Erin

by Rachel Wesson

  “People who dress like you don’t usually live in places like Clover Springs. You are like Alicia. She came with the orphans last Christmas. She is married now and has two boys. She adopted two of the orphans. I will introduce you to her the next time she comes to town.”

  “Thank you, Wilma.”

  “So, what made you become a doctor?”

  Erin spent a wonderful morning with Wilma. She told her all about her charity work with the Ellis Island immigrants while they peeled and sliced potatoes for the children's dinner. Wilma worked quickly, Erin less so but the older woman didn’t seem to mind. She said she appreciated the company. “Don’t get me wrong, I love my babies but they ain’t such good conversationalists.”

  Chapter 15

  Sullivan Ranch

  “What's eating you?”

  “Nothing.” Mick hoped Cookie would leave him alone. He didn’t want to talk about anything right now.

  “So why did you just take the nose off young Ben's face. You know he looks up to you.”

  “Ain’t nothing to look up to,” Mick growled. He felt bad about Ben. The youngster had come a long way since Miss Mary had adopted him but at times you could see the hurt little boy who nobody wanted. Like about an hour ago when he'd snapped at him. Ben hadn’t done anything wrong either apart from ask him how it was in town.

  Cookie stared and waited.

  “I'll find him in a bit and say sorry. That make you happy?” Mick snapped.

  “Yup, for Ben. Not what got you into this mood. I told you to leave the whiskey in the bottle. That is the only place for it.”

  “Cookie, don’t start on your lectures. I didn’t have that much to drink.”

  Cookie’s look said it all. “Your bunk was all neat and tidy this morning.”

  “It’s always like that.” Mick replied.

  “Not in the middle of the night it ain’t. Where were you?”

  “Jeez, Cookie, you’re not my ma and I ain’t a kid. Back off will you.”

  Cookie moved away grumbling, banging pots, letting Mick know he wasn’t happy. Mick knew he should have just said he stayed in town but then he'd have to answer more questions. He couldn’t do that. All he could see was Mollie’s face as she slept.

  He pushed back his chair. He had to go find Ben and then he was going back into town.

  He found Ben in the stables where he was brushing down his horse. The look of misery on Ben's face made Mick feel even worse. “Ben, look, about earlier—”

  “No need to say anything. I know when I am not wanted.”

  “Will you quit bellyaching. You ain’t a snotty nosed kid. I came to apologize. I had something on my mind. Nothing to do with you, son. I shouldn't have bit your head off.”

  Ben looked up and then he smiled. “I get a bit cross, too, sometimes. Ma says I am not a morning person.”

  Mick ruffled Ben's hair. “I think your ma might have a lot to say about my mood. Let’s not tell her I upset you. I could do without one of Mary Sullivan’s lectures right now.”

  They both smiled. Mary was known for her protective streak, especially when it came to Ben. She was right too. The young boy had suffered enough. His own family had abandoned him for being a cripple and the nuns in the orphanage hadn’t treated him much better. Cookie reckoned the reason Ben followed Mick around when he came back to Clover Springs was because Mick could do everything he wanted and he limped too.

  “So, how’s the training going? Is she learning how to run rope yet?”

  “She already knows that. I could show you only Pa won’t let me. He said it’s too dangerous. But all the other boys my age do it.”

  Mick knew what Davy was afraid of. The polio had left Ben's legs weak, one in particular was twisted. You needed your leg strength to stay on the horse. He was afraid something bad would happen. But there was no point in explaining that to Ben. He just wanted to be like one of the other boys.

  “I'll have a word with your pa. I'll catch up with Little Beaver in town later and see if he can talk the boss around.”

  Ben’s grin grew wider.

  “Don’t be saying anything yet though. You don’t want your ma getting wind of it, or I will be the one riding off in the sunset.”

  Ben shook his head. “I won’t say nothing. Thanks, Mick.”

  He took Mick by surprise by throwing his arms around him for a hug. Stunned at first, Mick found himself hugging him back thinking there wasn’t that much age difference between Mollie and Ben. Yet their circumstances couldn’t be more different. Well, financially anyway. Inside, they both shared a lot of the same hurts.

  What was the matter with him? He was goin’ real soft in his old age.

  “Ben, I got to go now. I got to be somewhere.” He walked toward the bunk house.

  “Yeah, I know. The Red Feathers.”

  Mick stopped. “What did you say?”

  “Sorry, Mick. It slipped out.”

  Mick was annoyed, not with the boy. Ben had obviously heard chatter from the men. They had better things to be doing than talking about his visits to the saloon.

  “I'll see you tomorrow. Now get that horse seen to.”

  “Goodnight, Mick. Thanks.”

  Mick walked slowly back to the bunkhouse. His leg was giving him grief. It did that in the cold weather but also when he was pushing it too hard. He rubbed his hand along his thigh. He never let anyone see the extent of the damage. He'd been lucky to be taken to the Union hospital. If he'd gone to the other, he'd have been left to die or, worse, had his leg amputated. The skill of the Yankee surgeon had saved not only his life but his leg. The surgeon had also seen him for what he was, a thirteen-year-old boy not a solider. It was he who introduced him to Cookie. They’d been together since.

  Mick tried to apologize to Cookie, too, but he got the silent treatment. Only the increased banging of the plates and pots meant the older man had heard him. Mick sighed and headed back out again. He had to make sure Mollie was all right. He didn’t trust Dickie not one little bit.

  Chapter 16

  Erin carried her bag as she lifted her skirts with her other hand making her way carefully down the street. Thank goodness the boardwalk covered most of her journey. As she walked, she tried to think of different ways to convince Mrs. Hofmeister she needed to stay in Clover Springs. At least until the baby was born but preferably for a while afterwards. She spotted children further up the street heading, she guessed, to school. She wondered what their teacher was like.

  She arrived at the mill. It was still working but there were fewer men around today than previously. They must have worked through most of the orders by now.

  Knocking on the door, she called out to Mrs. Hofmeister as she walked inside. Hearing no answer, she was about to leave when she heard a slight moan. Mrs. Hofmeister was sitting on the kitchen floor.

  “What happened? Is it the baby?”

  “No. Not baby but my head. I was dizzy and fell over.”

  Erin helped her to her feet, settling her in a chair before she gave her a thorough examination. She seemed okay but judging by the weary look on her face she wasn’t getting enough rest. “You need to rest.” She mimed the actions of sleeping in case the woman didn’t understand.

  “I cannot rest. I have to pack and make plans. I…”

  “You cannot go anywhere not until the baby comes,” Erin said firmly.

  Terror stricken the woman started to cry. “I cannot stay here. I don’t have enough money. No family. I have to go.”

  She tried to stand up but Erin made her sit back down again. “You are not leaving Clover Springs. Now go back to bed. I will make you breakfast and bring it to you. You are not to get out of bed until I come back. Do you understand?”

  Meekly the woman nodded her head. She led the way to her bedroom such as it was. Erin helped her lie on the bed before going back to the kitchen. There was very little food making Erin think she had been feeding her child and possibly starving herself in the process. She fried up an egg a
nd some bread and brought it back into the pregnant mother. Mrs. Hofmeister had already fallen asleep. Erin hated to wake her but she needed to eat more than sleep. She waited until the lady ate everything before letting her fall back asleep again.

  Erin closed the door of the house gently behind her. It was time to call on Mrs. Grey and see what she could do to help.

  Mrs. Grey was out on a call to another pregnant lady. Emer suggested she go speak to Katie Sullivan at the store.

  Erin pushed open the store door relieved to see it was empty. She didn’t want to discuss Mrs. Hofmeister’s private business in public. A smiling lady stood behind the counter, holding a young toddler in her arms.

  “Sorry, he’s cutting teeth and it’s making him rather grouchy. I'm Katie. You are Erin Brennan, aren’t you? Don’t look so surprised news travels fast in the small town.”

  “Pleased to meet you. Mrs. Shipley suggested I come and speak to you.”

  “Emer, you mean? Oh no, am I in trouble?”

  Erin smiled, “Not exactly but I need your help. Well, more specifically, Mrs. Hofmeister needs help.”

  “That was a horrible tragedy. Hans Hofmeister was a lovely man. Not that I knew him long but he was always pleasant when he came into the shop. Can’t say that for all our customers.”

  “Mrs. Hofmeister’s baby is due very soon but she plans to go to live in Kansas. I can’t have her traveling that far not after the shock she’s had.”

  “But she can’t afford to say here without an income,” Katie added.

  “Yes, that’s it exactly.”

  “Could you take Danny for a minute please?” Katie handed Erin her toddler. She held the baby close, savoring the feeling. Meanwhile Katie moved quickly collecting a few essential items from around the store, placing them in a bundle on the counter.

  “This is just a start. I will have it delivered to Mrs. Hofmeister. She will believe Han’s had credit in the store.”

  “Thank you for your kindness to Mrs. Hofmeister. Mrs. Shipley was right to tell me to call on you.”

  Katie blushed as she took Danny back.

  “Why don’t you come to our quilting circle? The ladies might be able to help out some more. They usually have plenty of ideas.”

  Erin thought of her mam and her sewing buddies.

  “Thank you, it would be nice to meet some of the ladies of the town.”

  Chapter 17

  Mick wandered into the saloon trying to look casual. After ordering a beer, he took a look around delighted to see Dickie sitting alone at a table. He walked toward it but another man blocked his way.

  “Let him through.”

  “Sure thing, boss.” The man stood to let Mick pass.

  “What can I do for you, cowboy?”

  “How much do you want for Mollie's contract?”

  “You got it bad, cowboy.” Dickie's twisted grin made Mick want to hit him very hard. He kept his fists clenched by his side, he couldn’t afford to lose his temper. Mollie would end up paying the price.

  “How much?”

  “Why her? I have a new shipment coming in to Leadville soon. Some young girls with less...baggage.”

  Mick swallowed the bile in his throat as he caught the meaning. He could have easily wrung Dickie’s neck but that wasn’t going to help Mollie.

  “Are you going to chat all day or answer the question? I have things to do.”

  “Two hundred.”

  Mick knew he hadn’t hidden his dismay when Dickie laughed and stood up. “Let me buy you a drink. You need a bit of color in your cheeks.”

  Mick didn’t want a drink but he wasn’t about to say no. It was dangerous. Dickie knew of his interest in Mollie. It may lead the girl into danger. It could also mean Dickie didn't mistreat her. One look into Dickie’s eyes told Mick that was too much to hope for. The black eyes staring back at him had no life, no emotion. They could have been discussing the price of a mule for all it mattered. Mick emptied his glass in one gulp and stalked out.

  He marched down the street his mind going over and over. He didn’t have that type of money. Could he borrow it? The farm was probably worth a good bit now. But he’d sworn he would only use the farm to help the girls.

  He rode past the jailhouse relieved to see the light on. Dismounting, he tied his horse to the post and made his way inside. Little Beaver looked up as the door closed. “I was just about to go out. The sheriff will be back in a minute.”

  “Can I come with you? I need to talk.”

  Mick waited as Little Beaver scrutinized his face before nodding. “We wait for the sheriff.”

  The sheriff wasn’t long. Sheriff Willis tried to entice Mick to stay in the warmth and have some coffee. Tempting though that was, Mick wanted to find out what Little Beaver knew about Dickie.

  They walked through the town in silence for a little while.

  “You know I am not medicine man in my people.”

  Surprised, Mick looked at the Indian to see him smiling.

  “I cannot read minds. Tell we what the trouble is and I can help.”

  “How do you know it’s trouble?” Mick said.

  “You do not need to be mind reader to see real sadness in your face. Not past sadness that is always there but this is new.”

  “It’s Ben. And Davy.”

  “What is wrong? Are they sick?”

  Sorry he had caused his friend concern, Mick hastened to reassure him. “Ben wants to ride out with the cattle and Davy won’t let him. I understand why but it’s hurting Ben.”

  “It is because Davy and Mary think Ben will get hurt.”

  “I know that.”

  Little Beaver’s expression changed at Mick's tone.

  “Sorry, didn’t mean to snap.”Mick apologized. “Haven’t been sleeping too well. What I mean is I know the risks but Ben is growing up fast. They can’t keep him from being a man.”

  “Being able to ride a horse does not a man make.”

  At Mick's snort, Little Beaver stopped walking and crossed his hands over his chest. “This is not to do with Ben. This black mood of yours is to do with something lot more than Ben. Yes?”

  “There are lots of reasons for my mood but Ben is the one I need help with. Can you talk to Davy?”

  “Me?”

  “Yes, you. He respects you and there is no one who knows horses better. I can try but well...”

  “After you tried to steal his woman…”

  “I never, oh you.” Mick stopped as Little Beaver started laughing.

  “We will talk to Davy together. I will tell him to let Ben ride, you will promise you will look after Ben like your own child.”

  Mick nodded.

  “Now Ben is sorted, what about Mick?”

  Mick didn’t want to talk so started walking leaving Little Beaver standing. He thought Little Beaver would follow him but he didn’t, making Mick walk back to him. “You coming or you going to stand here all night?”

  “You tell me what is eating you in here.” Little Beaver pointed to his heart, “and I will come.”

  “How much do you know about Dickie at the Red Feathers?”

  Little Beaver’s face turned sour right before his eyes.

  “I do not like that man. He should be forced to leave Clover Springs.”

  “Has he done something? Can you make it happen?” Mick asked hopefully.

  “No. He has done a lot of bad things. The smell follows him around. But I have no proof. The sheriff says we cannot act without it. Dickie is a powerful man. He has what you call connections.”

  Mick stayed silent. It was just as he feared.

  “You have reason to be scared of this man?” Little Beaver asked.

  “Not me.”

  “A woman?”

  “She's not really a woman, more of a child. She works in the saloon.”

  “Ah, you mean Mollie.”

  Surprised, Mick stopped walking. “How do you know her?”

  “Wilma told me about her. Asked me to keep a
watch for her when I make my rounds. I cannot go inside the saloon. My kind are not welcome.”

  Mick didn’t know why he confided in Little Beaver. The words came out of his mouth before he could stop them. “He told me I could buy Mollie's contract for two hundred dollars.”

  “Why?”

  “I have no idea how he came to that figure. I guess she earns...”

  “No. Why Mollie?”

  “She reminds me of someone?”

  “Your child?”

  Mick spluttered. “My what? I don’t have any kids.”

  Little Beaver shrugged. “The town folk think you do. They say it is why you go away so much.”

  “Well, they are wrong. I ain’t got kids and I am never going to have them neither.” Mick's hand unconsciously strayed to his upper leg.

  Little Beaver didn’t seem to notice. “Being father is best feeling. Brown Fox is very clever boy.”

  “He's nine months old.” Mick smiled at his friend’s proud face.

  “He will be more clever when he is older. Strong too.”

  They'd arrived outside the saloon. Mick looked inside and saw Mollie. She seemed to be looking for someone. Her eyes scanned the crowd until she came to his face. Then her smile brightened. She waved but her smile faded as he stayed outside.

  “She looks like she was expecting you.”

  “I stayed here last night.” Mick couldn’t believe he admitted that out loud. The look of displeasure was back on Little Beaver’s face.

  “I will leave you now. I have work to do.”

  “It wasn’t like that. Nothing happened.” But he was talking to his friend’s back.

  He felt like stamping the floor. Instead, he pushed open the door of the saloon and headed straight for the bar. A shot or two would help chase the demons away.

  Chapter 18

  Mollie was at his side almost the same time as he reached the bar.

  “I hoped you'd come back tonight.”