He hoped the satchel still remained in the same spot. He’d snatch it back and catch the next train out of town.
****
Cassidy washed the blood from her hands. George’s blood. After the men had carried him up here, she’d used the probe from Madison’s bag to extract the bullet. Afterward she washed out the wound, pushing lint in and wrapped it securely. She’d have to watch over him for several days to be sure he didn’t develop an infection.
Once her hands were clean, she stood over George, watching him sleep. His features relaxed, but every now and then he grimaced. She’d prepare a pain tonic for when he woke. Stroking his hair from his forehead, she noted his skin cool to the touch. At least he’d awakened for a short period. A good sign. She’d leave him sleep for now.
Sighing, she adjusted her skirts and settled in the upholstered chair. She chewed her lip as her thoughts slipped to Madison. With George out of immediate danger, she allowed herself to wonder where the doctor had gone. Likely he and his accomplice had run right out of town, and they’d never see either of them again. Or perhaps the sheriff had caught them. She’d find out later. Right now, she just wanted to rest her eyes and maybe doze for a bit.
As she started to drift, her thoughts focused on the last time she and George spent here together. Her lips curved in pleasure at the remembrance of the sensations accompanying their lovemaking. She’d never imagined the act would be so wonderful.
She sank down into the chair, a comfortable buzzing sending her into a semi-conscious state, but a knock at the door brought her back. Opening her eyes, she stared at the closed door, not sure if she’d dreamt the sound.
The knock sounded louder. She roused herself, straightening her skirt. “Who’s there?”
“Sis, you in there?”
“Quinn?” She rose and opened the door.
Her brother glanced from her to the bed. “I heard what happened...is he...” He motioned to George.
“I dug out the bullet, and he’s resting now. I need to watch him for infection, though.”
He reached out and grasped her by the shoulders. “Are you all right?”
“I‘m shaken up, but not hurt. I’m concerned about George. He’s lost a lot of blood.”
Quinn swallowed. “I know you want to stay with him, but Sarah needs you.”
“Why?” Cassidy glanced from George to her brother. “Is it the baby?”
Quinn nodded. “The baby is coming and Sarah wants you.”
“Surely you can—”
“I can, but she wants you, not me. You know how demanding our sister can be.”
Cassidy bit her lip. “I can’t leave him now. You’ll have to explain to her.”
“Look...” Quinn glanced at George. “You said you dug the bullet out. There’s nothing more you can do for him right now. I’ll stay with him until you come back.”
A surge of panic set Cassidy’s pulse racing. “Quinn, I don’t think I can...not without you there.”
“Cassie, you have to. Besides, it’s the best way to get over what happened. And Sarah trusts you.”
“But what if something goes wrong?” Her throat closed up at the thought of doing harm to her sister or her baby.
“You’ll do fine, Cassie.” Quinn settled in the chair she’d vacated. “I’ll stay with George and if you need me, send Matt over.”
“But what if—?”
“Go home, Sis.” He glanced at George. “He won’t even know you’re gone.”
Cassidy swallowed the hard lump in her throat. Circumstances were forcing her into a nightmare situation. She just hoped she wouldn’t end up doing more harm than good.
Cassidy arrived home to find the household in turmoil. Matt attempted to calm Wesley, while Sarah’s screams echoed from the spare bedroom on the first floor.
Wesley turned to Cassidy. “I’m so glad you’re here...” Her brother-in-law’s gaze slid to the blood staining her gown. “Oh, my. I heard about George, is he...”
“He’s all right, for now. Quinn is staying with him. He insisted Sarah wanted me, not him.”
Matt nodded. “She won’t allow Quinn to touch her. She wants you.”
Cassidy grimaced. “I promised her I’d deliver the baby when the time came.” The fear surfaced again, causing her skin to chill. “I’m not sure I’m the right person for the job, though.”
Wesley braced her shoulders from behind. “You’ll do just fine, Cassie. Go in and see her. I’m sure your presence will calm her.”
“All right.”
Wesley guided her to the door. The screams had been replaced by the sound of moans and her mother’s voice, low, trying to soothe.
Wesley opened the door, then retreated a step. “I’ll be right outside if you need me.”
Cassidy stepped into the room, and Wesley shut the door behind her.
Her mother glanced back, her frown melting to an expression of relief. “Cassie, I’m so glad you’re here and all right. We heard what happened.”
“I’m fine, Ma.” She stepped close to the bed. Her mother mopped her sister’s brow.
A grimace crossed Sarah’s face. “I’m glad you’re here, too. The baby is coming, and I hurt real bad.”
She reached for her sister’s hand. “We’ll get you through this, won’t we, Ma?”
Her mother smiled and nodded.
Cassidy kneeled beside the bed and placed her hands on Sarah’s stomach. She felt the baby’s head and heaved a relieved sigh. With the head in the down position, the birth should be free of complications. As least she hoped so.
Sarah’s muscles tightened and she arched, a loud moan tearing from her throat. Cassidy reached for her hand, allowing her to squeeze. The pressure on her hand mounted, but she held firm until the contraction eased.
“Now, breathe deeply,” Cassidy soothed. “I need to take a look under the sheet to see if you’re ready to push this baby out.”
Her sister frowned, but nodded. Her mother took her hand.
After a look, Cassidy decided it was time. She bit her lip, wishing for Quinn’s appearance, but she couldn’t wait. She had to do this alone.
“It’s time to push. When the next contraction hits, take a deep breath and bear down as hard as you can.”
Sarah’s face paled. “I’ll try.”
Cassidy settled between her sister’s legs as her mother stayed by Sarah’s head, holding her hand, mopping her brow.
When the tightening in her sister’s abdomen started, Cassidy said, “Now, Sarah. Push as hard as you can.”
Her face contorted as she writhed and moaned.
“Again,” Cassidy instructed.
After another push, she frowned, slight prickles sending icy cold fingers down her body. A fist clutched her heart. The baby’s head wasn’t coming out.
“Are you pushing hard?” she asked.
“I’m pushing as hard as I can,” Sarah gasped.
Her mother glanced at Cassidy, a worried frown lining her face.
Another wave drew a scream from Sarah. Her mother jumped up to move to the end of the bed. “Cassie, what’s wrong?”
She glanced at Sarah, then at her mother, warning her with her gaze not to say anything more. Fear chilled Cassidy to the bone.
A scream tore from her sister. Her body went rigid. Blood gushed from her womb and the baby, stained crimson, slipped out. Cassidy caught the small body in a towel.
Sarah’s skin paled.
Her mother moved to help Cassidy with the baby but glanced back at her other daughter. “So much blood,” she whispered.
Her breathing shallow, Cassidy willed herself to regain control. The nightmare she’d had for months seemed to be playing out in real life.
What do I do now? Panic threatened to overtake her. “I have to cut the cord,” she told her mother.
She cut the cord then handed the child to her mother. “Clean him up.”
Her mother glanced at the bundle she held. “Cassie, he’s not breathing,” she whispered
.
Cassidy jumped up and took the baby, placing him on the table. She had to save the baby...and Sarah.
The world crashed down atop her shoulders. She wanted to scream and sob at the same time.
What am I going to do?
Chapter Thirty-Three
George woke from a fragmented dream about Cassidy. Her face so close to his, her sweet breath fanned his cheek. But before he could kiss her, Madison yanked her away. He stood over him laughing.
Jostling himself from the dream, George groaned. His side hurt. He lay in bed in his hotel room. Someone moved on the far side of the room by the curtained window.
“Cassie?”
A male voice answered. “It’s Quinn.” He stepped close to the bed, so George could make out his face. “She had to attend Sarah. The baby’s coming sooner than we thought, and Sarah wanted Cassie at the birth.”
“So, you’re my doc now?”
Quinn grinned. “She did most of the work. Dug out the bullet and bandaged you up, so the bleeding would slow. I’m just here to make sure you don’t try to get up too soon and don’t develop an infection.”
George grimaced. “I see.” He wriggled on the bed, sending pain up his side. “It hurts when I move.”
“So, don’t move.” Quinn pulled the chair closer to the bed. “I checked the wound. Doesn’t look too bad. A few days of bed rest, keep the bandages clean, and you just might make it.”
“That so.” George studied Quinn’s face. “Kind of reminds me of the war. At Gettysburg.”
Quinn nodded. “When we lost Josh.”
George sighed. “I’ll never forget that day. You’re the one pulled me off him and got me off the battlefield. Reckon I should thank you.”
“No need.” Quinn grinned.
“Did Cassie go home by herself?”
“She wasn’t about to leave you alone. And Sarah couldn’t wait.”
“I’m afraid Madison might still be around. What if he gets to her...?”
Quinn shook his head. “I’m sure she’s all right. Madison likely skedaddled out of town. Everyone already knows what happened. He won’t show his face here again.”
George frowned, trying to ignore the nagging ache in his rib. If Quinn was right, he’d failed in his assignment. How could he gather evidence on a man who’d run? But his main worry was Cassidy. “I’d just like to see Cassie. To know she’s safe.”
“She is. I’m sure of it.” Quinn patted George’s shoulder.
“Do you have any idea how much I love and care for your sister? If I could’ve killed Madison today, I wouldn’t have hesitated.”
“I’m sure my whole family knows.”
George shook his head. “Did you ever love a woman so much, the thought of losing her forever tore you up inside?”
“I haven’t had much experience, but I have been spending a lot of time with Miss Baker...” His face flushed.
“You’re sweet on her? Does she know?”
“She does by now. Especially after what Madison did. She thinks she’s spoiled goods now. Told me I should find someone respectable.”
“But?” George tried to hold back his grin.
“I told her there’s no woman in town more respectable than her.”
“Good for you, Quinn.” George shifted in the bed, trying to get to a comfortable position. Pain shot up his side, forcing a grunt. “You’re a good man.”
Quinn shrugged. “I hope it’s my charm that’s convinced her and not just the fear she’s spoiled for other men. Maybe you could school me with your expertise regarding women, George.”
“After the way I failed miserably with your sister?”
Quinn shook his head. “You haven’t failed as far as I can tell. She loves you and always has. I see a real future for the two of you.”
“I surely hope you’re right.” George settled back against his pillow, hoping to God things would at last turn out in their favor.
****
Scott pulled his hat brim down, trying to escape notice as he scurried to the alley to retrieve his bag. He supposed his actions foolhardy, but if he had to start over, even if he had to leave his house and other possessions, he couldn’t go without the bag. While on the run, he couldn’t afford to replace the tools necessary to reestablish himself as a physician.
He’d hid out until dark, not daring to show his face in town in daylight. Once he got the bag, he’d have to hide in the woods until morning, then catch the first train out of town. His stomach tightened. Look what Miss Cassidy Stuart and that gambler, Masters, had reduced him to.
Was the man a gambler? Scott grimaced. His actions seemed more like those of a lawman, working covertly. If he were a detective, it would explain his sudden appearance and stay in town. He’d paid his respects to his father weeks ago, but Scott had supposed he’d stayed on to woo Miss Stuart. The possibility Masters stayed to investigate Scott hadn’t occurred to him until now.
He sighed. He should have left when his relationship with Miss Stuart soured. He could have already been set up in a new town, pursuing another established physician’s practice. Why had he stayed?
As he drew closer to the hotel, he averted his gaze each time he saw a townsperson. He couldn’t afford to be recognized. His blood heated at the thought of Miss Stuart. If he got his hands on her now, he’d wrap them around her slender throat and choke the life out of her. He hoped Masters had passed on but didn’t dare stay around long enough to find out.
****
Cassidy laid the child on a table top and massaged the tiny chest. “Breathe...breathe,” she whispered.
Her mother looked on, her face lined, hands fisted against her mouth. “Oh, Cassie! Will he be all right?”
Cassidy’s pulse thundered. “He’ll make it.” She glanced at her sister, lying too still in the bed. “See to Sarah.”
She turned the baby over and allowed the fluids to drain from his lungs. Then she pressed her lips against his, forcing air into his lifeless body. “You can’t die on me. You can’t!”
She massaged his chest again, then lay her ear against it. A small movement up and down encouraged her. She blew into him again, her reward a gasp, followed by a small, whimpering cry.
Lifting the baby, she patted his rump. He drew in a breath and let out a lusty wail.
Her mother turned at the sound.
“I think he’ll be all right.” Cassidy handed the whimpering baby to her mother and moved to attend her sister.
The paleness of her face alarmed Cassidy. With the baby all right, she had to make sure Sarah pulled through.
Her mother strode forward, cradling the child.
“Sarah’s lost a lot of blood.” Cassidy stepped to the foot of the bed and examined her sister. “Her bleeding seems to be slowing now, though. I think she’ll be all right.”
Her mother looked about ready to burst into tears, but nodded. “You’ve done a wonderful job, Cassie.”
“We just have to keep her from moving and get fluids and food into her to replace the blood she lost. With round the clock care, she should be just fine.”
“Can I tell Wes?” her mother asked. “I’m sure he’s frantic with worry.”
“Go ahead.”
After her mother left, Cassidy sighed in relief. Fear drained off her like water. Her sister and baby would both be all right because of her. But there wasn’t time to bask. She had to go to George.
When her mother returned, she instructed her how to care for Sarah and told her she’d send Quinn right over. “I’ll be at the hotel.”
Her mother frowned. “But it’s late. You shouldn’t be going out alone. Take Matt or Wes.”
“Wes should be here with his wife and child. I’ll ask Matt.” Cassidy kissed her mother’s cheek. “Everything will be fine now.”
She raced out of the room. Wes stood in the hall, cradling and cooing at the baby.
“Cassie...” He swallowed. “Will Sarah be all right?”
She nodded. “Ma’s in
with her now, but you can go ahead and see her.” She glanced around. “Where’s Matt?”
“He ran out on a quick errand. Should be right back.”
Cassidy sighed. She didn’t want to wait. “I’m going to see George.”
Before her brother-in-law could protest, she’d pinned on her hat and raced out the door. Raw fear for George’s welfare erased any feeling of accomplishment at the delivery.
Please, let him be all right.
****
Scott sidled down the alley. Darkness blanketed the narrow space, broken up by dim gaslight seeping from the buildings. Struggling to see, he swore when his foot hit against a barrel.
Why can’t these small towns have gas lit streets like they do in Philadelphia? Maybe he should go to Chicago or one of the other big cities and lose himself. Coming here had been nothing but a waste of time. He felt along the wall at the spot where he thought he’d left the bag but found nothing.
Did someone take it?
If so, he’d come back for nothing. By now, everyone knew he was involved with Masters’ shooting. He’d taken a big risk.
The sounds of heels clicking on the planks in front of the hotel drew his attention. He ducked deeper into the alley, so the passerby wouldn’t spot him.
At the swish of skirts, he adjusted his gaze, straining to see in the dim light. A woman rushed past the alley.
On a hunch, he emerged, strode up behind the lone female and grasped her wrist.
She gasped and turned. Even in this dim light, he recognized Miss Stuart. Her hat a bit eschew, she wore no wrap on this humid summer night.
Yanking her against his chest, he growled into her ear. “Where the devil is my bag?”
She sputtered. “Your bag?”
“My medical bag’s not where I left it. Where is it?”
“I don’t know anything about your bag.” She struggled, but he held fast, his face heating.
“Then what are you doing here this time of night? Most men would take you to be a street walker.”
“How dare you!” She yanked against his grip, glancing up and down the street.
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