Morgan. She raced to the door without thinking, unlocked it, and flung it open. Bare-chested, barefooted and wearing only trousers, he looked like a wild man. His hair was mussed as if he’d just crawled from bed. His chest heaved up and down.
He stepped into the room, forcing her backward. “What the hell is going on? Are you all right?” She tried to speak, but nothing came out. He reached for her, his eyebrows drawn together in concern. He cupped her shoulders. “Lilly.”
“I have to leave. I have to go to the asylum.”
“Why?”
“It’s Nurse Franklin. Something terrible has happened to her. I had a vision.”
His nose wrinkled up. “A vision.”
He wouldn’t believe her, and she should have kept silent. “She was just here. Her head was ....” She swallowed hard and through a blur of tears, she said, “Oleta Franklin is dead. She was here in the room with me. I saw the blood—”
She stopped, aware that her hands splayed across his broad chest, her fingers feeling the heat, the hair on his chest, the solidness of muscle. His stomach muscles, delineated and strong, rippled slightly when he moved. He was power and prowess, a strong male. She’d never seen a chest like this before in all her days, and it struck her dumb for one second.
He shook her lightly. “Damn it, Lilly. What foolishness is this? I heard you scream like you were being murdered.”
“What the devil is going on?” Dr. Healy’s voice came from the other side of the landing as he left his bedroom in a dressing gown and his wife followed behind him.
Morgan released Lilly. “Lilly had a nightmare.”
“No it wasn’t a nightmare.”
Patricia came up the stairs, her eyes filled with teasing and guile. “I thought I heard a scream. What’s going on? Is Morgan trying to break into Lilly’s room?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Morgan planted his hands on his hips and stepped away. His glance remained on Lilly, burning her deep.
“Morgan, must you be so harsh?” Constance said as she came to stand by her husband. “Are you all right Lilly?”
Tears still hovered in her eyes, but she swallowed them with effort and lifted her chin. “I am fine. I’m sorry to have disturbed you all.”
Dr. Healy’s dubious expression said he didn’t believe her. “I thought I heard you say something about Oleta Franklin.”
Dr. Healy walked toward Lilly and Morgan with a stern expression. Lilly’s apprehension heightened. She sensed the older man’s disapproval, and knew consequences would come.
“She just had a bad dream,” Morgan said again. Lilly wanted to yell at them all that she’d been wide awake.
“A dream?” Dr. Healy’s disgust sounded in is voice and his face. “About Oleta? What was it about?”
It seemed a strange question, but she answered it. “She was ....” Lilly glanced at Morgan, then at Patricia and Constance. They all waited patiently, but she could hardly get the words passed her lips. “Oleta was in a terrible accident and she’s dead.”
“Oh, my goodness.” Constance put a hand to her mouth. “How awful.”
Lilly glanced at Dr. Healy and thought she saw a flicker of discomfort. His mouth tightened.
“Distasteful.” Patricia’s voice seeped with sugar and lemon.
“Patricia, must you be so contrary?” her mother asked.
Dr. Healy found his voice. “This is all poppycock. Anyone with an ounce of sense knows dreams are balderdash.”
“Freud didn’t think so,” Patricia said as she twirled in a circle. Her filmy nightgown whirled out from her body in a frothy cloud.
Dr. Healy glared at his daughter, but then turned on his heel and stalked back to his room. He slammed the door.
“My dear,” Constance said just as her husband slammed his bedroom door. “Are you certain you’re fine?”
Lilly didn’t want any more prying questions. She couldn’t answer honestly. “Yes.” She gave a weak smile. “Yes.”
“Then let us go back to our rooms and prepare for the day, shall we?” Constance’s smile was brittle, a vein of disapproval heavy in her voice. “And Morgan, do put a shirt on.”
Constance returned to her bedroom and closed the door much more softly than Dr. Healy had.
Patricia watched them with a half smile. “Were you in Lilly’s room, brother?”
Morgan made a scoffing noise. “Of course not. Go back to bed Patricia or do whatever you do in the morning.”
“I was reading in the library. I couldn’t sleep.” The young woman’s cocky smile widened, but she didn’t argue as she went back down the stairs in her dressing gown.
That left Lilly standing in the hallway with a half-naked Morgan. She licked her lips when she scanned across his powerful form once more. His biceps rippled as he crossed his arms.
Before he could register the same disapproval the other’s had, she jumped ahead. “Do you think it was a bad dream?”
“What else would it be?”
“I need to go to the asylum this morning.” Tears returned with a vengeance, and this time she couldn’t stop them. She wiped at them with her fingers as the ache in her throat wound tight. “I need to make certain Oleta is safe.”
“Lilly.” He moved forward, and before she knew it, his body cradled hers. “I’m sorry.”
Shocked, she stiffened in his arms. But his grip tightened, one hand smoothing over her back, the other cupping the back of her head. She found her head pressed to his shoulder. Thought she wasn’t petite, he was over six feet tall. His arms enveloped her in warmth and protection and a comfort she’d never expected. Her palms moved over his chest and rasped over his nipples. He sucked in a breath.
She looked up and those deep eyes captured hers and held. Fire bloomed there and transferred straight to every untutored and tender part of her body. Something feral and amazing grew between them until it pulsed between her legs and in her belly. It felt primitive—as untamed as a lion in the wild. She wanted to seize the feeling and embrace it until it enclosed her in an everlasting sweetness. He smelled like leather and musk. Her senses whirled. What could she do but enjoy his touch, the comfort he offered, no matter how inappropriate? No, if she didn’t escape his unseemly embrace now and his father or mother saw them, who knew what would happen. The danger in this didn’t elude her, and she pushed gently at his chest. With obvious reluctance he released her. Her tears had dried the moment she realized their compromising position.
“They told me in the asylum that the Victorian age is over, but I don’t think what we just did is yet considered appropriate behavior.” She took yet another step back, until she stood under the frame of her bedroom door.
He nodded. “That is what they say.” His tone was a little derisive. “Perhaps you should get a little more sleep.”
“No. I need to get dressed and see to Patricia.” She inhaled deeply. “Then I need someone to help me get back to the asylum.”
“You heard my father. A dream is just a dream. It doesn’t mean anything.”
“Is that what you really think? Did you never have a dream where what you saw came true later?”
Something flickered through his eyes, but she could be certain what it was. “No.”
She didn’t believe him, but decided not to push the issue. “Never mind what you think. I need to help my friend.”
His face turned to stone, reminding her of his father for a disturbing moment. With that wordless look, he turned and left. When his door shut, she returned to hers, her heart confused. She was worried and terrified for Oleta, and Morgan’s sensual embrace made her soul sing. How three such emotions could coalesce in one person confused her.
She did know one thing. She had to find a way to warn Oleta that she must be careful, if something horrible hadn’t already happened.
After she went to her room and dressed, she wrote a note to Oleta that she hoped to have delivered. She stepped into the hallway to go downstairs. Morgan was coming upstairs at the same time
his father was leaving his own bedroom.
Dr. Healy stopped at the top of the landing, greeting his son and Lilly with a look that said terrible consequences might be in order. “Lilly, I need you to come back to the asylum.”
Startled, she didn’t know what to say. Morgan spoke for her. “Why?”
Lilly found her voice. “Am I being let go?”
Dr. Healy huffed. “The head nurse sent a message over this morning and wants to speak to you about Oleta Franklin.”
“What happened?” Morgan asked his father.
“Oleta is missing.”
Lilly crushed the note in her hand.
* * *
The ride in the carriage proved uncomfortable for Lilly. Dr. Healy stared at her while she almost squirmed in her seat. She wished Morgan were with them. A multitude of feelings swamped her. Her heart ached wondering about Oleta. In her soul, she knew that Oleta had perished. What she’d seen, dream or no, assured her of that. What could have happened?
Dr. Healy cleared his throat, startling her. “I think it is ridiculous that Mrs. Summit wants to see you, but she insists.”
“I’m surprised she wants to see me, too.”
Dr. Healy’s hard expression remained. “She said that she wishes you were still at the asylum helping with the patients. They’ve been restless without you.”
Lilly’s hands flexed inside her gloves. It was miserably cold in the carriage. “Restless?”
“Personally I think its hogwash. The patients don’t need your help, but Mrs. Summit threatened to resign if she didn’t see you. It is too difficult at this time of the year to find a replacement for her, so I gave in.” Dr. Healy cleared his throat yet again. “This is as good a time as any to talk about something else. I’ve seen what is happening with you and my son.” Lilly stiffened, defensiveness coming to the forefront. She waited for his pronouncement. “I will only say this once, Miss Luna, because I am a man of few words. You are an employee, and even if you weren’t, you wouldn’t be eligible to marry my son.”
“I beg your pardon? I’ve never thought for a moment—”
“There can be no other explanation for your behavior with him. If you think you can make an alliance with him, you are sadly mistaken.”
Lilly’s defenses heightened, but it ached inside when she spoke. “I have no intention of making an alliance with your son.”
“Good.”
She couldn’t help saying, “Though I would think an engagement to a woman is his business.”
He puffed up—that was the only way she could describe it. “I suppose with your limited experience in the world you would think that. However, in the world outside the asylum only people who are of a certain class and stature can ever expect to become a part of our family. An association with my family on anything more than a professional level isn’t possible, and my son knows that. He is meant for Della Peterson.”
“She’s the girl at the shop I was in a couple of weeks ago.”
“Exactly. She comes from the right sort of family.”
Anger simmered within. “While I have no family.”
Dr. Healy’s gaze settled on her with approval. “I see you understand how it has to be.”
She turned her gaze to the window, glad the trip wouldn’t take long. They didn’t speak again.
Once at the asylum, she didn’t wait for Dr. Healy to get out first. The carriage driver flipped down the stairs and she hurried down them. She stood for a moment and the place assaulted her. A warning flashed inside her as fear solidified in her stomach. It punched her so hard that nausea swelled. A miasma of emotions climbed up her throat—fear, hatred, and all the ghosts haunting this place. She shoved them back.
Not now. Stay away.
She hadn’t expected this. It was almost as if she’d never felt the cruelty and evil that existed inside this building. It welcomed her back, spoke in sibilant, hateful whispers and delighted it could embrace her again.
Gathering her wits, she hurried into the building and headed straight for the administration offices. Masterson came along more slowly, but she didn’t mind leaving him behind. The man made her nervous, and she couldn’t deny that. What he’d said to her in the carriage shouldn’t have surprised her in the least. She rebuked herself. After all, she’d known that her meetings with Morgan would attract someone’s attention.
Stop being stupid, Lilly. She’d learned her lesson, and she knew better than to think a small dalliance with Morgan would lead anywhere. Best forget any feelings his kisses had generated inside her.
Anxiety curled in her stomach. She had to find Oleta if there was any chance she lived. Why would she leave the asylum? Had something happened to a member of her family and she wanted to go back to Denver? If so, why would she leave without letting anyone know?
A couple of nurses saw her and said hello, but she buzzed by them with a mere nod. Before she could make it all the way back to the administration offices, Mrs. Angel came straight for her.
“There you are.” The woman’s rough voice filled with sarcasm. “Back already? Can’t say it surprises me.”
“Good day Mrs. Angel.” Lilly continued straight for the offices, unwilling to talk with the woman.
Dr. Healy stayed behind, possibly to talk with Mrs. Angel while Lilly entered through the large double wooden doors. Several offices branched off from a main room. The large waiting room had three couches for guests, as well as tables and a stack with magazines that were years old. Matilda Summit’s office stood next to the superintendent’s. Lilly didn’t wait.
Nurse Matilda Summit sat at her small desk. She wore the traditional nurse’s cap, her salt and pepper hair tucked under the white hat. She wore a uniform with white apron. Thin and around fifty years old, she had worked at the asylum for years. She’d always treated the patients well, and Lilly believed the woman was good-hearted and a hard worker, but she’d always given Lilly little notice.
The nurse looked up and frowned, her eyes troubled. “Lilly. I’m so glad you’ve come. I’m sorry you had to come back, but I need to talk with you immediately.”
Footsteps came up behind Lilly, and she turned. Dr. Healy came in behind her. “I’ve delivered her as promised.”
“I need to speak with her privately,” Nurse Summit said.
“What do you need to tell her that you cannot tell me?” he asked.
Nurse Summit’s gaze darted from him to Lilly. “It’s personal.”
Lilly expected the doctor to object, but he left without another word. After Dr. Healy left, Lilly closed the door. She removed her gloves and stuffed them in her pockets. She eased out of her coat and placed it on the stand by the door.
“Please sit down Lilly.”
Lilly eased into the chair in front of the desk. She decided she wouldn’t hesitate to jump in. “What’s happened to Oleta?”
The nurse tucked a stray hair back into her hat. “I wish I knew. I hoped you could tell me.”
“She didn’t say anything about leaving the asylum?”
“No.”
Puzzled and fearful, Lilly fidgeted with the rough wool on her skirt. “Has anyone searched for her? How long has she been gone?”
“She disappeared yesterday right after breakfast. No one has seen her since.”
“No sign of a note?”
“Nothing. We searched the buildings and grounds extensively all day yesterday. It’s been suggested she simply left on foot and went into town. But I don’t see how she could have. It’s brutally cold and inhospitable out there. She would likely freeze to death if she tried.” The nurse swallowed hard. “In which case she would have been found along the road.”
“You don’t believe she’d do that.”
Nurse Summit shook her head. “No, of course not. Oleta has always had sense.”
Worry gathered inside Lilly as well as sorrow. “I must be honest with you. I think there is a good chance Oleta is dead.”
Nurse Summit’s shock couldn’t be missed. Her g
ray eyes widened and her mouth popped open. “Whatever would make you think she’s dead?”
Lilly didn’t know how to lie about this, but she’d try. She drew in a deep breath to steady herself. “It stands to reason. I’ve known Oleta all my life. In some ways I consider her the stabilizing influence in my life after my mother died. Oleta was like a second mother to me. She wouldn’t have left the asylum without telling someone.”
“Oleta has a mind of her own.” Nurse Summit’s mouth pursed slightly.
Lilly smiled sadly, fighting with the desire to cry. She opened her reticule and took out a handkerchief. “She did have a stubborn turn of mind.”
Nurse Summit glared at Lilly, and for a moment Lilly wondered if the woman’s somewhat charitable attitude had already faltered. Nurse Summit stood. “Oleta has seen her share of trouble. She was almost released from her position more than once.” She walked around the desk, her hands clasped behind her back. “But she’s always worked extremely hard, never taking much time for herself and always kind to the patients. I never heard her say an unkind word to anyone. Not even me.” Nurse Summit shook her index finger. “And we didn’t always agree. One thing she told me, which I pooh-poohed at the time, was that if anything happened to her, I should always listen to your advice.” She walked around, pacing the small office. She lowered her voice. “She said that you know things about this place no one else knows.”
The lump in Lilly’s throat grew larger by the minute. “I might. What does that have to do with her disappearance?”
“Just before you left, she came to this office and told me that if anything happened to her I should give you something.”
Nurse Summit returned to the desk, opened it, and retrieved a royal blue velvet bag. She handed it to Lilly.
Lilly took the small bag apprehensively. She stared at it. “Why would she give it to you if you didn’t get along with her.”
“Because our disagreements were minor and she understood I’m honest.” Nurse Summit sank into her chair again and placed her clasped hands on the dark wood desk. “I have to admit I’ve learned a lot being around Oleta. When I first started working here I was astonished that a negro woman ... a woman from New Orleans, could be well respected by staff and patients alike.” Lilly recalled Oleta explaining how the head nurse had openly disliked her at first. “But then I saw how competent Oleta was,” the woman continued, “and how much the patients adored her. Not one of them would give her a bad name.” The older woman stared at her desk, as if recalling a time far away. “I think I was jealous of her. Me, a white woman, and I couldn’t gain the respect she’d gained. I learned a huge lesson knowing Oleta. I’ve seen how wrong I was about so many people.”
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