A Nurse for Fallon

by Patricia Pacjac Carroll

  Chapter 14

  Fallon had let Addie walk him around the clinic for a few days. He could tell she was relieved that Charles’ father had agreed to keep paying her for another month. Doc was too and had told her he’d find some way to keep her in town.

  Peter had ideas of his own on ways to keep her in town. If he had a respectable job, he’d marry the woman. But he didn’t, and that was bothering him. He felt stronger every day and knew he needed to get out on his own, but he had nowhere to go.

  Finally, Doc pronounced him well, and it was time for him to leave the clinic. He had a hundred dollars stashed away in his old room at the saloon. That is if it was still there. Peter wasn’t looking forward to his talk with Gabe, the owner of the Ace Saloon, but it was something that he could no longer put off. They’d worked together for a couple years and had made each other money. Yet, it was an adversarial relationship with both men knowing to watch their back with the other.

  Peter left the clinic and walked into the saloon to a small chorus of cheers.

  Gabe came around from the bar and shook his hand. “Glad to see you up and around. When I found you on the floor that morning, I thought you were a goner.”

  Peter nodded. “I very nearly was. Gabe, can I talk to you in your office?”

  With a frown, the man nodded. “I didn’t replace you. Could have a couple of times, but I held your table for you.”

  Peter followed him to the office in the back.

  Gabe pushed open the door and kicked some clothes off the floor. He threw some packages off a chair and pointed to it. Then he walked around debris and sat at his desk. “I never was organized.”

  Peter grinned. “I see.”

  “So, you need more time off?”

  “No, I’m giving up gambling and the saloon life.”

  Gabe sat back and shook his head. “What?”

  “Somehow, when I was in that coma, the Lord talked to me, and when I came to, I read the Bible. I’m a believer now, and gambling and drinking is something I just can’t do. I’m sorry to leave you without a replacement, but that’s the way it has to be.”

  Gabe’s eyes narrowed. “Are you crazy? What do you mean the Lord talked to you?”

  “Just what I said.” Peter raised his hands. “I know it sounds crazy, and if I didn’t know better, I wouldn’t believe it either. But it’s real. I took the name Peter. So now, I’m Peter Fallon. I would like to clean out my things from my room if that’s all right.”

  Gabe stood and paced around the mess in his office. “I don’t know what to think. Have you told Dahlia?”

  “No. I saw the sheriff arrest her yesterday.”

  “Arrest her? No wonder she wasn’t at work yesterday. I was beginning to wonder where she’d gone.” Gabe sneered. “I halfway thought she was with you taking care of your head.”

  Peter went to the door and then turned. “You don’t think she would have shot me, do you?”

  “Dahlia? No, unless you did something to make her mad.” Gabe stared at him. “Did you?”

  “Not that I can remember. She didn’t say anything, did she?”

  Gabe shook his head. “No. She wondered a time or two how Charlie had walloped you hard enough to put you into a coma. That was it.”

  “Thanks, Gabe.” Peter held out his hand. “I know we had our differences, but you treated me fair.”

  Shaking Peter’s hand, Gabe grinned. “Fair enough, anyway. If you change your mind or that believing stuff wears off, you can work for me.”

  “Thanks, but I feel that I need to do something else.” Peter left the saloon. As he walked out, it was as if a heavy burden fell from his shoulders, and he felt free. Broke, but he was free.

  He’d found enough money in his room to stay in the hotel for a few days. Peter shook his head. His only means of support had been saloon work. That was out. Surely if the Lord meant him to quit his old life, He would provide something else.

  Stopping outside the café, Peter thought about getting something to eat, but then he thought of Dahlia. She might need help. He really didn’t believe that she would have shot him. He set aside his hunger and walked down the street to the jail.

  Peter pushed open the door.

  Sheriff Fitzgerald looked up at him. “Fallon, I see you’re up and around. I guess Dahlia won’t have to face a murder charge.”

  “Can I see her?”

  The sheriff nodded to the back. “Go ahead.”

  Peter opened the door to the cells and looked for her. She was at the end cell sitting on the bed.

  She looked up and saw him and ran to the cell door. “Fallon, am I glad to see you.”

  “Dahlia, are you, all right?”

  She shrugged. “I didn’t shoot you. Whatever they might tell you, it’s not true. I was mad all right, but I didn’t shoot you. I don’t know who did. Anyone could have taken my derringer.”

  Peter put his hand in the bars. “I’ll see if I can get you out of here. I won’t prefer charges.”

  She held his hand. “Fallon, is it true that you’ve left the saloon? That you won’t work for Gabe any longer?”

  “Yes, what I said was true. I’m a new man, Dahlia.”

  She let go of his hand and stepped back. “I don’t suppose the new you is interested in little old me?”

  Peter looked at her with sadness in his heart. “I’m afraid I need to go on alone and discover what it is I’m to do.” He hardly thought a saloon girl would fit in with his new life.

  “Thought so. Good thing I’m in jail and don’t have my gun. I might be tempted to finish the job.” Dahlia laughed. “Just kidding. You go on and live a good life, Fallon. Maybe you can get the pretty little nurse to marry you. She’s more your style, now.”

  Peter shook his head. “I’m not interested in anyone right now. I feel I need to get my head on straight.”

  “You look good to me, Fallon. If you change your mind, I’ll be here until the sheriff lets me go.” She went and sat on her cot and watched him.

  “I’ll do what I can for you, Dahlia. By the way, I go by Peter Fallon now.” He nodded to her and left the cell area.

  On the way out, he stopped by the sheriff’s desk. “Any way that you can drop the charges against Dahlia?”

  The sheriff shook his head. “No, the charge is attempted murder. I can’t let that go. It’s not up to you.”

  “Just thought I’d try. I know she didn’t do it.” Peter stopped at the door. “Does she have a lawyer?”

  “Nope. Doubt if Higgins would take her case. Not much money to make on a saloon girl.” The sheriff stood and walked to the door. “You might think of getting out of town. If she didn’t shoot you, that means the person who did is still on the loose. I’d hate to see something happen to you now that you’re decent and all.”

  Peter shook his head. “You’re a cold one, Sheriff. Someday you might need some mercy. You might want to think about that.” He turned and left the jail. He and the sheriff had never gotten along, not that it was so unusual for a gambler to be crosswise with the law.

  But at times, Peter thought it was more than just their jobs that interfered. He’d always thought the sheriff leaned hard on Dahlia. Almost like he was interested in her, but Dahlia hated him. Peter had never asked her why she didn’t like the sheriff, but then not many people did.

  Peter pulled out the money in his pocket. Maybe it would be enough for Higgins to take her case and represent her. As it was, most of the town had it in for Dahlia. The woman enticed the men to make fools of themselves, and their wives hated her for every drink they took in the saloon.

  Dahlia, she was something. She’d been angry with him for not getting serious with her. But he’d had a rule that no women while gambling. He’d seen too many gunfights between men over saloon girls, including those not nearly as pretty as Dahlia.

  Peter walked to the lawyer's office and knocked on the door, and was surprised to see Charlie open the door.

  “You have a meeting with your
lawyer?”

  Charlie laughed. “Sort of. I’m in training to become the town’s newest lawyer.”

  Peter smiled. “You’re kidding?” Peter reached out to shake Charlie’s hand. “Congratulations. I bet you’ll make a good lawyer.”

  “I go by Charles now. Something about putting away childish things.” He grinned. “We’ve had kind of a strange time of it, haven’t we?”

  Peter nodded. “Yes, we have. The two wild scoundrels of Lawrence now both becoming respectable men.”

  Charles invited him in to sit down. “Did you need anything?”

  “Actually, I was here on business. I’d like to hire Higgins to represent Dahlia.”

  “Really? I’m sure he’ll take the case. You don’t believe she shot you, do you?”

  “No, I don’t. And if Dahlia didn’t, that means someone else did, and they are still out there. I don’t think the sheriff is going to look further either. I tried to drop the charges, but he wouldn’t let me.”

  Charles wrote down the information. “Do you know of anyone else that has a derringer like Dahlia’s?”

  “No, I’m sure it’s her gun, but that doesn’t mean she used it to shoot me.”

  Charles held the pencil at ready. “Who would want to kill you, Peter? Not like you were a totally respectable citizen, yet who would want to see you dead?”

  Peter grinned and pointed at him. “You for one. We were constantly at each other. But I doubt that you would use a derringer to kill me. Most of the businessmen in town have been taken at my gambling table a time or two. But I can’t really think of any that would be mad enough at me to try and kill me.”

  Charles looked at the window. “Just a minute. I need to tell Sam something.” Charles ran outside and spoke to a boy on Charles’ horse.

  Peter watched as Charles spoke to the kid, and then he patted the horse.

  Charles came back in and sat down in front of his pad of paper. “The race and card game for Sinbad. That made some people mad.”

  Peter stared at him. “Yes, you’re right. You know who was the maddest, don’t you? Sheriff Fitzgerald had his eye on the horse all along. I strung him out for a hefty wager. Then I had to let you take the horse. That was a major loss in my career.”

  Charles scribbled on his notepad. “The sheriff should be a prime suspect. He threatened you and me as I recall. I still see him glare at me whenever I ride by.”

  Peter nodded. “You might mention that to Higgins. Where is he anyway?”

  “He’s checking on something for me. I’ll be sure and give him your message. Where are you going to be staying?”

  Peter pointed to the hotel. “I have enough for a room at the hotel for maybe a week. Hopefully, I can turn up a job somewhere.”

  Charles slapped the notepad at Peter’s chest. “You might talk to the preacher as much as you’re starting to sound like one.”

  “I might just do that.” Peter pointed at him. “Don’t forget about Dahlia.”

  “I won’t. As soon as Higgins gets back, we’ll talk over the case. Be sure and let us know where you’ll be staying.”

  Peter nodded and left the office. The preacher? Why hadn’t he thought of that? Peter started walking up the street to the white-washed building at the end of Main Street.

  Chapter 15

  Addie rushed to finish up work at the clinic. Tonight, Charles had promised to take her on a buggy ride. They’d been meeting for lunch, and she’d grown fond of him. He was nothing like the scoundrel she’d met that first day in Lawrence.

  Peter was another changed man, but he stayed away from her. He’d found a room in a small hotel at the hard end of town. She felt sorry for him because he seemed at a loss as to what to do with himself. She admired that he was determined to stay out of the saloon and that line of work.

  Charles had taken in Sam, a young orphan boy. They made a cute team of it with Sam doing errands when he wasn’t in school. Although while eating meals at Gretchen’s, Addie had heard Louisa make disparaging comments about the boy. She didn’t like the idea that he was in school. Even though Louisa had no children in the school.

  Addie couldn’t imagine why the woman went on so. Addie enjoyed Sam’s company when he was with her and Charles.

  Although, tonight, she hoped it would be just she and Charles. It would be a full moon tonight. She was going to bake some cookies to take along and bring a jug of lemonade. Not exactly the way a man would court a woman in Baltimore, but she thought they’d enjoy a nice night.

  Not that Charles was officially courting her. Yet, Addie could hope. She loved the town of Lawrence and enjoyed working for Dr. Baker. And Charles? That first day she couldn’t stand him, but he’d grown on her. He was a charmer. And now, he was going after a respectable job.

  Addie left the clinic and ran to Gretchen’s House. Dinner smelled wonderful, but Charles had said he was bringing a picnic basket full of delicious food from the café. Addie ran upstairs to her room and quickly changed out of her uniform.

  She grabbed the light blue skirt and blouse she’d bought just the other day. Stopping at the mirror, she hurriedly brushed her hair and then tied the scarf around her neck. Ready, she grabbed her wrap and ran down the stairs.

  Gretchen called to her. “Addie, where are you going in such a hurry?”

  “Charles is picking me up.”

  Missy peeked around the corner and grinned. “Have fun, but not too much.”

  Addie waved and shook her head. “I’ll be back before too long. We are going to watch the moon come up over the lake. But don’t worry, Sammy is our chaperone.”

  Walking out the door, Addie heard her friends making remarks, but they were all in fun. Although just about everyone at the boarding house had warned her about Charles. It was going to take time before they really trusted that he’d changed.

  She stepped off the porch and saw him coming in a buggy. He was smiling that charming grin of his, and Addie had to admit, her heart leaped when she saw him. She had fallen for him. Just like Nurse Harrow had cautioned against back in Baltimore.

  “Adelaide, you be careful. It is so common for nurses to fall in love with their patients. I don’t recommend it. But have a good time, dear.”

  Addie had to grin as she remembered the smile on Nurse Harrow’s face as she gave the warning almost as if it were a blessing. Well, at least Charles hadn’t been her patient. Although it wouldn’t have taken much to fall in love with Fallon either.

  Charles stopped the buggy and jumped out. “I’d say that was perfect timing. Let me help you in. I’ve got a picnic, a blanket, and lemonade. The lake is only thirty minutes away, and the moon should almost be rising over the hill.”

  “I can’t wait. It’s a beautiful evening.” She handed him her plate of cookies and wrap, then gathered her skirt to climb into the buggy. Seated, she waited for him to come around to his side. “Where’s Sammy?”

  “He’s riding Sinbad and will meet us there.”

  She looked at him. She would have to be on guard. Not that she didn’t trust Charles, but then again, she was falling in love with him. Her heart was happy, and she gave out a contented sigh, glancing at him as he got in the buggy.

  “I’ve been thinking about this all day. Can’t hardly believe we’re together without Higgins or Fallon. I’m thinking of adopting Sam.” He glanced at her as he picked up the reins. “What do you think about that?”

  Addie adjusted her bonnet. “I think it’s a lovely idea. Sam needs a family, and I think you’ll make a wonderful father.”

  Charles grinned. “You do?”

  “Yes, I do. You’ve obviously come through some rough patches in your own life and can help steer Sammy around them. Plus, everyone needs someone to count on.”

  Charles clicked, and the horse started down the road out of town. “And you, Addie. Who do you count on?”

  She sat back and grinned. “Let me see. There is Doc, Nurse Harrow from Baltimore, and my parents in West Virginia. Oh, I don’t vi
sit much, but I do write them, and I know they would take me in at any time.”

  Charles nodded. “There comes that time when you break away, doesn’t there?”

  A dark cloud enveloped Addie. “Yes, for me, I had to leave after my fiancé died. I haven’t told you about him. Robert. He died of a head wound and was in a coma, like Fallon. Robert’s wound was much worse, and he never regained consciousness. But I stayed at his side for three weeks.”

  Charles took her hand in his and held it tenderly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up any sad memories.”

  She nodded. “That was several years ago, but because of the pain, I couldn’t go back to West Virginia or my parent’s home as it was also Robert’s hometown. I needed to get out and start a new life.” She smiled at him. “Just like you’re doing. I’m so proud of you.”

  He grinned. “Thank you. It won’t be easy. Yet, I feel more alive than I have in years. Mostly, when I think about you.”

  She blushed. If she were honest, she’d admit the same thing. Even just waiting for him to pick her up at the boarding house, she’d been bubbling with life thinking about the evening together.

  Charles reined the horse around a bend and then up a small hill. The sun was setting just across the lake and sprayed colors of purple and pink along with a vibrant red and orange.

  “It’s like God painted the sky just for us.” He took her hand in his and wrapped an arm around her shoulders to hold her tight against him.

  Addie rested against him. His warmth was sinking deep into her heart, and she never wanted to leave this moment. “It’s beautiful. I’ll never forget this moment.”

  He stared at her. “There’s only one thing prettier, that’s you. The kindness and love I see in your eyes. Could it possibly be for me?”

  She nodded. “Yes, I don’t know how I could fall so quickly or so deeply for you, but I have. Perhaps it is the love I see in your own eyes.”

  Tenderly, he kissed her. “Yes, you do see love in my eyes. We might be going too fast. I’ve hardly known you. And, to be honest, I don’t even know this knew me.”