Secrets of the Past (Kansas Crossroads Book)

by Marie Higgins

  Sighing, she quickly tossed down the drink, swallowing it quickly. The wine was thicker than she figured it would be, and she cleared her throat, helping it to slide down her throat better. The drink left a gritty taste in her mouth, but she didn’t dare say anything to her friend. Eunice’s eyes widened and for a moment, she looked as if she would cry.

  “I’d better leave now,” Josie said, handing the cup back to her. “I’ll let you know how the talk went with my family.”

  Eunice nodded, but stared at Josie. Not wanting to prolong her exit any longer, she turned and walked out of the shed. Someone shouted her name, and she peered toward the side of the house. Wyatt, James, and Colonel Gordon ran toward her, each wearing a panicked expression.

  “Stop Eunice!” Wyatt shouted, pointing at something behind her. “Don’t let her get away.”

  She glanced over her shoulder. Eunice darted toward the other side of the house, holding her skirt up to her mid-calf, displaying her worn-out black boots.

  Confusion filled Josie to why they wanted Eunice stopped, but she wasn’t about to stop and ask questions right now. She hurried after Eunice, grasping her arm and pulling her to a stop. Eunice growled, trying to peel Josie’s fingers from off her arm.

  Wyatt caught Eunice and yanked both arms behind her back. She whimpered and fell to her knees.

  “Eunice, you are under arrest for the murders of Salina Lewis, Katrina Porter, Laura Scott, Suzanne Bell... and Marjorie Donovan.”

  Josie gasped and slapped a hand over her mouth. Colonel Gordon’s breath was ragged when he stopped beside Wyatt and slapped metal cuffs on Eunice’s wrists. The young woman didn’t struggle any longer, she just stared longingly at James who rushed to Josie and slid an arm around her shoulders.

  “Josie,” James said breathlessly, “Eunice had poisoned the other women to stop them from marrying.”

  Josie’s heart wrenched as she waited for Eunice to rebuke, but her friend didn’t. “Eunice, please tell them that they’re wrong.” Her voice broke.

  Colonel Gordon pulled Eunice toward the front of the house, but the woman continued to stare at James.

  “Josie,” Wyatt said, taking her cold hands in his, “did Eunice give you anything to eat or drink?”

  She motioned her head toward the shed. “Only some wine, but it must have been old. It didn’t taste good.”

  James’ body stiffened and Wyatt’s face turned pale as his eyes teared up. Then it hit her – Eunice had poisoned her!

  Her breathing became labored as she recalled everything Eunice had said to her since they reached the shed. No longer did the words seem confusing.

  “Oh, Wyatt. She... poisoned me!” She crumbled against him and his comforting arms encircled her, keeping her upright even though her shaky legs threatened to take away her strength.

  He stroked her hair and kissed her forehead. “Maybe she didn’t.”

  His tight voice told her that he didn’t believe his own words. She glanced at her brother. Tears filled his eyes and he slowly shook his head.

  No! This couldn’t be happening. Just as she’d found love, now it was going to be taken from her? There must be a way to stop her from dying.

  A sob tore from her throat. If only Pa was alive, he’d save her. But now, nobody could save her. In a few days, she’d be dead.

  TWELVE

  Wyatt’s heart was breaking and yet, he had to be strong for Josie. There must be a way to keep her from dying. What he’d discovered while asking questions about the murders in the town, was that the engaged women had been sick for a few days before they died. That meant, they had a few more days to find a way to keep her alive.

  Or... a few more days before he lost the one woman who was perfect for him in every way.

  As they silently walked back to the horses, he kept his arm around her. She was weak, but it was probably more from shock than the poison in her body. He swooped her up in his arms and she buried her face against his shoulder.

  Tears gathered in his eyes, but he couldn’t shed them. He needed to stay strong for her since it was obvious her brother wouldn’t be able to handle the strong part. James’ face was damp with tears.

  “I’m going to fetch Dr. Wayment,” James said in a cracked voice.

  Wyatt nodded. “We’ll meet you at the house.”

  He couldn’t hold Josie close enough as they rode to her house. He didn’t care if the townspeople gaped at them or thought it scandalous. He only worried about one thing – keeping Josie alive.

  “Wyatt?” she asked in a quiet voice.

  “What, my love?”

  She tilted her back and looked at him. “Do you think I’m going to die?”

  “No.” He clenched his teeth and held back the tears burning to come forth. “I won’t let you.”

  “I pray Dr. Wayment will know how to save me.”

  “I’m praying, as well.”

  They reached the house just as James rode up, followed quickly by Dr. Wayment. James dismounted first to help his sister off the horse. Once Wyatt had his feet on the ground, he pulled her back against him as they all entered the house. He met James’ gaze.

  “Someone has to tell Annie about her sister.”

  “I’ll do it,” James said in a tight voice. “After all, this was all my fault.”

  “What?” Josie snapped her head up and looked at her brother. “Why do you think this is your fault?”

  “I’ll tell you later.” James sighed. “Right now I have something to do.” He held up a finger. “But don’t anyone else tell Annie. Let me do it.” He turned and headed down the hallway toward the other side of the house.

  “Where are you going?” Josie asked.

  “I won’t be very long.” James hurried down the hall until he turned into one of the back rooms.

  Wyatt cupped Josie’s face until she looked at him. Her smile was weak.

  “How are you feeling?” He stroked her cheek.

  “I’m starting to feel sick to my stomach.”

  “Miss Allen, let’s get you to the couch,” Dr. Wayment said. “I want to examine you.”

  Wyatt helped her to the couch and sat beside her, holding her cold hand.

  “If you feel like throwing it up, don’t hold back,” the doctor said, “The quicker we can get the poison out of your body, the better you’ll be. It’s when the poison stays in your body when we have to worry.”

  “I pray you’re correct, Doctor.”

  “I’m sure he knows what he’s talking about.” Wyatt’s voice broke.

  As the doctor examined Josie, Wyatt sat by her side, giving her support. It was obvious that she was becoming weaker by the minute.

  Frowning, the doctor stood and shook his head. “If arsenic is indeed what you’ve been given, there is no medication for that. I could try leeches...”

  “No.” Josie shivered. “I saw my father do that to a patient once, and... No, just no.”

  “Josie, darling,” Wyatt said as he stroked her arm. “Do whatever the doctor suggests. If it’ll save your life, it’s worth a try.”

  “I’ll leave you two alone to talk this over.” Doctor Wayment picked up his black medical satchel. “I’ll be outside.”

  As Wyatt watched the doctor leave, his chest clenched with dread. Josie turned in his arms and peered into his eyes.

  “I don’t want to use the leeches, Wyatt, but if you believe it will make me better, then I’ll do it.”

  He swallowed the lump of emotion filling his throat. “I can’t lose you, Josie. You’ve made me happy again. You’ve made me feel alive, and you’ve given me a reason to want a normal life, married to the most wonderful and prettiest girl in the world. I’ll do anything to help you get rid of this poison.”

  She gave him a weak smile. “Wyatt, you don’t have to lie just because I’m dying.”

  “I’m not lying, Josie. Gazing into your intoxicating eyes takes my breath away.”

  She started to smile, but then her lips quivered and tears fil
led her eyes. “Wyatt... I don’t want to die.”

  He pulled her against him and wrapped her in his arms. His throat tightened with emotion so he couldn’t swallow. He wanted to keep her right here where she was safe – by his heart. She’d always be there, even after death...

  No! He couldn’t think that way. He must stay positive. God wouldn’t take Josie from him, too... would He?

  Wyatt kissed her forehead and looked into her lovely eyes – eyes that would haunt him for the rest of his life. They would always be in his dreams. Her smiling face, her laugh, her passionate kisses would never leave his mind. Marjorie’s memory had disappeared, but Josie’s would always remain in his soul. She was his true love, not Marjorie.

  When her sad eyes met his, his heart twisted. Already, the color had left her face.

  Anger rose within him, knowing there was nothing he could do to save Josie. He didn’t know enough about arsenic. He’d never studied medicine. Not like her father had. Not like James...

  An idea struck him, and he kissed her forehead again. “Stay right here. I’ll be back.”

  “Where are you going?” she asked weakly.

  “Hopefully, I’m going to save your life.”

  He moved away from the sofa, taking long strides toward the back of the house. When he was Sergeant Donovan and James had been in his unit, there were many times Wyatt had called upon James to treat the sick and the wounded. James had gone through school to learn about medicine, and James’ father was the best teacher.

  Dr. Allen’s office had been closed up, but when Wyatt grasped the doorknob to break the door open, it was already ajar. A lamp lit the room, and as he entered, he noticed James skimming through books. Wyatt’s heart softened toward his wayward friend. It was good to see that James was trying to repair the damage that had been done.

  The floor squeaked with Wyatt’s footsteps, and James’ gaze jumped up from the book in his hands.

  “What can I do to help?” Wyatt asked.

  “I want to help, too.” Dr. Wayment stepped inside the room.

  A relieved smile crossed James’ face and he pointed toward two crates of books. “I haven’t looked through those yet.”

  Both the doctor and Wyatt knelt by a crate. Wyatt picked up the book on top. “What am I looking for?”

  “The chapter that talks about poison.”

  Determination surged through Wyatt and hope sprang in his chest, once again. Silently, he prayed to the Almighty, that James would find something to spare Josie’s life.

  NEVER IN JOSIE’S LIFE had she ached all over and forced herself to throw up. She’d believed as Wyatt had – that the vile drink Eunice gave her wouldn’t stay in her system long enough to kill her. If she could get it out, perhaps she’d have a chance to live.

  Mother and Annie had helped to bring different smells to Josie that would make her vomit. James had told Annie, and the middle-aged woman hadn’t taken it well, but she told Josie that she’d cry later. Right now, she wanted to help Josie fight the poison inside her. Once she was feeling better, she’d be sure to comfort Annie and grieve with her.

  But would she ever feel better?

  Heavy footsteps shook the floor, coming from the other side of the house. Ma and Annie stopped and peered in that direction. Wyatt rushed into the room and grasped Annie’s hand.

  “We need to go to the kitchen and find some food.”

  “At a time like this?” Annie rolled her eyes.

  “This is the perfect time.” His gaze moved to Josie. “James may have found how to get the poison out of your body.”

  Annie squealed happily and ran toward the kitchen, going faster than Wyatt. Ma hitched a breath and clapped her hands. She moved beside Josie who lay on the sofa wrapped in an Afghan, a cold cloth covering her forehead.

  “Did you hear that, my dear?” Ma gently patted Josie’s cheek.

  “Yes.”

  “Your brother did it.” Ma’s face beamed. “I knew he’d remember how to be a doctor.”

  Josie shivered, feeling like she had a high fever. “But Ma... you need to support him in whatever he decides to do. It’s his life. He needs to be happy and live the way he wants.”

  Nodding, Ma sighed. “Yes, I know.” She sniffed as a tear slid down her face. “It’s just so hard to see all of those years of learning medicine being thrown away. Your Pa would have—”

  “Pa would have wanted him to be happy,” Josie quickly finished for her.

  “Yes. He would have. He loved his children so much.”

  Dr. Wayment and James rushed into the room carrying a medicine bottle and several strips of cloth. The doctor handed the cloths to Ma.

  “Help me soak these completely and rub them on Josie’s skin,” the doctor said. “According to Doctor Allen’s old medical journals, this is supposed to help draw out the poison.”

  Josie’s gaze jumped to the doctor. Determination shone in his kind eyes.

  Once Ma, James, and the doctor, had soaked a few cloths, Ma helped Josie sit up. Her body screamed in agony, not wanting to be touched, but she gnashed her teeth and willed the pain away. Ma unbuttoned Josie’s dress and opened the back. Josie leaned forward against the cushions as Ma and the doctor patted the wet cloths all along her back.

  Shivering uncontrollably, she breathed through the discomfort. Ma also rubbed the horrendous smelling cloths along Josie’s bosom and arms before lifting the dress back into place. The small amount of warmth made a difference.

  Wyatt rushed into the room, carrying a bowl of food. He sat beside her on the couch as Ma lifted Josie’s gown to rub the soaked cloths along her weak legs.

  “Darlin’,” Wyatt said in an encouraging voice. “I have some eggs, beans, garlic, onion, and fish. Will you eat these for me?”

  Weakly, she nodded. “I will, but I cannot guarantee how long they’ll stay in my stomach.”

  “I understand, but let’s get these into your body, anyway.”

  “Did my husband’s medical journal tell you that?” Ma asked.

  “Yes, Ma’am.” Wyatt grinned.

  Wyatt was so tender with her as he helped Josie eat. He held her against him as he slowly fed her the food. She gagged a few times on the garlic and onions, but she still forced herself to eat. After a few minutes, her body became weaker. It was hard to chew. All she wanted to do was close her eyes and drift asleep.

  “No more,” she whispered. She couldn’t lift her head to look at Wyatt. She couldn’t even lift her arm to touch him. And it became harder to keep her eyes open.

  She saw Ma pass a worried look to Wyatt and then to the doctor before shaking her head. James watched Josie with tears in his eyes. Her breath became labored.

  “Darlin’?” Wyatt cupped her face and tilted it up so that she could meet his eyes. “You’re going to be all right. You’re just tired now from everything your body has gone through.”

  She couldn’t make her throat work in order to say anything. But she loved the way he looked at her with so much emotion.

  “I love you, Josie. I’ll do anything for you.”

  Love grew inside of her for this wonderful man. If only she could have enough strength to tell him.

  He kissed her mouth so softly. She closed her eyes, enjoying the brief moment of his lips on hers. But when he pulled away, she couldn’t open her eyes. The love on his face would stay with her forever.

  EPILOGUE

  It had been a whole week, and Wyatt knew he had to visit the grave.

  He forced himself to ride his horse to the plot of land behind the church. The weather was perfect. Not a cloud in the sky. Even the sun didn’t bake him as it usually did at this time of day.

  He tied his horse to the post and grasped the few daisies he’d picked in front of the hotel – with Elizabeth’s permission, of course. Taking slow steps toward the grave, his breathing became deeper. His heart ached, and his throat grew tight.

  He hated goodbyes. But this one was needed. He wouldn’t be able to go forward in l
ife until this was done.

  He stood in front of the grave, staring at the headstone without really reading the name. He knew what was on there, anyway.

  The dryness of his mouth made it hard to swallow. “I...” He licked his lips. “I got these daisies for you. I know how much you used to like them.” He bent and placed it on the ground by her headstone and then straightened.

  Tears stung his eyes, so he took another cleansing breath. If he didn’t get the words out, he’d never be able to move forward.

  “I’m... sorry. For everything. I know I should have loved you sooner, but I was still trying to understand my own feelings. I should have been there more for you, too, but...” He shook his head. “As much as we all want to relive the past, it cannot be done.”

  He paused, trying to think of what else to say. “Your family misses you. And James... he’s desperately trying to forgive himself. I pray he’ll be able to do that. I have forgiven him. I’ve never truly believed that everything happens for a reason, but lately... Yes, it does. God has His hand in everything, and I can see that now. If you hadn’t had died, I would have never known...”

  He took an unsteady breath, trying to stay strong. “I want you to know that I finally found true love.” Wyatt couldn’t stop the smile stretching across his face. “In fact, you know her. She’s James’ little sister, Josette – my little Josie. She makes me smile and laugh. She makes me want to be a better person. She completes me. We’re getting married tomorrow, and I’ve never been happier.”

  His gaze focused on the name on the headstone: Marjorie Dawn Donovan. Finally, he was at peace with her death.

  Eunice would go to trial, but Colonel Gordon guaranteed Wyatt that the woman would be hanged for her crimes. Wyatt knew it would affect Annie, and especially Josie. But at least justice was served.

  He turned to walk away from the grave but stopped suddenly. Josie stood against the tree with her arms folded, grinning. She had more color in her face today, and she wore a new dress and a white hat with pink flowers. Every day she was prettier and prettier.