She’d been almost certain she was free of Peter. There had been no messages or sightings since she’d left San Francisco. But with his wealth and connections, he’d have resources to try and find her.
A headache started at the base of her skull. When she got to the hospital, she took a pill for it before going to get her mother. Dr. Castor stopped her as she started in the room where her mother got her treatments.
“I want to speak with you. Come down the hall to my office.” He led the way. Once inside he walked behind his desk and motioned for her to sit.
“She’s not doing well, is she?”
Dr. Castor shook his head. “Not as well as I’d like. Shall I ask her husband to come in to talk with me, or can you tell him that she’s not responding to the treatments as much as we’d like her to?”
“Are you ending the treatments?”
“We’ll see. If she doesn’t begin to show some benefit from them, we’ll have to stop.”
“I’ll talk to Dad. He’ll call if he has questions.”
“Good enough.” Dr. Castor stood and shook her hand. “She’s been happier these past few months since you’ve been home.”
“I know. Thank you, Dr. Castor, for everything. Taking a deep breath and forcing back the tears, Cassie walked slowly toward the room where her mother waited. The storm brewing around her these past few days had arrived, and inside her the pain and fear clutched tight.
* * * *
Her mother slept most of the way back to the ranch. She’d gotten her hair cut and in the process expended all her energy. Cassie parked the SUV and helped her mother inside to her bed.
“I’ll ask Dad to take the rugs I bought out to Lang and Nick’s new house. I’m going now, but I’ll be back later to check on you.”
Her mother reached up and touched Cassie’s cheek. “Don’t worry. I’m going to sleep. Ralph always comes home at lunch to see me.”
Cassie sat on the side of the bed. “You’ve been happy with Dad?”
“Of course.” She gave Cassie a weak smile. “I love Ralph and our sons. But you, my darling Cassie, are my only daughter. I want you to be happy. I’m sorry you felt like an outsider here. I never understood why. Ralph treated you like you were his own child.”
“He did, and I love him like he is my real father. I love my brothers. It wasn’t anything you or they did. I had a restlessness inside me that I couldn’t get rid of. I had to leave to find out who I was. I hope that makes sense to you.”
“Sort of. Are you settled now?”
“I hope so. Don’t worry. I’ll find my home just as you did. Sleep now. We’ll talk more when you’re rested.” She sat and held her mother’s hand until she fell asleep.
After she put the items she’d bought for the shop in her trunk, she drove to Rae’s house, hoping she’d be home. Rae’s cabin was close to her brothers’, the leaders, ranch house. Cassie saw Rae’s car in the drive when she turned onto the main street.
Rae met her at the door. “I heard your car. Come in. I’m working on the plans.”
“I found some beautiful rugs and left them in the SUV. Dad will take them out to the house.”
“Great. You look exhausted. How about a glass of iced tea?”
Cassie chuckled. “You remembered that’s my drink of choice.”
“I did.”
Rae led her to the kitchen, and Cassie sat and watched as she poured them tea and added sugar. Cassie leaned her head back against the wall and closed her eyes for a second.
“That bad?”
Cassie opened her eyes and saw Rae had sat across the small table from her. A tall glass of tea had been placed in front on her. She took a long swallow.
“Thanks, I needed that. Yes, it’s bad. They’re considering stopping the treatments for Mom. The doctor said they aren’t working.” Suddenly anger overflowed inside her. She frowned at Rae. “You all are so smart. Don’t you have anything to help Mom? You have some of the brightest scientists in the country working all day on whatever.”
“I’m not sure what all they work on, either. Let me talk to Mitch or Daren. They’d know. Most of the medical innovations have been done to adapt medicines and treatments for our people. One of the main problems has always been the difference in our blood. We can’t take blood transfusions from the usual supply. We have to keep our own.
“Even if we have a treatment that might help your mother, she’d have to be checked thoroughly first. Our doctors would want to see if when she was pregnant, she got enough of our cells in her system to accept treatment geared for us.”
“Doesn’t giving birth affect all the women the same?”
“No. Some are more adaptive and pick up more cells in transference between the mother and the placenta. But before I get into a more involved explanation let me talk to my brothers and see what they have to say.”
Cassie grasped her hand. “You’ve given me hope.”
“Don’t assume we have the answer to cure her. I don’t want you to be disappointed.”
“All right. I’ve got to get to the shop. Call me as soon as you talk with Mitch and Daren.”
During her drive, Cassie couldn’t stop hoping, and the uplifting feeling built inside of her. When she parked behind her business, she sat for a minute. She wanted to know more about the people she’d felt so alien to in the past, and to understand them. Instead of rejecting all their offers to include her.
Her friend, Caedmon, had encouraged her to come back. “What you seek, you have left behind. Go find the knowledge and you will find yourself.” She could hear his voice in her ear. And yet it had taken her another three years to finally follow his advice. Three years that had complicated her return.
* * * *
Mitch and Daren raised their heads from the map they were studying when Rae knocked on the open door. “Can I come in?”
Daren smiled and walked across to hug her. “You know we’re always glad to see our favorite sister.”
Rae wrinkled her nose at him. “I’m your only sister.”
“True, and you’re still my favorite.”
Laughing, Rae went to Mitch and hugged him. “He’s”—she nodded at Daren—“incorrigible.”
“I know. Sara tells him that often. Have a seat. What brings you to see us in the middle of the day? I heard you had a new, big job.”
“I do, and I’m getting paid. Actually I was working on the plans when Cassie came to see me. She’s my partner.”
“Partner?” Daren asked from where he’d slouched down in one of the chairs.
“I’ve decided to start a business in decorating and furnishing houses. Cassie can keep things going while I’m on assignment. She has an uncanny eye for color and design, too. We’ll work well together.”
“Congratulations,” Mitch said. “That’s a great idea.”
“Cassie is the reason I came by today. She just left my house. She has been taking her mother to the city for her cancer treatments. The doctor is concerned the therapy isn’t working. She may die unless we have something that might help.” She looked from Mitch to Daren.
“All our medical research is geared to our anatomy and physiology,” Daren said.
“Do we have medical care for cancer?” Rae persisted.
“Our scientists have made some breakthroughs, but the risk of using them on a regular earthling could be fatal,” Mitch warned.
“She may have some of our cells circulating in her blood,” Rae reminded him.
“Probably not enough. If she was like Sara and a descendent of the third tribe, then she’d probably do fine.” Mitch walked from around his desk and put his arm around Rae. “I know you want to help. You should talk with Jack. He’ll have more answers than me or Daren. Ask him to check her. He’s done a lot of studying about the differences in our two races. He’d be considered the expert among our doctors in that area.”
Rae started out the door. “Wait.” Mitch stopped her. “First talk with Ralph and Liz. See if they want you to
check into this option for her. Explain the dangers.”
“You’re right. I was so anxious to find something, anything that might help, I forgot to include the patient and her family. I’ll go over to their house now. It’s past lunch, but maybe Ralph will still be home.”
She hurried to her car and drove quickly to Cassie’s family’s home. Ralph was just walking to his car. His shoulders were slouched, and his face looked drawn and worried.
“Ralph, I’m glad I caught you. I have something to discuss with you and Liz.”
“She’s so weak, Rae. I left her in bed.”
“Let me tell you my idea.”
Rae watched his face as she told him about her talk with Mitch and Daren. He shook his head.
“I don’t know, Rae. I doubt she’s strong enough to handle that. Even if she has some of our cells or antibodies, the treatment would still be more difficult for her than us.”
“That’s true.” She waited to let him think more on the idea.
“I’ll drive by the hospital this afternoon and talk with Jack. I understand he just got back from his honeymoon.” A weak smile crossed his face. “Lang will give me the time off. I’d rather see what Jack says before talking with Liz.”
“I’m sure you’re right. I’ll leave it up to you.”
“Thanks, Rae. I appreciate the thought.”
“Thank your daughter. Cassie was furious and demanding help for her mother when I saw her earlier.”
“She called me and told me about the visit. She does love her momma,” Ralph said. “I hope Jack has good news for us. I may call Cassie and ask her to go with me to see him.”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll talk with you later.” She waved and drove home. She’d done what she could for now.
* * * *
Cassie sat on the edge of her seat waiting to hear what Dr. Jack Talisman would say about helping her mother. They’d given him all the information they knew, and he’d called Dr. Castor and gotten a report from him.
Jack leaned back in his chair and reached for a large book off the shelf behind him. “Let me check something. I do love a challenge and”—he flashed them a smile—“I like saving lives.”
“Here’s what I want.” He read several pages while they watched.
“All right. Here’s the plan. If Liz is agreeable, bring her to my office this evening. I see my last patient at four, so have her here at five. I’ll run some lab work. I’ll have the results later tonight and talk with several of our scientists, including my wife, Ellen. Tomorrow I’ll have a better idea whether we can even attempt using any new, experimental drug on her.”
“Use it,” Ralph said. “She’s dying anyway. It may help. If it doesn’t it won’t make her worse. She’s already as bad as she can get.”
“I understand your frustration. But we can’t work that way. There has to be at least a possibility that the medicine will help. Otherwise it might cause her a great deal of pain and shorten what time she has.”
“Dad, he’s right. We’ll talk with Mom this afternoon, get the tests, and see what happens tomorrow.”
“I may need you to be involved.” Jack looked across at her.
“How?”
“Are you the same blood type as her?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Good. If we start the treatment and she reacts, giving her your blood might bring her around. I’ll have my nurse draw blood before you leave for a type and crossmatch to be sure you are totally compatible.”
Jack buzzed his nurse, and she led them out and to the nearby lab. Ralph stood by as the nurse drew some blood from Cassie.
When they got in the car, Ralph turned to Cassie. “You’ll come home with me now to help me explain all this to Liz.”
“Of course, Dad. I’ll do whatever it takes to make Momma better.”
Ralph grinned at her. “It’s good to have you home. It’s been a long time since you called your mom Momma.”
“I know. I feel like a little girl who wants to sit in her lap and be comforted, be told everything will be all right.”
“I understand, and maybe it will.”
Cassie sat on a chair by her mother’s bed while Ralph sat beside her mother and held her hand. He told her about the possibility of a treatment, giving her all the facts they knew. “We’ll know more after your blood tests tomorrow, if you agree.”
She looked at Cassie. “What do you think?”
“It’s your decision, Mom. I don’t want to influence you.” Cassie had called her three brothers and asked them to come to the house. They stood in the doorway.
“What do you think?” her mother asked them.
“Whatever will make you well, Mom.” The oldest, Ralph Jr., spoke for all three.
“I know I want to live to see you all married.” Her two unmarried sons gave a laugh and a shrug. “You’ll change your mind in a few years.” She turned her attention back on Cassie. “But you should already be married. I worry about you.”
“I’m fine.”
“Stay here and go with us at five to see the doctor,” her mother said. She held on to Cassie’s hand.
“I planned to. I’ll go cook dinner for you and Dad.” She looked at her brothers. “Do you plan to stay and eat?”
“Judy will be waiting for me to get home,” Ralph Jr. said.
It still amazed Cassie that he was married. He was only nineteen, but he and Judy had been an item since they were fifteen. They didn’t want to wait for anything, so six months ago they’d married. Cassie had missed the wedding. Cassie nodded at him and kissed his cheek.
“What about you two?”
Her single brothers grinned. “We won’t say no to a meal.” The middle brother spoke for both of them.
“Just as I expected,” Cassie teased back. She went into the kitchen. Cooking would keep her busy until they could return to Dr. Jack’s office. It was going to be a long night.
* * * *
Cassie was surprised to see Ellen with Jack. Hope and fear raced through her. Was Ellen being here a good sign?
“Have a seat. I hope you all don’t mind that I asked Ellen to join us. She’s knowledgeable on the scientific end and might be better able to answer those kinds of questions.”
“Not at all,” Ralph said. “The more help, the better.” He smiled at Ellen.
“Liz, I’m going to have my nurse draw a small amount of your blood for some tests.” He buzzed the front office, and his nurse came in. She was quick and efficient. When she left, Jack faced them again.
“Once we have the results, Ellen and I will study them and discuss possible plans of action. You all need to know if we do decide to treat Liz it will be more dangerous than the conventional medicine. Even with antibodies her chemical makeup is still human. You need to fully understand the higher risks and ramifications.”
Jack leaned forward, all of his attention focused on Cassie’s mother. His voice lowered and became gentler. “Liz, it may mean either complete recovery or death. I’m almost certain under the best circumstances it will be either-or. I won’t give you the medicine unless the odds are somewhat in your favor, and you have utilized every other possibility first. I want Dr. Castor to tell me he has nothing further to offer.”
Cassie watched her mother’s face closely. Her mother tipped her chin up and stared back at Jack.
“I have faith you will do the best you can, Dr. Jack.” She tightened her mouth and blinked her eyes. “I’m dying.” She put her hand on her chest. “I can feel it inside. The medicine I’m getting is making me weaker. I’ll think about what you said. Right now, I’d say go ahead. But I’ll”—she glanced at her husband—“talk with Ralph tonight. We’ll decide together.”
Cassie’s mom took her dad’s hand and looked across at Ellen. “You know how lucky we are to have found one or two”—she smiled at Ellen—“of these special men to love us. I want to be with him and my children as long as I can.”
“I do understand, and that is Jack and my goal
for you,” Ellen said.
“Well, honey, we’ve taken up enough of these kind folks’ time. Let’s go home.” Ralph supported Liz as they walked to the door. Cassie followed behind, after thanking Jack and Ellen and arranging the appointment for ten o’clock in the morning.
“I’m going to head home, Mom and Dad. I’ll meet you here tomorrow at ten.” She was tired, not physically, but exhausted emotionally. The fifteen miles to town seemed very far. She’d been walking toward her car with her head down when she sensed she wasn’t alone.
Nick stood beside his truck parked behind her car. “Ready to leave?” he asked.
“Yes, I’m headed to town.”
“Nope. You’re going home with me. From what Lang relayed, you probably have to be back here early. Staying with us will be easier than driving back and forth.”
She moved on forward to her car. There was no energy left to deal with the emotions he and Lang created inside her. She’d face one thing at a time.
As though he’d read her mind, Nick stepped in front of her car door. “It isn’t going to happen. Give in, sweetheart. We’re going to take care of you tonight, tomorrow, and we’ll be here for you through all of this.” His deep, caring voice soothed over deep aches.
Cassie stared up at him. “I can’t.”
“Sure you can. See how easy it is?” He lifted her into his arms. “You put your arms around my neck and your head on my shoulder, and I’ll take care of you.”
“I’m too tired to fight.”
“Good, because you’d lose.” He grinned. “I fight to win.”
Her head sank onto his wide, strong shoulder as her arms curled around his neck. He smelled of pine, and the outdoors, and his own special essence. She took a deep breath and, without thinking, kissed his neck.
Cameron, Paige - Commando Cowboys Reclaim Their Love [Wyoming Warriors 4] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) Page 4
