“Probably,” Doc said slowly. “I haven’t asked her yet, and it’s a moot point until we’ve finished with the town.”
“That’s true. Have you talked with Sonya about when she’ll come to speak with Fiala?”
“No. I haven’t seen her since I walked out of the rite.”
“Fiala, I’ll let Jasmine and Cassia know that if she comes while you’re working, they should arrange for one of the others to give you a break.”
“Thank you, Lia.”
“A relationship is tough, and one with multiple partners can be tougher still,” Lia said softly. “It can also bring you some of the brightest points you will know.” Rising gracefully, she gave them a smile. “Enjoy your dessert.” With a knowing smirk, she left them alone.
Doc watched her go and he wondered if Lia had known a similar relationship in her past. The thought was pushed out of his head when Fiala’s hand caressed his thigh.
“Are you up for some dessert, Doc?”
“Yes,” Doc smiled.
They’d just left the back and hadn’t yet touched the stairs before Heather called out, “Doc, do you have time for a song or two?”
Doc was about to tell her no, but Fiala kissed his cheek. “Go. Play a few songs and then come find me.”
Doc gave her a raised eyebrow, which got him a wink in return. “I can stop for a couple of songs,” he replied to Heather as Fiala went up the stairs.
“Oh, one for me, please?” Jasmine asked, coming toward the stage.
Doc chuckled. “I’ll start with the first one I played. After that, it’ll be Heather’s show.”
“I do like a man who knows when to let a woman lead,” Heather grinned.
“A true gentleman will always let the lady lead unless she wishes otherwise,” Doc said as he took a seat beside her.
“Can that song be played at the same time, high and low?” Heather asked.
“Never done it before... why not? Let’s give it a go,” Doc said as he cracked his knuckles. An excited current caught his attention and he looked around the room to see most of the people watching them. “And we have a rapt audience. Ready?”
“You start, and I’ll join in on the second bar,” Heather said.
“Done,” Doc replied as his hands touched the ivory keys.
The song was a resounding success— most of the room tapped along to the beat, and Jasmine danced her heart out. She waved off the few men who called out to her when she finished, instead leaning against the railing and watching the two of them play the next song.
Heather chose to repeat the back and forth battle they had before. Doc did his best to keep up, but he wasn’t up to Heather’s level of skill. After they’d gone back and forth for a while, she upped the difficulty until he failed. The crowd was applauding and whistling by the end of it.
Doc stood, turning to face the crowd, and bowed. “Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. I have a prior engagement, otherwise, I’d stay and play longer. However, the wonderful and talented Heather will continue to put her talents on display for your entertainment.”
People called for him to stay, but Doc waved them off as he made for the stairs. Heather began to play Green Onions again, and Doc chuckled as he thought about Fiala waiting for him.
Chapter Twelve
Leaving the Lily the next morning, Doc went to Henrick’s shop. The chime announced him, and Henrick called out she’d be right there as Doc closed the door.
“No rush,” Doc called back. He took his time looking over the shop, trying to get a better understanding of what he was seeing.
“Oh, Mr. Holyday? I’m sorry. I’d have hurried if I’d known,” the old woman said.
“Doc. Call me Doc,” he corrected her gently. “I came to see about healing you more.”
“Of course,” Henrick said. “Let me just close the shop.”
“I’ll get the sign and door,” Doc said, being closer to it.
It only took a minute to close the shop and go into the back. Taking a seat in the small sitting room he’d been in before, he waited for her to sit.
“Tea? Would you like some?” Henrick asked, clearly trying her best to be a good hostess.
“I’m fine,” Doc said. “Have a seat. I just stopped by to heal you more before I go off on other business.”
“Right. Sorry, Mist… Doc,” Henrick finished lamely as she took the other chair.
“You’ve been good?” Doc asked.
“No problems with breathing at all,” Henrick replied. “Do you really believe you can heal me so I can have kids?”
Doc gave her a soft smile, picking up on the hopefulness to her tone. “Yes, but it’s going to tax me like your lungs did. Did you already have someone lined up?”
“Not yet, but I hope,” Henrick said.
“I’ll do that first, then, but we’ll have to get to your eyes and addictions. What are you addicted to?”
“Tobacco, alcohol, green leaf, sleepy powder, and coffee.”
“The powder is for helping someone sleep, but green leaf?”
Henrick got up and picked something up, then brought it back to show him. “This is green leaf.”
The plant was similar to marijuana, and the smell was nearly identical. “Relaxes you, makes you a little hungry?”
“Yes. Helps me forget about pain, too.”
“I can cleanse your body of the addictions, but staying off them will be up to you. That’ll be later, though. Sit, please.”
Henrick took a seat and held out her hands to him.
Doc took her hands in his and spoke softly, “Lady, please help my friend and ally. She is sick, and that sickness is stopping her from having children.” The moment he stopped talking, his hands glowed green, and Doc forced his energy to push into Henrick and go for the cancer in her uterus.
Henrick inhaled sharply through her nose when his energy rushed into her. Eyes closing, she began to rock in her seat.
“Done,” Doc said later, feeling tired. “You’re cleansed and ready to have kids if you find someone. At your age, I’m not sure it’ll be easy, but it is possible.”
Henrick took her hands from his and wiped at her face. Tears were streaming from her eyes. “Bless you and Luck. Bless you, Doc.”
“It’s fine,” Doc said softly as he got to his feet and patted her shoulder gently. “No need to thank me. I’m just doing the work she would have me do. Take a moment to compose yourself. I’ll unlock and turn the sign as I go out. Is it okay to take a small healing vial or three with me at cost?”
Henrick nodded and continued to wipe at her eyes. “Anything you need, it’s yours. This healing isn’t part of the contract, and I feel better paying something back for it.”
~*~*~
Stepping out of the shop, Doc came to an abrupt halt when he saw Sonya standing there. “Morning, Sonya.”
Sonya glanced at the shop, then looked back at him. “Morning, Doc. Is she open?”
“Yeah, I was just finishing up some business. Fiala’s looking forward to talking with you.”
Sonya’s eyes lit up. “I’ll go see her as soon as I’m done here.”
“Alright,” Doc said. “Good luck.”
“I’m sure she will smile upon me,” Sonya said, watching him walk away.
~*~*~
Doc entered the clerk’s office and found it empty of anyone else besides the clerk. “Excuse me, ma’am?”
Elta, the clerk, blinked at him, looking at him with concern. After a moment, she bowed her head. “I’m sorry.”
Doc frowned. “For what?”
“My husband... You healed him. He’s energetic again. He got out of bed two days ago for the first time in over a year, but all he’s done is denounce you and speak of how he’s going to go to the church.”
“Hmm, yeah... that’ll be a problem,” Doc said. “It was going to happen eventually, though, so don’t think it’s your fault. I’m glad he’s doing okay.”
Elta looked up, a little uncertain. “The prea
cher will not be happy, and he will cause you trouble.”
“We registered the Lily as a place of worship. It’d come out in time, anyway. I know the church will have problems with me. I accept that and will cross that bridge when I have to.”
Elta’s hands fluttered in front of her. “You don’t seem worried about it.”
“Doesn’t matter if it’s going to be a problem or not. I’ll just keep putting one foot in front of the other.”
“Is there something I can do for you?” Elta asked, clearly troubled about the situation.
“I wanted to see how he was doing, but I knew better than to ask him directly,” Doc said.
“Yes, that would’ve been a problem,” Elta said. “Umm... but you healed him at our home, which a spirit healer can’t do legally. You can only heal the people that come to your place of worship.”
Doc exhaled. “Fuck. Can I see the laws on that again, please? I need to make sure I know everything I can and can’t do.”
“Of course,” Elta said, getting the book. “I’ll cover the cost of this, as a thank you.”
“There’s no need, but I won’t stop you,” Doc said as he took a seat. “What page?”
“Page two hundred and eighty-three, and the third page of the addendum in the back, as well.”
“Thank you.”
~*~*~
Doc exhaled when he closed the book. “Okay, well… that’s going to take some adjusting. Should’ve paid a bit more attention to the rules.”
Elta came over to the counter as he stood up. “I’ve already spoken to my daughter. You never visited our home if we’re asked.”
“Okay. I’ll make sure to hold to that, too,” Doc said as he placed the book on the counter. “How is she taking it?”
“She was so happy that he was doing better, but the more he spoke against you, the more she withdrew from speaking with him. I fear the rift between them is greater than it ever was.”
“Shit,” Doc sighed under his breath. “I didn’t mean fo—”
“No. She doesn’t blame you, nor do I. He didn’t believe in Apoc like this until his illness started to get worse. As it did, he turned to the church. He would read the book and say the prayers every night.” Elta looked down. “We would pray with him... not that we believed, but because it would make him happy. The church could never help him like you did.”
Doc nodded. “I see. I’ll be going, but don’t feel bad about what may happen. I was, and am, glad to have helped.”
“How can you be so calm when it means opposing the church?” Elta murmured, watching him go.
Doc walked down the hall to the records department when he left the clerk. Entering the room, he gave Sophia a nod. “Afternoon, miss.”
“Oh.” Sophia’s face flickered through a dozen emotions upon seeing him. “Morning, sir.”
“I just wanted to stop in and let you know not to worry. Everything will work out, and I’d have come to the attention of the church eventually. I spoke with your mother and she told me what has been happening.”
Sophia’s gaze fell. “He shouldn’t be acting this way... I tried to talk with him, but he just got angry and yelled at me.”
Doc’s sharp eyes caught the sight of a fading bruise on her cheek and his lips tightened. “Only yelled?”
Sophia looked away, not meeting his eyes. “We quarreled over whether you’d helped him or not. He refuses to accept that you healed him where the church didn’t... Claims his improved health is the work of Apoc so he can help denounce you.”
“But he is healthy, and that’s what you wanted,” Doc said.
“Not if it costs you. You didn’t have to help us. You put yourself in harm’s way to do so.”
“Luck wants me to help everyone. Well, those who’ll turn away from the Darkness, at least. Don’t hate him, though. Just be there to help him if he needs it. Maybe in time, he’ll open his eyes to the truth, but until then, do your best to wait.”
Sophia sniffled and wiped at her nose. “How can you be so calm? The preacher is going to know. The church doesn’t abide spirit healers.”
“Because I have Luck on my side, and even a hard road still needs to be walked,” Doc said. “Don’t lash out. Don’t yell and scream. Just keep putting one foot in front of the next.”
“I’ve said prayers to Lady Luck every night since you healed him. I believe, even if he doesn’t. Mother has said them with me when she can without causing an argument.”
“That’s all I’d ask. The world’s in bad shape, but I’m going to do my best to help. Just stay true to your belief and give it time.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And try to be understanding. When one steeps themselves in falsehoods, it can be hard to see the truth. A bright light can pierce the darkest of nights, and light will shine again.”
Sophia wiped her nose and nodded. “I will. I’ll do my best.”
“Have a good day, miss,” Doc said softly. “If you have need, go to the Lily. I’ll be there or they’ll be able to get word to me.”
“I will.”
Doc gave her a smile before walking out the door.
Chapter Thirteen
It was just after noon when Doc left the courthouse. I knew the church would find out about me eventually, but I didn’t think it’d be at the hands of someone I helped... Ah well. Luck has me here for a reason, and she knows I’ll walk the hard roads.
Lost in his thoughts, Doc failed to notice the grungy-looking man staring at him, nor when he motioned to another man down the street. The second man nodded and crossed the street so he’d be walking directly toward Doc. Behind him, the first man pushed off the side of the building he’d been leaning on to follow him.
Doc was just reaching an alley when someone slammed their shoulder into him, spinning him into the narrow passage. “Excuse you!” Doc grunted as he came to a stop.
“If you insist,” the grungy man said, stepping in front of Doc with his gun in hand. “You can give me your money and I’ll excuse you. If it’s not at least a hundred, well... you’re going to have to make up the balance in another way.”
Doc frowned, as the man facing him looked vaguely familiar. “That’s fine.” Doc moved slowly, not wanting the mugger to react rashly. “I’m not sure what I have on me, so we’ll find out together.” As he talked, he made sure he triggered missed me.
“If I see a gun, I’ll plug you quick!” the man snarled. “Marshal ain’t here to save you this time, and I ain’t forgot how much you cost me.”
That brought the man into focus for Doc— he was the miner who’d brought back the sick horse. Doc pulled out the coin purse he carried and held it out to the man. “Here you go.”
“No. Open it and start counting. I’ll keep my gun.”
Doc nodded. “Okay.” He looked over his shoulder and spotted a barrel. “Can I move to that so you can see me counting? I’d rather not count wrong and get shot.”
The man frowned, but nodded. “Any funny business and I shoot.”
“Understood,” Doc said as he walked slowly backward, the barrel only ten feet behind him.
Reaching the barrel, Doc dumped the contents of his purse onto it. The sound of metal coins clinking brought the miner’s focus onto the glittering coins, and his gun barrel dropped away from Doc’s chest. Doc gambled on the distraction, his hand dipping into his vest pocket.
The miner’s eyes darted to Doc as Doc’s derringer came clear of his vest. Eyes widening, the man brought the gun back up and fired.
Doc felt the coldness as the round passed through him. Before the second shot could hit him, he’d cocked and fired his first shot. The miner staggered back, clutching at his gut, firing off a second round, which whizzed past Doc’s head.
Inhaling sharply, Doc fired the second round and ducked behind the barrel. Fumbling with the two extra rounds he carried in his vest pocket, he did his best to get the small gun reloaded.
“Bobby?” another voice called out. “Shit, he shot yo
u!” Kneeling next to Bobby, the man grimaced. “Fuck, man, I don’t think you’re gonna make it.” Picking up the gun, he looked down the alleyway and didn’t see anyone. “Did you get the cash, at least?”
“Bar… bar...” Bobby gasped before his eyes rolled up.
“What? Oh, barrel. The cash!” The second man left the dead man and rushed to the barrel.
Cashing In (Luck's Voice Book 2) Page 10
