Cathy

by Rachel Wesson

  “You won't let them in, will you?”

  “No, I won't.”

  “You promise?”

  “Cathy, I promise. I know you have just met me but try to trust me. Nothing will happen to you. Emer is going to wait with you. We won’t leave you alone.”

  She glanced at Emer, who also smiled at her. She looked nice. Could she trust her? She heard the voice outside. Could she afford not to?

  She closed her eyes and nodded. Erin let her go gently and then moved to the door. She watched her go. The doctor shut the door firmly behind her, leaving her alone with Emer.

  “Try to rest, Cathy. I don’t know what happened to you before you came here, but you are safe now. I promise.”

  She wiped the tears from her eyes. She wanted to believe that but she had done that before. Trusted someone, and look where that got her.

  Chapter 9

  Abe told Gary that Mick and Erin were back in town. He didn’t mention the woman he’d carried, thinking she wouldn’t want people to know she had fainted. How was she? He hoped she’d get well soon. From what she weighed in his arms, she needed a few good meals. Her face had been familiar but he was sure he hadn't met her before. He had only been in Clover Springs a few weeks, spending most of that time helping by doing Cookie’s share of chores on the Sullivan ranch. Cookie had taken off for Noelle as soon as Abe had told him of the troubles facing Doc Deane.

  Mary Sullivan. That’s who the woman reminded him of. But she didn’t have any close relatives living in Clover Springs. She hadn't mentioned any sisters, yet she spoke about Katie, the lady who owned the mercantile, quite a bit. Katie was Mary’s sister-in-law. He hoped the lady would be okay. He could feel her fear, her body shaking, see the terror in her eyes. He thought first she was scared of men, maybe someone had done something to her. But she seemed equally scared of Doc Erin. Still, he had work to do. He didn’t have time to stand around thinking about a strange woman.

  “So it’s true? Abe O’Malley. It’s great to see you but what brought you down this way?” Mick Quinn’s voice brought him out of his daydreaming.

  “That’s a lovely welcome. Along the lines of nice to see you but when are you going home?” Gary replied to Mick’s comment, making them both laugh.

  He didn’t laugh. He stared at Mick, wishing he’d rehearsed what he was going to say. But seeing Mick brought everything rushing back. The last time Mick had been in Noelle, Sally was expecting the baby.

  “So where’s the missus and your baby? Must be coming up on two now, I reckon. Where do the years go?”

  “Ain’t you got a note yet?” he asked, playing for time.

  “Note from who? I ain’t even seen Cookie yet. Not got a chance to get out to the Sullivan ranch. Every time I head out that way, someone stops me and sends me somewhere else. How is the old coot?”

  “He’s fine.”

  “Abe, why don’t you take a break? Go have a drink with Mick,” Gary suggested, throwing him the keys to the saloon.

  “It’s a bit early, ain’t it?” Mick protested.

  “Nope, you been away a while. You need to get caught up on everyone’s news.”

  He swallowed hard as Gary gave Mick a look that told his friend to shut up and go for the drink. He didn’t look at Mick but put his tools down near Gary and set off for the saloon in silence. Mick walked with him but thankfully took the hint.

  He opened the saloon, allowed Mick in and then locked the door behind him. He didn’t want any interruptions.

  “Okay, you’re scaring me now. What’s going on? Is Cookie alright?”

  “Cookie is fine. He’s gone to Noelle. Doc Deane needs a friend.”

  “Doc? Why? Abe, what the heck is going on?”

  He poured two shots of whiskey and gave one to Mick. He downed the other one and refilled it just as quick.

  “What are you doing? You of all people know there’s no help at the bottom of the bottle.”

  “Yeah, well, maybe you’re wrong and pa was right. It helps dull the pain.”

  “Abe O’Malley, put that bottle down and tell me what on earth is going on.”

  “Sally’s dead, so is the babe. Lots of people died. Doc Deane couldn’t save them.” He threw the glass against the wall, the frustration getting to him. The tears pooled behind his eyes and he angrily wiped them away. Then he picked up the bottle. Mick had it out of his hands in seconds.

  “Sit down and start from the beginning.”

  He gave himself a few minutes to compose his thoughts and then tried to speak. It took a couple of attempts but finally he was able to talk without blubbering like a baby.

  “About a year ago, a couple of miners came in, coughing and spluttering. Doc thought it might be serious and he put them in quarantine, only some didn’t listen. Sally’s Pa was one of them. He got sick and she, being the only girl, went to help her ma look after him. I warned her not to. She was weak after having the baby. But she didn’t listen. Why don’t people listen?”

  “What happened next, Abe?”

  “What do you think happened?” he screamed back. “They died. All of them. Sally, the babe, her ma, pa, everyone. Ma and my sister Cara got sick but they recovered, thanks to Doc Deane, but he isn’t well, Mick. He blames himself. His missus and young’uns are walking around him as if they are walking on egg shells.”

  “Abe, I’m sorry about Sally and your child. She was a nice girl.”

  “She was. What did she ever do to anyone? Nothing. Yet she died before she was even twenty. What type of God lets that happen?”

  Mick didn’t answer him, but he reckoned that was probably a good thing. If anyone else told him God had a plan and his own reasons for doing things, he reckoned he would hit them. Hard.

  “Did you tell Cookie this?”

  “Yes, sir. He rode out the following morning.”

  “Why didn’t he tell me? Send me a telegram?”

  “Cookie said not to. He said you had plenty enough troubles in New York, otherwise you would have come back. He left you a note but you obviously didn’t get it.”

  “I wish he had told me. Did he go alone?”

  “Yes, he did. He wanted me to go with him but I ain’t never going back there. I stayed long enough to get the ground cleared and ready for sale. I stocked up Ma’s larder and got her place as good as I could. The boys can help her now. I am done with that place. I am heading East. Going to try New York.”

  “Why don’t you wait a bit? You have a job here and we have some friends coming from New York. They can tell you more about the city and then you can decide what you want to do.”

  “I think it’s best if I head out soon. I just wanted to be here to tell you in person.”

  “I am real glad you did but Abe, don’t make any sudden decisions. I have never lost a child but I have lost people I loved. Now is the time to be near friends.”

  He looked up at Mick, ashamed at the tears on his face but unable to stop them.

  “Don’t know if I can do that Mick. My life is over. I ain’t got any reasons for carrying on.”

  Mick didn’t react as he expected. He didn’t get the hand on the shoulder or any sympathy. Instead, Mick got angry.

  “That’s enough of that self-pity. Talking like that never got anyone anywhere. You are staying in Clover Springs for at least the next month and that’s final. I am not about to let you go do something stupid. Doc Deane would kill me and if he didn’t, your ma would.”

  His ma. He didn’t want to think about her. He’d left her alone. Her and Cara. His brothers were around but would they call in now he wasn’t home? He wasn’t sure. Since pa had died, he’d been the man of the house. He’d been the one to make them do chores and school work. As soon as they were old enough, all of them had left.

  “Your ma worked her socks off to keep you all fed and clothed and protected when your pa was alive. How many times did she stand between his fist and you, Abe O’Malley?”

  “What’s that supposed to mean? I was a kid
back then. What was I to do?”

  “But you’re not a kid anymore. Don’t you dare go doing something stupid and bring more pain to your ma. She’s had enough of that to last a lifetime. You hear me?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  He saw Mick clench his fists at the tone he’d used but he didn’t strike out. In a way, Abe wished he had. He needed to punch someone. Oh, what was he thinking? Mick had never been anything but a friend to him. Like a big brother. There wasn’t the age gap between them that had been between him and Cookie or Doc.

  “Sorry, Mick. That wasn’t called for.”

  “Don’t worry about it. But Abe, I want you to stay in town. Just for a bit. Promise me?”

  “Okay.”

  “Come on, let’s get out of here. I can introduce you to my missus.”

  Abe cleared up the mess on the floor. “I met her already. Had to carry a patient for her. Some woman collapsed on the street. Mrs. Quinn seems like a nice woman.”

  “She is and a great doctor, but don’t go calling her missus, not if you want to get on her good side. It’s Doc Erin.” Mick looked around the saloon. “Right. Let’s get home, then. I can introduce you to Nora and Robbie. Both of them are from New York. They may tell you enough stories to put you off venturing East.”

  He doubted it, but he wasn’t about to say so.

  Chapter 10

  Erin looked up as Mary Sullivan ran into her office.

  “Is it true? You have my sister lying in that room?” Mary probably didn’t mean to sound accusatory. Erin guessed she was finding it hard to believe her sister had turned up today, after all these years.

  “Mary, please come outside. We need to talk but I don’t want to upset my patient.”

  Mary stared at Doc Erin, an expression of disbelief on her face. “Erin, my sister in on the other side of that door and you want me to go out to the street. What is wrong with Cathy? I don’t care if my little sister is contagious. I haven't seen her in years. She must need me. She came here.”

  “Mary, outside now. Doc Erin knows best. Come on, now.”

  Mary allowed Mrs. Grey to lead her from the office outside onto the porch. She sat in the chair Mrs. Grey indicated.

  Erin sat beside her, taking her hand. “Mary, I am sorry, but I can’t allow you to see Cathy at the moment. She doesn’t want to see anyone.”

  “But she came here to Clover Springs. Why else would she come here?” Mary replied.

  “She probably did come to see you if she is your sister.”

  “What do you mean if? Now, listen here, Erin Quinn, I’d know my own sister.”

  “Mary, love, calm down. Erin is trying to help. It is Cathy.” Katie crouched down and held her hands. “I recognized her but for some reason, Cathy doesn’t want to face you yet.”

  “But she’s my family, Katie, my own flesh and blood. Why wouldn’t she want to see me?” Mary’s voice shook.

  Erin couldn’t imagine how she was feeling. Knowing your sister who had been missing for years was within arm’s distance, yet being prevented from seeing her.

  “Mary, it seems Cathy is in trouble. I don’t know what type of trouble, but she is quite fragile. And very scared,” Erin said quietly.

  “Oh, the poor darling. What happened to her, Doc?” Mary put her hand to her mouth.

  “I don’t know. I can’t see any form of obvious mistreatment, apart from the fact she hasn’t eaten for some time. She will only drink water. She seems…”

  Mary waited for Doc to finish what she was saying. Erin stayed silent for a few seconds, trying to choose the correct word. She didn’t want to scare Mary, yet she had to give her a believable explanation. “Nervous.”

  “Oh, dear God, what have they done to her? They seemed like nice people. Stuck up and rich, but I thought they cared about her. What did they do?”

  “Mary, calm down. You aren't doing yourself or your sister any good getting into a state. I will help you but my priority has to be my patient. Perhaps, Katie, you could take Mary back to your mother-in-law’s. She could make her a cup of tea and let her stay. That way you will be nearby when Cathy is ready to talk.”

  “Will you ask her again, Doc? I know you are doing your best. But see, I haven't seen her in a long time. So long I thought she was dead.”

  “Mary, you have my word. I will do my best. But for now, I have to go back to her. I have to prove to her she can trust me.” Erin hated herself for hurting Mary but for the moment, Cathy had to be the priority.

  She watched as Mary blessed herself before heading off in the direction of Martha Sullivan’s guesthouse. Her mother-in-law would mind Mary’s children. She loved having them around her.

  Chapter 11

  Later, Erin called to Martha’s house to bring Mary up to date about Cathy.

  “Can Mary see Cathy?” Martha asked.

  Erin shook her head, but before she could explain, Mary started talking.

  “Erin said Cathy was scared, Ma. Why on earth would Cathy be afraid of me?”

  “Maybe she is worried you will reject her, love. It’s been years and she never contacted you. All those letters you wrote and she just ignored them.”

  “Why would I do that? I love her. She’s my baby sister. All I have left.”

  Martha put her arms around Mary and hugged her closer. “She was all you had left. You have us now. Davy loves the bones of ye and those fine children.” Martha took a breath. “So much time has passed since you last saw each other, a couple of days won’t make any difference.”

  “It might not take that long Mary. We have to be patient.”

  “I don’t know what she is feeling, but give it time. Even when the two of you meet, you will have to take things slow.” Martha still held Mary close. “People change, Mary. You have changed so much since you first arrived in Clover Springs. There was a time you wouldn’t say boo to a goose.”

  “They were the good times, Ma, weren’t they?” Katie teased. “Daniel’s looking after the shop. I thought you might need a hug. And I could murder a cup of tea.”

  “Oh, Katie, where would I be without your support. You were there at the very start of this. Cathy can’t be afraid of me, can she?”

  Erin exchanged a glance with Katie.

  “I think you better be prepared, Mary. Something happened to Cathy and whatever it was has her running scared.” Katie paused. “The look of terror in her eyes was frightening. We need to do everything Doc says. If we don’t, you may drive Cathy away forever.”

  “I will never be separated from my sister again. Never.”

  “Mary, do you know anything about the people who adopted Cathy? Why would she be traveling alone? What brought her to Clover Springs now, after all these years?”

  “No, Doc, I haven’t any idea. I wrote to Cathy but never heard anything back. The last time I saw my sister, she was driving away with a couple called Johnston. They were adopting her but only wanted one child.”

  “I need to find out more, but at the moment Cathy appears too scared to talk.” At the look on Mary’s face, Erin continued. “I am certain she came here looking for you, Mary. So be brave for a little while longer. I best get back to the office.”

  “Thank you, Erin. You look tired, so don’t forget to look after yourself as well.”

  “You too, Mary.”

  Erin closed the door behind her. What on earth could have happened to Cathy to leave the girl in such a state? She had no bruising or any other injuries consistent with force so it hadn’t been physical. But something had the girl running scared.

  “Good evening, Doctor. I was wondering if my wife was coming home at all today?”

  Erin looked up with a smile at Mick. He was teasing her, but she saw the concern in his eyes.

  “I have a new patient. I need to stay here.”

  “Erin, you need to rest. You are tired out. I am sure Mrs. Grey and Emer can cope. Where is Doc?”

  “He hasn’t come back to town yet. We think he might be holed up on an o
utlying ranch.”

  “Probably. But now I am going to insist you come home with me. You are exhausted. Michelle needs a cuddle from her ma and Nora is probably feeling a bit lost.”

  Nora! She hadn’t given her poor friend a second thought, although she was with Robbie so she would be fine.

  “Go on, Erin, we can look after Cathy. Come back in the morning. You will do better after a night’s sleep.”

  Erin gave in. She was over-tired and that wouldn’t help anyone. Taking Mick’s arm, she let him walk her home.

  “How did you get on with the twins today?”

  “They are little rascals. Bertram is smitten with Amy, keeps giving her flowers. Poor boy can’t see that his hatred of her twin is never going to endear him.”

  “Poor boy? This is Bertram Shaw you are talking about.”

  “Yes, Erin, but in this instance, I think he has more than met his match. Wilma’s girls have been making his life miserable. Even Eleanor is feeling sorry for him.”

  Erin couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Suzy and Amy seemed like such sweet little creatures.

  “It will all come to blows shortly, I reckon.”

  “After all the trouble that boy has caused, he deserves what’s coming to him.”

  “That ain’t very Christian, now, is it, Doc?”

  “Stop teasing me, Mick. I need a hug not teasing.”

  He took her in his arms and kissed the top of her head. “Sorry, darling. Bad day at work?”

  “Mary’s sister, Cathy, showed up. She is in a bad way. Terrified of something, but we don’t know what. She came miles – at least by the look of her she has traveled a long distance, although we don’t know where she came from – to see her sister and now refuses to do just that.”

  They’d reached their house. Pushing open the door, they were greeted by the delicious aroma of a cooked meal.

  “Looks like Nora has settled in just fine,” Mick said, sniffing the air appreciatively.”

  They walked into the kitchen to find the table set. Robbie had Michelle on his lap and Nora was tending to the stove.