had told Tommy earlier that he’d called in every favor he could in order to keep a steady stream of supplies of milk, meat, fresh vegetable and other foodstuffs for the hotel. But until the men could clear the streets, it didn’t matter how much food he sourced. That was all the motivation they needed. The promise of free meals made the men work even harder. Rumors abounded of the high wages being offered in other parts of the city for laborers to clear the snow, but a combination of loyalty to Doc Erin and the promised meals cooked by Mrs. Murphy, on top of the wages Mr. Prentice was paying, was enough to keep most of the men working.
They had other visitors to the hotel, too. Tommy soon found himself acting as Doc Erin’s protector. Numerous reporters wanted to interview the female doctor who had saved so many people. They wanted to know the types of injuries she had treated, how many had died, and how they came to be at the hotel. He found the reporters were like a pack of rabid dogs, the gorier the details the more they wanted to know. When he found one young man harassing Sadie for information on her injuries he threw him out. Robbie arrived just in time to see the reporter land on the ground outside the entrance.
“I’ll sue you for this. I work for the …”
Robbie stood in front of the reporter, hands on his hips. “Doesn’t matter who you work for. You were trespassing and were told to leave. When you didn’t, you were removed. Now are you going to leave or do I have to make you?”
Tommy hid a grin as the reporter nearly fell over his own feet in his haste to escape, “Thanks for getting rid of him. He was bothering Sadie. Can you imagine he actually asked her if he could witness the amputation if she did have to go ahead with it?”
“Is that likely?”
Tommy stared into Robbie’s eyes. “We don’t know for definite yet but Doc Erin seems to think Sadie may be okay. We’ll know better in a few days.”
“Sadie lost her brother in the blizzard didn’t she?’
Tommy got the impression Robbie knew more about Stan than he was letting on.
“Yes, she did. They weren’t close though,” Tommy said.
“Good, he was a nasty piece of work. Pity he didn’t take a few more with him.”
“Ned Duffy seems to have thrived while others perished in the storm. According to local gossip, he charged everyone who sought sanctuary from the weather an arm and a leg to stay in his place.”
Robbie scowled. “The fleas on the New York rats have more compassion than Duffy has for his fellow citizens. But he will get what’s coming to him.”
Tommy didn’t want to know what made Robbie so sure. He almost felt sorry for Duffy knowing this man in front of him was intent on bringing him to justice. Almost, but not quite.
“I best get back, this snow isn’t going to shift itself. You could always grab a shovel and help?”
“Now Tommy lad, as enticing as that prospect is, I have to decline. I have some jobs to do for Mr. Prentice and they won’t wait, snow or no snow.” Robbie clapped Tommy on the back before he was gone.
Chapter 44
Days passed before Jamie was able to travel back to the hotel with Lizzie. They were going to visit Sadie, who was still recovering under the care of Doc Erin.
They walked in and were immediately met by Nora and a handsome young man.
“It’s good to see you up and about Jamie. Thought you would stay in bed forever, you lazy bones,” Nora said as she gave her cousin a hug.
Lizzie knew Nora was joking. She’d been just as worried as the rest of them. “Jamie, this is Robbie Fenton, my fiancé.”
“Nice to meet you Robbie, this is Miss Lizzie Carpenter, my fiancé.”
Nora squealed before dragging Lizzie into a big hug. “T
his is so exciting isn’t it? When are you getting married and where are you going to live?”
“Nora, why don’t you take Jamie and Lizzie into the lounge and I’ll fetch Sadie and Tommy,” Robbie suggested.
Nora nodded. Lizzie waited until Robbie had moved out of earshot.
“You did it then? How did father Devine react? What about your parents and Mrs. Doherty?” Lizzie asked.
“Gran was fine – she likes Robbie a lot. Mam is worried about my eternal soul and da, well, he has other things to worry about. I couldn’t care less what Father Devine says.”
“I wish I didn’t care what he said. He is a horrible man,” Lizzie said, her voice shaking. Jamie moved to sit beside her. Putting his arm around her, he spoke to Nora.
“Father Devine and Father Donnolly have been making life rather difficult for us lately.”
“But why? You’re both Catholics. Surely he can’t be against you getting wed?”
“Who’s getting wed?” a voice behind them asked.
“We are!” Lizzie jumped up to give Sadie a hug. Tommy was carrying her in his arms but put her gently down in the seat beside Lizzie. He then gave his sister a big hug and shook Jamie’s hand.
“We could have a double wedding if you like?” Lizzie said to Sadie.
Sadie didn’t reply, but cast a glance at Tommy. Lizzie turned to look at Tommy but he wouldn’t look at her. Something was up and she wasn’t sure what it was. It couldn’t be anything wrong between the couple as both Sadie and Tommy glowed with happiness.
“Did Nora tell you her news?” Sadie asked, as she looked between Nora and Lizzie.
“Yes, its wonderful. Isn’t it amazing? All three of us engaged, and it took a blizzard to make it happen.”
The three girls looked at each other. Lizzie wondered if the others felt as guilty as she did. So many had lost their lives in the blizzard with more injured and out of work, yet here they were celebrating their good news. Well, it wasn’t all good news. She exchanged a look with Jamie. He nodded.
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