Refining Fire

by Tracie Peterson

  Wade put something to her lips. “Drink.”

  She nodded in obedience. At least she could do that much. White-hot fire burned down her throat, and her eyes snapped open as if she’d been slapped. She coughed and gasped to get her wind, but the harsh liquor very nearly choked her.

  Wade pounded her on the back until she could regain her breath. “What was that?”

  “Whiskey.” Captain Jack held up a flask.

  “You told me you would never take another drink,” Abrianna accused, her head beginning to clear.

  “It was merely with me for medicinal purposes.”

  “And it helped to rally you around,” Wade declared. “Now stay awake and try to keep warm.” He looked to the sailors. “I think she’ll be all right. Can you get us up the coast a bit closer to her home?”

  “Certainly,” Captain Jack said, tucking the flask into his pocket. He barked out several orders, and the men went to work.

  Abrianna shook her head. “You are a bad influence on me, Wade Ackerman. Why, today I’ve done things that I’ve never done before and hope never to do again. You’ve quite compromised my good name by having me strip down to almost nothing and giving me whiskey.”

  “You weren’t down to almost nothing.”

  “I was close enough, and I’ll be surprised if my aunts don’t faint dead away. Especially once they smell liquor on my breath.” She could see the worry in his expression begin to fade. She smiled and continued. “However, I’m sure that once they realize how the rest of Seattle has fared, they won’t be giving me much thought, so I suppose I should thank you, instead of being upset with you.”

  “Yes, you should, as well as all your old sailor friends.”

  She pulled the blanket close. How would she ever be able to face those men at the food house again? The food house! It was probably burned to the ground. The thought sent her spirits spiraling downward.

  “Oh, Wade, it’s all gone, isn’t it? Your shop. The food house. Thane’s apartment, and the boat shop.” She heaved a sigh.

  “Yes.”

  The single word drove her sorrow deeper. “I’ve been so selfish.”

  “You saved those girls.” He shook his head. “Honestly, Abrianna, I don’t know how you found them or got them out. It’s a sure bet Welby didn’t try to save them.”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know if he even knew they were down there. He said he was seldom at the building, and his man, Carl, seemed awfully suspect to me. He was the one who didn’t want us to go down in the basement.”

  “Welby’s too much in charge not to know what was going on.”

  “You’re being awfully judgmental, Wade. We haven’t even asked him about it yet. You should reserve your judgment until then. I agree that it would be normal for a man to know what’s going on at his place of business, but Mr. Welby has many places of business, and I feel we should give him a chance to explain.”

  “Because he’s courting you?” Wade asked. “I didn’t think you even liked him.”

  She stiffened. “It’s not a matter of liking him or courting him, Wade Ackerman. I’m trying to be a good Christian and not judge him falsely.” She pushed away his hold. “I just want the truth.”

  Wade’s expression grew rigid. He crossed his arms against his still damp chest and leaned back against a wooden crate. “Sometimes you can’t see the truth of what’s right in front of you, Abrianna.”

  The fire proved impossible to stop no matter how hard Thane and the others worked to contain it. They first planned to keep it from moving farther than Front Street and the docks. They failed. The wind and weather offered no help, and the water-main pressure was very nearly exhausted. Thane couldn’t see how anything would stop this blaze but the grace of God.

  He prayed, but the words seemed hollow in his ears. He’d spent so long refusing to seek God that now he felt hypocritical. He’d barely gotten himself right with his heavenly Father and already he was pleading for divine intervention. Suddenly he felt helpless again. Helpless like when his father bullied him. Helpless like when he witnessed his mother’s murder.

  God, you know I’m no good, but some of these folks are. He thought of Militine and the school, of Abrianna and Wade. Would they ever come out of this alive?

  Around five o’clock Thane felt the wind shift. He looked up from where he’d been ripping up planks of sidewalk in hopes of creating a firebreak. “Look, the wind. It’s blowing the fire back onto itself,” he told the man working at his side.

  All of the men around him were strangers. He’d not been able to find his company, so he’d set to work with those nearby who needed him. Everyone stopped what they were doing to assess the situation.

  “God be praised,” one of the men murmured. “Maybe this will be our salvation.”

  They continued their work, ever hopeful, until the wind again shifted and began blowing from the northwest. It gave the flames new momentum, and the earlier encouragement faded. Thane saw how the fight had gone out of the men. He felt the same.

  By six-thirty one of the company chiefs came to tell them they were needed at Third and James Streets. “Third?” Thane asked, thinking surely the man was mistaken. Had the fire really spread that far?

  “Third,” the man replied. “It’s moving fast up James. We’re going to tear down all those shanties along the street and hope the fire won’t jump the gap and set fire to Skid Road. Places along there are nothing but kindling, even on a good day.”

  The men gathered all of their tools and hurried in the direction of the newest concern. Along the way Thane could see the extensive destruction. Buildings were ablaze from Front Street to Third. The heat was such that many of the firemen had been burned without ever coming in contact with the flames. Explosions sounded from the numerous hardware stores as ammunition and dynamite were ignited by the fire. Debris flew through the air, and brick facades collapsed as buildings gave way to the intense heat. It felt as if they were in the middle of a great war with death flying at them from every angle.

  At Third Street they turned on James and crossed over to lend aid to the workers already there. The smoke was thicker there, with intense fire at their backs. The Occidental Hotel, the finest in all of Seattle, suddenly exploded and roared into flames just a short way behind them. The temperature became unbearable, and the firemen were forced back.

  “It’s melted the fire hose,” someone announced. “There’s no hope for us now.”

  Men pulling one of the pumps hurried past them toward the fire. Even so, by the looks on the faces of the weary men, Thane knew they didn’t think it would do any good.

  “We’ve been at this for almost four hours,” the man at Thane’s right said, shaking his head. “Ain’t saved much of anything.”

  “The way I see it,” another man said, stopping long enough to wipe a sooty handkerchief across his sweaty neck, “we might as well let the fire have it.”

  Thane couldn’t give up that easily. He was just as worried and just as tired as everyone else, but some things were worth dying for, and this was one of them. Militine came to mind. He found himself praying again that she was safe and well away from the fire. They were to have been married tomorrow night. Now that would be impossible. Who knew if they would even survive this night?

  “I think it’s God’s punishment,” the man at Thane’s right added. “Just last week it was Johnstown, Pennsylvania, getting wiped out in a flood, and now Seattle is burnin ’ to the ground. Seems like maybe it’s the end of all time and God’s takin’ back the earth a piece at a time.”

  No one challenged the man’s thinking. Thane had no way of knowing if there was any truth to what he said. He hadn’t read the Bible, and short of listening to sermons in church and Wade’s occasional teaching, he hadn’t even known about God’s return. What if the man was right and God was taking back the earth a piece at a time? What would happen to the people? It was thought that over two thousand had died in the Johnstown flood. Had God taken those folks back, a
s well? Would He take some from Seattle? Maybe take them all?

  “Oh dear. Oh dear.” Miss Poisie was flitting about like a little bird. “Oh, Wade, what are we to do? We’ve packed as much as possible, but there’s only so much a person can take with them.”

  Wade tried to appear a pillar of strength for them, but in truth he was exhausted. The worry and fears he’d had for himself and Abrianna had taken their toll, just as the waters had.

  “Sister, calm down,” Mrs. Madison ordered. “Right now we must see to it that Abrianna is dry and comfortable.”

  “Oh, dear Abrianna, forgive me. This is all quite beyond me. I would take a bit of Dr. Dremer’s Syrup for calming nerves, but I’m afraid I might be of no use to anyone then.”

  “Well, do try to make yourself calm, Sister. There is nothing to be gained by fretting. We are all very worried about the fire and what we should do, but we must be strong. The ladies are counting on us to offer leadership.”

  Wade glanced over to see the older woman towel drying Abrianna’s curls. He tried not to worry about whether her time in the water would take some further toll. She looked very pale and small. He was so used to Abrianna being full of energy and life, willing and able to battle all kinds of giants who threatened to tear apart her perfectly ordered kingdom. In so many ways she was still such an innocent. At least she was, until today.

  Once she had time to think through why those Chinese girls were locked up and what Welby no doubt had in mind for them, she’d have a difficult time ignoring the evil generated by men like him. And certainly Welby had to have had a hand in all of it. Abrianna might be willing to question him first and listen to whatever story he chose to tell, but Wade knew otherwise. He’d once seen Welby on the docks with his men. There was also a small woman who had tried to run from them, but she’d been caught and put into Welby’s carriage. Those women in his basement were not there by mistake.

  “All right. Take her upstairs, Selma, and get her dressed. I want a word with Wade and Mr. Cunningham, and then we will decide what is to be done.”

  Before she could address her concerns, however, Lenore and Kolbein Booth were ushered into the house by Liang, the Chinese house girl.

  “Oh, Mrs. Madison, we wanted to come and check on you. Kolbein came from the city and everything is afire,” Lenore said, moving to the older woman’s side.

  “We know. Wade has just returned with Abrianna. They were there and very nearly consumed. They had to jump into the bay and be rescued in order to keep from being burned alive.”

  Kolbein stepped forward. “Are you all right?”

  “Abrianna got too cold, but I think she’s all right now,” Wade told him.

  “You must have had quite a shock, as well.” Kolbein nodded to the shawl one of the ladies had put around his shoulders. “Why don’t you come back to the house with me and I’ll get you some dry clothes.”

  “First we need to know what is to be done,” Mrs. Madison said. “Do you suppose we should flee?”

  “The fire is moving this way,” Kolbein replied. “I have no way of knowing whether it will continue in this direction or not. The wind is against it, but that hasn’t stopped it from spreading in all directions.”

  “Oh dear. Oh dear.” Miss Poisie popped back up on her feet. “It’s like the fires of hell. Oh, Sister, I’m quite distraught. Where are Miss Muffy and the others?” She began searching behind the settee.

  “Miss Muffy?” Kolbein asked.

  “The cat. One of three, actually,” Mrs. Madison replied. “We all are distraught, Poisie, but you must remain calm. We have to think of the girls here who depend on us. They are awaiting our decision and watching the fire from upstairs.” She turned back to the men. “Do we go or stay?”

  “I don’t think it would hurt to be overly cautious,” Wade said. “We could at least go up the hill and wait it out in the park. It will give us a good vantage point, and it seems that others are doing likewise.”

  “He’s right,” Kolbein said. “I’ve already sent my household staff away. Look, I have two carriages that we can use to get everyone out of here.”

  “And Wade just this afternoon brought us our new omnibus,” Mrs. Madison added. “Goodness, but it seems that was years ago. I’m afraid this fire has taken a great deal of my energy.”

  Wade thought she might well collapse and went to her side. “Why don’t you sit a moment.”

  She nodded and allowed him to help her to a chair.

  “Then it’s settled.” Kolbein turned to his wife. “Lenore, you stay here and help the ladies gather their things. Wade will come with me and change clothes, and then we’ll be back.”

  “We need horses if we’re to take the omnibus,” Mr. Cunningham said.

  “I’ll bring all I have,” Kolbein said. “After all, we can’t leave them to the fire. Just wait for our return, and we can help you.”

  Abrianna and Selma rejoined them. Abrianna had donned another of her old skirts and a well-worn blouse. Her hair was pulled back and tied with a ribbon, and Wade could see her color had returned. She was holding the cat Mrs. Madison called Buddy in her arms.

  “Oh, you found one of them,” Miss Poisie exclaimed, clapping her hands. “Now, if we can find Miss Muffy and Mr. Masterson.” She went to Abrianna and took the cat. “I shall put her in the laundry hamper, although I daresay she will not like it.” Miss Poisie paused, looking most perplexed. “Do you suppose she would prefer a wooden crate?”

  Abrianna ignored her aunt’s dither as she caught sight of her friends. “Lenore! Kolbein! Oh, have you seen the great tragedy?” She rushed into Lenore’s arms. “Wade and I were nearly taken by the flames. We had to swim to escape, but I was overtaxed after we helped those girls.”

  “What girls?” Lenore and Abrianna’s aunts questioned.

  “It’s a long story.” Abrianna threw a quick glance Wade’s direction.

  “Welby was up to his old tricks, but this time he’s going to have to answer for it.” Wade wasn’t about to let the man get away with what he’d done. “Apparently he had ten girls he was holding hostage in the basement of the Madison Building.”

  Abrianna nodded. “Someone held them hostage. Suffice it to say we helped some Chinese girls get away, and they will join us later.”

  Wade all but growled at her comment. Would she defend Welby even after all they’d gone through?

  “They will find us departed,” Mrs. Madison declared. “The men believe we should move to higher ground, farther from the fire, and I agree.”

  “We can’t leave them without hope,” Abrianna said, looking to Wade as if she expected him to intervene on her behalf. “Militine is with them and plans to bring them to this house. I’ll leave them a note.”

  Militine and Matt found themselves aboard one of the ships in Elliott Bay. The Chinese girls were huddled in a group just behind them, but Militine refused to leave the railing. She watched the glow of the city fires and thought only of Thane. Somewhere out there, he was fighting to save lives with no thought of his own. She knew he would never think twice about risking himself for another. It was a self-imposed price to pay for all those lives his father had taken. She had heard him say as much once. Fear tore at her from every side. What if tonight all claims came due?

  As the night wore on, the ship’s crew brought buckets from their fresh water supplies, as well as bread, cheese, and baked potatoes. Those who had either sought refuge on the ship before it sailed or who had been rescued in the harbor, as had Militine and the others, offered their gratitude, but most of the food went untouched.

  “Do you think Miss Abrianna and Wade made it out?” Matt asked.

  Militine felt ashamed that she hadn’t given those two much thought. She looked at him and nodded. “I’m sure they did.” She turned back again to the burning city. “They must have.”

  It sickened her to imagine that she could lose all three of her dear friends. These people were the most important in her life. Oh, God, how can I go on if
they are taken? Please hear our prayers. Let the fire be put out and please, please, Lord, don’t let a single life be lost.

  23

  Militine had never been so exhausted in her life. She arrived at the bridal school with the Chinese girls in tow later that evening only to find the place deserted. There was a note to let her know where everyone had gone and why. Apparently Mrs. Madison was worried that the fire might spread and claim the school, as well.

  Glancing around the dark neighborhood, Militine found the silence eerie. It would seem everyone had abandoned their houses.

  She turned to the young woman who spoke a bit of English. “I believe the others left in case the fire came this far, but I think we’re safe. I’m not sure where Mrs. Madison would have me put you all, but I’m going to just take my chances.” The girl looked at her oddly. Clearly she couldn’t follow Militine’s words.

  “Come on.” Militine motioned to the house. “We go inside.”

  By three in the morning, it was clear that the fire had finally been contained and would be no threat to the school. Much to Militine’s relief, the others returned.

  “Oh, you are safe!” Abrianna cried, embracing her. “I was worried about whether you’d found refuge.”

  “A schooner captain picked us up. We were later put off on a dock nearby. We walked the rest of the way. Matt was kind enough to watch over us until we got here.” She turned to Mrs. Madison as Abrianna let go of her hold. “I didn’t know what else to do, so I gathered blankets and had the girls bed down in the spare room off the ballroom.”

  “That was good thinking, Militine. We will go check on them. I would suggest the rest of you get to bed. We will of course cancel our festivities. I believe it would be reasonable that you all sleep in for as long as needed.”

  The students of the school dispersed while Abrianna went with her aunts. “If any of them are still awake, I’ll introduce you so they won’t be afraid.”

  With her responsibilities discharged, Militine made her way upstairs. She crawled atop her bed fully clothed, still filthy from her ordeal. Her mind struggled to find peace. On the boat they had heard hideous rumors of hundreds of firemen killed, as well as victims who were trapped in the raging inferno. And then at the docks a great many people had gathered, and with each newcomer came a new dreadful rumor. The tales were so disheartening that many stood in a numb state of shock.