The man held the boy by the collar and turned his angry face to her. “Ain’t none of yer business, woman!” He spat at her feet.
“Let the boy go.” She put her hands on her hips and straightened her spine. Oh, how she was tired of bullies.
The man leaned his large and smelly frame toward her. “What are ya gonna do about it, little lady?”
Blinking several times, Olivia realized she had no idea. There weren’t any police to call. She’d come out here alone. The man was twice her size. What had she been thinking?
God, help me.
She looked down at the boy. His face was covered in blood, and she couldn’t even tell if he was conscious anymore. “Let him go.”
The man sneered. He dropped the boy to the ground in a crumpled heap and stepped closer to her. “You need to keep yer pretty little nose outta things that don’t concern ya.” His beefy hand shot out and grabbed her arm and squeezed. He closed the distance between them until she could smell his rancid breath. “Maybe I’ll just take you instead.” He grabbed her other arm and picked her up off her feet.
Kicking her legs with everything she was worth, Olivia screamed at the top of her lungs.
“Who’s gonna come help ya? The sheriff?” The man leaned his head back and guffawed.
She kept yelling and screaming, “Help! Hel—”
One of his hands had released her arm but now wrapped around her throat. “No need for none of that now.” The wicked smile on the man’s face made her shudder.
Gasping for air, Olivia’s mind traveled over her life. This could very well be the end. Was she ready? Had she wasted her life? God had clearly given her a second chance after Hezekiah’s death. Had she wasted that as well? Whether or not she’d saved the boy a few moments ago, he would be in danger as soon as this nasty man finished her. What had she done? Spots began to dance in front of her eyes. If only she could do things over again, she’d live her life without fear, without hesitation. God forgive me. Save the boy … please.
Slam!
“Put her down! Now!” a deep voice bellowed from the side door.
Her captor released his grip, and she tumbled to the ground. When she looked up, she saw Joseph’s face, red and full of anger. She’d never seen him look so fierce.
The hulking man stood for a minute and then sprinted down the alley.
Joseph came to her, a crowd of customers behind him, watching. “Are you all right?”
She put a hand to her throat and rubbed at it. No wonder the man had taken off. Too many men were ready to fight him. After a few deep breaths, she nodded. “I think so.” Jerking her head to where the boy lay, she gasped when she saw he was still there. “He’s not … dead … is he?”
Joseph helped her to her feet and walked her over to the boy. He knelt down and picked the child up in his arms. “I think he’s still breathing. We need to get him help.”
“Is there a doctor?”
He nodded. “Just a few blocks down. Can you walk?”
“Of course. I’m going with you.”
Daniel appeared at her side. “Are you sure you’re all right?” His concern touched her.
“I’m fine, but I don’t know about this child.” Her voice cracked on the last word.
“Go on. I’ll make sure that everything is covered in here.” Her brother squeezed her shoulder as she followed Joseph.
She grabbed Joseph’s arm to stop him for a moment and turned back to her brother. “Is it all right if I bring him home with me if there’s nowhere else for him to go?”
“I was going to suggest the same thing.” He pulled several coins out of his pocket. “Give this to the doctor, and if that’s not enough to cover it, tell him I will pay the bill.”
“Thank you.” Her heart overflowed with emotion. God had given her a wonderful brother who cared so much for other people. She turned on her heel and placed her hand on the boy’s head as she looked back to Joseph. “And thank you for rescuing me.”
He gave her a brief nod, his face serious. “I would never want anything to happen to you.” He shifted the load in his arms. “Let’s get this boy to the doctor. I’m afraid it looks pretty serious.”
Joseph ran a hand down his face as they watched the doctor patch up the child, who was nothing but skin and bones. There was no doubt in any of their minds that the boy was starving. Where were his parents? What had happened to him? And why was that man beating him in the alley?
The rage that had overtaken Joseph when he realized Olivia was in trouble had blinded him to the man’s appearance. He’d gotten a look at him yet couldn’t know for certain if he would recognize the man. Surely Olivia could, but he never wanted her in the presence of her attacker again.
Dr. Morgan turned to them. “Do you know the boy’s name?”
Olivia shook her head. “No.”
“I’ve done all I can for him now. We’ll have to wait and see what happens when he wakes up. It’s a good thing you found him when you did.” The man shook his head and wiped his hands on a towel.
She sniffed and wiped at a tear on her cheek. “Should I take him home and care for him there?”
The doctor shook his head. “No. I don’t think he should be moved for a while. But you are welcome to visit him here.”
Joseph looked around the small shack of a building while Olivia peppered the doctor with questions. The need for doctors and medical care—possibly even a hospital—was desperate in their town, especially with all the mining accidents, the dirt and filth, and people coming into port from all over the world. Outbreaks always spread like wildfire in the overpopulated tents and shacks. This was something else he needed to address with the city council.
The council! They were meeting tonight. Pulling his pocket watch out, he opened the cover. He barely had an hour before they started, but he couldn’t leave Olivia.
“Joseph? Are you all right?” Her sweet voice cut through his thoughts as she laid a hand on his arm.
“Yes. Quite. I’m sorry, my mind was elsewhere.”
She turned back to the doctor and handed him the coins Daniel had given her. “We will take care of any additional costs you incur for his care.”
The man nodded and walked to a back room.
“Dr. Morgan has told us to go on home tonight. I’ll come back early before breakfast in the morning and then again at my lunch break and then again after dinner.”
“Do you need someone to escort you?” He offered his arm as they left the doctor’s.
“Oh, would you? I know that would help Daniel a lot since I will be leaving him shorthanded for a bit, and he never wanted me to go anywhere alone—which right now, I don’t ever want to go anywhere alone.” She reached for her throat.
“How are you feeling? How badly did he hurt you?”
She shook her head and dropped her hand from her neck. “I’ll probably be bruised, but I think I’m fine. It’s a good thing you came bursting through the door when you did. … ” The hanging sentence made them both go silent.
Joseph didn’t want to think about what could have happened to Olivia had he not heard her scream. The potential outcomes were too hideous, but it didn’t stop them from running through his mind.
Steering Olivia around a pile of horse droppings in the street, Joseph knew he needed to get their minds onto something else, but he didn’t want to sound callous taking attention away from the injured boy. “I’m sorry about what happened, Olivia.”
She nodded. “I am too. It was foolish of me to go out into the alley to begin with, but I can’t say that I’m sorry for what I did. I don’t think the child would have lived if someone hadn’t stopped that … that … monster.” He felt her shudder as she gripped his arm.
“It makes it more urgent for me”—he looked down at her, but her face was covered by her bonnet—”to see what other changes can be made through the city council, because they need to happen soon.”
Her small hand patted his arm again. “I’m thankful you’r
e on the council, Joseph. We need more good men like you in charge of this town.”
“Well, soon we’ll have an alcalde—a mayor and judge. Prayerfully, the men will vote in the right man for the job.”
“I hope you’re right.” Her voice sounded weary.
As they approached the restaurant, Joseph knew that she was in no shape to finish waiting on the evening’s customers. “I think perhaps it’s best if you go straight to bed and rest. You’ve had a traumatic day. Would you like me to talk to Daniel?”
“Would you?” Her relief was palpable. “All of a sudden, I feel drained of all energy.”
“Let me walk you to the back and up the stairs. You have your key?”
“I do.” Her voice was almost a whisper as she pulled the brass key out.
Joseph led her up the steps to the living quarters while worry built in his gut. She’d slowed considerably and leaned on him more with each step. Something was wrong. When they reached the landing, he stopped and turned toward her. But before he could ask if she was all right, her hand slipped from his arm, and she collapsed.
After using Olivia’s key to open the door to the living quarters, Joseph carried her to the parlor and laid her on the settee. He patted her face. “Olivia?”
She moaned but didn’t open her eyes.
“Olivia? Please, can you hear me?”
No response.
Not wanting to be inappropriate, he knew he shouldn’t stay with her alone, but how could he leave her to go get help? He removed her bonnet and laid a hand on her forehead. A dark, silken curl fell over her cheek. Lifting it and pushing it away from her face, he hoped that it was simply exhaustion from the trauma of the day. As he glanced down at her neck, he saw the skin had a purplish hue in the shape of a man’s hand.
Anger burned in him again as he thought of that man squeezing her throat so tight. Taking a deep breath, he prayed for forgiveness and stood. Nothing good could come from him seeking vengeance. Right now, he had to think about Olivia’s health. He touched her cheek one last time and then turned to the door. He raced back down the stairs to the restaurant. As usual, it was packed with customers. The cacophony of loud chatter, silverware clanking on plates, and the bustle of people filled his ears, while the rich scents of beef, pork, and chocolate cake assaulted his senses. He stopped beside a table and scanned the room. Where was Daniel?
Taking another sweeping glance of the room, he realized he might need to check in the kitchen. As he headed toward the swinging door, Joseph stopped abruptly when he saw his friend exit. “Daniel!”
The man’s brow furrowed when he spotted Joseph. “What’s wrong?” He set the plates in his arms down at a table.
“It’s Olivia. She collapsed.” Without another word, he raced back to the stairs, knowing that Daniel would follow.
When they reached the parlor, Daniel ran over to his sister. “Livvy?”
She moaned again, but this time she opened her eyes. She blinked several times and squinted at her brother and then at Joseph. “What happened?”
“You collapsed on the stairs. We’d been walking back from the doctor’s, and you stated that you felt drained.” Joseph moved closer with slow steps. “I noticed you had to lean on me the longer we walked, and it began to worry me.”
She sat up and put a hand to her neck. “I’m just tired.”
“Livvy, are you sure? Your neck is all bruised.” Her brother’s concern was evident in his tone. “And I don’t think I’ve ever known you to collapse from simply being tired.”
A small smile lifted her lips. “I really do feel fine.” She lifted a hand to halt her brother’s response. “Well, as fine as can be expected. Really. Yes, my neck is a bit sore and bruised. I think I’m simply worn out from the horror of the event and worry over the boy. Let me go to bed, and tomorrow I’ll be right as rain.”
“I’m not so sure about that. You had us really worried—”
“All right, big brother. I know. I’m sorry. But truly, I’m exhausted and haven’t been getting enough sleep lately. I feel confident that if I just get some rest, I’ll be back to normal tomorrow.”
“I’m going to go fetch the doctor.” Daniel jumped up. “I don’t want to take any chances.”
“No. Please. He needs to focus on the boy.” She stood up and smoothed her skirt. “There are so many factors that led to this. I’m overly tired. I’ve been working a lot. There’s been a lot of things I’ve had to deal with from the past few months. I moved to a brand-new place. And yes, I was attacked”—she held up a hand to keep them from interrupting—”but before you two go flying off the handle, let me get some rest. I’m pretty certain that I’ll be fine, and if I’m not, I will be the first to ask you to go get the doctor.” Her voice had gained strength as she spoke, and the tone she’d delivered the last of her speech brooked no argument.
Joseph looked at his friend, and they shared a knowing glance. Best not to antagonize the lady any further this evening.
She turned to Joseph. “Thank you, again. For everything.” With another smile, she put a hand on his arm and gave it a slight pat. It warmed him, and he longed to put his arms around her and hold her forever. She walked to her room. When she reached the door, she called back, “I’m fine. Both of you wipe those worried looks off your faces. I just need a glass of water and some sleep.”
Daniel turned to him once she closed the door and let out a long sigh. “Well, she looked steady enough on her feet just now. Do you think she’s hiding anything from us?”
Analyzing the situation and all he’d seen tonight, Joseph didn’t have a clue. “I have no idea, although she seems much better now than she was just a little bit ago. Not that my opinion holds much sway. Tomorrow will prove to have the answer no matter what I presume.”
Daniel shook his head with a wry chuckle that almost sounded like a moan at the end. “You’re right, I know. It’s been an interesting day, hasn’t it?”
“Not quite the word I would use, my friend, but yes.” Joseph pulled out his watch again. “And it’s not over. I’m supposed to be meeting with the city council right now. I better go. Please send me a message if anything happens with Olivia or the boy?”
“Of course.” His friend gripped his shoulder. “Thank you. I guess I should get her some water.”
Joseph let himself out and went to get his horse. As much as he didn’t trust George Banister and wanted to be at the council meeting, he didn’t want to leave Olivia. He knew there was nothing he could do for her, but after the circus of a day, he longed to make sure she recovered and didn’t have any more spells. Perhaps that was overstepping his bounds, and perhaps it was even impertinent of him to think, but he couldn’t deny his growing feelings for the lovely widow.
By the time Joseph reached the meeting, George was once again wrapping things up. The man’s chin lifted when he spotted Joseph. “Mr. Sawyer, this is not the best etiquette on your behalf to show up late. Again.”
The scolding made Joseph’s anger from earlier simmer back to the surface. “There was an unfortunate incident of a child being beaten in the street. The attacker went after a woman when she confronted him.”
A twitch in George’s expression raised the hairs on Joseph’s neck.
Several gasps were heard from a few of the other council members.
He lifted his hands to quiet the murmuring that started but kept his gaze on Banister. “All is well, gentlemen, but I had to see to the child’s needs and get him to a physician. My apologies for being tardy.”
“Quite all right.”
“Is the child faring well?”
“What about the woman?”
“This is why we need police.”
The men all talked over one another.
George cleared his throat quite loudly. “How very noble of you, Mr. Sawyer.” He didn’t look impressed. “Quiet now, please, gentlemen. Let’s all remember the election this coming week and the support that we need to raise for our new alcalde. Meeting adjou
rned.”
Joseph watched George slip out of the room while the other men surrounded him and asked questions about the attack outside the restaurant. His instincts were on high alert again. Something in the man’s demeanor had changed when he mentioned a child being beaten. Certainly Banister couldn’t have anything to do with it, could he?
As he refocused on the men around him, he told them of the event and then asked them questions of his own about the meeting. Everyone seemed excited about electing their new official with hopes that they would be able to really start cleaning up their city now. But as they all left, Joseph couldn’t help being suspicious of George. Maybe it would be a good idea to try to follow the man again. His instincts had never let him down before.
On the ride home, he tried to think of how he would track George’s movements during the week without being caught. He wasn’t even sure where to find him. Or was he? The last time, Joseph had seen the man in an unsavory part of town. Perhaps he should go back there and check it out. If he changed his clothing and smudged dirt on his face, he could look the part. It wasn’t so long ago that he’d looked like one of the ruffians himself.
The thoughts followed him all the way home. When he arrived, Dewei stood outside the front door, and a sense of foreboding came over him.
“Dewei,” Joseph said, and dismounted. “Has there been trouble? An accident at the mine?”
“No, sir. Mine is shipshape.” The man removed his straw hat and held it in his hands. “My brothers. It is bad.”
A twinge of guilt filled Joseph. While he’d looked into Dewei’s claims, he hadn’t done as much as he could have. “Please, tell me.” He ushered the man inside.
“Only one meal a day. They kept in chains day and night with no way to make clean. Brothers skinny. No good.”
The Golden Bride Page 12