A fresh quiver gripped Elizabeth. Why was her life suddenly entwined with Charles McKinley’s?
Spotting the familiar red Ford, Elizabeth’s heart jumped. “That’s Gerald’s car.”
As they approached the building, her brother stepped out of the portico.
“Robert!” Elizabeth gasped, lunging forward to greet him. “I’m so glad to see you.”
His arms pulled her in for a quick squeeze. “I was alarmed when they informed me you weren’t here.”
She drew back. “We had a little business to take care of.”
“Yes, I heard.” His eyes darkened as he tipped his hat to the women following Elizabeth. “Miss Cameron . . . Kum Yong.” He hesitated, his voice dropping to a lower timbre than normal.
Elizabeth leaned against her brother’s side, wrapping an arm around his waist. The iron-rod back seemed so unlike him. “Why are you here? I told Abby I’d come for dinner next weekend.”
With the sun silhouetting him, it was difficult to tell where his brown hair ended and his chocolate brown derby began. “Abby has been feeling . . .” His voice softened. “She’s been a little blue. I brought her over to visit Ruby and Gerald. Ruby’s hoping you’ll join them.”
Elizabeth drew away, the uncertainty in his tone pricking her heart. “What’s wrong? Is she unwell?”
“She’s fine. I think she’d rather tell you herself, though. Can you come?”
She pressed a hand against her forehead. “I have a class to teach this afternoon.”
“Elizabeth, I’m worried about you. I wish you’d spoken with me before committing yourself here.” He settled his fingers on her wrist and squeezed.
A jolt of pain shot up Elizabeth’s scalded arm. She inhaled, sharply.
“What’s wrong?” Robert released his grip like he’d touched a live wire.
She cradled her wrist. “Nothing. I spilled some hot water.”
Donaldina stepped close, her lips pulling downward. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
“It’s not serious.”
Robert’s brows scrunched. “Let me see.”
Elizabeth sighed. She unbuttoned the sleeve, drawing it up to her elbow. The handkerchief slipped loose, revealing angry red blisters on her inner arm.
The sight drew a unanimous murmur of dismay from her friends.
Robert took her hand and lifted her wrist for better inspection. “It must have hurt like the dickens.” He glanced at Donaldina, his head cocked. “You let her go out like this?”
“Robert!” Elizabeth frowned. “I didn’t tell anyone.”
He tugged her a few steps away. “Ruby said you were teaching, yet I find you traipsing about Chinatown.” He lowered his voice, his gaze raking across Tien Gum and Kum Yong. “What were you doing there?”
Elizabeth yanked her wrist free. “We can discuss it later. Now, I have a class to prepare. I’m sorry about Abby. Please give her my regrets.”
Donaldina cleared her throat. “Elizabeth, go with your brother. He can see to your burn, and you can spend time with your family. I’ll reschedule your class. The girls won’t mind.”
Elizabeth’s stomach dropped. Missing her second day of class? “If you think it best.”
“I do. We’ll get Tien Gum cleaned up and decide what happens next.” Donaldina smiled. “When you return, we will have a conversation about your actions this morning.”
Oh, yes. My actions. Elizabeth blew a slow exhale between her lips. Not only was Robert cross with her, she’d disobeyed Donaldina, too. Perhaps a day with Abby and Ruby would be preferable.
Robert offered an arm to Elizabeth as the women went inside. “Do you need anything before we go?”
Elizabeth held her breath until the door closed behind her friends. A lump formed in her throat. “How dare you embarrass me, Robert. I’m not a child to be coddled.”
He rubbed his brow. “You are my sister. I have a responsibility to keep you safe, and I know what kind of work they do here. Chinatown is nothing but opium dens and brothels.”
Elizabeth folded her arms across her midsection, ignoring her tender wrist. “I attended one rescue and returned to discover my overprotective brother on the front steps.” She spun on her heel and headed for the automobile. “I make my own decisions. You know that.”
“Unfortunately, I do.” Robert reached for the door handle.
A few deep breaths helped chase away her irritation as she took a seat in the automobile. “Now, what’s going on with Abby? You must give me a hint.”
He waited to answer until he’d cranked the engine and climbed behind the wheel. “We’ve been married for almost eighteen months.”
“Being married to you is such torture?”
Robert rolled his eyes. “We’ve been praying for a baby.”
Elizabeth’s spirits spiraled upward. “A baby?” Several of their older siblings already had large families of their own. But her brother? He always seemed so busy with his hospital work. “Why would that make her sad?”
The circles deepened beneath his brown eyes. “It’s not happening.”
***
Charles straightened his tie and combed fingers through his hair. With a cup of coffee in his system and the fresh shirt on his back, no one would realize he’d slept at his desk. Now he just needed to prove himself in court and win Spencer’s respect. He’d settle for the former.
Across the room, the dark-haired attorney shrugged on his black coat, the silk lapels catching the light.
Charles snatched up his briefcase and hurried over. “Is it time to leave for court?”
Spencer adjusted his vest and checked his timepiece. “Yes, I’ll be going in a moment. Why do you ask?”
A stone sank in Charles’s gut. “I thought—I assumed I’d accompany you. Isn’t that why I took notes all night?”
Spencer cocked a brow. “Is that what you call it? Looked more like you were sleeping at your desk.” He patted his pocket. “I’ve got your summary right here, for what it’s worth. I’ve no need of a wet-behind-the-ears law student getting in the way. I’m not your nursemaid.”
Charles cleared his throat, determined to keep his temper in check. “Uncle Silas said you’d be training me.” His words sounded whiny, even to his own ears.
Spencer sniffed. “Mr. McKinley said you’d answer to me. Not the other way around.” He jammed a black derby on his head. “He’s not Uncle Silas, here. You’d do well to remember that.”
“Then . . .” Charles hid his fist behind his back, stripping the frustration from his voice. “Sir, how can I serve you while you are away?”
“I have another trial tomorrow. The files are in the top drawer. Let’s see what you can find. It shouldn’t take you all night.” A smile played at his mouth. “Maybe just half of it.”
Charles sank into his chair as Spencer sauntered out.
Henry walked by, balancing a stack of books. “He’s sure got it in for you.”
Charles lowered his chin onto his knuckles, elbows propped on the desktop. “I knew I’d have to pay my dues, but I’d hoped to see some court time, too.” He blinked gritty eyes. “I’d better get to it, I suppose.”
“Charles?” His uncle’s voice bellowed from the back offices.
The clerk jumped, juggling the tomes to keep them from dropping to the floor.
Charles twisted in his chair, a sudden chill racing down his back. What had he done now? Jumping from his seat, he hurried to his uncle’s doorway.
Uncle Silas clutched the telephone’s cone-shaped receiver to his chest. “I was just informed by a rather impertinent caller that she was not ringing for me, but for a Mr. Charles McKinley.”
“I’m sorry, sir. Would you like me to—”
“Highly irregular.” The older man huffed, his face reddening. He jutted the object toward his nephew. “Here, take it.”
Charles clutched the receiver, hand trembling. He pressed the device to his ear, leaning over to speak into the mouthpiece. “Um, yes. This is Cha
rles McKinley. May I help you?”
“Oh, thank goodness.” A woman’s voice sputtered on the line. “This is Donaldina Cameron. You said to telephone if we needed any assistance.”
Charles darted a glance up at his uncle, simmering like an overheated stewpot. “Yes, Miss Cameron. How may I be of assistance?”
“We located Tien Gum and brought her home. No one knows, yet. I abhor the idea of returning her to police custody.”
Charles swallowed, turning aside to avoid his uncle’s glare. “In the eyes of the court, she’s a convicted criminal.” He squeezed the bridge of his nose between his thumb and finger. “You cannot harbor a fugitive.”
“Couldn’t you intervene with the judge? Convince him to grant me temporary custody until the appeal?”
“I’ll . . .” A film of sweat dampened his palm. He adjusted the receiver. His uncle had made it clear he was to have nothing to do with the Mission. “I could make a few telephone calls.” He retrieved his watch and flipped open the lid. “Perhaps I can come by later this evening, and we can go over some possibilities.”
“Thank you, Charles. God sent you to us for just a time as this. I’m certain of it.”
A lump settled in the back of his throat as he returned the receiver to the stand.
Uncle Silas’s chair squeaked. “Harboring a fugitive?”
Charles raked a hand through his hair. “Just a mix-up. I’ll sort it out.”
“I told you not to get mixed up with that woman.”
Technically he said not to get mixed up with Elizabeth, but Charles wasn’t about to correct him.
“You’re not to drag our firm into any shady dealings.” Uncle Silas’s brow wrinkled.
“Of course not, sir, but I offered assistance. It would reflect poorly on you if I reneged on my word, don’t you agree?”
“Hmm. I suppose. But after today, I want you to tell her to look elsewhere.” Uncle Silas ran a hand over his silver mustache. “And tell the switchboard clerk not to send me any more calls meant for you.”
Charles backed through the door. “Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.” He fought the urge to genuflect on his way out.
Perhaps he could use Spencer’s office to telephone Judge Rein-hardt. The senior attorney was likely to be out all day.
Or at least Charles could hope.
11
Elizabeth brushed the raindrops off her sleeves as she stepped into the front hall of Ruby and Gerald’s home. The scent of molasses wafted through the air, like a hint of Christmas come early. “Mmm. Has Ruby been baking?”
Robert helped her slip the coat off her shoulders. “More likely it’s the other Mrs. Larkspur—Gerald’s mother. I don’t think Ruby has to lift a finger in the kitchen.”
“Nor would I desire to.” Ruby’s voice rang out as she hurried toward them from the dining room, arms outstretched. “Elizabeth, I’m so glad you came.”
Elizabeth stepped into her sister’s embrace, warmth rushing into her chest. “You can thank Robert. I should be teaching today, but he intervened.”
Ruby tucked a ginger curl behind her ear, glancing over Elizabeth’s shoulder to where their brother stood. “Robert’s always been persuasive. He should have been an attorney.”
“Please, no.” Elizabeth shuddered. “I’ve had my fill of attorneys lately.”
Robert frowned. “What do you mean?”
Elizabeth sighed. “Remember Mr. McKinley? He had the audacity to send his young nephew to meet with Mother regarding our father’s estate. Oddly enough, the man also volunteers with the Mission—offering legal assistance. It just seems like every time I turn around, he’s near.”
Ruby’s lip curled. “Old moray eel McKinley? I’d be afraid to set eyes on a relative of his.”
“Charles is actually quite attractive.” The words rolled off Elizabeth’s tongue before she could retrieve them. She swallowed and dropped her gaze to the floor. “Nothing like his uncle.”
A lilting tone appeared in her sister’s voice. “Oh?”
Robert hung up his hat. “I’ve left messages with McKinley’s office offering to meet him there. I don’t know why he felt it necessary to bother Mother all the way in Sacramento.”
“Charles McKinley said he was taking over the estate case.” Elizabeth glanced down as Ruby’s little dog scampered into the room, nails scrabbling over the wood floor. “Otto!” She bent down to scratch the dachshund’s ears, a welcome distraction. “Look how gray you’ve become.”
“Yes, Otto’s looking quite distinguished.” Ruby lifted the dog into her arms.
Her husband’s voice carried in from the hall. “And he does nothing but sleep. And bark at guests.” Elizabeth’s brother-in-law joined them in the front hall, coming up behind Ruby and placing a kiss on her cheek. He aimed a glare at Otto, as if challenging the canine for possession. “Can I invite everyone into the living room, or do you intend to remain here by the door?”
Elizabeth smiled, the warmth of family sweeping over her like a wool coat. “I’m so glad to be here.” She folded her arms to prevent herself from throwing them around everyone at once. “I miss this.”
Her brother cocked an eyebrow. “You’ve been in town less than a week. Are you homesick already?”
“Not homesick, exactly.” She thought back to Mother and the big empty house in Sacramento. “But, I don’t quite know where I fit, yet. Everything’s so new.”
Ruby slipped an arm around Elizabeth’s waist. “Gerald’s right, let’s go in. It’s chilly here by the door.” She flicked her fingers at the men. “I know you two were heading in to the hospital. This is a girls’ afternoon. Remember?” She lowered Otto to the floor and steered Elizabeth toward the kitchen. “Let’s go join Abby and Mae. We’ll see Robert and Gerald at supper.”
Gerald chuckled, reaching for his hat. “I believe we’ve been dismissed.”
“Looks that way.” Robert shook his head. “Elizabeth, don’t forget to have Ruby dress that burn for you.”
The good smells intensified as Elizabeth stepped into the kitchen, the warmth from the stove a welcome sensation after the chilly raindrops.
Abby placed a pan into the stove and straightened, wiping her hands on her white apron. “Elizabeth, it’s such a joy to have you here.” A soft smile brightened her freckled face. “Come sit at the table so we can catch up on all your news.”
Mae Larkspur, Gerald’s mother, draped a white towel over a pan of rolls rising on the counter. “Welcome, Elizabeth.” The elderly woman placed a hand against her lower back and stretched. “I know you girls wish to chat. I’m quite weary after our morning’s work. I think I’ll go upstairs and lie down.”
Abby turned to her. “Aunt Mae, you don’t need to leave.”
“I’ll visit with Elizabeth at supper.” She glanced at Elizabeth. “I hope you don’t think me rude.”
“Certainly not.” Elizabeth laid her hands on the back of one of the wooden chairs. “Thank you for having me in your home, Mrs. Larkspur.”
Mae smiled. “Oh, nonsense. It’s Gerald and Ruby’s home. I’m grateful to be included, though. Like many, my home was lost in the disaster. But I’m content here—close to my children.”
Elizabeth’s heart skipped as the woman’s tender gaze turned to Ruby. How precious that Mrs. Larkspur thought of Ruby in those terms. Since their father died and all of Elizabeth’s siblings had moved out, her family had felt fractured—just Mother and her.
Ruby gestured for Elizabeth to take a seat. “Mae, can I get you anything before you go up? Are you feeling poorly?”
The woman adjusted her gold-rimmed spectacles. “No, child. I’m only tired. The body slows down, you know. I’ll be fine after a few winks.” Gripping the handrail, she climbed each step with effort.
Abby took a plate of cookies from the counter and set them in the center of the large table next to a pot of tea. With a sigh, she sank into a seat. “I’ve never baked so many cookies. I’m not sure what’s gotten into my great-aunt, lately. She�
��s wanted to do nothing but bake for weeks.”
Ruby leaned against one of the tall chairs. “I think she’s trying to fatten us up for winter.”
A giggle rose in Elizabeth’s chest. “Makes you sound like a couple of farm pigs—getting ready for the holiday meal.”
“More like broody hens.” Abby reached for the teapot and poured the steaming hot liquid into several cups, passing them around. “Except with no chicks to be hatched.”
Ruby retrieved a pitcher of cream from the icebox, her silence telling.
Elizabeth’s throat tightened. “You and Robert haven’t been married that long. You can’t expect anything to happen overnight.”
Abby’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “It’s hardly overnight. Elizabeth, we’re going on two years. Every month I hope and I wait—but nothing.” She pressed the heel of her hand against her eyes. “I’m being foolish. You’ve only just arrived, and I’m behaving like a ninny.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Elizabeth scooted closer. “That’s what sisters are for—right, Ruby?”
Abby’s chin trembled. She jumped from her seat and hurried from the room.
Elizabeth’s heart jumped. “What—what did I say?”
Ruby pulled out her chair and dropped into it. “Her sister died three years ago—today would have been her birthday.”
A flood of remorse cascaded over Elizabeth. “Why didn’t Robert tell me?”
“I’m not sure he realizes. Abby tends to be quiet about things like this, even with him. I only know because Mae mentioned it to me this morning.”
Elizabeth propped her chin on her hand and studied Ruby’s heart-shaped face. “So, she’s not sad about babies?”
Her sister’s pale eyes locked on her teacup. “Babies, families, life. We have a tendency to plan out our future. We have expectations and dreams for how things will go. But God doesn’t always inform us when our plans conflict with His will.” Her gaze flickered up to meet Elizabeth’s. “He knows best, but it can be a bitter pill to swallow.”
Who would understand better than Ruby? A shiver coursed through her. Ruby’s first husband had been like a big brother to Elizabeth. “Is there more I should know?” She glanced toward the stairs. “Your mother-in-law?” A thought froze her heart. “Gerald?”
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