“Ma’am, I’m Dr. Hanks. Are you well enough to come see your son? He’s awake.”
She pushed up out of the chair. “Please.”
He guided her with his hand at her elbow and they went into his office. Brian’s blue eyes were a welcome sight. She took long strides and leaned down, kissing his cheek. “Brian.”
He gave her a weary lopsided smile.
“He has a fever and I do believe his hand is the culprit. I don’t expect him to stay awake long. I’d like to reopen that hand, though, and see. I think it’s best.”
“Of course.” Relief filled her and tears started pouring down her face. She gently brushed back Brian’s hair off his forehead. “Oh, Brian you came back to me.”
“Where’s Patrick?”
“He sent us ahead on Ahern. I expect he’ll be here soon. He’ll be so happy you’re awake.”
“Ahern brought me here?”
“He sure did, and he was proud to do it. I think he remembered how good you are to him.”
“I think so too.” Brian smiled then his eyes closed.
Doctor Hanks touched her shoulder. “How are you? Any ailments I should know about?”
“Nothing a little warmth can’t take care of. I wasn’t sure we’d make it.”
“You might ask her if she’s with child,” Noreen said as she put her hand on the door latch. She shook her head and marched out the door.
Her heart plummeted. Patrick hadn’t exaggerated how the town’s people felt about him. “I, we never…”
“Don’t you pay any mind to that biddy,” Mary Agnes said. “I’m sure you have a long, interesting tale to tell, but for now I think you should come with me. I have a room you can use.”
“That’s very kind of you, but I want to stay with Brian.”
The door swung open and to her surprise Stinky Sullivan barged right in. “Samantha, so it is you. Where the hell did you get the brat?”
“It’s her son,” Dr. Hanks said.
“Hell no, she ain’t got no brats. She was my intended until she stole everything from the wagon train and took off. I looked for her but I never did find her.”
Mary Agnes took a step back. “You were part of the Chigger wagon train? You survived?”
“I was thrown off the train. They left me for dead.”
“I’m so glad to see you, sweetheart. Now if you just give back all the money and the land deeds, I’m sure we can figure somethin’ out.” Stinky threw her a wicked smile.
Mary Agnes put her coat on and left without a word. Dr. Hanks’ eyes narrowed on her. “I’m not sure what’s going on but we have a young’un that needs medical attention. Is he or isn’t he your son?”
“I done told you. She ain’t got any children. Where have you been? I thought for sure you was dead.” Stinky asked, taking a step forward.
Samantha took a step back until her back was to the wall. “It was you and Chigger who stole the money and led those people—are they all dead? All of them? How did you survive, Stinky?”
“Don’t act so surprised. I think you got yourself thrown off the train on purpose. Funny how you found a warm place to hole up while the rest froze. Just tell me where you hid all the money. The land deeds you stole aren’t even in your name.”
“Don’t you come near me. Those deeds were worthless. Chigger sold land that wasn’t for sale. As for the money, maybe you can tell me where you hid it? My parents died along the trail, if you remember. Did I make that happen too?”
“Did you?” A booming voice asked and Samantha turned her head. The sheriff stood just inside the door. She hadn’t even noticed him come in.
“I hope you’re the voice of reason in this town, Sheriff. I don’t want this man near me.”
The tall, broad shouldered man stared at her, taking her measure. “I’m Sheriff Todd, Ma’am. Those are some big accusations you two are throwing around. We’re still trying to figure out what happened to the Chigger party.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Samantha Foley. I was a part of the wagon train but I was put off. My ma died of sickness and my dad fell off his horse and was dragged. My dad and Stinky were going to be partners of some sort. My dad bought land from Mr. Chigger and he had the deed hidden in the wagon along with what money he had. I wasn’t allowed to get my stuff from the wagon. They threw me my coat, scarf, a canteen and enough food for one or two days. I tried to follow but they threw rocks at me. One hit me pretty hard in the head and all the blood scared me. I stopped following after that.” She took a deep breath. She couldn’t gauge if the sheriff believed her or not. “A winter storm hit and I wandered for a bit, sure I was going to die when a trapper named Patrick McCrery found me. He saved my life.”
“The boy?”
She swallowed hard. “He was hiding in Patrick’s barn. He had run away from a man named Solomon.”
The sheriff nodded. “We had a report of a missing boy and a few reports about a man called Solomon. Why is the boy here?”
“He cut his hand and we had to cauterize it. It wouldn’t stop bleeding. Soon after he had a fever and didn’t wake up.”
The sheriff took his tan hat off and slapped it against his thigh. He ran his hand through his thick wavy brown hair. “You came alone?”
“No, Not all the way. Patrick was with us the first day of the trip but we weren’t making good enough time so he put me on his horse and told me he’d meet us here.” Her heart sank. Why was she being questioned?
“I saw Ahern and figured McCrery was around somewhere. Sullivan, leave the lady alone. She has a sick child.”
“It ain’t hers.”
“She’s been taking care of him so I figure she cares enough for him. The child has no one else.” The sheriff lifted his right brow. “Go, she’s not going anywhere.”
Stinky gave her an evil glare. “I’ll be watching you.” He turned and brushed past the doctor and slammed the door behind him.
“Thank you. I didn’t take any money.”
He nodded. “I didn’t expect so, but that’s the story he told when he came riding into town as the only survivor.”
“Mr. Chigger died too? I thought he had a place in the mountains,” she said.
“That little fact I didn’t know about. You watch yourself with Patrick.”
She opened her mouth to protest.
“I mean, not yourself but yourself if you’re near him. People in this town just don’t take to him and some have been downright mean and nasty. Do you have any kin I should notify? Any place you could go come spring?”
“I, I had hoped to find a job here in town.” Her voice faded. She could tell by his expression, there probably wouldn’t be a job for her.
“You take care of the boy and when you see Patrick tell him he can stay at the old homestead if he wants.”
Her eyes widened. “I will thank you.”
He gave her a quick smile, placed his hat back on his head, nodded to the doctor and left.
“Looks like you’ve caused quite a stir.”
“I suppose so. Is it alright if I stay by Brian’s side tonight?”
Instead of answering, he brought a rocking chair and put it next to Brian’s bed. He grabbed a pillow and blanket for her. “I have food on the stove. I’ll be right back.”
“Thank you.” She sat down, drew the blanket up around her, and drifted off to sleep.
Her hair spilled over her shoulders and he would have thought her an angel except her face pinched around her lips. Patrick glanced at Brian and some of his worry faded. The boy rested peacefully and his breathing was even. He’d run into Sheriff Todd on his way in and knew they’d made it to the doc’s place.
Doc Hanks came into the office from his living area and nodded to him. “We’ll open that hand up tomorrow. Ya were right to bring him to town.”
“Thanks for taking care of them.”
Doc nodded toward the other room. “Come, I have food. I knew you weren’t far behind.”
Patrick smiled. Doc Ha
nks patched him up plenty over the years. He always had a meal he was willing to share with a scrawny child. “Samantha?” He followed the doctor into the next room.
“She’s fine. You wrapped her up well. They both came through the cold unscathed. Sounds like you’ve had a busy winter up there in those mountains of yours.”
“Busiest I’ve ever known.” He sat at the old wooden table and accepted the cup of coffee doc handed him. “Thanks.”
Next, the doc handed him a bowl of stew. “What are you planning on doing with those two?”
“Doing?”
“Well, Noreen was already here, as was Mary Agnes. Noreen got her nose bent out of shape when she found out Samantha has been staying with you. Then a fella named Sullivan showed up, claiming the gal as his intended who ran off with the Chigger train’s money. Mary left when the sheriff showed up.” He poured himself a cup of coffee and sat across from Patrick.
“All this happened already? What’s your take on Sullivan? Is Chigger around?”
“No one but Sullivan showed up from the train. He said they all froze to death. Now he claims your gal stole money and land deeds.”
His heart squeezed at doc’s words. Samantha would never be his gal. “Did he mention Samantha before today?”
“Not that I know of. Never mentioned money or land deeds neither. Now the boy, he was reported missing from an orphanage, I think. The sheriff said something about a Solomon character, but I was busy with the boy.”
“It’s a complicated story. Solomon grabbed Brian in Denver and practically starved the child. Solomon is dead.” He finished the last of his stew. “Ya finally learned to cook.”
“You never complained. I have a new widow lady who makes me meals.” He smiled.
“Now that wouldn’t be Jane Stoop, would it?”
The doctor turned red. “Maybe it is and maybe it isn’t.”
Patrick laughed deeply, stopping when Samantha stood in the doorway. Their gazes locked and he held his breath, not knowing what to expect. She smiled sweetly at him.
“You made it.”
“I did. I see the doc here has taken good care of ya.”
“Yes, and Brian is getting better already.” Her gaze never left his and he wanted to get lost in her beautiful blue eyes.
“Best news I’ve heard in awhile. It’s late and I need to get out to the homestead.”
“You’re welcome to bunk here,” doc offered.
Finally drawing his gaze away, he glanced at doc. “We’ve stirred up enough gossip for one day. I’ll be back in the morning.”
“Have it your way. I have an extra bedroom, Samantha, if you’d like to lie down.”
“The chair is fine.”
“Well, I’ll leave you two. I need my rest.”
“Goodnight,” Samantha said as the doc climbed the stairs. “How far away is the homestead?”
“Not far. I’ll be fine.”
She nodded, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.
He stood and walked to her, embracing her tight. “I was worried about ya,” he murmured.
“I was worried about you too. I’m glad you’re here. There are things going on.”
“I heard about Sullivan. Don’t worry about it. Ya get some sleep. I have a feeling tomorrow will be a trying day. Are ya warm enough here?”
She pulled out of his arms just enough to look up at him. “I’ve never had anyone worry about me the way you do, except for my parents. You won’t leave town without me?”
“I won’t leave ya in a lurch.” It was as evasive as he could get. He kissed her on the forehead and grabbed his coat hat and rifle. “I’ll see ya in the morning.”
The homestead wasn’t far and Ahern had done enough for one day. Patrick started his trek out of town. Sheriff Todd said he’d light a fire in the place so at least it would be warm. He didn’t know why he hung on to the property. Perhaps it was the only thing he’d gotten from his father. Shrugging, he sighed. At least he had a place to sleep for the night. Tomorrow would bring new troubles; he had no doubt about it.
The place was solid but in general disrepair. The log cabin stood strong but the porch sagged and the steps looked none too safe. He opened the door and the fire pulled at him. It’d be good to be warm for a change. Looking around he shook his head. There were many bad times in this cabin but there were some nice times, while his mother was alive. He pulled the sheets off the fine furniture. His father was always trying to impress others, but no one cared.
He made his way into the bedroom and practically fell into bed he was so tired.
Chapter Eight
Samantha woke with a start and for a second she didn’t know where she was but as soon as she saw Brian’s eyes open, she smiled. “Good morning.”
“Good morning. How’d I get here? I thought town was a long way off.” His brow furrowed as he stared at her.
“It took a few days to get you here. Your hand is infected. The doctor wants to operate on it today—”
Brian quickly sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. “No way is any saw bones gonna take my hand off. I’ll die like a man with both hands attached.”
Standing she put her hands on his shoulders. “Stay in bed. No one is cutting your hand off.”
“At least not today. You must be Brian.” Dr. Hanks smiled as he shook Brian’s hand. “There’s a bucket behind the screen there you can use.”
“No outhouse?”
“Sure it’s right out back but it’s cold out there.”
“I ain’t no baby who needs a bucket.” He jutted his chin out.
Samantha and Dr. Hanks exchanged glances. “Fine, but I’m walking you out there. I can’t have you fainting on me.”
Brian nodded, jumped out of bed, grabbed his shoes and ran out the back door.
“He seems to be doing better today,” the doctor said with a smile. “Be right back.”
The weight crushing her chest lifted and she could breathe for the first time in days. She had faith Brian would be fine. She walked into the kitchen and began to make breakfast. She scrambled the eggs and got biscuits ready to go.
The door opened and she turned to smile at Brian and the doctor but a lovely blonde haired blue-eyed woman stood right inside the door. Her hair was up with wispy tendrils framing her heart shaped face. She held a big basket in her hands.
“Hello,” Samantha said.
“Yes, hello indeed. And you are?” She wasn’t smiling.
“I’m Samantha. I brought a young boy here last night. Looks like surgery is planned for today.”
“I’m Jane Stoop. I fix the meals for the doctor. All of his meals.” Her voice was a complete contrast to her sweet appearance.
“Sorry, I didn’t know. He’s been so kind, I thought I’d make him breakfast.” She touched the back of her head and realized most of her hair had escaped her bun.
“Where did you sleep last night?” Jane’s eyes narrowed.
“In a rocking chair next to Brian.” She didn’t like the way Jane stared at her as if she’d done something wrong.
“Is that a fact?”
“Yes it is. Hello, Jane.” Dr. Hanks followed Brian into the house, walked across the room and gave Jane a kiss on the cheek. He glanced at each woman and frowned. “Is something amiss?”
“I thought I’d make breakfast to thank you.”
“Jane’s not used to anyone else in my kitchen, but I do thank you. I need to explain the procedure to Brian. I’m sure you can work it out.” His lips twitched as he gestured for Brian to follow him to his office.
“Why, he hardly looked at you. I mean, I thought, well you’re very pretty.”
Samantha shook her head. “I’m just plain me. I’m not looking for a husband. I have all I can handle right now.”
“Tell you what, we can work together and you can tell me how you came to be here.”
Smiling, Samantha placed the biscuits in the oven. “It’s so nice not having to cook over a fire for
a change.”
“How’d you end up here?”
“Brian cut his hand. Patrick and I tried to seal the wound but it got infected anyway. We came down the mountain.” She put the cast-iron pan on the burner.
“Patrick? Mountain Man Patrick? Oh my, you poor dear. You’re safe now and I think talking to another woman about your trials will help.” Jane sat down and waited.
“There were no trials. Patrick rescued me from the cold mountains and did the same for Brian.”
“But something must have happened. How long have you been with him?”
Samantha turned her back to Jane. Just another busybody hoping for a vivacious story. Why couldn’t people believe in the good of people instead of instantly jumping to conclusions and judgement? She cooked the bacon and was silent for a while. “A few months I suppose.”
“Months? You do know he’s an Indian, don’t you?”
“Why does that matter?” Her spine stiffened.
“Oh you poor lamb. You’re soiled goods now.”
She turned and glared at Jane. “What does that mean?”
“Oh, you know, a white man would never take you for his wife. No one will hire you. Maybe Braney down at the saloon would make you one of his girls. You are pretty enough.”
Gasping, she brought her hand to her throat. She felt a cold breeze and there stood Patrick looking thunderous. He pointedly ignored Jane. “How’s Brian?”
“Well enough to refuse to use a bucket and went out to the necessary instead.”
Laughing, he locked gazes with her. “Good. It should help with the surgery. How did ya sleep?”
“I slept in the chair.”
“I know that. I asked how not where.”
Her face heated. “Sorry. I slept fairly well and was overjoyed when I woke up to Brian staring at me.”
His face softened. “Ya keep that joy inside ya and don’t let anyone take it from ya.”
“Thank you. I will. Breakfast is about ready. Would you join us?”
Jane’s jaw dropped open.
“Thank ya. I’m hungry.”
Love So Deep Page 11
