A Nurse for Fallon

by Patricia Pacjac Carroll

  After working with him for some time, she decided he’d had enough and gently laid him back down. She then went about working with his legs and arms to make his muscles move. All the same, things she’d done with Robert but to no avail.

  But she had to believe they would work this time. The wound wasn’t nearly as severe as Robert’s. And she’d seen Fallon’s eyelids move several times. Fallon seemed so close to waking. Working with his feet, she bent them up and down and began singing as she did.

  She didn’t know many songs, so she sang hymns. Besides, she figured it couldn’t hurt Fallon to hear about the Lord. She started one of her favorites. “My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine; For Thee all the follies of sin I resign…”

  Finished with his feet, Addie went to his side and started working on his right hand. She marveled at how smooth his hands were and figured as a cardsharp he needed them to be to feel the cards.

  She started singing, I love to tell the story when he pulled his hand back. Startled, she looked at him. His eyes were open and blinking.

  Addie dropped his hand and stared at him. “Fallon, can you hear me?”

  “Are you an angel? Am I dead?” His voice was weak and whispered.

  She laughed. “No, you are very much alive. I’m Nurse Adelaide Sherman. I was hired to watch over you. Welcome back.”

  He tried to sit.

  She pushed him back down. “Take it easy. You have a wound in your head. Do you remember what happened?”

  Fallon looked at her. “I heard singing like in church, and there was so much light. You sure you’re not an angel?”

  Addie laughed. “Yes, I’m sure. Rest easy, you’re still here on earth.”

  He closed his eyes but was breathing easily.

  Afraid he’d fall back into the coma, Addie nudged his shoulder. “Hey, you can’t go back to sleep. Not yet, anyway.”

  His eyes opened. “What?”

  “I think maybe you do need to sit up. Are you thirsty?”

  He looked at her and nodded. “Maybe.”

  She pulled his arm and leaned him back against the wall. “There, how does that feel? Are you dizzy?”

  “No, not really, but I feel weak.” He closed his eyes for a few seconds and then opened them. “So, I’m not dead. Kind of surprises me.”

  Addie grinned and held a glass out to him. “Think you can drink some?”

  He took it from her and took a few swallows. “Tastes good. Guess I was thirsty.”

  “Are you hungry? It would be good to get some broth down you.” Addie wished someone would come into the clinic. She didn’t feel good about leaving him just yet.

  “Yeah, I am hungry. Steak would be good.”

  She grinned at him. “Uh-huh, well, first some broth.”

  Addie took the glass from him and went into the waiting room to see if Carl was back. She’d just turned to return to Fallon when Charlie walked in.

  “How’s Fallon?”

  Addie went to the door of Fallon’s room and smiled. “Come and see for yourself.”

  Charlie walked in and stared at Fallon. “You woke up. You don’t know how glad I am to see that you’re awake.”

  Fallon stared at him. “Why do you care?”

  “If you had died, they would’ve hung me.”

  “Maybe I should lay back down and die.”

  Addie felt Fallon’s wrist. His pulse was strong. “Charlie, go to the café and bring back a bowl of broth. Please. I really don’t want to leave Fallon now.”

  Charlie grunted. “Maybe I should be jealous.”

  Addie glared at him. “That is uncalled for and an odd statement. Neither of you means anything to me other than Fallon is my patient.”

  With a playful grin, Charlie nodded. “Sure, I’ll get the broth. Anything else you need?”

  “That’s it.” Addie had to grin. Charlie was so sure of himself that he thought she’d be interested in him. Well, it was a good thing that he didn’t know that he’d turned her head a few times.

  Charlie left, and she returned to Fallon.

  Addie couldn’t figure Charlie out. For being the hard-nosed problem of the town, she found him to be charming. Yet what Adelaide Sherman knew about men would fit on the head of a pin. Oh, she’d had Robert, but that was so long ago, and they’d barely known each other when the war separated them.

  She stared at Fallon. He was a handsome man, and now that he was awake, she could see how charming he was. Maybe it was the light in his blue eyes and the cocky grin. For a man coming out of a coma, he already had the world by the tail.

  Fallon smiled at her. “So, Nurse Addie, how did you come here to Kansas?”

  She sat in the chair next to his bed. “Dr. Baker wired the school I graduated from. I was visiting my aunt in St. Louis, and here I am.”

  “Charlie’s daddy paid for you to come, I’m sure.” Fallon shook his head and then winced. “Remind me not to shake my head.”

  She stood. “Are you all right?”

  “Just got a headache. I’ve been thinking about who could have shot me. I know it’s not Charlie. He hit me all right, but someone else shot me. If Charlie had done it, the hole would be in my front.”

  Addie grinned. “So, you let Charlie off the hook then?”

  “Yeah, you could say that. Charlie’s not a bad sort. I would wager that we’re a lot alike. Different upbringing, but we’re the same.” He put a hand to his head. “It’s starting to hurt more.”

  “Dr. Baker should be back soon. He had to visit some patients just outside of town.” She left the room and went to look outside the door. Charlie was on his way back with the sheriff.

  She waited while they came to her and entered the clinic. Addie took the cup from Charlie and nodded to the sheriff. “Hello, Sheriff.”

  He didn’t say much, just followed her into Fallon’s room.

  Addie helped Fallon and held the broth to his lips. He drank down most of it.

  The sheriff, his hat in his hands, nodded at Fallon but waited until he was done with his liquid lunch. Finally, he looked at Fallon. “Glad to see you’re awake. You remember who shot you?”

  “I didn’t even know I’d been shot.” Fallon smiled at her. “You have a soft way about you. I’m glad Charlie’s pa brought you here.”

  Addie felt her face grow warm. She wasn’t used to patients talking in such ways. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so embarrassing if Fallon wasn’t so handsome, and he didn’t look at her in such a fresh way.

  She took his pulse and then fluffed up some pillows around him. “Sit up for a few more minutes, and then you need to get your rest.”

  “Whatever you say, Angel.” He grinned and eased back on the pillows she’d put behind him.

  Charlie paced the hallway. “You satisfied, Sheriff?”

  “Maybe. But I guess even I have to admit you wouldn’t shoot Fallon from behind, and you wouldn’t use a derringer.” The sheriff walked toward the door, stopped, and turned around. “Unless you wanted to throw suspicion from yourself.” He gave a sneering grin and left the clinic.

  Charlie shook his head. “That man, he’s always got it in for me. I have never liked him.”

  “Seems the feeling was mutual. I don’t think the sheriff likes either one of us.” Fallon eased back on the pillow. “I am tired.”

  Addie rechecked his pulse and was relieved to see it was steady, but Fallon looked pale. She hoped he’d not had too much excitement for one day. She pulled a blanket over him and turned to Charlie.

  “I think you better go. Fallon needs his rest. If you see Doc in town, send him here.”

  Charlie nodded. “Will do. I could go and ride to meet him.”

  Addie restocked a tray that held bandages. “No, there’s no need. I know how he likes to linger at the saloon and talk.”

  Grinning, Charlie nodded. “You got him pegged. He can talk up a storm. Mostly big tales that no one believes.” Charlie watched her for a few minutes and then left the room.

  So
on she heard the door click shut. Addie started to say something, but Fallon had already drifted off. His breathing was regular and steady, so she thought that it was a good time for her to relax and read her Bible. She went to the Doc’s office and sat in the big leather chair where doc slept when he wasn’t busy.

  After sitting and pulling a quilt over her, she knew why he rested in it. It was so comfortable. She opened her Bible and began reading.

  She’d drifted to sleep when she awoke with a start and knocked her Bible to the floor. Addie got up from the chair and looked out the window to the back of the clinic. She figured she’d been asleep maybe an hour, two at the most by the slant of the sun.

  What woke her, she wasn’t sure. Fearing for Fallon, she ran into his room. He was still sleeping. She looked around but didn’t see anything that might have fallen. She walked back out to the waiting room and noticed the front door was slightly ajar.

  Addie knew she’d shut it and checked that it was secure. She went to the desk but didn’t see a note from anyone if they’d needed anything. A chill went through her. What if the person who had shot Fallon had come back to finish the job?

  She ran back into the room and checked Fallon. His breathing was regular, and his pulse was steady. Not seeing any reason for alarm, she turned to go when she saw a pillow on the floor by Fallon’s bed.

  Thinking he may have knocked it to the floor, she picked it up and placed it on the chair beside his bed. Addie looked at the white covering and saw dirty fingerprints. She looked around the room. They hadn’t come from her or Fallon, and she couldn’t remember Charlie or the sheriff touching the pillow.

  Not seeing any reason for trouble, she left Fallon’s room and sat in the waiting room of the clinic. She had the feeling someone had been in Fallon’s room. She wondered if Dahlia had been by.

  Addie looked at the clock on the wall and wondered where the doctor was. Then again, if Fallon was sufficiently recovered, would that mean she was out of a job?

  Chapter 7

  Charlie had gone to the saloon, but once entering the dark smoke-filled room, he changed his mind and walked out. A place that used to be like home was now foreign and not at all to his liking. Plus, he’d lost the taste for whiskey and beer. That nurse, she’d gotten into his head, and he wasn’t sure what to do about it. This was new territory for him.

  Other girls, he’d take or leave, but Addie, she had become something to him. He cared what she thought about him. What was worse, she was in his head all right, but he had the feeling she was sliding down right into his heart.

  What did he have to offer her? A cowboy without a ranch and a family that had disowned him. No job, but he did have money. He wasn’t even sure what he wanted to do. Once, years ago, he’d thought about becoming a sheriff.

  For some reason, he liked the way people looked up to them. Still, unfortunately, Charlie had stayed on the wrong side of the law more than as a law-abiding citizen.

  He kept his eye on the clinic. It bothered him that someone had tried to kill Fallon and pin it on him. But who? Fallon was as well-liked as much as Charlie was disliked. That Dahlia, she was a hard one to figure, and he knew she had a derringer. Still, he just couldn’t see her trying to do Fallon in.

  It was late in the afternoon, and he wondered if Addie would have dinner with him. A time or two, he thought she’d looked at him with interest. As if to make his decision, Doc rode up in his buggy. Looking tired, he got down and entered the clinic.

  Charlie left his post at the saloon and walked across the street to ask Addie to eat with him. He entered the clinic and saw Doc sitting in front of the desk, talking to Addie. They both looked up as he entered, but neither was smiling.

  The light-hearted feeling in Charlie left him. “It isn’t Fallon, is it?”

  Doc shook his head. “I lost a patient today.”

  “Oh, sorry.” Charlie didn’t know who, but he could see the doc was upset. “I’m sure you did your best.”

  “Well, it wasn’t good enough. It’s days like this when I feel old and useless.” Doc slapped his hand on the table and turned his attention to Addie. “So, you’re saying Fallon just woke up?”

  “Yes, he did. He had a cup of broth and some water. He talked to Charlie and me. But then he looked exhausted. I let him go back to sleep. I hope that was the right thing to do.”

  Doc nodded. “Yes, I think it was. After I get a little steam built back up inside me, I’ll go check on him. If you want to get something to eat, go ahead. I’ll stay with Fallon tonight.”

  Charlie walked toward Addie. “I’d like to take you to dinner.” Then he looked at Doc. “If you’d like, I’ll stay with Fallon tonight. You both look tired.”

  Doc stared at him. “If you mean that, I think I’ll let you. You’re right, Addie and I could use a rest. Thanks, Charlie. I think this is about the first time you’ve made yourself useful. Now, go and take Addie to dinner before she falls asleep.”

  “Yes, sir.” Charlie held out his arm. “The Café has meatloaf today. It’s always good.”

  She nodded. “One of these days, I’ll have to eat at Gretchen’s, or she’ll think I don’t like her cooking.”

  “I want to treat you to dinner. Then I’ll walk you to Gretchen’s.”

  Addie grabbed her reticule and then her wrap. “That sounds good to me. I am hungry, and thank you, Charlie, because I am tired.”

  Charlie patted her hand. “It’s a nice night. Feels good to be outside.”

  “Yes, it does.” She pointed. “Look, there’s the first star. Did you ever play that game as a child and wish on the first star?” She stopped and looked at him.

  Charlie stared at her and lost himself in her warm brown eyes. “I can’t say that I did. Maybe I’ll start tonight, though.”

  She smiled. “Good. Make a wish, but don’t tell me.”

  He nodded. He already had his wish. He wanted Addie by his side. Not just tonight but regular. As his girl, maybe if things worked out, he could get interested in her for something more permanent, like his wife.

  “What are you thinking, Charlie? You look as far away as that star?”

  “I’m right here, Addie, and I’m not going away.”

  “Good. Let’s get to the café before they run out of food. I am famished.” She grinned. “I don’t think it’s ladylike to talk about being hungry in front of a man, but it is just the plain truth.”

  Charlie grinned. “This way, ma’am.” He led her to the café and seated her at a table near the back. He wanted her alone with him.

  Addie sighed. “I am so glad Fallon woke up. Doc said he looked good, but the next forty-eight hours would be critical.”

  Charlie frowned. “You mean he might slip back into a coma?”

  She nodded. Then she smiled. “But I don’t think he will. He was fully awake. You saw him. It will take a little time for him to regain his strength.”

  “I’m glad. I came close to having a noose around my neck.”

  “Charlie, will your father forgive you now?”

  “Oh, that’s not why he disowned me. That was just the last thing on a long list. I don’t know. I’ve been wondering what it is I might want to do with my life. It seems up until now, I never gave it much thought other than where the next mischief might be.”

  She smiled at him. “I’m glad. It’s almost as if you and Fallon woke up at the same time. I hope you find what it is you want to do.”

  “Thanks. That means a lot to me.” He took her hand, but the waiter came to get their orders, and he let go.

  Charlie glanced outside and saw that it was dark. “I hope this wasn’t too much for you. I didn’t realize how late it was.”

  She buttered a roll and gave it to him. “No, I enjoy your company.”

  “When Fallon is well, what are you going to do?”

  Addie stared at him. “That is something I have been wondering myself. Doctor Baker said he could use me here in the clinic. I don’t have anywhere else to go, and I do
like Gretchen’s House.” She blushed. “And meals with you. Thank you for taking care of me, Charlie. I would have been lonely in this town.”

  “It’s been my pleasure. In fact, I can say that meeting you has brought about a change in my life. I really do feel like I have awakened.”

  She smiled and folded her napkin. “The food was delicious. Thank you, but I do have to say I am tired.”

  He stood and held the chair for her. “Let me walk you back to Gretchen’s. I hope we can do this again.”

  She nodded. “Yes, I enjoy your company.”

  Charlie walked her back to the boarding house. Addie waved him good-bye as she stepped inside the door. Then she was gone. Charlie didn’t recall ever feeling so empty to see someone leave him before.

  Even when his father kicked him off the ranch, that hadn’t shaken him. But he missed Addie and couldn’t wait to see her again. He walked back to the hotel and to his room. For once, he bypassed the saloon and the drinking.

  He entered his room and threw his hat on the bed and went to the window. The moon was big and bright. Hopeful. He had the inclination to want to make something out of his life.

  As a boy, he’d thought about being a sheriff. But that had been kid stuff with wild ideas about catching bad men and bringing them to justice. Unfortunately, Charlie had been one of the bad men that sheriff’s brought in.

  Oh, he’d not broken any hard laws. Mostly just mischief. Gambling. Drinking, fighting. But as he stared at the moon, he felt that those days were past him. He wanted more out of life. He wanted Addie.

  He grabbed a fresh shirt and then went to watch over Fallon for the night. He wanted to be there in case anyone came back to try and hurt Fallon. After all, it was his neck too.

  Chapter 8

  Fallon woke up, and the room was dark, but he sensed that he wasn’t alone. He couldn’t see anyone. He waited until his eyes became accustomed to the dark. Still nothing. But he knew he’d not been alone.

  Then again, it was probably Doc coming in to check to see if he was still alive. Something wasn’t right. He felt fine. His legs and arms worked. His head wasn’t hurting or fuzzy. But that warning inside him that had kept him alive many times before had alerted him that all was not right.