They drove to the main road and Miko turned onto it then tooted her horn as they passed the Phillips’ place. Petey was outside playing on a tire swing. The boy waved both hands over his head in greeting and nearly fell off the swing.
“That boy is sure the cat’s pajamas.” Miko laughed and returned his wave.
“That he is,” Zane agreed waving even though he couldn’t see Petey.
She hit the accelerator and roared down the road. Zane heard her giggle as she turned right at the intersection and raced into the driveway just ahead of Rock as he pulled in behind them in the sedan.
“Is the sedan really Rock’s car or yours?” Zane asked.
“Neither. It’s my grandfather’s car, but he told Rock when he bought the place that included everything here. Technically, it is Rock’s now.”
“Yours and Rock’s,” Zane corrected as Miko parked her car in the storage building and turned off the ignition.
“I’m gone for five minutes and my best friend tries to run off with my wife. Gee, what’s the world coming to?” Rock joked as he parked and got out of the car.
Although their images were fuzzy, Zane could see Miko hurry over to Rock. He lifted her in a tight hug and gave her a kiss before he set her back on her feet.
“I’ve got dinner if anyone’s hungry,” Rock said, holding up two paper bags.
“I’m starving,” Miko said. She stepped over and placed a hand on Zane’s arm. “Come on, brother, we aren’t leaving you behind.”
Warmed by Miko’s words as well as how readily she forgave him, Zane truly felt like he was with family, with people who loved him no matter what an idiot he’d been.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Zane pressed his head against the warm side of the cow and stripped the last of the milk from her teats. “You’re a good girl, Amos,” he said, patting the cow as he got to his feet and picked up the bucket of milk.
“Are you sure you feel up to being out here?” Rock asked, taking the bucket from him so he could strain the milk.
“I practically feel as good as new,” Zane said with a grin. Each morning he awoke feeling more like himself. His side rarely hurt at all and the wound’s angry red scar was slowly fading. Miko had given him some cream to rub on it and it had almost magical healing properties, or at least that’s what he’d concluded.
Even better, his eyesight improved daily. Although things in the distance were still nothing more than fuzzy blobs, he could see objects a few feet away without much difficulty. He still wore sunglasses except when he was in a dark room or sleeping because the light made his eyes and head ache, but Doctor Ridley assured him his sight should continue to improve.
Grateful for what vision had returned, Zane trusted the rest would come back eventually. If not, at least he was thankful he could get around by himself without someone constantly watching over him and leading him around.
Just yesterday, he’d gone with Rock on his Tuesday trip to town. Rock left milk, eggs, butter, and some produce at a little store run by a friendly man that immediately made Zane think of Santa Claus. Rock bought them both a cold bottle of Coca Cola and they continued on their way to Rock’s attorney’s office where they spent more than an hour having papers drawn up that would prevent Floyd from carrying out his plans, even if he did the unthinkable and killed Zane.
From there, Rock drove Zane to the hospital where Doctor Ridley checked him over and congratulated him on his progress. Billie hadn’t been there, but he had spoken to Peggy who assured him Billie was fine, just down in bed with a bad cold. He’d asked if there was anything he could do, but Peggy had laughed and said Billie had more care than she wanted, living in a house full of nurses.
Zane was concerned about Billie, about their relationship. She’d not been able to come to visit him since the Sunday he made her learn to drive, and he didn’t feel comfortable calling her to talk. He’d thought of little else besides what he could do to make things better with her, since he’d let her leave on such an unsettled note.
Perhaps he needed to make an effort to do something special, something that would let her know how much he cared, how much he loved her.
He mulled over those thoughts as Rock drove out to the assembly center. Even with his limited vision, what Zane had seen there would haunt him. Regret tasted bitter in his mouth when he thought of saying the Japanese Americans deserved to be isolated in internment camps and assembly centers. As he looked around, he couldn’t help but think no one deserved to live in such conditions, especially when they’d done nothing wrong.
Humble and contrite, he’d met Miko’s grandparents, parents, and brother. Her grandfather was a jovial man, full of smiles. Her brother was like any other young man his age, full of energy and questions. Her father was polite and friendly. But the women were quiet. Stoic. Reserved. He could see bits of Miko in both her parents, as well as her grandfather.
This morning, as he milked the cow, his thoughts jumped between Billie and the plight of Miko’s family. Zane had liked them and wished there was something he could do to help, but he knew there was nothing that could be done for any of them.
He agreed with Rock and Pastor Clark, whom he’d met Sunday afternoon when the man came for a visit and stayed for supper. Miko had no business being at the assembly center with her family. Besides, he’d learned that many of the women who’d originally been sent there had returned home to their Caucasian husbands. Miko was no different. Her place was with Rock and nowhere else, but he certainly understood why she remained at the farm and hesitated to leave.
“You look like you’re thinking heavy thoughts today,” Rock said, thumping Zane on the back.
“Just thinking about Billie and my future, what I want to do.”
“When you figure it out, it’ll all feel right,” Rock said as he picked up a small pail of milk and set it down for Tuffy.
The dog eagerly lapped at the warm liquid then looked up at them with milk rimming his mouth and dripping off his chin.
Zane grinned and bent down, giving the dog a good rub. “He’s really starting to look more like a dog than a half-starved wild beast.”
“He is.” Rock scratched behind the dog’s ears before he continued the morning chores.
Zane volunteered to feed the horses while Rock took the eggs and milk into the house. He’d just finished watering them when he heard a shout from the house and hurried that direction.
Miko and Rock hadn’t argued once or raised their voices since he’d been there and he couldn’t picture them fighting now.
Worried something else was wrong, that someone else might be there, he ran past the barn and storage buildings and crossed the backyard in a few long strides. Through the open window, he heard Rock’s raised voice.
“No, and I mean it. You aren’t going!”
Zane hurried inside and found Miko weakly pounding against Rock’s chest while sobbing hysterically. The woman wasn’t one given to tears, at least from what he knew, so to see her in such a state made dread slither down his spine. “What’s wrong?”
“Pastor Clark phoned. They’re moving Miko’s family today. He just happened to go for a visit and found out they’d been ordered to pack. They’ll leave on a train in a few hours,” Rock said. He rubbed his hands up and down Miko’s back trying to comfort her when she sagged against him, burying her face in his neck.
“What do you need to do? Are you going to see them?” Zane asked.
Rock continued holding her, attempting to offer comfort through his touch. “I plan to, but Miko wants to go along, too.”
Clarity set in and Zane understood the problem. Rock didn’t want her to go in case someone tried to force her on the train.
“What if I go along and Miko and I watch from a distance. That way she could be there, but not get too close to things.”
Miko snuffled and turned to look at him. “You’d do that?”
“Of course,” Zane said, stepping closer and settling one hand on her back and the oth
er on Rock’s. “I’d do anything for either of you.”
“I still think it’s best she stays home,” Rock said, kissing Miko’s wet cheek and cuddling her close. “But I have a feeling if I don’t take her with me, she’ll drive herself anyway.”
Zane smiled. “I think you’re probably right.”
Miko sniffed and wiped her tears away with a dishtowel Rock handed to her. “You’re absolutely right, no probably about it.”
“Let’s get ready to go,” Rock said, guiding Miko from the room.
Zane went to his room and changed into the nicest outfit he had, which happened to be his uniform. His footlocker still hadn’t arrived, so he’d been borrowing a few clothes from Rock, even though they were a little big. He had purchased a few things when they went to town yesterday, but he hoped the rest of his belongings would arrive soon.
After combing his hair, he settled his cap on his head, stuffed his wallet in his pocket and made his way back to the kitchen, then they left. They’d stopped at the store where Rock sold milk and eggs and filled baskets with food that wouldn’t perish like crackers and cookies, as well as medicinal supplies, bars of soap, toothpowder, and other things that might be of use.
When they reached the assembly center, Zane stood with an arm around Miko’s shoulders, offering support. Rock spoke to her family as they waited in line to board a train. The windows of the train had been covered, so the occupants would have no idea where they were, and anyone on the outside would be unable to see the train transported Japanese Americans.
A uniformed man dug through the baskets, but finally let the family accept them after his inspection.
Zane balked at the way the families were being treated, but there was nothing he could do. Nothing any of them could do, other than pray for the people who were being treated less than human for no valid reason.
Miko stood stiff and unyielding, as though if she wavered even an inch her composure would shatter. He could feel her longing to go to her family, to give them hugs and tell them how much she loved them. However, Rock refused to relent on his orders for her to stay far enough away there would be no possibility of her getting shoved onto the train.
With a broad-brimmed hat cloaked with dark netting, and sunglasses hiding her face, Miko looked like a fashionable lady who’d merely come to observe the unfolding drama. Several people stood nearby, gawking as the passengers methodically boarded the train.
No one would guess Miko was the daughter of one of the families waiting to begin a new chapter in their uncertain future. Pastor Clark had tried to find out where her family was headed, but no one would tell him anything. Zane was of a mind to try to pry out details, but Rock counted on him to keep Miko safe.
When she lifted a handkerchief beneath the veil of her hat and dabbed at a lone tear sliding down her cheek, Zane’s heart broke right along with hers.
She held herself together, waving as her family climbed up the train steps and disappeared inside.
As soon as they were out of sight, a sob burst out of her, followed by another. Immediately, Rock was there, taking her in his arms and guiding her to the car. Zane gave them a few minutes alone while he strode over to an armed guard.
“Remind me again where they’re headed,” he said with an engaging grin.
The private gave him a glance, noted his rank of captain, and stood a little straighter. “Idaho, sir.”
“Oh, that’s right,” Zane said, as though he’d merely forgotten the detail. “Carry on, Private.”
Zane strolled off, as though he had nothing better to do than wander past the train cars. He wanted to climb on the car where Miko’s family had been loaded and wish them well, but he didn’t. Abruptly, he stopped and stared at a boy who couldn’t be any older than Petey, sitting on his little suitcase. An identification tag was pinned to the front of his shirt, his clothes neatly pressed. In his hand he held a miniature American flag attached to a wooden stick, the kind often seen at parades. A slight breeze slowly blew the red and white striped fabric back and forth.
The sight of the boy, of the flag in his small hand, made a lump rise to Zane’s throat that he couldn’t dispel.
Overwrought with emotions he couldn’t begin to express, he turned away, closed his eyes, and drew in several deep breaths. When he had control of himself again, he returned to where Rock and Miko sat in the sedan. Miko’s sobs had subsided, but she rested her head against Rock’s shoulder as though weariness weighed her down.
“They’re moving them to Idaho. Does that mean anything to you, Rock?” Zane asked as he slipped in the back seat and shut the door.
“Idaho? No, but I sure plan to find out.” He sighed and started the car, then kissed Miko’s cheek. “There’s nothing more we can do today. Let’s go home.”
“If it isn’t too much trouble, would you mind dropping me off to see Billie?” Although the words had popped out of his mouth rather unexpectedly, Zane liked the idea of checking on the feisty little nurse. It would also give Miko and Rock the time alone he sensed they needed.
“Are you sure, Zane? How will you get home?” Rock glanced over his shoulder at him.
“I can take the bus if I can’t find a ride. I don’t mind. Really.”
Rock studied him in the rearview mirror for a moment then nodded once in understanding. He knew Zane wanted to give him time with Miko, but also that his friend needed to see Billie, needed the comfort of her presence.
“Just leave me at the rooming house. If she isn’t there, I can walk to the hospital,” Zane said as Rock took an exit and turned onto the street that ran in front of the hospital.
He turned onto a side street, at Zane’s direction, and stopped the car in front of The Cascadia Hotel sign.
“She lives here?” Miko asked, glancing up at the grand Victorian home.
“Yep. I think about a dozen nurses have rooms here. It’s handy for them since the hospital is just a few blocks away.” Zane opened the door and got out, then leaned in the open passenger window. “I’ll be back this afternoon.”
“If you need a ride, call,” Rock said, giving Zane a grateful look.
“I will.” Zane tapped the side of the car once then stepped back as Rock pulled away from the curb and drove down the street.
Zane could have gone to the front door, knocked, and asked to see Billie, but there wasn’t much fun in that.
He glanced both ways then jogged around to the back of the house. Not much had changed since he was there in May, other than the trees had already started changing their colors. He glanced up at Billie’s window, but couldn’t tell if it was open or closed.
The day was warm and pleasant, the sky bright and blue, and he had a girl to profess his undying love to.
Zane jumped up and grabbed a branch in the big oak tree and pulled himself onto it. His side protested as he climbed higher and higher. Unlike before, the height made him slightly dizzy. He ignored it and continued climbing.
Rather than walk out on the limb by Billie’s window, he scooted across it, not trusting himself to maintain his balance. Her window was partially open when he got close enough to see it. The sound of music drifted out to him from a radio. When the singer began to croon “The Very Thought of You,” Zane grinned, recalling the day he’d danced with Billie to the song.
The very thought of Billie left him tantalized, tormented, taunted. Like the singer, Zane knew the mere thought of her had distracted him numerous times when he should have been focusing on his work. He’d see her face when he glanced up at the stars, or when he walked along the beach. She was there, in every flower, every moonbeam, making him long for her, wish he could take her in his arms and love her for a lifetime
And now that she was so close, Zane knew he wouldn’t willingly let her go.
“Billie?” he called softly, edging toward the end of the branch. He could feel his weight pulling it down and knew he needed to move quickly. “Billie?” he said again, a little louder.
When she didn’t
answer, he got to his feet, prayed he wouldn’t fall out of the tree, and jumped off the branch, catching the edge of the window sill. He pulled himself up, pushed the window open, and climbed inside. Without waiting for her invitation, he moved across the room until he stood next to her bed and could see her clearly.
Billie had been asleep, but she snapped upright, her hair a snarled tangle of curls, nose red, and eyes wide. She started to scream, but when she realized it was him, her mouth formed an O and she gaped at him.
“What on earth are you doing Zane Zander West? Trying to kill yourself? Or scare me half to death?” she asked, then dabbed at her runny nose with a handkerchief.
He grinned and hunkered down next to the bed, placing his hand against her cheek. Her skin felt hot and dry to his touch, confirming his assumption she was indeed quite ill.
“Hiya, doll. I heard our song playing and thought I’d see if you wanted to dance.”
She rolled her eyes and flopped back against her pillow. “That’s the most ridiculous, stupid, romantic, wonderful thing anyone’s ever said to me.” She smiled at him, a joyous smile that was better than sunshine streaming from behind storm clouds. “What are you really doing here?” she asked.
“Rock dropped me off. I was at the hospital yesterday to check in with the doctor and Peggy said you were sick.” He tucked her blanket around her and smoothed a curl away from her face. “I’m sorry you don’t feel well, baby. How long have you been sick?”
“A few days. I don’t want to give anything to the patients, so I’ve stayed here in my room.” Her smile faded. “You shouldn’t be here. The last thing you need is to get sick.”
“Shoot, I never get sick. It’ll be fine.” Zane’s palm cradled her cheek. “I sure have missed you, Billie. Missed your smile and your sass, and being bossed around every living minute of the day.”
“You have not. Don’t you lie to me, cowboy.” She grinned then coughed a deep, rattling sound that made her press a hand against her chest as though it hurt. Zane didn’t know what to do, other than rub her back and wait for the coughing spell to pass.
Dream of Her Heart Page 25