“No.” Magdalena protested firmly. “I need to see the children. To be with them. They must be terribly frightened and I want them to know that I’m okay—plus Sully said he needs to talk to me as soon as he’s done helping with Sister Theresa.” Tears filled her eyes. “We need to pray for her,” she whispered.
Claire sighed. “I think I have a smock in the wagon. Let me get that for you, and then we’ll go see the children. But then I am taking you home. Sully can talk with you there,” Claire insisted as two additional deputies arrived. “The sheriff is in the main building,” she advised the men. The deputies tilted their hats toward Claire and rushed toward the building.
Claire pulled Magdalena with her toward the wagon with a backward glance toward the sister. “Go to the children, Sister Margaret. We’ll be right there. The town’s women will bring lunch for the children.” The sister nodded and moved toward the schoolroom.
TWENTY-THREE
Magdalena felt better once she’d changed into Claire’s smock. She sipped the water Claire insisted she drink and then moved toward the schoolhouse with a purpose.
Two of the sisters were with the children, along with two women from the village. Magdalena debated whether to continue with their classes or let the children take a break.
“Raphael and Jose, please come to me,” she instructed after walking into the classroom.
The boys moved to her, standing directly in front of her. “I’m so very proud of both of you,” she assured them with a smile. “You were very brave today and followed my instructions perfectly. You might well have saved Sister Theresa’s life.” Both of the boys seemed to grow an inch while standing in front of her—their big eyes never leaving hers. “You may return to your chairs,” she instructed.
“Children?” Magdalena’s eyes swept over each child in the room. “What happened today was very scary for all of us, but I couldn’t be more proud of how well you handled yourselves.” She paused, and even the smallest children in the room watched her with rapt attention.
“The doctor is helping Sister Theresa now, and we need to pray together for her. Please bow your heads.” She waited until each head was bowed and then prayed:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We are so grateful for Your protection today, and for helping Raphael and Jose be very brave and follow important instructions. We thank You for bringing help quickly and ask that you would be with Doctor Holloway and Sheriff Sully as they help Sister Theresa. We ask that you would protect and heal her. Thank you for these wonderful children. I ask for Your protection for them as well. We pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.”
“Amen,” the children echoed, as they each made the sign of the cross, then opened their eyes.
“Some women will be here shortly from the town, and they are bringing a special lunch for us,” the children wiggled in their chairs but made no sound. She smiled, her heart swelling with pride again. “I have to talk to the sheriff, so our class will be dismissed for today and we will resume first thing tomorrow morning.”
She blinked her eyes rapidly to hold back tears. “You are dismissed—and children? Make sure you thank the Sisters and the women who bring you lunch today. Please remember!” She exclaimed as the children walked quickly toward the door.
“Yes, Miss. Allen,” they echoed, barely containing their excitement as they raced out the door the moment they reached the threshold.
Magdalena stared after them, then moved toward her desk after the last child filed out of the room.
“Are you sure you’re okay,” Claire asked, moving to her friend’s side as Magdalena sunk into the chair behind her desk.
“Yes, yes, I’m fine.” Then Magdalena turned her attention toward Claire. “Do you know what the story is with Raphael?”
“With Raphael? What do you mean?”
“There were three men who came—no burst—into the classroom,” Magdalena gestured toward the splintered doorjamb where the lock was broken. “They were looking for a boy named Pablo.” Magdalena shivered and Claire covered her hand with her own. “I told them there isn’t a Pablo here—and there isn’t—but then Sister Theresa told me they were looking for Raphael.”
“I’m not sure what the story is,” Claire admitted, “but Sully probably does. We’ll ask him later.”
Magdalena nodded. “They’ll be back—I can just feel it.”
“Then Sully will make sure we’re ready when and if they do,” Claire declared with confidence.
Magdalena smiled at her; Claire’s confidence in her husband was endearing. “Yes, yes, I’m sure he will.”
Both women glanced up as Jim and Mary burst through the door. “Claire! Magdalena! Are you all right?”
Magdalena jumped in her seat. “Goodness, you two, you scared me.”
“Sorry,” Jim admitted sheepishly. “We just heard what happened, and Sully asked us to come find you.”
“Is it Sister Theresa? Is she okay?” Magdalena jumped up from her chair, moving quickly toward Jim.
“Yes, I think so. It sounds like they think she’s going to make it, but Sully’s looking for you—he’s worried. The children said one of the men was rough with you.”
Magdalena rolled her eyes. “I’m fine, but I need to talk to the sheriff and make sure Sister Theresa is okay.”
“Come Magdalena, I’ll go with you. I’m staying with you from this point forward, and I won’t leave your side.” Claire declared, taking her friend my the hand and marching toward the door.
TWENTY-FOUR
“Is there anything else you can remember? Any other details you can tell me?” Sully asked, his eyes studying Magdalena.
“No, I think that’s everything. The men spoke Spanish, although they knew English, and they were looking for a boy named Pablo.” Magdalena paused and rubbed her arm where the man had squeezed it, hard. “I told them there was no boy here by that name—then the lead man told me that if I was lying to them, he would be back—and he wouldn’t just hurt me. He said he would hurt the children, too.” Her voice trailed off, her eyes filled with fear.
Claire squeezed Magdalena’s hand. “Sully won’t let that happen, Mags. Right, Sully?”
Sully’s eyes moved to Claire’s. “We’ll do everything we can to protect them,” he assured her.
“There were five of them in total.” Magdalena continued as Doctor Holloway walked into the room. “Five of them on horseback, but only three came into the classroom. The leader—he’s the one who spoke to me—he’s the same one who shot Sister Theresa.” Magdalena’s eyes moved to Doc Holloway’s, and she stood. “Sister Theresa—is she going to be okay?”
Lance Holloway moved to Magdalena and took her hands in his, looking deeply into her eyes. “I think she’s going to pull through—in large thanks to you. You probably saved her life by acting so quickly, Magdalena,” he confirmed.
Magdalena’s eyes filled with tears. “Thank you for saving her—,” she looked away quickly.
He smiled, then cupped her gently under the chin, forcing her eyes back to hers. “And what about you? Hm? Are you okay?” He asked softly, his eyes examining hers.
“Yes,” she staggered back as her lips parted and warmth flooded stomach. She took a deep breath, then narrowed her eyes, “But if another person asks me that again today I’m going to—,” she stuttered— “this is not about me. It’s about Sister Theresa and the children.” She blurted, heat rising in her cheeks. “Speaking of, can I see her?” She asked, licking her lips, her eyes darting away from Doc Holloway’s to Sheriff Sully’s.
Lance sighed, his eyes resting on the threading pulse in the valley of her neck. “Only for a brief moment. She needs her rest, and so do you.”
Magdalena’s eyes darted back to his, and then away. “Thank you. I won’t keep her,” she assured him, “I just want her to know that I’m praying for her.”
He nodded and stepped aside, following her into the room where Sister Theresa was resting.
<
br /> Magdalena carefully sat on the edge of the bed and Sister Theresa’s eyes opened into hers. “Hello, Sister,” she smiled. “You’ll be in good care. The children are all fine—,”
“Ra—Raphael—,”
“Shh,” Magdalena soothed. “Yes, Raphael and all the children are fine.”
“You?” The sister whispered.
“Yes, I’m fine, too. The men are gone and deputies are with the children. I have to go back to Claire’s to change, but I’ll be back.”
Magdalena heard Lance clear his throat behind her. “I’ll be back as soon as I can be,” she clarified. “The children and I prayed for you, and they’ll be so glad to know you’re okay. Rest, and I’ll check back on you soon.”
The Sister’s eyes closed, and Magdalena held her hand for a moment longer before she felt a hand on her shoulder. She leaned forward and placed a kiss on the Sister’s forehead, then stood to leave.
“Go with Claire, Magdalena. I’ll check in on you later,” Lance Holloway assured her.
“No—,” Magdalena started to protest.
“Don’t argue with me.” Lance’s voice was firm, his eyes unwavering.
Magdalena’s eyes flew up to his, surprise swirling through them. “Yes, sir,” she agreed, as much to her own astonishment, as his.
Claire and Sully exchanged a look and then Claire reached for Magdalena’s hand. “Let’s go, Mags. Let’s get you home.”
TWENTY-FIVE
“Why wouldn’t Sully tell me what’s going on with Raphael?” Magdalena complained, her head resting against the back of the tub while Claire added more hot water.
“I’m not sure, Mags. We can ask him when he gets home, but I don’t know how much he’ll tell us. Maybe he’s trying to protect you,” she suggested, a frown overtaking the normally happy face.
“Do you think that’s why?”
“It’s possible. It could be that’s part of what saved you, the children, and Raphael today—the fact that you didn’t know Pablo was really Raphael.”
Magdalena nodded. “That makes sense. But what happens if the men come back to take him, or hurt the children?” She felt fear grip her stomach hard, like a rock.
“Sully won’t let that happen, Magdalena.”
Magdalena nodded. “I feel much better knowing the deputies will take shifts protecting the children and the sisters.” She pressed a hand to her temple.
“Does your head hurt?”
“It depends. Are you going to tell on me?” Magdalena lifted an eyebrow at her friend accusingly before answering.
Claire narrowed her eyes at her friend. “I won’t, I promise. Trust me,” she clarified, “I know what a pain it is to have their overprotective focus on me, and it’s not fun. But Mags, if you’re hurt, we should let Lance check you over.”
“I’m not hurt. I promise. It’s just a bump, and you of all people know just how hard my head is.”
They giggled.
“All right,” Claire agreed. “I’ll leave you to your bath. Let me know if you need anything, okay?”
“I will.”
There was a knock at the door as Claire turned to leave.
Magdalena hissed. “If that’s him, do not let him in here!”
Claire laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you. Friends forever, remember?”
Magdalena giggled at her reference to their childhood cheer. “Friends forever,” she agreed as Claire closed the door behind her.
Magdalena listened to sound of voices drifting through the house as she dipped low into the water, letting it soothe her tight muscles. She washed her hair, then pulled the drain, stood and grabbed the towel Claire left behind, drying herself quickly. She was just about to get dressed when a soft knock on the door gave her pause. “Yes?”
“It’s just me,” Claire said.
“Come in,” Magdalena invited.
Claire entered and then gasped. “Your arm! What happened?”
Magdalena looked down at her arm and rubbed it lightly. “That’s where he grabbed me. It's fine—just a bit sore and bruised.”
Claire’s eyes widened. “That must have hurt, a lot to bruise like that Mags. I’ll get some salve for your arm. It will help with the healing. I’ll be right back.”
Claire returned with the salve in an instant and helped Magdalena dress.
“Who’s here?”
“Sully, Jim, Mary, and Lance,” Claire confirmed, then chucked when Magdalena groaned. “There’s only so much I can do, I’m afraid, Mags. We are all concerned about you, and now that I’ve seen your arm, I’m beginning to think it might be wise to let Lance check you over.”
“Claire, we had worse bruises than this growing up,” Magdalena scoffed. “Please, I really need your support right now…”
Claire gave her friend a sympathetic smile.
“Maybe I should just go straight to bed and avoid seeing everyone.”
“That would only serve to prove their concerns have merit, my friend. Trust me, you are better off coming with me. And just so you know, everyone is staying for dinner.”
Magdalena groaned. “At this point I just want to get this over with.”
TWENTY-SIX
The conversation in the room stopped when Claire and Magdalena walked in. Both women paused. “Mary, can you help Mags and me in the kitchen, please?” Claire asked.
“Sure thing,” Mary agreed, jumping up and moving quickly, both sisters flanking Magdalena on their way to the kitchen.
Jim chuckled and Lance looked at him curiously.
“It’s the friend flank, we used to call it,” he clarified. “Those three are tight, and right now, they obviously feel the need to protect Magdalena.”
“From what?” Lance and Sully asked simultaneously.
“From the two of you,” Jim laughed. “Or more likely from our good doctor here,” he admitted with a smirk. “Mags is not exactly a fan of attention from men, or doctors, to be honest with you.”
Both men continued to stare at him. He raised his eyebrows. “It’s her father. He’s a — difficult person, and that’s not even the half of it. I think if Magdalena hadn’t had our father as a positive example in her life, she’d probably have become a nun and sworn men off altogether.”
“Is that why she seems so determined to avoid me?” Lance asked.
“To her defense, Lance, you are very intense, overprotective, and at times, overbearing. Magdalena is very independent.” He shrugged his shoulders, “Although I do think something else is going on.” Jim steepled his fingers, deep in thought.
“What do you mean?” Sully asked.
“Mary and Magdalena seem to be conspiring about something. They often clam up if I walk in on a conversation. Something’s going on with Mags, but I don’t know what—at least not yet.”
“I think I have an idea,” Sully admitted.
“Did Claire tell you something?” Jim asked.
“I don’t want to speak out of turn, but I think Magdalena’s father gave her some sort of ultimatum. Whatever it is, it’s bothering Claire, and she’s nothing if not fiercely loyal. She tried to talk with Magdalena’s father while we were in Philadelphia, but when I arrived home later that day she was slamming pots and pans in the kitchen and muttering something about stubborn men. I don’t think it went well.”
Jim nodded. “Makes sense. I’m surprised Claire even attempted to approach him. If Doctor Allen has given Mags an ultimatum, nothing will change his mind. So there’s a little insight for you, Doc.”
At Lance’s uplifted eyebrow, Jim chuckled, “Oh, come on, Doc. I can see the way you look at Magdalena. She’s beautiful, intelligent, kind, and a great catch—and I’m not blind.”
“What about you?” Lance asked. “How do you feel about her?”
“You’re not stepping on any toes here, Doc. She’s like a sister to me and always has been.”
Lance nodded. “So you think I should back off?”
“Nope. Not at all,” Sully interjected.
“I think it will take a strong man to finally win the trust and heart of Magdalena, and you’ve already started, Lance. When she looked at you today and said, ‘Yes, sir’, Claire and I both knew you have already earned her respect.
Jim whistled. “Really, she responded like that to him?”
“She did,” Sully confirmed.
“Speaking from experience,” Sully looked directly at Lance, “strong and independent women need a man who won’t take no for an answer. They might put up a fuss initially, but when they know your authority is coming from a place of genuine respect, concern, and love, you’ll quickly begin to realize that it’s something they’ve needed all along, and eventually, they will, too.”
He paused, ”As evidenced by Magdalena’s response to you earlier today, Lance. I don’t think you should take it easy on her at all.” He looked at him expectantly.
Lance nodded and stood, moving toward the kitchen.
Sully looked at Jim and winked. “Not a word of this to your sisters.”
“No, sir, I wouldn’t dream of it,” he chuckled.
TWENTY-SEVEN
Lance leaned against the doorway, observing the women. They hadn’t noticed him yet, and he took full advantage of that fact.
“Magdalena, that must have been horrifying!” Mary exclaimed.
“It was definitely scary,” Magdalena admitted, “and then he grabbed me by the arm—“
“You should see it, Mary,” Claire interjected. “She has a huge bruise to prove it.”
“It’s not that bad, Claire,” Magdalena protested, “and then he shoved me to the floor and that’s when I hit my head on the chair,” she admitted.
Mary turned, putting her hand on Magdalena’s shoulder. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes, are you sure, Magdalena?” Lance asked from the doorway.
All three women spun around.
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