“As do you.” Robert pulled his stool closer to the table and motioned for Gerald to flatten his palm. Placing the needle, he injected the drug just under the skin.
Gerald flinched. “I don’t think that’s even necessary.” Cool tingles spread across his skin, moving up along his knuckles. “How am I supposed to drive with a numb hand?”
Robert huffed. “Let Ruby take the wheel. She’s getting pretty skilled.”
“She’s not prepared for city traffic.” Gerald shook his wrist, the creeping cold unnerving, as if Marley’s ghost had taken him by the fingers and was luring him off to the grave.
“Never underestimate her, my friend. If she set her heart on it, she would be driving circles around you. Ruby is the definition of determination.”
“I don’t doubt it. It seems to be the primary trait in your family. I wouldn’t be subjecting myself to this if it weren’t true.”
“And since you admit it, I’m going to do a more thorough examination than you agreed to. And you will submit with no complaints.”
Gerald’s stomach tightened. “I will? See here—”
“Starting with the lymph nodes.” He reached for Gerald’s throat, his warm hands closing on either side of his jaw.
Gerald jerked back in his chair, grasping Robert’s wrist with his good hand. “This is completely unnecessary.”
“We have a few minutes before the anesthetic finishes taking effect. Humor me and pretend to be an adult.”
Gerald grunted, releasing his grip.
Robert probed the nodules above Gerald’s collar. His brows crumpled as he ran a thumb along Gerald’s neck a second time, fingers tracing a path on the opposite side.
Gerald’s mouth dried. “You have a lousy poker face.” He brushed his friend away, checking for himself. The nodes seemed enlarged.
Robert frowned. “Have you been unwell? Besides the burn, I mean?”
“Only a little tired. But with the hours . . .” Gerald swallowed, pressing his fingers against the glands. Swollen. Not necessarily alarming. On its own. He glanced down at his palm, numb and lifeless. A prickle wandered up his arm, like a spider climbing a silken thread.
“Let me check the ones under your arms.” Robert’s voice grew husky.
“Not now.” Gerald pushed him away. “Ruby’s expecting me. Just do the biopsy. If you find something, then we’ll talk.”
Robert reached for the scalpel. “You can bet we will.”
* * *
Ruby sat perched on the iron bench, gazing out over the water of the Golden Gate. The gusting winds caught loose tendrils of hair and blew them across her face. She captured the strands with quick fingers and tucked them behind her ear, not wishing to miss the glorious view.
Gerald stood behind her, one hand shielding his eyes from the sun. “Quite different than the last time we were here.”
She glanced up at him, her hat’s silk draping fluttering in the breeze. “I agree. Come down here so I can see you.”
He sat, resting an arm behind her shoulders. “I’ve been anticipating this moment all day.”
Ruby ducked her chin, suddenly self-conscious. “How did things go with Robert?” She touched the gauze swathing his palm. “Did you find anything? Was it a fungal infection, like he guessed?”
He drew the hand back, tucking it under his coat, and stared out toward the waterway. “We won’t know for a while. He’ll be running tests on the tissue samples.”
Ruby gazed at him, memorizing every nuance of the man’s face. His eyes shone in the late afternoon light, but tiny lines gathered around them, like threatening storm clouds. Life had been hard for so many weeks. Surely they’d earned a moment of peace. If she could just accept it.
He tightened his arm about her shoulders, drawing her closer. “What was it we discussed last time we were here?”
The day remained etched in her memory. “You spoke of your faith. How this place always reminded you God’s in control.”
The corner of his mouth hitched upward. “You sound as if the topic’s been heavy on your mind.”
“Perhaps. Yes.” Ruby traced a finger up his wrist and let it settle on the bend of his arm. “I’ve never been good at trusting. In anyone.” She closed her eyes for a moment, her throat thickening with the emotion of the words. “It was hard to give in to Him. To you.”
Gerald cupped her cheek, the sensation sending a fluttering of wings through her insides. “So, I wasn’t the only one seeking your heart?”
She let her mind wander over the past months. Had God been trying to get her attention? Even before she came to San Francisco? “I think God has been calling to me, too. Asking for control over my life.” She shivered, the sea air tugging the ends of her scarf.
Gerald stroked her jaw line with his thumb. “He’s not content to be a genie in the sky, granting a few wishes now and then. He wants to be Lord in our lives. Placed first in our hearts, above all else.”
“I can put Him first.”
“I know you can.”
“But, if I do, will He protect me this time?” She swallowed hard. I hate sounding so weak.
Gerald’s hand stilled, his eyes searching hers. “Not necessarily. God doesn’t always choose the easy road for us. But He always chooses the best path.”
“I hope He’s a better driver than you.”
Gerald pulled back, his face aghast. “You still think I’m a wild driver?”
She gripped the lapels of his coat and tugged him close. “I think it’s a wild existence. It’s like we’re all driving automobiles with no brakes. We’re careening through life trying not to hit anything.”
He touched his bandaged hand to her chin. “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather go crashing through life with than you.”
Ruby leaned into his shoulder. “Let’s skip the crashing part.” For now, she wanted to believe everything would be all right. If just for this one moment.
33
Gerald tugged at the feather pillow until it nestled perfectly under his neck. Sleep eluded him, the day’s thoughts and worries spilling over into the night, as if he’d not given them enough focus during waking hours. He rolled to his back, staring up at the ceiling. A sliver of light from the streetlamp illuminated the fine web of cracks—reminders of the earthquake. He passed a hand along his throat, fingers stopping at the lump on the left side. It could mean anything. Or nothing. He clenched his fist, the pressure driving away the nagging ache in the base of his palm. What if Emil was right?
He’d spent the last two weeks basking in the glow of Ruby’s attention. Since the evening in the garden, he’d walked around with a permanent smile etched on his face. Being constantly surrounded by chaperones provided a rare challenge, but Gerald had managed to claim a few more kisses since the fateful night. One at their picnic yesterday and three more in the shadows of the grape arbor after supper. This morning, Ruby had waited until Robert was busy with rounds before she casually visited the office to inquire about a new patient. At this rate, they should marry before Robert and Abby. Not a bad idea. Unless . . .
He rose from the bed and retrieved his trousers from the wardrobe. Perhaps a glass of water would wash away the tight feeling in his throat. It was senseless to sit here stewing. Better to wait until Robert had the results.
Gerald pulled the door open as Ruby emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped about her head like an elaborate Turkish headdress. His anxious thoughts scattered to the winds. “Sort of late for a bath, isn’t it?”
A flush of red trailed upward to her ears. “A lady appreciates a little privacy, at least until she’s put up her hair.”
Gerald leaned against the doorframe. “It’s my house. I’m obliged to know who’s roaming the halls at such a late hour. You could be a burglar.”
“An unwanted houseguest, perhaps, but not a burglar.” She tightened the belt on her housecoat.
“I’d hardly call you unwanted.” Gerald swallowed, the scratchy dryness in his mouth reminding him
why he’d risen in the first place.
As she moved to pass him, Gerald grasped her wrist. “I’m in earnest, Ruby. I’ll always thank God for sending you here.” The touch of the silky gown against his knuckles sent an unexpected tremble up his arm.
Ruby’s eyes trailed up to meet his gaze. “This isn’t how I expected things to turn out, that much is certain.” She stood still, not pulling away from his grasp.
He ran his fingers up her arm, the fabric doing little to dispel the warmth radiating from her skin. Gerald cupped a hand behind Ruby’s elbow and drew her a step closer. The curve of her neck beckoned, and he longed to bury his face there and not emerge for hours. His heart hammered in his chest. Don’t be a fool. “I shouldn’t detain you. You must be chilled, fresh out of a hot bath.”
Her gaze darted down the deserted hall before a smile claimed her lips. She stepped into his arms. “Not so much. I just . . . what if someone wakes up?”
Gerald settled his hands on the small of her back. “You’re probably right. One kiss.” He lowered his head until his lips brushed her cheek.
She turned in to meet him, her soft mouth pressing against his, her hand catching the side of his face.
A jolt of electricity shot through him. He pulled her up to her toes, the kiss deepening. Ruby’s sigh sent his thoughts spinning. He kissed her again, his lips wandering down to her jaw line as he wound a hand behind her neck, under her damp hair.
She exhaled with a shudder. “I need to go.”
“I know.” He breathed the words into her ear, pulling her into a long embrace. “Because if you kiss me like that again, I’ll never—”
A sound from downstairs sent Ruby jerking back as if she’d touched a live wire. She stumbled into the hall table, sending a glass vase rocking.
Gerald snatched up the vase, grabbed Ruby’s hand, and pulled them both into the shadows.
Her fingers dug into his arm. “Someone’s downstairs. Who could be awake at such an hour?”
Faint sounds drifted up the stair. A door clicked shut and footsteps sounded in the entry.
“It’s Robert. He’s just getting home from the hospital.”
She covered her mouth with a trembling hand. “He can’t find me here. He’s already sensitive about us.” She glanced back toward the room she shared with Abby, but it was at the far end of the hall.
“Come with me.” He pulled her into his room and closed the door, holding the knob so the latch wouldn’t click.
She tugged at his elbow, her large eyes glimmering in the darkness. “If he finds—”
“Shh.” He leaned against the wooden panel, wishing he were on the other side. The ache in his throat intensified. What was he thinking, bringing her in here? He glanced across the room at the tousled bedcovers. Robert’s going to hang me. “Where’s your dog?”
“With Abby. She let him sleep on the end of her bed once, and now he thinks he owns it.”
The soft knock caused his heart to wedge somewhere below his Adam’s apple. Discovered already?
Ruby’s eyes widened as her hands clutched at the neckline of her gown. Her mouth fell open as she mouthed the words: “What do we do?”
He motioned her to the corner.
The tap sounded again. “Gerald? Are you awake?”
Gerald swallowed, his chest afire. He darted a final glance at Ruby, pressing herself against the wall, before he opened the door a crack.
Robert stood in the hall, his derby still upon his head, dark circles around his eyes. “I need to speak to you.”
Gerald coughed twice, hoping Robert couldn’t hear Ruby’s rapid breathing. He searched his friend’s face. “Now?”
Robert took a step closer, gripping the doorframe with one hand. “Can I come in? I don’t want to wake anyone.”
Gerald stepped into the doorway, blocking Robert’s path. “Perhaps we should go down to the study. I believe Ruby left the bath a few minutes ago.” Left the bath and came into my room.
Robert’s eyes narrowed. “And you’re arranging flowers?”
The glass slithered around in his sweaty palm. Gerald pulled the door shut behind him and thrust the vase back onto the table. “I noticed someone had moved this into my room. I was just returning it.”
The image of Ruby crouched in the darkness sent a quiver through Gerald’s stomach. What if they’d been trapped in there together? How long before he made a mistake they’d both regret? Once he drew Robert downstairs, she’d escape back to her own room. No one would be the wiser. And we’ll both be more careful from here on out. No more midnight rendezvous. Not until he could put a ring on her finger.
Gerald shook himself, pushing away the enticing thought. Such a day was still a long way off, no matter what he desired. He followed Robert toward the stairs, the floor icy against his bare feet.
* * *
Ruby pressed herself against the wall until the men’s footsteps receded. The glow from the streetlamp cast ghostly shadows on the drapes. A stack of books sat on the bedside table, perhaps selected from the tall bookshelf lining the far wall. What was she doing here? She brushed fingertips across her lips, still warm from Gerald’s kiss. Ruby pulled her gaze from the unmade bed.
Cinching her dressing gown tight around her waist, Ruby pressed an ear to the door before grasping the knob. What if Gerald’s mother or Abby were awake? What would they think seeing her emerge from his room in such a disheveled condition? She held her breath and ducked her head through the opening.
Ruby hurried down the empty hall on tiptoes, ducking into the room she shared with Abby. Darkness enveloped her as her feet sank into the plush rug next to her bed.
The bedclothes rustled, Abby’s sleep-slurred voice echoing in the stillness. “Ruby? What’s wrong?”
Otto’s head popped up from the foot of Abby’s bed.
“Nothing. I—I didn’t want anyone to see me in my nightclothes.” Ruby tried to keep her voice light. The chill of standing around in her damp hair and dressing gown finally touched her, a shiver racing along her spine. She plaited the unruly curls with trembling fingers and covered her head with a sleep cap before jumping into bed and drawing the covers to her chin.
Otto jumped down from Abby’s bed and hopped up to Ruby’s. Padding down to her feet, he turned several times before collapsing with a sigh.
Cuddling with the soft quilt, Ruby closed her eyes. She could still feel the sensation of Gerald’s strong arms around her waist. They’d almost been caught. As mortifying as the idea seemed, it also brought a rush of warmth.
* * *
Gerald studied Robert’s hunched shoulders. Which of their patients had made a turn for the worse tonight? Another loss would only cause Emil and the others to cast further doubt on their research. His stomach soured. When had he begun thinking of the board over his patients?
Robert plopped into the upholstered chair in the corner of the study without bothering with the lamp.
Gerald pressed the switch, the brilliant light driving the shadows into hiding. “Who is it? Mr. Thurber?”
His partner’s attention remained riveted on the floor. “No.”
“Miss Gaines?” Gerald paused. “You couldn’t have tangled with Dr. Dawson at this late hour. He’s prefers early rounds.”
An explosive exhale burst from Robert’s lips. “Why do you suppose I prefer working nights?”
Gerald hurried to his friend’s side. “Then what’s wrong?”
Robert lifted his gaze, his brown eyes piercing.
The walls seemed to press inward, the oxygen rushing from the room. Gerald sank into the chair, his heartbeat sounding in his ears. “The tissue sample?”
Robert finally pulled off the black derby, dropping it on his knee. His hair lay plastered in a ring around his head, as if he’d spent hours walking the streets before returning home. He raked fingers through the strands. “I’m not positive yet, but . . .”
Gerald leaned forward, lowering his face into both hands. The gauze scraped against
his cheek. “What is it?”
Robert’s voice cracked. “Carcinoma.”
The word hung in the air like poisonous gas. Gerald fell back against the chair, his lungs refusing to function for a moment. He blinked, hoping he’d awaken and find himself back in his room.
“I’d like to bring Dr. Dawson in to confirm. If I’m correct, he can advise—”
“Advise?” Gerald sprang to his feet, his legs jellylike. “He’s the last person on earth I’d want treating any . . .” The words turned to ashes in his mouth, nausea roiling his gut. He pressed a palm to his brow, his arm trembling. “You and I know more about—about . . .” He choked, unable to say the word.
Robert stood and grasped his elbow. “Gerald, sit down.”
The floor seemed to gyrate, reminding him of the earthquake. Gerald locked his knees. “I won’t have Emil on this.” He glanced down at his clenched fist. Cancer? He sank down onto the seat, not trusting his legs.
“I could be wrong.” Robert strode across the floor to a pitcher of water in the corner and poured a glassful. He returned and handed it to Gerald. “The sample wasn’t completely consistent. We should take another.”
Gerald took a gulp of the tepid drink, the glass shaking in his grip. He plunked it down on the table. “Take the whole blasted lesion. I’ve got instruments in the cabinet. We’ll do it right now.”
Robert splayed his feet, folding both arms across his chest. “We’ll do it tomorrow at the hospital. But I want a second set of—of hands.” He glanced down at Gerald’s bandaged palm. “We need to bring someone else in. I’m your friend—I don’t want to be your physician.”
Perspiration dampened Gerald’s shirt, his throat closing. It couldn’t be cancer. “Say nothing to Emil, Robert.” The words hissed from his mouth. “It’d be all over the hospital by afternoon.”
“Lawrence, then. From his questions at the meeting, he’s obviously been researching X-ray-related injuries.”
Gerald rested his head against the curved back of the chair. “He’s little more than Dawson’s toady.” He sighed. “But I suppose he’ll do, as long as you swear him to secrecy.”
Beyond the Ashes Page 23
