Damaged Hearts

by Angel Wolfe

  “Oh Doctor, how on earth did I miss that?” Angel asked in anguish at what she was seeing. She knew the red streak was a dangerous sign of blood poisoning. She quickly left the room, almost running into Rick as she hurried to the kitchen and grabbed a small leather strap that they kept for occasions like this one.

  “What is going on Angel?” Rick demanded. “You are white as a sheet and from what you have in your hand, there is worse to come.”

  “Rick, somehow when I was doctoring Kat; I missed a long, deep gash on her leg. It’s swelled up and is infected and the doctor has to drain it or she could lose her leg.” She confessed. “I am so very sorry. Never in a hundred years would I do that to my sister.”

  “Hush Angel; no one is blaming you, least of all Kaitlyn.” He said wrapping her in a comforting brotherly hug. “Let’s get back into that room and see what can be done. Just remember that whatever happens; it’s not your fault.”

  They walked down the hallway together and into the room. Rick almost gasped as he saw her leg. Giving the doctor a look that said he was not leaving under any circumstances, he moved a chair to the head of the bed and sat down. Taking Kat’s hand in his, he gently kissed it and looked into her eyes.

  “Hey baby, it’s going to be ok. I’m here and I’m going to make sure you don’t go anywhere. I’m not leaving until everything is alright and you’re up and around on your own.” He promised.

  The doctor, after seeing how much she calmed down in the presence of this well-known young man, decided to let him stay and started to work immediately. “Ok Kat, you have a few choices here.” He started. “We can either attempt to put you under, start working on this and see how much you can stand, or give you a liberal dose of this whiskey and then start. What do you think?”

  “I say give me the whiskey Doc.” She said with all the bravo she had left. “I can take it.”

  Rick handed her the bottle, urging her take several large gulps before setting it on the bedside table. Taking her small, calloused hand in his again, he nodded to the doctor and started another one of the longest nights in his life.

  The doctor took a wicked looking scalpel and after looking at both Rick and Angel, asked them to switch places. He then began cutting a long opening along the original cut. Angel wiped away the blood and the infection that drained out and held Kat’s hand in hers as Rick held her leg immobile. Although he could feel her flexing, he didn’t think she was attempting to kick out. Angel knew the pain Kat was going though as the grip on her hand transferred the message.

  After making the cut, the doctor proceeded to bleed the incision and then applied pressure as he attempted to get every bit of infection from it that he could. Angel continued wiping away what drained from the wound then, the doctor quietly ordered her to get steaming hot water to make hot packs. He explained that the heat from the rags would help with drawing the remaining infection from beneath the skin.

  Doing as he said, she quickly left the room and returned with a steaming kettle from the stove where she had set it earlier. She looked at her sister and noticed that her eyes were closed and her body was not tense like it was before she left the room. “What happened?” She asked, nodding at Kat.

  “I gave her quite a bit of whiskey Angel.” Rick admitted. “I had her drink it fairly fast too. I knew what kind of pain was coming and didn’t want her to try to brave her way through it only to pass out and come to again while we were still working.”

  “Thanks Rick.” Angel told him. “I probably wouldn’t tell Kat about it if I was you but I appreciate what you did on her behalf.”

  “Don’t worry; I don’t plan on telling her. I know her better than that.” He chuckled, picturing her argument if she were to know. “Although, it may almost be worth getting her riled up for.”

  They grew quiet again as the doctor used one hot cloth until it began to cool and replaced it with another steaming one. Looking gravely at Rick and Angel he posed a very serious question “We have two choices once I get as much infection out as I can. Either I can attempt to sew up the wound and dress it with an antiseptic solution or we can cauterize the wound and treat the burn afterwards. Regardless of the decision, the situation will be severe.”

  “What gives us the better chance and the quicker recovery?” Rick asked knowing that would be the question Kaitlyn would ask.

  “The better chance for a quicker recovery would be the cauterization but let me tell you now Son, it’s not something for the faint of heart.” Dr. Applewhite explained. “The pain is beyond anything that I can describe. It is similar to branding but you are doing it to human flesh.”

  “But if I understand correctly,” Angel inserted. “Chances of infection are much more slim then having a sutured wound that must be packed. Am I correct Doctor?”

  “That is correct; but again I must caution you on the pain factor.” He argued.

  “Doctor; as Kaitlyn’s future husband I’d like to speak on her behalf. Angel can definitely add input as she is her sister but I feel our answer on this matter matches. I feel we should go ahead with the cauterization. We both know and understand the risks however; we also both know Kaitlyn. I feel this is the decision that she would make.” Rick stated firmly. “In addition, this may go slightly easier on her if she is already passed out rather than waiting until she wakes back up.”

  “Miss Carson, are you in agreement with Mr. Jamison?” The doctor asked gravely.

  “Yes Doctor. I believe that this is the choice my sister would make. I think we should get this done as soon as possible.”

  “Let’s get this fire stoked up then and bring me a knife with a bright finish. I do not want to take the chance of giving her a forced infection.” The doctor finally agreed. “I will also need some cold water or ice if possible, some extremely clean cloths, some baking soda, and some butter. Someone will have to stay with Miss Carson night and day until her fever from all of this breaks; it could be as much as four to five days. In addition, someone with a strong constitution will need to be available to change her dressing. Can I count on the two of you to do all of this?”

  Both Rick and Angel solemnly nodded their heads understanding the severity of what was about to happen. Angel went to gather the items the doctor had named off and Rick took the opportunity to ask some questions.

  “So what are our chances here Doc? Honestly?” He started.

  “Just how much do you care for this young lady Rick?” The doctor temporarily changed the subject. “Just what is she to you?”

  “I already told you, she is my future wife. She agreed to my proposal and we are to be married as soon as she gets well.” Rick answered testily.

  “Has she told you her history?” Dr. Applewhite asked, wanting to make sure they both knew what they were getting into. “After everything that happened to her previously and now, I am not sure how much of a chance she will have of bearing children. She was beaten pretty severely when she was young. I have been worried for years that there may have been some internal damage that I don’t know for sure because she never married and there’s no way to be positive. It has been a long time and I’m not even sure she remembers how badly she was hurt the last time.

  “Doc, whether or not she can have children holds no bearing on how I feel for her. I love her and I know deep down that she loves me too. She has a huge heart and if she wants more children than the two I already have and can’t have them, we can adopt.” Rick answered with love for her showing in his eyes.

  “Well, I guess as long as you know what’s going on. I wish you both the best of luck. She has had an extremely difficult life; and you didn’t exactly have an easy time of it with your wife passing on so soon. I hope you can bring each other a lifetime of happiness.” The doctor finished as Angel came into the room with all the supplies.

  They stoked the fire one final time, making sure it was as hot as they could get it before putting the knife in. As large as the wound was, they would need to do the same procedure twice and no
ne of them were looking forward to it. When the knife blade glowed cherry red, the doctor looked at Rick and Angel and nodded. He took the knife carefully from the fire using a folded rag to hold it.

  Angel and Rick both tensed as he applied the searing blade to the wound on the back of Kat’s leg. It took both of them to hold her down as she thrashed about in pain before letting loose a blood curdling scream and passing out again. They had all just taken a deep breath when the door burst open bringing Consuela, Morgan and Ali into their midst.

  Seeing the girls, Rick gave a telling look to Angel and taking each girl by the hand, quickly left the room. The doctor took that moment to slide the knife back into the fire and began to examine the partially cauterized wound.

  “Madre de Dios!” Consuela exclaimed. “What are you doing to this poor senorita and what is wrong with her?”

  Angel gave a quick explanation and Consuela, having dressed more than her share of wounds went to work immediately helping her and the doctor inspect the cauterization and get ready for the second one. Before long, Morgan came back into the room alone.

  “Where is your papa and what is he thinking letting you come back in here?” Consuela shouted. “He should know better than that.”

  “I asked him to let me come in for just a minute while he gets Ali settled down.” Morgan whispered. “I wanted to tell Kat that I am sorry and that she can come live at our house. I wanted to promise her that I’ll try to be nice to her and everything.” She cried before taking Kat’s limp hand in her own. “She has always tried to be nice to me; even before dad asked her to be his new wife.” She added tearfully. “Now she’s sick and I can’t even tell her I’m sorry.”

  “She knows Morgan.” Angel reassured her. “And she’ll be happy to know that you’re going to try to be nice to her. But, we need you to help us out with something. Can you take your sister to the barn and show her Belle’s puppies so your father can come back in here and help us?”

  Knowing that they had more they needed to do to make Kat better, Morgan left without an argument and sent her father back in to help. Angel knew that Consuela was mad at Rick but didn’t say anything. She agreed with him on this matter and thought it was past time that Morgan made her peace with Kat.

  The doctor quickly explained to Consuela what they still needed to do and the four of them set to finishing with the unfavorable task at hand. Angel had just put baking soda and butter on the wound to cut down the pain and Consuela had cut bandages to apply to the wound.

  Rick took his place back at the foot of the bed where he could hold her leg for the doctor. Noticing the sweat running down the doctor’s face, he sought to reassure him. “Just once more Doc and we’ll be done with the worst of it.”

  “I know Rick. I just hope like hell she can take it one more time.” The doctor wiped his face and shoved the handkerchief back into his pocket.

  “Don’t worry Doc.” Angel spoke up. “My sister is much stronger then she looks. She’s been through hell enough times that she’ll fight to get back up again.”

  “Well everyone, hang on because we are about to find out.” The doctor stated as he once again pulled the knife out of the fire and applied the blistering blade to the back of her leg, just a bit lower than the previous time. Again, she lashed out and attempted to kick her unseen adversary, calling out for Rick; screaming his name over and over.

  This time, instead of Consuela and the girls, Matt and Marie flung the door open as they ran into the now crowded room. “Go wait out in the front room and we’ll talk to you when we’re finished.” Consuela commanded sternly.

  Booking no argument, they backed out, closed the door softly, and left as they were told. Taking advantage of the momentary break, Rick moved up to the head of the bed. He gripped Kat’s hands in his and spoke softly to her, repeatedly telling her that he was there and he would protect her. Finally, she settled down again and the doctor examined the cauterized areas, pronouncing them as good as could be expected.

  Consuela hurried to get the wound dressed and wrapped and Angel acquired another of Rick’s oversized shirts that had materialized from somewhere. Between the two of them, they managed to get Kat modestly covered after the doctor checked her ribs again.

  Giving Consuela a bottle and some quick instructions, the doctor made his way out the door, promising to be back in two days to check her progress. Rick walked the doctor out and when he returned to the room, found it crowded with people again. Marie and Matt had come back in, and his girls had returned from examining the puppies. Angel was bustling around checking all of her ready supplies that she might need overnight and Consuela was heading to the kitchen to make herself at home, start dinner, and to check on the broth incase Kat awoke.

  ~XIX~

  As she was going into the kitchen; James happened to choose that moment to come out and there was a loud commotion as they ran into each other, both dropping everything they had in their hands. “Who are you?” They both asked in unison.

  Laughing by this time, James helped Consuela up and bent to pick up the items that she had dropped as he asked her about Kat and Rick. “I had to leave them in the middle of the night to take a body to town. I had planned to hurry back here to the ranch but well…there was a mix-up and I ended up in jail.”

  “What?” Consuela shrieked. “That sheriff threw you in jail for delivering the body of a dead man that inflicted all that pain on that little girl in there?” She added irately. “If I could get a hold of that man for just fifteen minutes, I’d show him a true reason to put someone behind those bars of his.”

  “It’s ok. Matt showed up with his father and the Mayor and got me out. The problem is, the sheriff is missing now.” He informed her. “By the way, you may want to plan to put up and feed three more people. While he was at his parent’s house getting his father, his mother got herself into a tizzy and decided that since Rick had been shot they all needed to be here so they are coming out and bringing Anna too.”

  “Well, then its settled. You must help me prepare rooms and food and…” the front door flew open this time, interrupting Consuela. “Did I hear you say prepare rooms and food?” A woman about Consuela’s own age asked as she and an older man carrying a trunk came in. Sticking out her hand and smiling, she introduced herself and her companion.

  “We are Samuel and Grace Simmons, otherwise known as Simmons and Cook. We worked for Marie’s father until we heard what had happened with poor Ms. Carson. We came as quickly as we could, so what can we do to help you?”

  “I am Consuela and I work for the Mr.’s Jamison. It looks like there will be plenty of people to help out around here, that’s for sure.” Consuela conceded. “Samuel, if you and um…” she looked pointedly at James in question.

  “James” He supplied, realizing that they had not yet gotten around to introducing themselves.

  “Thank you” She said, starting over. “Samuel, if you and James would like to go out and split up the bunkhouse, we could use three to four more sleeping areas. There should be some blankets out there I’m guessing, and they can be hung up to divide the place into rooms of some sort.”

  “Grace, if you would like to help me out with the cooking and maybe get that extra room ready for the Jamison’s, I’d appreciate all the help I could get with that. If they are on their way, we will probably need somewhere for them to sleep too. It’s too late in the day to send people home now” She marched down the hall and into Kat’s overflowing bedroom.

  “What are all of you doing in here?” She yelled making everyone jump guiltily. “No wonder the poor girl can’t get any rest. Out, out; at least four of you need to leave. Matt, you can go to the bunkhouse and help James and Samuel. Marie, you can help Grace and I keep track of Ali and arrange rooms and furniture. Morgan, could I please ask you to go fetch as many eggs as you can find? Looks like we’re going to have a house full of people to feed…” Consuela barked out orders.

  The room quickly cleared out, leaving Rick and Angel.
“Any change?” Consuela asked in a much softer voice. “Poor thing” she cooed at Angel’s response of the negative. “Well, keep alternating the cool rags. Her fever is raging to fight off the remaining infection. We just don’t want her burning up before that happens. If she does wake, let’s get some broth down her before she goes out again.”

  She quietly left the room, pulling the door closed. Rick still sat on the edge of the bed, quietly stroking Kat’s hair, holding her hands in his. “I can’t believe all that she has gone through.” He whispered to Angel. “I am having the hardest time seeing her here so still and pale. I have to keep reassuring myself that she is ok.”

  “Just think of it this way Rick. In a matter of days when she’s yelling, cussing, and demanding to be let out of bed; you’ll wish she was still and quiet.” Angel said matter-of-factly. “I am worried though that she hasn’t at least woken for a drink of water or to move around since the doctor started the cauterizing.”

  Angel straightened the covers and made sure the rag on her forehead was cool before turning to leave for some fresh air. “I’ll be back shortly Rick. I need to go talk to Matt and make sure no one needs anything. Please call for me if she wakes up. I think the doctor wanted her to have some of this laudanum to help her through the pain but I’d get rid of it or hide it somewhere if I were you. She hates this stuff and would more than likely kick both our butts if we gave her any”