Hidden in a Whisper

by Tracie Peterson

  “You do? But why?”

  “It’s a long, long story, one that I will tell you some long winter’s night when we are curled up in front of a fireplace instead of a burning hotel. Suffice it to say, the man will be going to jail for more than kidnapping you.”

  Rachel shook her head and watched the resort scene in fascination. “All of that money—all that potential. And now it’s gone, just that quick.” She turned back to Braeden. “I don’t understand. What happened? I thought I heard thunder. Did lightning strike the hotel?”

  “No,” Braeden replied, pulling her close and walking her farther away from the power station, which by now was completely ablaze. “Ivy Brooks set the fire, although Reg had plans to do the same. It’s part of that long story, and it has to do with fire insurance money and some swindle that Worthington managed to get in the middle of.”

  “He told me you were already married to Ivy. He said that Mrs. Needlemeier was dead and that Ivy needed you and you complied.”

  Braeden rubbed her shoulder, letting his touch trail down her arms until he took hold of her hands. “But you didn’t believe him.”

  “No,” Rachel replied.

  “Not even after what you witnessed at the Needlemeier mansion?”

  Rachel gave him the briefest smile. “I knew it was all Ivy. I knew it even when I ran from the house. Still, I couldn’t bear what had happened. Then after I calmed down, I realized that you needed my support, my trust. I knew you were not to blame, and I vowed not to let the circumstances destroy our love.”

  “But you never came back. I suppose Worthington caught up with you.”

  “No, actually, I found some men working to put stolen goods under the bandstand. I confronted them,” she said, smiling sheepishly. “I realize now that was incredibly foolish.”

  He chuckled. “To say the least.”

  “Anyway, they gagged and carried me down here to the power station. They tied me up and, I figured, left me to die. Next thing I know, Reg appears. I hoped he was there to rescue me, but he quickly made it clear that he had other plans. He … he …” she shuddered and lowered her gaze to the ground.

  Braeden lifted her chin gently. “It doesn’t matter anymore what he did to you. No matter what he did. Do you understand?”

  Rachel’s expression instantly changed, but before she could speak, cries rose up from the crowd.

  “The Needlemeier mansion is on fire!”

  “So’s the school!”

  “We should go see what we can do to help,” Braeden said, pulling Rachel with him. “I doubt there’s anything anyone can do, but it’s worth a try.”

  “What about Jeffery and Simone? What about my girls? Are they safe?” she asked, holding tightly to his arm as they joined the mass of resort guests.

  “They’re all safe, as far as I know,” Braeden replied. “I pulled Gwen from the fire myself. She may have a broken leg and some burns, but I think she’ll be fine.” He paused, then answered flatly, “Ivy didn’t make it.”

  “Oh,” Rachel said and nodded. Her sense of purpose seemed to be resurfacing. “You do what you must. I should see to my girls and make sure they are safe.”

  Braeden refused to let her go. “I’ll help you. We’ll move them down the road, and if Jeffery and Simone’s place is safe from the fire, maybe they can stay there until we see what else there is to do.”

  “Dr. Krier probably needs help,” Rachel said, letting Braeden lead the way. “My girls and I could help with those needs.”

  “I think most everyone got out safely,” Braeden told her, “but I’m sure the good doctor could always use a spare set of hands.”

  They came to the pallet where Gwen lay. She was conscious now and the pain that filled her eyes caused Braeden and Rachel to exchange a glance of worry.

  “Gwen, I’m so glad you’re safe,” Rachel said, kneeling down beside the younger woman.

  “Mr. Parker saved my life. I was trapped by the fire. He tried to save Ivy, but she wouldn’t come with us.”

  “He saved my life too,” Rachel told her. “Has the doctor taken care of you?”

  Gwen nodded. “He says that my leg doesn’t look to be broken, just badly sprained. I have to stay off of it, but otherwise I’ll be fine.”

  “No burns?” Rachel asked softly.

  “No,” Gwen answered. “Mr. Parker got to me in time. He couldn’t save Ivy,” she repeated as if it was necessary to make certain Rachel understood. “She wouldn’t listen to him. She wouldn’t come with us. It’s not Mr. Parker’s fault.”

  Rachel nodded. “I know. Look, we’re going to get the girls rounded up and moved down to the O’Donnell house. That is, if the fire isn’t headed that direction.” She straightened and looked at Braeden. “Can we get a carriage to transport the injured?”

  “I’ll see to it,” Braeden replied, proud of Rachel’s ability to forget her own ordeal in order to help her girls. “You stay here and I’ll talk to the doctor.”

  Rachel watched Braeden disappear into the crowd before kneeling back down beside Gwen. “I’m going to see to the others, but I’ll be right back. We’ll not leave you here, so don’t be afraid that we’ll forget you.” Gwen smiled weakly and nodded.

  Rachel spied a couple of the girls standing not five feet away. Calling to them, she instructed them to find the other Harvey Girls and bring them to her. The girls seemed relieved for something to do and quickly set out to fulfill Rachel’s request. Within a few moments twenty-three girls stood in front of Rachel. Some were dressed in their uniforms, others were wrapped in their robes. All of them wore expressions of fear and confusion.

  “We’re going to help Dr. Krier with any wounded, and if he doesn’t need our help, then we’ll set up in the depot and try to offer whatever assistance we can to the townspeople.” One by one the girls nodded. This information seemed to give them new purpose. “Gwen has been injured and cannot walk. Mr. Parker has gone for a carriage and to speak with the doctor. I’m sure we’ll have our hands full, and I’ll require each of you to do your duty as if you were serving Mr. Harvey himself.”

  “That won’t be necessary,” a voice sounded from behind Rachel.

  She turned and smiled to find Fred Harvey standing there, dressed impeccably as usual. “Hello, Mr. Harvey. I was just rounding my girls up to offer community assistance.”

  “An admirable idea and one I wholeheartedly support. There are supplies at the depot and more due in with the morning freight. If the fire doesn’t destroy it, we should be in good order.”

  Rachel nodded and looked past him toward town. “Do you suppose the fire will spread that far?”

  “I have no way of knowing. With the direction of the wind, we may find it contained to the southern part of town. And if the storm would move out or die down altogether, then the wind might ease as well. Only time will tell.”

  She nodded and caught sight of Casa Grande. “Such a waste.”

  “Yes, indeed,” Harvey replied. “But it could have been much worse. The loss of life appears minimal and instead of hundreds being burned, we have only a handful of injuries. It seems Mr. Parker and the marshal were able to spread the alarm quickly and efficiently.”

  “It’s so sad to see the dream die,” Rachel said, meeting his compassionate gaze.

  “The dreams never die so long as the dreamer still lives,” Harvey said, smiling. “We will dream another dream and rebuild, or we’ll go elsewhere. It’s not the end of anything, just a postponement.”

  She admired his positive spirit and decided then and there that if Mr. Harvey, who had so much time and energy devoted to Casa Grande, could face the disaster with a hopeful attitude, she could certainly do no less.

  Turning from the man, she rallied her girls. “You’ve all heard what Mr. Harvey just said. We have a job to do, and a Harvey Girl must always be prepared to serve the public with a smile and an encouraging word. Let us be to our tasks.”

  TWENTY-NINE

  THE RAINS FINALLY CAME
, but they were too late to save most of Morita. The southern portions of town, including the church, the school, many businesses, and even the fire department, all fell victim to the blaze. The depot remained intact, as did several other buildings that were quickly converted into temporary housing for the resort guests. Those who were left in their bedclothes were found something to wear, and before the morning train moved in from Lamy, near Santa Fe, and farther up the line, a telegraphed plea went out from Fred Harvey. Informing the telegraph operator in Lamy and Albuquerque that the resort had burned down, he asked for extra blankets, clothes, and anything else that might help aid the residents of Morita.

  With the morning freight came a substantial amount of food and other goods, and only a few hours later a special Santa Fe passenger service was brought in to move the victims of the resort fire to Albuquerque, where they could recover from their shock before moving on to other destinations.

  Rachel took up residence with Simone and Jeffery while her girls were disbursed, at Fred Harvey’s discretion, throughout the town. Braeden took his leave of Rachel once he’d seen her safely to the O’Donnells, since he needed to deliver Reginald Worthington and Tomas to the marshal. Rachel understood, but she hated to see him go. She had worried about ever seeing him again when Reg had refused to free her. Now she didn’t worry about whether or not he’d come back, but rather, how things would be for them now that this tragedy had taken place in their lives.

  “You are awfully deep in thought,” Simone said, coming into the front room.

  Rachel stood at the window, staring out at the only part of town that remained. “I can’t help but wonder about my future.”

  “I know what you mean,” Simone replied. “I don’t know what we’ll do. I mean, Jeffery still has his job with the Santa Fe, but there may be no need for someone of his caliber to remain here in Morita.

  Especially if Mr. Harvey and the railroad decide against rebuilding.”

  “Is that what they’re thinking?” Rachel questioned, moving away from the window with a slight limp.

  “I think the doctor should look at your leg,” Simone stated. “In fact, I insist. Now, are you going to make me drag you over there or do I need to run Jeffery down and get his help?”

  “I just twisted it,” Rachel said. “Reg had me tied by the ankles. I tried to get free and during the process I made matters worse. I didn’t even notice it until after all of the excitement died down, so it can’t be all that bad.”

  “Nevertheless, you aren’t a doctor and neither am I. Dr. Krier is just across the street, so let’s have you hobble over there and have him look at it.”

  Rachel looked at her friend and laughed at the look of sheer determination on her face. “All right. I’ll go see the doctor, but you needn’t accompany me. You have to take care of yourself and that baby. Whether or not we have a job to go back to in Morita or a place to live, you and Jeffery have a wonderful future to look forward to.” She hoped the words didn’t sound envious. She couldn’t have been happier for Simone, but at the same time, she couldn’t help longing for her own life to come into proper order.

  “Don’t forget your shawl,” Simone admonished. “It’s very chilly this morning. Jeffery wonders if there won’t be an early winter this year.”

  “Could be,” Rachel said, retrieving a navy blue shawl her mother had crocheted for her. “If Braeden comes back …” she said, opening the door and glancing with a hopeful eye down the road.

  “If Braeden comes back, I’ll tell him what he wants to hear. That you finally went to the doctor and that he’s invited to stay for lunch.”

  Rachel smiled. “Thank you, Simone. You’re a good friend.”

  Half an hour later, Dr. Krier finally had a chance to look at Rachel’s ankle. He gave her some ointment to help with the rope burns and advised her to stay off her feet for a day or two and keep her foot propped up. She came out of his examination office telling him that she would do what she could to rest, while reminding him that as the woman in charge of the Harvey Girls, she had certain responsibilities that needed to be attended to.

  “She’ll rest,” Braeden said quite seriously.

  Rachel looked up, surprised to see him standing near the front door. She smiled and felt a rush of warmth come to her cheeks as he winked at her and came to help her.

  “I’ll see to it that she goes to bed and stays there, if I have to sit on her.”

  Dr. Krier chuckled. “I’d hardly think that necessary, but then again, I don’t know her as well as you obviously do.”

  “She’s a stubborn one,” Braeden said, reaching out to Rachel.

  Rachel took hold of his arm and was surprised to see him grimace. “What’s wrong?”

  “It’s nothing,” he said.

  “Oh really.” She put more pressure on his arm and watched his face pale. “I don’t believe this. You’re hurt and you didn’t even tell me.”

  “Come on in here,” Dr. Krier instructed.

  Braeden rolled his eyes. “I’ll be fine. There are a great many more folks who need your treatments. I’m not that bad off.”

  Rachel put her hands on her hips. “Braeden Parker, do you mean to disobey the doctor’s direct order?”

  “It’s just that—” “It’s just nothing,” Rachel said, pushing him in the direction of the examination room. “You have no excuse that I want to hear. Now get in there.”

  Dr. Krier laughed at the confrontation between them while Braeden rolled his eyes and gave up the fight. He let Rachel hobble in behind him and help him take off his coat. Once this was done, Rachel could see for herself where the sleeve had been burned. Braeden tried not to grimace as he rolled up what was left of the sleeve, revealing a rather nasty-looking burn.

  Shrugging, he smiled sheepishly at Rachel. “I didn’t even know it was there until this morning.”

  Rachel nodded. “And you were worried about my ankle.”

  He grinned and lowered his voice. “From now on, I intend to worry about every part of you, Miss Taylor. Not just the ankles.”

  She felt her cheeks grow warm again. Looking away, Rachel hoped to regain a portion of her dignity by changing the subject. “So what will happen to Reg and Tomas?”

  “The marshal’s going to see about getting Tomas off easy. He figures the boy was easily persuaded given the crisis at—hey, that hurts!” he declared, forgetting how his words might affect Rachel.

  She hurried to his side. “Is it all that bad?”

  Dr. Krier grunted and continued working. “It might not have been so troublesome if you’d taken care of it first thing. You’ve got all sorts of dirt and bits of cloth imbedded here. It’s going to smart as I clean it out, but if I don’t, it’ll probably get infected.”

  “Do what you have to, Doc. I’ll be a good patient,” Braeden told him.

  Rachel tried not to look worried as Dr. Krier continued working on the ugly wound. Braeden seemed to sense her concern and reached out to touch her hand.

  “It’ll be all right. You’ll see.”

  She swallowed hard and nodded. “I know.”

  “Look, if you don’t have the stomach for this, you can wait in the other room. I’ll walk you back to the O’Donnells’when Doc finishes up.”

  “No, I’m fine. I guess I just keep thinking how much worse it could have been.”

  “It’s amazing that more folks weren’t killed in the blaze. That thing went up like kindling. It didn’t even seem to matter that the exterior was made of brick,” the doctor said as he finished picking at the oozing burn. He went to a cabinet and brought back a bottle of solution, which he promptly poured onto the wound.

  Braeden’s hand tightened painfully hard around Rachel’s hand, but she refused to even so much as wince. He seemed to realize quickly what he was doing and, even though his face grew white and perspiration formed on his brow, he loosened his grip and apologized.

  “Sorry. I wasn’t expecting that.”

  “That’s the worst of it,�
� Dr. Krier said, replacing the bottle in the cabinet and opening a drawer below. “I’ll bandage it up and you can be on your way.”

  Rachel sighed with relief when the job was finally completed. Braeden asked about the bill, and it was only then that Rachel remembered she’d not paid the doctor either.

  “I’ll need the tally for mine as well,” she told the doctor.

  “I’ll see to hers,” Braeden replied. “She’s my responsibility now.”

  The doctor raised a brow and leaned in close to Braeden. “So you’ve asked her to be your wife, eh?”

  “Not yet, but I’m working on it. I would have probably taken care of the matter had you not waylaid me here.”

  Rachel looked at them both in disbelief. What was Braeden thinking, discussing their future in such a casual manner?

  The doctor just laughed, told Braeden the total, and waited while he counted the money into his hand. Rachel stood speechless as Braeden pulled on his singed and sooty coat and escorted her to the door.

  “Come along, Miss Taylor, there are some matters that we need to discuss.” He looped his good arm around her waist and pulled her close. “Lean on me rather than putting your weight on that ankle.”

  “You tend to your arm, and I’ll tend to my ankle,” Rachel countered. “I rather hoped you’d take care of my arm,” he said as they stepped onto the front porch. “Along with the rest of me. And while you were doing that, I’d take care of you.”

  Rachel looked up at him rather hesitantly. “Are you sure that’s what you want?”

  He grew very serious. “I’m positive. What about you?”

  Rachel felt her heart flutter. Marriage to Braeden Parker was what she’d dreamed of for over six years. Marriage, children, a life lived with love.

  “Hey there, Braeden!” Marshal Schmidt called from the street.

  Rachel felt a sense of frustration wash over her, but instead of showing it, she turned to greet the lawman with a smile.

  “What’s up, Larry?” Braeden questioned.

  “Just thought you’d like to know I found Smith. He was hightailing it off to Albuquerque on horseback, but I caught up to him. Seems he doesn’t know much about horses and managed to team himself up with an ornery critter that didn’t cotton to the saddle.”