Through the Shadows

by Barnett, Karen;

  “Against my better judgment.”

  The words landed like a sucker punch. “What’s this about, Uncle?”

  “We all take cases we regret. We do the job. We fight for the client regardless of our personal feelings.” His eyes narrowed. “If you can’t get your heart out of the way of your job, you’ll end up clerking for the rest of your career.”

  “Are you saying you didn’t believe Josephine’s story?”

  “I believed her.” Silas lowered his palms to the desk. “That’s beside the point. I fought for Josephine’s freedom, in case you’ve forgotten.”

  Charles swallowed, a familiar bitter taste welling up on his tongue. “I’ll never forget.”

  Uncle Silas pushed back from the desk and came around to stand beside it. “Charles, I did the best I could for her. You know that. I saved her from a lifetime in prison.”

  A curt nod was the best Charles could muster.

  Uncle Silas reached into his pocket, drawing out a gold watch. Glancing down at the face, he clicked his tongue. Snapping the lid shut, he returned his focus to Charles. “I expect the same level of commitment from you on every single case you try for me.”

  “Sir, about today . . .”

  His uncle waved off Charles’s words. “You misunderstand me. Today’s case was a throwaway, Charles.” He huffed. “I’m talking about your loyalty to me. To this firm.”

  A swirl of confusion gripped Charles. What was he talking about? “I don’t understand. Why would you question my loyalty?”

  His uncle pinned him with a gaze that could freeze the Sahara. “Where are the King files?”

  “In my briefcase. I’ve been trying to figure out a plan to improve their situation.” He cleared his throat, his mouth drying further by the second. “I’ve gotten to know the family. We’ve grown . . . close. I’d like to assist them.”

  Uncle Silas dropped the watch into his pocket, never once releasing Charles’s gaze. “Return the file to the company drawer. I’m taking you off the case, effective immediately.”

  Charles’s heart sank toward his shoes.

  “I want to hear no more about it. The case is dead, do you understand me?”

  “Yes, sir.” He fought to keep his spine straight. What would he tell Elizabeth?

  “And Charles, the Cameron woman telephoned again.” The lines around his uncle’s mouth deepened.

  Could this conversation get any worse? “I’m sorry, sir. I told her I would send her some names of possible attorneys.”

  “I informed her you’d represent the Mission Home.”

  Charles sat back in the chair, his mouth falling open. Had his uncle suffered a stroke? “You did? I will?”

  “I’m not completely without emotion, Charles. Obviously, you’re not cut out for property law. Though I’m concerned for your reputation, some pro bono work might play well in the newspapers as we prepare you to run for city council.”

  “City council?”

  “Why must you repeat every word I say? We need to brush up your elocution. Talking like a parrot won’t fly in front of a crowd of voters. Now, on your feet.”

  Charles lurched up, his mind whirling.

  “Call on Miss Cameron this morning. She has several upcoming cases that require your attention.” He headed for the door.

  “I will, sir.” Charles swallowed. He gazed at his uncle’s back, remembering the days he’d stood up in court for Josephine. “And Uncle . . .”

  Uncle Silas turned back, gripping the brass doorknob.

  A tremor passed through Charles’s chest. “Thank you.”

  ***

  “Married?” Ruby sank into one of the classroom seats, the color draining from her face.

  Elizabeth laid her palms against her burning cheeks. “You must never speak a word to anyone, Ruby. Now you understand why I had to leave.”

  “Why didn’t you put a stop to it? How did this even come about?”

  “You don’t want the details. It should never have happened.” Elizabeth strode to the window and lifted the sash, desperate for a breath of air. She’d never spoken of Tobias to anyone, and the confession brought every shred of guilt rushing back like a freight train.

  “But you were traveling so much, performing all over the region. Wasn’t that enough to get you ‘away’?”

  Elizabeth closed her eyes, trying to forget the first night. The hotel. How surprised she’d been when he showed up in her room. Was she surprised, really? A cold sweat washed over her.

  “I—I . . .” She ducked her head, tears squeezing between her closed lids. She couldn’t keep the secret anymore. “That’s where everything went wrong.”

  “Then it’s . . .” Ruby’s lips pulled downward, “your instructor?”

  Elizabeth dug a handkerchief from her pocket and nodded.

  “He’s older, isn’t he?” She paused and shook her head. “Lots of girls feel affection for their teachers. You two worked closely for years.”

  “Ruby, it wasn’t infatuation.” She swallowed, nausea rolling in like a wave. “I’m not a child sweet on the teacher. I can’t wave my hands and explain it away.” Hot tears rolled down her cheek, collecting on the edge of her jaw.

  Her sister’s color faded until her complexion resembled ivory piano keys. She gripped the edge of the table. “I don’t know what to say.” Her voice faded to a husky whisper.

  “Say the truth. You hate what I’ve become. I’m ruined. I’m beyond redemption. I came here to make restitution for my sin, but no matter how hard I work, no matter how many girls I rescue from prostitution—it’ll never make up for what I’ve done. These girls—” Elizabeth gestured to the door through which the students had left. “They were forced into their lives. I walked in on my own accord. I’ll never fix that. I’ll never be worthy of God’s love.”

  “Oh, honey.” Ruby jumped up and hurried to her side, drawing her into a crushing embrace.

  Elizabeth buried her face in Ruby’s shoulder, releasing the tears she’d restrained for months.

  Ruby stroked her hair. “I would never turn you away, Elizabeth. And you’re never beyond God’s love.”

  Her sister’s heartbeat sounded against Elizabeth’s ear. For just a moment, she was a little girl again, young and innocent. Ruby had always bandaged her skinned knees and elbows, more of a mother than Mama had ever been. But this was one wound she couldn’t treat. “I’m sorry I’ve disappointed you.”

  Ruby exhaled a noisy sigh. “Elizabeth, we all sin and fall short. God forgives, so who am I to hold your sins against you?”

  Elizabeth gulped back a sob.

  “Is this what’s kept you from accepting Charles’s affection?”

  Elizabeth drew back, wiping her face with the handkerchief. “I thought I could pretend nothing had ever happened.” A growing ache settled in her temples. “But the more I care for him, the more it hurts. It wouldn’t be fair. I’ll never be able to love again.”

  “Don’t say that.” Ruby drew Elizabeth over to the window. “Think about this city. Two years ago, these buildings were shaken off their foundations and burned to the ground. If you’d been here, you’d never imagine it could recover.” She touched the glass. “Look at it now. New buildings rising on every street. Homes, banks, factories, stores, schools. God grows new life out the ashes of our failures. No one knows that better than me.”

  “I’m trying to pull my life together, Ruby. I’m trying.” Elizabeth sniffled, barely able to draw a breath through her nose. “It’s all I can think about.”

  Ruby leaned her head against Elizabeth’s. “You need to let God repair you, little sister. He’s the healer. You can’t do it yourself.”

  It couldn’t be that easy. Elizabeth gazed out at the burgeoning city. God wasn’t rebuilding it—the people were doing the work. She took a deep breath, trying to still the tremors chasing each other through her chest. “You’ll keep my secret, won’t you? No one can know what I am.”

  “What you are is a child of Go
d.” She rubbed Elizabeth’s back. “And it’s your story to tell, not mine.”

  Elizabeth’s shoulders drooped. “I’m not telling anyone else. I can’t.”

  “I’ll ask God to heal your heart and to show you exactly how much He loves you. And also how to proceed with Charles, because I don’t think God wants you to live a life of servitude out of guilt and shame.”

  “I love serving here. I don’t mean to sound like it’s a burden. I could be happy doing this forever.”

  Ruby squeezed Elizabeth’s fingers. “But He may not mean for you to do it alone.”

  Elizabeth thought back to her outing with Charles. Had she met someone like him a few years before, things might have turned out differently. No matter what her sister said, it was too late to walk that path again.

  Ruby returned the chairs to their places. “I need to go. Gerald will be home soon and I’d like to be there.” She tucked a loose ringlet behind her ear. “And since you trusted me with your secret, how about I return the favor?”

  Elizabeth studied Ruby’s face. “What kind of secret could you have?”

  “A happy one.” Ruby’s eyes glistened with tears. “Something I don’t really deserve, since—unlike Abby—I was too timid to pray for it.” She touched a hand to her midsection. “But God provided, anyway.”

  Elizabeth’s breath caught in her throat. “Are you . . .”

  Ruby nodded. “Gerald and I are expecting a baby.”

  ***

  Charles hopped off the streetcar, checking both directions before striding across the cobblestone street. The sun warmed the wet stones, sending steam rising into the air.

  His uncle’s startling turnaround still made his blood hum. What had Miss Cameron said to change his mind? Or had it merely been a maneuver to get his nephew out from under Spencer’s thumb? No matter the cause, Charles hadn’t felt this excited about the job since the day he arrived in San Francisco.

  He pressed his lips tight to prevent a goofy smile from claiming his features. Using his legal training to assist in the rescue work fulfilled one of his fondest desires. And being near Elizabeth—he couldn’t think of anything he’d like better. He’d been praying for God to clear a path for them, but instead God had built a highway.

  Hurrying up the steps, Charles rang the bell.

  Elizabeth opened the door, eyes wide. “Charles. I wasn’t expecting you.”

  The grin won out. “Miss Cameron is expecting me.” He ran a hand across his vest front. “You’re looking at the new Mission attorney.”

  “What?” Her brows shot upward. “I thought you weren’t to have anything to do with us.”

  “I’m struggling to believe it myself. May I come in?”

  “Of course.” She backed up and swung the door open.

  He stepped through and watched as she closed it, fastening the locks. “Don’t you ever get tired of living in a fortress?”

  “I’ve grown accustomed to it. It’s for our girls’ safety. I can come and go if I get fidgety.” She shook her head, slowly. “I’m shocked at this sudden turn of events.”

  He couldn’t resist taking a step closer, careful to keep his hands behind his back. “But not dismayed, I hope. We’ve moved past that, right?”

  “How could I be anything but pleased? Donaldina needs all the help she can muster. Your knowledge and skills will be invaluable.”

  His chest deflated slightly. Couldn’t she see beyond work? “And we’ll be able to spend more time together.”

  Elizabeth’s gaze dropped to the floor. “An added bonus.”

  The hairs on his arms lifted. Their outing had gone well, minus one little altercation. Had she gone off the idea? Charles cleared his throat. “I suppose I should get on with business, then.”

  “Donaldina’s in her study.” She backed a step and gestured to the small office. “She’ll be glad to see you. I’m in the middle of a piano lesson, so I’d better get back to it.”

  Her stiff posture knocked some of the wind out of his sails. Would he never succeed in reading women? She strode out of the room, leaving him standing in the hall.

  He approached Miss Cameron’s office and tapped on the door.

  “Come in, Mr. McKinley.” The muffled voice called out.

  Charles peeked inside. “How did you know it was me?”

  Miss Cameron sat at one of the chairs by the window, a cup of tea in her hand. Another cup and saucer sat waiting on the small table. “Your uncle telephoned to say you were on your way.” She smiled. “He seems like such a nice gentleman. He even promised a donation to our cause.”

  “My uncle?” Charles ran fingers over his jaw. “I’m pleased to hear you say so.”

  “Come join me. I’ll pour the tea.”

  He sat down, removed his derby and placed it on his lap. He’d never been much of a tea drinker, but it seemed appropriate for a Chinese Mission. Perhaps he’d learn to appreciate it.

  Miss Cameron poured a stream of the fragrant liquid into the tiny cup, her gaze never leaving his face.

  Charles accepted the drink, trying not to squirm under her scrutiny. “My uncle said you have upcoming court dates.”

  “Yes, but I want to discuss something before we begin.” She set the pot down on the table. “Some of my daughters have informed me you are courting Miss King.”

  The mouthful of tea stalled in his windpipe. He coughed several times before arranging an answer. “I’ve expressed interest in seeing more of her, but she’s been cautious. I don’t wish to rush things.”

  “That’s wise.” Miss Cameron shifted in her seat. “I don’t mean to meddle, but I’ve grown quite fond of Elizabeth and I don’t wish to see her hurt.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He set the cup into its saucer and leaned forward. “And trust me, I have nothing but the purest intentions.”

  She chuckled. “I may be an unmarried woman, Mr. McKinley, but your words sound a touch naïve. But let’s leave such talk for another time.”

  Charles nodded, content to push aside uncomfortable thoughts for the moment.

  “I’ve been given a note requesting our help. Two girls wish to escape their lives in the cribs and take refuge at our Home.” Miss Cameron unfolded a slip of yellow paper and passed it across the table.

  “Cribs?”

  “The worst of the Chinatown brothels. The girls stay in tiny, crowded cells with bar-covered windows. They are required to call out to men who pass in order to entice them into the establishment. They’re sometimes referred to as ‘sing-song girls.’ ”

  Charles’s skin crawled. No wonder Uncle Silas feared for his reputation.

  “George Wu gave me the note this morning. The request came from an actress with the Chinese theater. According to George, one of the women is the actress’s sister—and with child. They’ll be wearing yellow ribbons in their hair so I can identify them. Officer Kelley is securing a warrant.” She lifted her eyes to meet his gaze. “Are you interested in joining us? It would give you the opportunity to see a rescue in action.”

  “I’m honored. Are you sure I won’t be in the way?”

  “Not at all. I believe it will give you a better understanding of what we’re up against when we go to court to fight for these young women. Slavery is not pretty, and the judges need to understand such.”

  A jolt of adrenaline shot through his veins. “This is the reason I went into the legal profession. After spending the last month deciphering property cases, your words are like music to my ears.”

  The missionary sat back in the chair, a smile spreading across her face. “Then I believe, Mr. McKinley, you may have found your calling.”

  21

  Elizabeth pulled the woolen cloak snug around her shoulders to hide the trembling in her arms. The streetlight’s glow didn’t extend into the dark reaches of the Chinatown alley, and the idea of traipsing through the gloom triggered a now-familiar flutter in her stomach.

  Charles’s presence, like a rock at her side, steadied her nerves. Though
his square jaw and broad shoulders indicated a man of confidence, the fingers tapping a steady rhythm against his leg suggested otherwise.

  She pressed her lips into a line to prevent a smile. She understood his apprehension. Every rescue seemed to deliver a new set of unexpected hurdles. Just because he could wrangle a horse as easily as a witness didn’t mean he knew how to handle a brothel owner.

  The sudden change in his status baffled her. His expertise would be a godsend for the Mission, but having him underfoot would create its own set of problems. How could she prevent her heart from melting into a puddle every time he appeared?

  Donaldina gestured for them to follow, refusing to break the silence she’d instituted a few blocks away.

  Kum Yong brushed Elizabeth’s elbow. She mouthed the words, “Stay close.”

  Elizabeth nodded, biting her lip. One step out of line this time and she wouldn’t see another rescue for months. Donaldina’s warning still rang in her ears.

  The windows were covered with steel mesh. Donaldina pointed to a red door, barely visible in the dim light. “Officer Kelley, if you don’t mind?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He banged on the heavy door with his stick.

  A flurry of voices spilled forth as the door cracked open and revealed a sliver of light. A few of the Cantonese words caught Elizabeth’s ear, but she was thankful Kum Yong came along to interpret.

  A sour-faced old man filled the open space, a round cap pushed low over his head. His gravelly voice snapped back, arm gesticulating as he spoke. “No girls. No girls.”

  “Likely story.” Officer Kelley scowled. “Now move back. We’ve got a warrant, and we’re coming in whether you like it or not.” He lifted the rolled document in his fist.

  Kum Yong translated, her chirruping voice an odd contrast to the policeman’s surly tone.

  The Chinese man held both hands forward. “No. No enter.”

  Donaldina huffed. “He’s stalling as they move the girls out the back. Go now.”

  Officer Kelley barreled in like a Pamplona bull, knocking the man to the side and clearing the path.

  Donaldina followed, striding through the dank tenement as if she owned the place. “I’ve been here before. They know what we’re after.”