Through the Shadows

by Barnett, Karen;

  He sat with a sigh. “Yes. It’s not a conversation I’ll soon forget.”

  Elizabeth tugged her sleeve down to hide the bandage Ruby had placed on her arm. “I was too harsh. I’m sorry. It’s no excuse, but I wasn’t myself that day.”

  “I understood. The news must have been difficult to accept.”

  “I had also endured a crushing blow on a personal front, and you provided a convenient target. I apologize.”

  “I’m sorry if I added to the disappointment.” He leaned forward, his brown eyes entreating. “Since Uncle Silas has made me responsible for the case, I hope I can turn things around for your family.”

  His earnest gaze warmed Elizabeth’s heart. She took the moment to study him. The afternoon sun shone through the grapevines, sending dappled shadows across his broad shoulders. “Forgive me for saying so, but you don’t much look like an attorney.”

  Charles straightened, running a hand down his vest front. “My uncle would be crushed to hear it. He constantly reminds me an attorney is only as respectable as he appears. He picked out the suit himself.” He frowned, gazing down at the jacket. “Or he had someone do it for him.”

  “It’s not the suit.” Elizabeth scooted back for a better look—and to give herself some much needed space. “I guess you just don’t match my expectations.”

  “What did you expect?”

  “A decrepit old man, shoulders curved from spending too much time huddled over books.”

  Charles chuckled. “I wonder where you acquired such an image?”

  She ducked her head. “I apologize. I shouldn’t judge people so quickly.”

  He laid his arm across the back of the bench, his hand dangerously close to her shoulder. “We all do, I imagine. I know I don’t fit the mold. My folks were taken aback when I chose the profession.”

  “What did they think you should do?”

  “I grew up working on my father’s cattle ranch, near Redding. I’m probably more comfortable on a horse than in a courtroom.”

  Elizabeth laughed, a fluttery sensation rising in her stomach. The man surprised her at every turn. “Then why did you choose the law? I can’t imagine anything more contradictory.”

  A cloud passed in front of his eyes, and he glanced away. “It’s a long story.”

  More mystery? He knew how to intrigue a girl. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”

  “My older sister was hurt by someone she trusted.” His gaze faltered. He rose from the bench and took several steps away, turning his back. “The courts failed her.”

  Elizabeth wrapped her hands around her knees, the man’s honesty peeling back another layer of resistance. “I’d think such an experience would drive you away from the legal profession, not toward it.”

  “I thought I could prevent it happening to another. I’d never be able to do that as a rancher.” Charles pulled off his derby and ran a hand through his brown hair. “Unfortunately, law school taught me it’s not so simple. The laws themselves need to be changed, but to be honest, most politicians don’t care much about these types of issues.”

  “That is why women need the vote.” Elizabeth raised her chin. “How else can we work toward protecting women and children?”

  Flashing a grin, Charles replaced his hat and sat down beside her. “I believe you’re right, and with my uncle’s assistance, I might be in a position to make a real difference in a few years. He wants to help me break into local politics.”

  Elizabeth’s heart lifted. “That’s wonderful.” She might need to revise her opinion of Silas McKinley—putting the needs of his nephew above his own ambitions.

  Charles rubbed his square jaw. “The only problem is, I’m fairly beholden to him. His good opinion of me is critical if I’m to succeed.”

  She brushed fingers against his arm. “Obviously he has a good opinion of you, or he wouldn’t be grooming you for success.” Elizabeth swallowed. She drew her hand away as memories of Tobias darkened her thoughts.

  He lowered his gaze. “And that’s why I had to tell Miss Cameron I was wrong to offer my support to the Mission.”

  Elizabeth’s blood chilled. “Wrong? How could it be wrong?”

  “I need to focus my efforts on the cases at McKinley and McClintock.” Charles folded his hands.

  “But Donaldina needs you. You saw what happened to Tien Gum—someone needs to speak for the girls.” She clenched her fists, crushing the fabric of her skirt. “You just said you wanted to help women and children.”

  “And I do. But I won’t be able to if I’m drawn into scandal.”

  Her throat tightened. “Scandal? You’d be a hero.”

  He shook his head. “Most people wouldn’t see it that way. Defending Chinese prostitutes? You must see how the press could misconstrue my intentions.”

  Elizabeth pushed to her feet, heat rushing to her face. “In other words, I was right about you all along.” Her throat squeezed until she could barely force the words through her windpipe. “You might look like a handsome cowboy, but you’ve the twisted heart of an attorney.”

  “No, Elizabeth . . .” He stood and caught both of her hands. “I have to think of my future. Of where could I do the most good.”

  She yanked them away, jerking back a few steps to put a cushion of space between her and the two-faced man. “Go ahead—sacrifice the Chinese girls. Who cares about them, anyway? What really matters is to see yourself in a plush office with so-called clean hands.” Elizabeth choked back a surge of emotions. Were all men so self-absorbed? “Don’t do this, Charles. If you turn your back, you’ll be no better than your uncle and all the other hypocrites and shysters who created the problem in the first place.”

  He stood silent, mouth open, fingers clutching his vest front.

  The sound of the back door slamming broke Elizabeth from her frozen stupor. She spun and headed for the house, eager to put the man as far behind her as she could. Perhaps it was good Ruby had forced them together, if only to prove their incompatibility.

  Charles emerged from the arbor, his brow crumpled. “Elizabeth, wait.”

  Robert stood on the back steps, a puzzled frown on his face. “There you are, Elizabeth. Abby said she’d like you to invite Mr. McKinley to supper.”

  She brushed past her brother, surging up the steps. “Never.”

  ***

  Charles stopped at the edge of the lawn, his chest aching as Elizabeth marched into the house.

  The man who’d spoken to her a moment before turned and shot Charles a quizzical look. “Dare I ask what you said to my sister?”

  Charles’s stomach plummeted. Her brother. Of course. “A simple misunderstanding.”

  The fellow huffed. “I’m sure.” He strode down the steps and extended a hand toward Charles. “I’m Robert King. I assume you’re Mr. McKinley?”

  “Yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Charles returned the doctor’s handshake.

  Dr. King folded his arms. “I’ve been trying to meet with Silas McKinley for months. My wife tells me you’re his nephew?”

  “Yes, sir.” Charles swallowed, forcing himself back into a business state of mind. Elizabeth’s accusations hung like prison chains about his neck. Was he just like his uncle? “I’ve taken over the case. I hope I’ll meet with your approval.”

  “We’ll see.” He glanced back to the door. “It doesn’t look like you’ve gained Elizabeth’s. Were you speaking of our father’s case?”

  “No. It was a more personal matter.”

  The doctor’s brows pulled low over his dark eyes. “Personal business—with my sister?”

  A cold sweat washed over Charles. Would every meeting with a King family member begin badly? He glanced at the back door. And end badly? “Regarding the Chinese Mission. I’d been advising Miss King’s employer on some legal matters—that’s all.”

  The grooves on the man’s forehead deepened. “Not you, too.”

  “Not anymore, no.”

  Dr. King waved his hand in dismiss
al. “It doesn’t matter. Let’s get to the issue at hand, shall we?”

  Charles nodded. “I brought some papers for you to sign. And I can update you on the status of your father’s estate.”

  “No, not that issue—I meant supper.” He chuckled. “My wife and older sister insist you stay and dine with us. You must have made a favorable impression on them, at least.”

  Charles swallowed. Another uncomfortable family meal with Elizabeth? He’d barely recovered from the last one. “Your sister would just as soon see me on my way.”

  The doctor clapped him on the shoulder. “I’ll make sure the medical cabinet is locked, so she’s not tempted to add arsenic to your soup.” He smiled. “Elizabeth will come around. She’s got a temper, but she cools off quickly. As her brother, I’ve been on the receiving end more times than you can count. We’ll put you two at opposite ends of the table, just in case.”

  Charles drew in a deep breath, the tension in his chest making it difficult. “If you insist.”

  “Abby and Ruby insist. I’m along for the ride.” He nodded. “Afterward, we can retire to the study to discuss the case. I hope you have good news. I could use some today.” He turned and strode toward the house.

  Good news. This evening would not end well. That much was certain.

  13

  Elizabeth stared out Ruby’s kitchen window, fingers tightening on the sill. Her brother had his hand on Charles’s shoulder and they were heading for the house. “No, no, no . . .”

  “What’s the matter, honey?” Ruby swept into the room, an apron tied over her green gown. “Is Charles staying to supper? I told Robert to invite him.”

  Elizabeth rounded on her sister. “Why? Why would you do that?”

  She stopped short, lips drawing down. “I thought you would approve. You lit up like a sunrise when you mentioned his name, earlier.”

  “Before I knew he was a hypocritical snake like his uncle.” Elizabeth blinked to clear her eyes. She barely knew the man—he hadn’t earned the right to evoke tears. “I won’t sit across a table from him.”

  Ruby took her hand. “It appears you won’t have a choice. I’m sorry, Elizabeth. He seemed like such a nice young fellow.” She smiled. “Definitely a nice-looking one. You’d hardly know he was a McKinley.”

  “But he is.” Elizabeth gritted her teeth as the back door rattled. “Perhaps I should have Gerald drive me back to the Mission.”

  As if hearing his name, Gerald trotted down the back steps just as the back door opened.

  Ruby smiled at the three men as they paraded into the kitchen. “Are you joining us then, Mr. McKinley? How wonderful. Gerald’s mother is setting the table. I asked her to add a place for you.”

  Elizabeth frowned. Wonderful.

  Charles nodded. “I’m honored by the invitation, Mrs. Larkspur. But I wanted to be certain it’s all right with Miss King.” His eyes darted her way, his head hung low like a guilty pup.

  “Why wouldn’t it be?” Gerald shook the attorney’s hand.

  Elizabeth pushed down her sour attitude. “Mr. McKinley, you are quite welcome to join us. As long as you can handle three King siblings at one table.”

  Charles glanced around, as if overwhelmed by the number of people crushed into the small kitchen. “Thank you. I’m new to the city. I haven’t had much opportunity to make friends. I’d be pleased to join you.”

  “And for such a challenge, the man will need sustenance.” Gerald’s mother poked her head into the kitchen. “Why don’t you boys show Mr. McKinley into the dining room?”

  As the kitchen emptied of menfolk, Elizabeth leaned against a counter with a sigh.

  “I hope you’ll forgive me, Elizabeth.” Ruby whispered. “I put the cart before the horse, I’m afraid. I wanted your visit here to be pleasurable. I thought having another young man at dinner might liven things up.”

  Elizabeth pressed cool palms against her cheeks. “I’m sure it will. But perhaps not in the way you’d hoped.”

  ***

  The scent of the home-cooked meal drifted through the house, heavy and luxurious in the evening air. Charles’s stomach grumbled in response. He hung his hat on the coat rack in the front entry, rolling his shoulders to ease the growing tension. Hopefully he’d be able to taste the good food before the evening soured. Likely as not, Elizabeth would glower at him from across the table, and Dr. King would demand an explanation of their father’s accounts. He’d barely met Dr. and Mrs. Larkspur, but Charles was certain he’d find a way to offend them as well, by the meal’s conclusion. Why had he agreed to this?

  Dr. Larkspur poked his head out into the entry. “Are you ready?”

  As ready as I’ll ever be. “Yes, sir. And thank you for inviting me.”

  “Ruby and I are pleased to have you. Usually it’s just the three of us, including my mother. We love having guests. After the great earthquake, we had so many people living here we had to eat in shifts.”

  “It must have been a challenging time.” Charles glanced around. The Larkspurs’ comfortable decor reminded him of home.

  Dr. Larkspur rubbed his chin. “In a way, I miss it. My young nephew running underfoot, my cousins and friends gathered near. When I built this house, I pictured it filled with family.” A shadow seemed to pass in front of his eyes as his hand dropped to caress his right arm. The limb ended abruptly near the elbow.

  Did he lose it in the disaster? “I was in Oregon when the quake happened, but I’ve heard many accounts.”

  The doctor shook his head. “Stories never seem to do those days justice, but God found ways to bless us in the midst of the chaos. It brought Robert and Abby together, in a way. Afterward, Ruby came to render aid to the refugees. That’s how we met.” He shrugged. “He turns mourning into joy, brings rejoicing from sorrow.”

  After Charles’s discussion with Elizabeth, thoughts of his sister still hovered close. If only she could have discovered such joy. “Perhaps now everything has settled, you and Mrs. Larkspur can enjoy the big family of your dreams.”

  A faint smile touched the man’s lips, not matching the hollowness in his eyes. “Perhaps.” He stepped back and gestured to the dining room. “Come on in.”

  Time to face the judge and jury. Charles followed his host into the dining room, seven chairs arranged around a long table.

  Mrs. Mae Larkspur bustled around, adding dishes and serving spoons. Her small form reminded him of his grandmother—her mind always focused on the needs of others. “I think we’ll sit you here, Mr. McKinley, next to Elizabeth.”

  Elizabeth’s brother turned from where he’d been stoking the fireplace. “Perhaps he should sit next to me—we can discuss the estate while we eat.”

  “Robert—” the older woman straightened with a huff. “Business at the table? Really? A recipe for indigestion.”

  Dr. Larkspur chuckled. “You know better than to argue with my mother, Robert.”

  Charles backed a step, placing the wall behind him. The idea of sitting near Elizabeth might have appealed earlier in the day, but now it sounded like a dangerous undertaking. “I’m at your mercy, Mrs. Larkspur. Wherever you think best.” Like maybe at the neighbor’s house.

  The gray-haired matron patted the high back of the nearest seat. “Here. Elizabeth will be to your right and Robert to your left.” She lifted a silvery brow at young Dr. King as if entreating the younger man to remember her admonishment.

  Nothing like being seated between the two with the most potential for hostility. Dr. Larkspur’s wife might also be a King sibling, but she seemed far more welcoming.

  Dr. King hurried to assist his wife with a large platter. The young woman smiled, her brown hair and freckles somehow fitting her quiet demeanor. She’d barely said two words since he arrived.

  Elizabeth followed, her eyes narrowing as she spotted him at the table.

  “Let’s all sit, shall we?” Dr. Larkspur motioned everyone in. “Mr. McKinley, you’ll find we’re not very formal around here. I’m sure you
’re accustomed to fine manners and fancy parties, but we’re fairly simple folk.”

  Charles drew back Elizabeth’s chair before claiming his own. “I grew up on a ranch, Doctor. Trust me when I say this is elegant enough for me.”

  Dr. King raised a brow. “A ranch? I thought you were Silas McKinley’s nephew. The man’s practically a legend around here.”

  “My uncle is a self-made man. He and my father are brothers, but two more different men you’ll rarely encounter.”

  “I never would have guessed.” Dr. King shook his head. “Be careful, you’ll damage his well-crafted reputation.”

  “Honesty has always been my failing.”

  The elder Mrs. Larkspur nodded. “And a good trait for an attorney.”

  “Albeit an unusual one.” Dr. King raised a brow.

  Dr. Larkspur cleared his throat. “Shall I ask the blessing? This food isn’t going to eat itself.”

  Charles bowed his head, his mind too busy to concentrate on Dr. Larkspur’s prayer. The plates began passing after the blessing, and the conversations began anew.

  Elizabeth remained silent, taking small portions from each dish and handing it along to him.

  He’d obviously put a damper on her visit. Perhaps he could do something to redeem himself. He waited for a lull in the conversation and glanced over at her brother. “I’m sure you must be proud of the work Elizabeth is doing at the Mission. Very few women would take on such a cause.”

  “Elizabeth always has a cause or campaign of some sort.” Dr. King unfolded his napkin.

  “My sister has a big heart.” Ruby tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “We couldn’t be more pleased. And we’re delighted to have her in San Francisco.”

  Dr. King’s quiet wife brightened. “Elizabeth, I’d love to hear more about what you’re doing.”

  Elizabeth pushed food about her plate, but Charles had yet to see her take a bite. “I’ve only taught one class so far, but the girls seemed to enjoy it.”

  “I found you returning from Chinatown.” Her brother took a sip from his water glass. “You said something about a rescue.”

  Elizabeth shifted in her chair. “Yes. It wasn’t anything, really. One of the students was being . . . detained. We went to retrieve her.”