A Doctor's Vow

by Lois Richer

  He immediately chastised himself for the thought. What did it matter? The doctor had found a way to fit in here. He found himself feeling proud of her again.

  Though he had no business feeling anything for Jaclyn LaForge.

  “So what did you want to talk to me about, Heddy?” Kent was desperate to leave so he could get his attention off the doctor.

  “The Pruitt boy.” Heddy pursed her lips. “His mom told me this morning that Jaclyn is insisting Joey sees a specialist.”

  “That’s a good thing.” He saw her frown. “Isn’t it?”

  “No. That family was decimated when the boy was injured. You’ve seen how many times they’ve hoped for some new treatment and then had their hopes dashed.” Her eyes misted. “Those poor people have been on a roller coaster. Each time they see another specialist it happens again, but the result is the same. Joey’s condition is untreatable.”

  Kent had heard that, too.

  “The family has come to grips with Joey’s problems and Joey’s adapted. Another examination, another test—it won’t help. It will only get their hopes up only to have them crushed again.”

  “You told Jaclyn?” Heddy nodded. “What did she say?”

  “She won’t listen to me.”

  “Jaclyn’s the doctor. I’m only a vet. I’d no more ask Jaclyn to listen to my advice about her patients than I would take hers about mine.”

  “Be that as it may, you must try to dissuade her about this,” Heddy insisted. Her fingers closed around his wrist.

  He didn’t get this. “You just said you trusted Jaclyn. I thought you’d be glad she’s taking an interest in the boy’s treatment.” He drew his arm away from her tight fingers.

  Heddy’s eyes brimmed with sadness. “I know you don’t believe it, but I want this town to heal and I’m trying to help.”

  “How?” He didn’t understand the source of Heddy’s fierce glower.

  “Think and you’ll realize the damage this could do, to Dr. LaForge, to Joey and to his family. The doctors have all said the same thing. Joey’s spine was damaged too badly in the car accident. He’ll never walk properly.”

  “I’m sure Dr. LaForge has that information in Joey’s records,” he said.

  “Then why does she want Joey to see someone else?” An indulgent smile creased her mouth. “I want her clinic to succeed. But if she keeps pushing the Pruitts, she’ll only get their hopes up and when they’re disappointed again, the whole town will turn on Jaclyn.” There were tears at the corners of Heddy’s eyes. “Hope will suffer again, Kent. Jaclyn has good intentions but please, ask her to stop.”

  He studied her, surprised by Heddy’s about-face to Jaclyn’s side.

  “It may be a moot point,” he told her.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Jaclyn must open her clinic by May and right now it looks like that won’t happen because I can’t get an electrician to certify the building.” He waited for the usual caustic comment, but Heddy surprised him.

  “Well, of course her clinic will open. It can’t be that hard to get an electrician. My son is one. A very good one.” She preened. “He even has his own company over in Whiteville.”

  “I know. But your son isn’t here. Hope’s only two electricians are at the mine and can’t be released from a non-compete contract.” He held up a hand when she would have interrupted. “I’ve tried asking. The mine company made an exception for the plumber but they won’t allow this. If I can’t get that building rewired, I can’t let Jaclyn move in. And if she doesn’t move in, her clinic won’t happen. She may even be forced to move away.”

  Heddy was finally silenced.

  “So you probably have nothing to worry about.” Kent shrugged, pretending it didn’t matter to him, when in reality he absolutely did not want Jaclyn to leave. She made a difference in his life and he had begun to like that.

  Heddy was silent for a long time. Her birdlike gaze moved from him to Jaclyn, to the mothers sipping their coffee, and back to him. Finally she spoke.

  “If I can get whatever electrical work is needed in that clinic done, will you ask Jaclyn to stop pushing the Pruitts to see another specialist?”

  When he didn’t answer, she poked his chest.

  “Is it a deal, Kent?”

  He made up his mind in an instant.

  “If you promise to get the wiring done, I’ll talk to Jaclyn. But it’s very unlikely she will discuss a patient with me. I’m not a medical doctor, Heddy. I don’t keep up with the latest treatments. But I’m sure Jaclyn does. She may know of something that can help the boy.” He gulped, stunned by his own temerity. “I’ll try to find out why she’s so determined to get Joey to another specialist, but if she insists on going ahead, that’s her business.”

  She patted his shoulder. “Thank you, Kent. I know Jaclyn feels a close connection with you, probably because you’re the only one of us that’s been a real friend to her. That’s why I thought this admonishment would sound better coming from you than me.”

  “Heddy!” he sputtered in outrage. “I’m not going to admonish—”

  “I must go. It’s snack time.”

  Heddy scurried away so fast Kent felt like he’d been had. At least he got an electrician out of the deal. He only hoped it wouldn’t backfire.

  “Hi. Do you come to story time often?” Jaclyn stood in front of him, amused.

  “Only when Heddy summons me.” Jaclyn was radiant. Her eyes sparkled with happiness. “Looked like you were having fun.”

  “I was. I love kids.” She tilted her head to one side. “And you?”

  “Me? Yeah, I like kids. Listen, Jaclyn, have you got time for a coffee?” Better to get this over with. But he wasn’t going to challenge whatever decision she made.

  “I have no patients this morning, but I may have gained one or two today.” She tossed him a wink. Her teasing smile died away when he didn’t respond. She grabbed her bag and followed him out of the library.

  As Kent walked with her to the nearest café, it dawned on him that he knew little about Jaclyn personally beyond her desire to get the clinic operational. She always coaxed him to talk about himself. In the café, Jaclyn held her cup and stared him down.

  “What’s going on, Kent? What’s this about?”

  “Heddy. And the Pruitts.” He launched in, relaying Heddy’s worries bluntly, embarrassed he’d agreed to be part of this. “So I said I’d mention it to you.”

  “Okay. Now you have.” She rose and reached for her purse.

  “Jaclyn, I’m not trying to tell you how to practice medicine.” Kent touched her arm.

  “Good,” she snapped. “Because you’re not qualified.”

  Uh-oh, she was steaming. Well, who wouldn’t be? He’d questioned her professional judgment. And yet he also wanted to save her grief, if he could.

  “Please sit down, Jaclyn. Finish your coffee and talk to me about this.”

  She sat. But the firm jut of her chin told Kent his soft tones weren’t working.

  “I do not discuss my patients,” she said. “You should know that.”

  “I do know. And I respect it. But I’ve known the Pruitts and Joey for years. I’ve seen what they go through each time their hopes are built up and what happens when they’re dashed. I’ve watched the people of this town rally round them.” Kent struggled to voice his thoughts inoffensively. “We might bicker and argue among ourselves in Hope, but underneath we still feel responsible and look out for each other.”

  Her eyes glittered like polished granite. “Why the sudden concern about me trying to do my job? Last night you were all gung ho about encouraging me. You told me to have faith. Now you’re questioning my ability to do my job.”

  “No!” He backtracked. “I just wanted to be sure that you knew—”

&nb
sp; Hurt filled Jaclyn’s eyes. A nerve flickered in her neck as she steeled herself and in that moment Kent wished he’d never started this because now there was no way to make it right. He’d overstepped the bounds and he knew it.

  “It’s none of my business. I’m very sorry, Jaclyn,” he said simply.

  She studied him for so long he wanted to squirm under that look.

  “Thank you—for that, at least.” Then she rose and walked out.

  Kent spent a long time with his coffee. It took a while to examine his heart and realize that he’d just hurt Jaclyn to spare himself. He’d grabbed at Heddy’s offer to get an electrician because he wanted to get the clinic finished. He wanted to get Jaclyn moved in so he wouldn’t have to go through another visit like she’d made last night, wouldn’t ever again have to risk her seeing his weaknesses. He wanted her office finished so he could feel he’d done something for the town. Mostly he wanted to get back to the hermit’s life he’d carved out before Dr. Jaclyn LaForge crashed his world.

  But his crime, Kent admitted to himself, was worse than that. Far worse. He’d spouted off to a whole lot of people, including Heddy and Jaclyn herself, that he trusted her judgment, that he was confident she was the doctor for Hope. Pretty words. But his actions made a total lie of what he’d said. And though she’d said not a word to condemn him, Jaclyn knew it.

  Kent paid for the two untouched coffees and walked out of the café. Okay, he’d messed up badly. Guilt rose as he realized that if there was any chance for Joey, he might have just killed it. No wonder God had washed His hands of Kent McCloy.

  His mouth grim, Kent headed for the clinic and got to work. It was time to put his money where his mouth was, though even if he got the clinic finished in time, it wouldn’t likely restore Jaclyn’s opinion of him.

  * * *

  Jaclyn sat behind her desk and studied the file of Joey Pruitt. The sting of Kent’s questioning haunted her. She’d been furious at first and had itched to tell him to mind his own business. Fortunately, Jaclyn’s temper had cooled in the past few hours. Kent’s lack of belief still stung, but it also had her second-guessing her decision to pursue help for Joey Pruitt.

  Kent wasn’t a physician. Yet his and Heddy’s concern over what the Pruitt family might have to go through was obviously genuine. She’d seen the rush of hope flicker in the parents’ eyes when she’d first mentioned the specialist. She’d also seen the way they ruthlessly tamped it down to ask all the hard questions and then asked her not to tell Joey anything until they’d made a decision.

  Jaclyn knew the painful rehabilitation Joey would have to go through if the surgery worked. But what if it didn’t? What if it left him worse off than before? What if the whole town turned against her because of that?

  My job is to find healing. I can’t worry what people will think of me.

  There were no guarantees in medicine.

  Jaclyn phoned the specialist to talk over the case before she requested they schedule Joey for an appointment. If his parents decided to cancel, that was their decision.

  Was there anything else she could do? Yes, pray.

  I don’t know what the outcome will be, God. I only know that You love children and You want them to be well.

  RaeAnn ducked her head in to say it was five and she was leaving.

  “What are you doing tonight?” her nurse asked.

  “I’m going to finish this paperwork then reorganize my file cabinet.” Jaclyn pointed to the stack of files on the floor. “And I have to phone that list of people for the service club.”

  “Always busy,” RaeAnn grumbled, then said good-night.

  Jaclyn quickly completed her to-do list, but she couldn’t stop thinking about Kent. Last night she’d seen a different side of the man. The way he’d changed at the appearance of the wolf stunned her. So had his angst about the getting rid of the longhorns. It was laudable that Kent wanted to honor his parent, but something else underlay his anguish.

  She left the office and drove past the clinic, shocked that the lights were on and Kent’s truck was parked outside. Should she offer her help again? No. He’d said he’d do it, now leave him alone.

  Only, he always seemed to be alone.

  Jaclyn drove home, made herself a sandwich and ate it while she watched the news. She wondered if Kent was eating, if he’d eaten all day. She finally changed into jeans, wrapped a sandwich, grabbed two bottles of juice and made a quick phone call. Then she walked downtown. The fragrance of flowering shrubs filled the air and fireflies flitted past as she waved at passersby, delighted that she could identify most of them.

  She stopped outside the clinic’s new glass door, brimming with second thoughts. Why was she doing this? Kent had hurt her deeply. He’d questioned her judgment. He’d claimed to trust her, to want her to succeed, but then put up barriers. Bringing him a sandwich would make her seem desperate.

  He cares about the people in this town.

  He’s a good man.

  He’s hurting inside. He’s lost his wife, his parents—he has no one.

  “All right,” she mumbled, exasperated by the amount of inner conflict one man could cause.

  “Talking to yourself?” Kent stood holding the door open with one booted toe, his arms filled with junk.

  “You’re working here again.” It was an inane remark and Jaclyn blushed at the stupidity of it.

  “Free evening,” he said before he tossed the broken boards into a Dumpster that sat in a parking spot. “I thought I’d get a couple of hours in.”

  “Oh.” She trailed behind him into the room, surprised by how much lighter it felt without the dark paneling.

  “On your way home with dinner?” he asked. He inclined his head toward the bag she held.

  “No, I’ve already eaten. I thought perhaps you hadn’t.” She held out the bag then faltered. “Or maybe you have.”

  “I haven’t,” he said and took the bag from her. “In fact, I’m starving.”

  “Good.” She handed him one of the juice bottles and watched as he unwrapped the sandwich.

  “Thank you.” He held up the sandwich, staring at it. “Jaclyn, I need to apologize to you. I never should have questioned your judgment about Joey. My only excuse is that Heddy promised me an electrician if I did and I got carried away by the prospect of actually getting this place rewired and certified. I’m sorry.”

  “Where’s Heddy going to find an electrician?” She glanced around at the broken walls, dangling fixtures and utter chaos.

  Kent kept looking at her, his blue eyes dark, worried. “You haven’t said you’ve forgiven me,” he reminded.

  “You expect a lot.” Jaclyn glared at him, irritation bubbling up anew. “I can take criticism, Kent. I understand that the locals are worried I’ll take off at the first hint of a better job. I can understand their distrust of my motives. I even understand that they don’t want Joey or his parents to get their hopes dashed again.” The hurt was still there, raw, throbbing. “What I can’t take is a friend questioning my medical judgment. You crossed the line, Kent.”

  “I know I did. And I’m sorry.” He sat there, looking at her.

  “Why did you do it? And don’t say for an electrician.”

  “It was, partly. Progress here has been sporadic, and that’s being generous.” He sighed. “Mostly it was concern for you. I’ve seen what this town can do to protect their own. I don’t want you to be the target of their anger.”

  “It wouldn’t matter if I was,” she said quietly. “I’d still do what’s right for my patient. I took an oath and I promised God. That’s why I’m in Hope. To help.”

  A long silence yawned between them. Kent’s blue eyes wouldn’t release hers. He seemed to see past her bravado to the secret fears beneath. Finally he nodded.

  “I know,” he said. “I a
pologize.” Then he took a bite of the sandwich.

  “Just like that?” She didn’t believe him. “Why?”

  “Because you’re right.” He munched thoughtfully for a minute then shrugged. “Bottom line, if there’s even the remotest chance Joey can be helped, it’s worth taking.” He lifted his head when the door pushed open and Zac stepped inside. “Hey, Professor.”

  Zac winked at her. Jaclyn grinned, glad she’d phoned him.

  “What are you doing here?” Kent asked.

  “I’m here to help this damsel in distress.” Zac made a motion as if he were doffing a hat. “At your service, Doc.”

  “Thank you for coming.” She loved Kent’s confusion. For once the town’s do-gooder was flummoxed. “Where should we start?”

  “Wait a minute.” Kent rose. “What’s going on?”

  “We’re going to give you a little push getting this place operational,” Zac said. “Right, Doc?”

  “Right. I—” She stopped as the door opened. A man stepped inside. “Can I help you?”

  “You’re the new doctor, right?” He held out his hand. “Paul Cormer. I was told you need some electrical work done here.”

  “Excellent!” Zac nudged Kent. “C’mon, cowboy, show him. We’ve got a clinic to fix.”

  Jaclyn nearly laughed out loud at Kent’s stunned expression. When Kent and Paul disappeared to look at the panel box, she and Zac began hauling out the accumulated refuse.

  “How’d we get this electrician?” Kent demanded when he returned as Zac took a bag outside. “The mine bosses were adamant none of their guys could work here. Did you change their minds?”

  “Me? What do I know about electricians?” Jaclyn blinked. “It had to be Heddy.”

  “Changing the mine bosses’ minds?” He shook his head. “Even Heddy doesn’t have that much pull.” His shoulder grazed hers. He took the garbage bag from her hands and held it while she filled it, his fingers brushing against hers. “You think?”

  “Who else is there?” Jaclyn struggled to control her breathing. Lately she couldn’t seem to control any of her responses to him. Just a touch from him and her nerves came alive. She rushed outside with the bag, inhaling the fresh air in an attempt to regain her equanimity.