2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Dr. Justin Davis stood, his hands on his hips, and nodded in satisfaction. It had taken nearly a full day, but the office—his office—was looking much more how he wanted it. Dr. Jeffers had sold him the practice when he decided to retire, and it was obvious that the man hadn't changed a single thing in the entire time he'd been practicing there.

Luckily, the large wooden desk and sturdy chairs in the waiting room were fine, as was the examination table. The rest, though…

A few faded paintings had gone into a box, as well as a large stuffed squirrel that had been hung on the wall. Dr. Jeffers, luckily, wanted the deer antlers that had hung over the doorway. Justin replaced them with a small bell on some twine that would jangle softly when someone entered.

Dr. Jeffers hadn't taken all of his personal equipment, but Justin had brought with him his own medical instruments, and had carefully packed away what he wouldn't use. While the items he stored were older and worn, they still had value in them to a potential assistant or someone wishing to learn more about medicine.

He stretched, gave one more satisfied nod, and then went over to a large crate. It was so heavy it had taken two men to load it into a wagon and two to bring it in. After prying off the lid, Justin tackled the pile of medical books inside. Carefully, he set each on the large bookcase near his desk, then nodded in approval once he was done. Yes, it was all coming together nicely.

Spring Falls seemed to be just what he wanted. It was growing, was large enough to support a goodly number of businesses, and not so far from Cottonwood Falls that he couldn't have urgent supplies sent quickly, should the need arise. There was also another doctor there, Edward Mason, who he could consult with if needed. He'd gone and met him and his wife, Caroline, before purchasing this practice, and had bought a few supplies from the large store there.

There was only one thing missing now, and that was an assistant. Old Dr. Jeffers had his wife as nurse, and she had no intention of staying. Not that he'd have wanted her, anyway. No, what Justin wanted was someone who he could train to do things the way he wanted them. When one took on a nurse who had years of experience, they often had their own methods and ways of doing things. The last thing he wanted, as a practice owner and someone new to town, was to butt heads and upset someone because he had his preferences and, to be quite honest, newer methods of providing care than some of the older doctors might be familiar with.

Nearing thirty, and having spent three years working for another doctor, he was ready to have his own practice, take all he'd learned, and set it up just how he wanted.

The door opened, and the small bell tinkled. Justin looked over. "Dr. Jeffers," he greeted eagerly.

"Thought I'd see how you were coming along, if you were settling in well," the doctor said.

"There is one thing I could use your advice on, actually," Justin said. "I'd put an ad in the paper, but there have been no inquiries yet. Before I take out another, or expand to the newspaper in Cottonwood Falls, perhaps you know. Is there someone I could hire as a competent nurse? If you needed one, it is likely I will as well."

Dr. Jeffers grew a thoughtful look, then scratched his head. "I don't think so," he said slowly. "What you might even look for is someone to help with your notes and files, and then perhaps one day train them to take on small tasks, like helping bandage wounds or collect medications for you to approve before they are sent home with a patient."

"I was worried that might be the case," Justin sighed. "Perhaps I'll ask around, but if I've not found someone by the end of the week, I'll resubmit my ad, and perhaps to a few towns."

"I'm sorry," Dr. Jeffers said. "Hopefully, you manage until you find someone. There was a quiet day here and there, but for the most part, Mrs. Jeffers and I stayed quite busy. Do you want me to ask if she'd be willing to come an afternoon a week?"

"No, no," Justin said. "You need to enjoy your retirement. Travel around and visit your children."

He couldn't imagine how much help one afternoon a week would be. It might even make things worse. The doctor was right. What he needed, if he couldn't find a nurse, was at least someone to help with notes and files.

Files. The word brought to mind another question.

"Dr. Jeffers, I noticed that this file here has a star in the upper corner," Justin said, going over to his desk and holding it up. He'd spent almost an entire day going over each file and note to familiarize himself with the patients the other doctor had seen.

The old doctor walked over and took the file, squinting at it. "That's right. She's a special case."

"Special in what way?" Justin queried. "When I went through it, she seemed to be quite ordinary, as far as care. "

"Yes," the doctor said slowly. "That's Mrs. Harrison."

The combination of the weight behind his words and the tone of his voice made Justin search the doctor's face. "I sense a story," he remarked.

"A sad one," Dr. Jeffers said. "A terrible thing happened to the Harrisons. It's why I don't charge Mrs. Harrison for her care. Of course, you are not obligated to continue that tradition. Nor would she expect you to."

Justin sat behind his desk and motioned for Dr. Jeffers to sit as well. "What happened?" he asked.

The doctor's face filled with sorrow. "Jim Harrison was my best friend. We went to school together growing up and went our own ways to university. I became a doctor, of course, but Jim always had a love for the written word. He decided to follow in his father's footsteps in publishing.

"Well, some twenty years later, we met back up, having moved here near the same time. It was wonderful to reconnect with him. Jim had married by then," he pointed to the folder, "and about a year later, Pricilla had a daughter."

"I'm not sensing anything tragic about that, unless something happened to their child?" Justin asked.

"No, no. Charlotte has grown up into a lovely young woman. One of the prettiest in town, but also one of the most kind and practical. She's going to make some man a fine wife one day."

"Then what happened?" Justin asked .

"Wasn't long after they moved here that Jim took on a partner for his publishing business. Jim would travel back and forth regularly, but that became less and less as his partner did more. I don't know all the details of how it all happened, but one day, Jim got tricked into signing something."

"Oh no." Justin frowned.

"That's right," Dr. Jeffers agreed. "That partner of his swindled him out of just about everything. The business got signed over to him. All the profit went to him. Every bit except for the royalties that remained from a few books his father had published years before. That couldn't be touched, as it was in his will. Doubt it brings in much."

"That poor family," Justin said. "Nothing could be done?"

"Don't think so," Dr. Jeffers said heavily. "Jim died of a broken heart and guilt when Charlotte was about ten. Pricilla had a real hard time of it. Poor woman has struggled to keep food on the table, but she refuses to accept help. I suspect their savings is all gone, and I don't know how she survives, honestly."

"That's a terrible story," Justin said. "My heart breaks for them." He sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "However, if I give charity to one, others will expect it."

"That is why you must decide for yourself if you will continue to treat her at no charge," Dr. Jeffers said. "Though I think most folks would understand if word got out, others might not, and you must be able to provide for yourself."

Dr. Jeffers stood then, and smacked the desk. "Well, I've got to be going. If you should need anything, you know where to find me."

"Yes, and thank you," Justin said. A pit of disappointment filled him. He should have asked the doctor to stay for tea. Perhaps tell him more. The office seemed incredibly empty, and it was difficult moving to a town and not knowing anyone in it.

His eyes followed the doctor as he walked down the street. A young woman with strawberry-blonde hair passed, and Justin let his eyes linger on her. For some reason he couldn't explain, he felt drawn to her. As if she felt someone staring at her, she paused and glanced around before resuming her trek.

Justin watched her graceful steps on the snowy sidewalk. She was beautiful and held herself with confidence. He wondered who she was. The woman entered a store, and he turned back to the file and sighed.

What to do about this patient? He didn't want to be thought of as cold. Perhaps he could still provide the medical care this woman and her daughter needed. After all, it was likely very little.

"But, perhaps I should also see that for myself before deciding," he said to the papers before him. "I'll introduce myself, explain I am taking over the practice. Getting to know people."

The idea felt right. Justin grabbed his coat and hat, then decided to take his traveling doctor's bag, just in case.

As he set out, the young woman with the strawberry-blonde hair was coming out of the general store. Her face was filled with disappointment. He didn't know why, he certainly didn't know her, but Justin felt a pang of sympathy in his chest. Something must have happened for her to look so dejected.

To his surprise, the young woman squared her shoulders, visibly took a deep breath, put on a smile, and then went into the bakery. Justin started to linger, but realized he had no business doing so. His patient was waiting for him. Whatever it was the young woman sought, he hoped she found it. She didn't deserve to wear such sadness on her face.