Chapter Twenty-Four

Dr. Straw

Dr. Charles Straw leanedback in his chair and groaned. Nearly ten minutes had passed, and the whore still hadn't aroused him. It wasn't like him to take so long. Usually the entire act was over in less time than it took him to oil and comb his hair. But he had a lot on his mind this morning. Rumors had reached him that the redheaded charlatan had healed the addled McClendon boy. Impossible. The child's brain was Swiss cheese. How could this be, and what elixir had the bitch used?

"I don't think this is working." The whore impatiently huffed as she leaned back and wiped her mouth.

"You're not trying hard enough." He looked her over with a sneer. She typically wore enough face paint to mask the dark circles under her eyes, but not today. Her dull brown hair was disheveled, and the front of her dress was stained. Plus, she smelled like stale, cheap wine. She'd probably come straight to his apartment after working all night in the whorehouse. He scowled, wondering if she'd had the courtesy to rinse out her mouth first.

She shrugged. "Maybe it's you."

Anger spiked his blood pressure, his pulse pounding along tightly knotted neck muscles. "Finish what I paid you to do," he growled.

She crossed her arms, pouting. "You haven't paid me yet."

He crooked his finger at her and then pointed to his groin. "And I won't until I'm satisfied."

Rolling her eyes, she spit into her hands and leaned over his flaccid member.

Bang-bang-bang!

The prostitute screeched and jumped to her feet as the front door shook with violent tremors.

"Straw!" a deep, angry bellow resounded from outside. "Open up."

"Who's that?" the whore hissed, wiping her hands on her skirt.

Straw buttoned his pants and reached for the cane beside his chair. "Shhh." He held a finger to his lips and slowly rose. "Not another damn word."

She jutted both hands on her hips. "Now hold on just a minute, mister...."

He raised his cane as if to strike her. Her eyes bulged, and she went surprisingly silent.

"Straw, I know you're in there." The man boomed. "I can hear your whore."

Straw wasted no time as he rushed toward the window. Luckily his apartment was only on the second floor, and he'd snagged a rope ladder from the docks for such an occasion. He unlatched the window and draped the ladder outside.

"Hey!" The whore stomped a foot. "What about my money?"

He slipped into his coat and donned his hat before nodding toward the door with a sly smile. "Get in line."

When she rushed toward him, he swung the cane, coming within inches of her nose. "Get back before I split that scowl of yours in half."

"Now you're gonna get it!" She spun on her heel and raced to the door.

Straw threw his hat and cane out the window, not waiting around to see what would happen next. As he descended the ladder with amazing speed, he heard her yelling to the irate creditor. "He's headed out the window. When you catch him, I want my money."

Straw dropped to the ground, ignoring the pain that shot up his leg. He picked up his cane and hat and looked up to see Colin O'Leary scowling down at him.

"You owe my boss five hundred dollars." O'Leary shook his fist and yelled out the window.

O'Leary, a former Confederate soldier, was built like a bull and still strong for his age. Straw had treated the brute's knee for an old war wound and knew he wouldn't have the ability to climb down the ladder. Straw tipped his hat to the red-faced man and casually strolled off. He'd no doubt O'Leary would search for him in the saloons and brothels, but he wouldn't find him there. Straw had another destination in mind. It was time to pay that healer a visit.

* * *

Gabriel

AFTER A LONG DAY MAKINGlove, I was famished. I left my sleeping mate in search of food and followed the overgrown path to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, dragging the net I'd found in the barn behind me. The weave was old and caked with mud. I hoped it would hold up.

I slipped off my shoes and walked barefoot across the hot sand, relishing the feel of it sticking to my soles. How I'd missed walking. I still couldn't believe that in less than a day, a beautiful, flame-haired dragon princess had healed my legs, which hadn't worked since I'd been stricken with Polio during childhood. Then, I'd been mated to that dragon princess. My life had taken a strange and wondrous turn, and I wouldn't change it for anything, though perhaps there was one thing I would fix. I wished more than anything to see my family.

I had to retain hope that Safi and I would see them again. I wondered how Pedro was faring after recovering from the shark attack, and how Papí was coping with my absence. Mostly I worried the dragon queen was making my family's lives miserable. I hoped I hadn't brought her wrath on their heads. Safi had assured me her mother had a kind heart. I prayed her kindness had not run thin.

I waded into the surf, sinking into the sand as the warm water lapped at my feet. How I'd missed the mere sensation of feeling the earth mold to my feet, encompassing them like a wet glove. I trudged through the water until I was waist-high, letting out a groan of satisfaction as I knelt and leaned my head back, letting the water soak my hair. If I hadn't needed to search for food, I'd have taken a refreshing swim, but I had an entire eternity to enjoy the use of my legs. Knowing Safina's appetite, I suspected she was hungrier than I was.

I tossed out the net and mumbled the prayer my papí had taught me, pleading with Mother Earth to provide nourishment for myself and my mate. I couldn't help but laugh when I pulled in the net and saw four flapping tails. I relaxed as if a huge weight had been lifted. Mother Earth was blessing our union. I hoped that meant the dragon queen's forgiveness would follow.

* * *

Abby

I CURSED UNDER MY brEATHafter I poked my finger once again. I supposed I deserved the pain for having neglected my needlework for so long. My grandmother sat beside me, knitting little booties, no doubt for Charlotte's baby. Funny, but a few days ago, I would've been secretly angry with Nana for doting over Charlotte and Teddy Carter's child. Instead of resenting Charlotte for marrying Teddy, I was overcome with a strange sense of happiness I hadn't felt since I'd dreamed of my parents when I was unconscious.

Ever since yesterday, when that shark had attacked Pedro, I'd been walking around the house as if in a daze. Though I was no zealot, I'd come to the conclusion that Fiona and her daughter were angels, or perhaps witches or goddesses. Whatever they were, I knew them to be kind, and that's all that mattered. I worried for Safi, though. Why had she and her mother had a falling out, and how had she managed to run off with Gabriel? Had Safi healed him?

I looked over at Nana, who was engrossed in her knitting. Though I normally enjoyed the few moments of reprieve when Nana wasn't scolding me or gossiping about our neighbors, the silence between us felt like a punishment.

"Have you heard anything from Se?or Cortez?" It was a futile question. If Nana had heard anything, she would've been prattling on about it for the last half hour.

"No." The old woman frowned, setting her work in her lap. "Nothing yet."

"So you think they've truly eloped?"

Nana heaved a sigh. "It appears so."

I wondered if Safi and Gabriel were okay. If so, where were they, and would they ever come back? "I hope they're happy together."

Nana pulled back her shoulders, the lines around her eyes deepening. "They deserve to be miserable." She wagged a finger at me as if it were somehow my fault. "All that pain she's caused her dear mother by running off and leaving her alone like that."

I swallowed hard as a wave of shame overcame me. Though Nana sometimes nagged me, I was Nana's whole world. How selfish I'd been not to think of Nana before I'd jumped from the pier. "How long will Miss Fiona keep to her bed?" I asked to change the subject.

"I'm not sure, but Se?or Cortez gave her a powerful sleeping drug, and he says we are not to wake her," she said sternly, as if she was expecting me to disobey her. The lines around her drawn mouth softened as she nodded toward the embroidery in my hands. "I haven't seen you practice your needlework in a long while. What are you making, dearest?"

I made a face at the sloppy stitching of pink flowers. "A picture for Charlotte's baby."

"Oh, Abby, that's wonderful." Nana clasped her hands together, beaming. "You are such a kind friend to Charlotte."

I hung my head. Those words of undeserving praise stung far worse than had Nana told the truth. I was ashamed of how I'd treated Charlotte—how I'd treated everyone. "No, I'm not. At least, I haven't been, but I plan on being a better friend now."

Nana set her work on a nearby table and heaved herself out of the chair. She sat next to me on the sofa, draping a heavy arm across my shoulders. "What brought on this change of heart?"

I pulled away from my grandmother, scooting to the other end of the sofa, for I deserved a hug even less than I deserved praise. I looked at my Nana through a sheen of tears, hardly aware I was crying. "I wasn't far from Pedro when he was attacked. That shark swam right past me. I swear, when his tail grazed my leg, my life flashed before my eyes a second time." I paused, looking at my hands fisted in my lap, for I hadn't the nerve to look Nana in the eyes. "The first time was when I jumped from the pier."

"Jumped?" Nana gasped. "I-I thought you fell."

I forced myself to meet the older woman's eyes. "No, Nana. I jumped because I was heartbroken over Theodore Carter."

Nana's hands flew to her flushed cheeks. "Oh, merciful heavens!"

Even though I was ashamed of my actions, my admission freed a burden that had been weighing down my soul. It was true. I'd been heartbroken over Theodore Carter, and fool that I was, I'd tried to take my own life because of it. Even though my throat tightened with emotion, I forced myself to continue, for my soul needed to be purged if I was to start anew.

"The first time my life flashed before me I saw only the bad things, like when I lost mama and papa, and the day Charlotte married Teddy." I looked away, unable to withstand my grandmother's heavy stare for long. "The second time I saw you rocking me in my cradle and singing me to sleep, I tasted your homemade pie, and I felt your hugs and kisses." My gaze flicked back to my grandmother, whose cheeks were now damp with tears. "I also saw what my life could be like." I twisted my hands in my lap, gnawing on my lower lip. "I could fall in love with someone else, or maybe I could travel with Clara Barton and the Red Cross, helping those in need. There are so many things I can do with my life." I swallowed a lump, forcing myself to press onward. "But I refuse to spend the rest of my future lamenting the past and hating my poor friend for falling in love, too."

Nana scooted closer, clasping my small hands in a clammy, heavy grip. "That is very honorable of you, dearest." She flashed a wide smile. "I knew you had a heart of gold."

I vehemently shook my head. "I don't, Nana. I have behaved like a selfish, spoiled brat, and I'm sorry."

Nana cupped my chin, lifting it until our gazes locked. "You are growing into a fine young woman. Whatever you do in life, I know you will do it well." Her lips tilted in a rueful smile. "I've never known you to give half-measures."

I couldn't help but laugh at that, and soon Nana was laughing, too. Our eyes were watering so hard, I didn't know when the crying stopped and the laughter began.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Nana jumped, her hand flying to her chest as she looked at the rattling front door. "Who could that be?"

I leaned forward. "Perhaps Se?or Cortez with news."

Nana's eyes bulged before she raced for the door and threw it open.

My surprise turned to disappointment, and my disappointment turned to anger when I saw Dr. Charles Straw.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Jenkens." He bowed low before Nana, his hat nearly tumbling from his head. "You are looking as lovely as ever. What a glow you have to your cheeks. You must be enjoying this fine weather."

Nana raised a hand to her face and blushed. "Why thank you, Dr. Straw, but I always wear a hat when I'm out of doors."

"Ahh." He stepped inside the threshold, smiling that wicked smile I had come to loathe. "Then your glow is natural, which makes it even more stunning." He shoved his hat in Nana's hands and pushed his way past her.

She gasped and spun around but said nothing, standing rooted to the spot like a statue.

He looked over the small parlor with a scowl, as if he found the room distasteful. "I have come to call on your healer."

Nana walked a wide circle around him, her mouth agape. "She's sleeping."

His thin mustache twitched as he frowned at Nana. "Nonsense. It's the middle of the day."

"I know, but she exhausted herself healing patients. You must come back another day," Nana pleaded, sounding more exasperated than authoritative as she held his hat out to him.

I slowly rose to my feet, knowing my Nana would need help if she were to wage a battle with the devil doctor. I had never trusted the serpentine gleam in the man's eyes, and I trusted him even less after he'd forcibly entered my Nana's home.

Dr. Straw pushed Nana aside with his cane. "Wake her. We have pressing business to discuss." He pointed the tip of his cane at the stairwell. "Or you can tell me where to find her, and I'll do it. Which room is hers?"

Nana pursed her lips and vehemently shook her head. "I can't tell you."

He turned up his long nose, nostrils flaring. "I beg your pardon?"

Nana clutched the doctor's hat with whitened knuckles. "I have specific orders not to wake her."

Dr. Straw advanced, bearing down on Nana with a look that reminded me of a wild animal stalking his prey. "And I am giving you specific orders to wake her."

Nana backed up. "B-but...."

"But nothing." He banged his cane on the wood floor, the sound ricocheting across the walls. "Now be a good woman and fetch her for me."

I crossed to them, pushing in front of Nana as I turned up my chin. "Did you hear what my nana said?"

The doctor pasted on a wide smile, one I could tell was forced. "Abby, I can't tell you how relieved I am to see you are well." His tone dripped with fake sincerity, flowery words with hidden thorns.

I ripped the hat out of Nana's hands, marched past Dr. Straw, and threw open the door. I tossed his hat outside, watching with satisfaction as it rolled down the steps. I looked at the man, whose cheeks were so inflamed, they appeared to be on fire.

"Oh, I do apologize." I spoke through clenched teeth while flashing a smile. "It appears I've tossed your hat out by accident, Dr. Straw. Be a good man and go get it."

My heartrate quickened when he clutched his cane with both hands as if it were a baseball bat.

"I'm not leaving until I speak to the healer." His voice was a low, dark rumble.

"Dearest," Nana squeaked. "Maybe you should let the doctor...."

I held up a silencing hand. "Nana, let me handle this." I pulled back my shoulders, doing my best to quell my shaking limbs. "Moses!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.

Dr. Straw paled when our servant, Moses, as tall as the doctor but twice his girth, rushed into the room through the kitchen's swinging door.

"Yes, Miss Abby?" the servant asked, but even before I could answer, Moses's hands curled into fists as he narrowed his eyes at our visitor.

"Oh my," Nana exclaimed before falling into a nearby chair.

I pointed at Dr. Straw. "This man has barged into our home and refuses to leave. Kindly show him the way out."

Dr. Straw backed toward the door. "Is this any way to treat your physician?"

I stood on my toes, poking his chest, feeling a renewed sense of bravery with Moses at my back. "You're not my physician. And from what I hear, you're not a physician to anyone anymore."

His lip curled up in a snarl. "You are mistaken, girly."

I arched back and fanned my face as a disgustingly sweet smell overwhelmed my senses. "You smell like cheap perfume. Go back to the hole you crawled out of." With a hard shove, I pushed him over the threshold and slammed the door in his face.

Moses chuckled, "Good 'un, Miss Abby."

Nana rushed to my side, wringing her hands. "Oh, Abby, what have you done?"

I turned to my grandmother, clutching the old woman's shoulders. "Nana, Miss Fiona saved my life and the lives of many others. That man means her harm. I can see it in his eyes. He's not allowed back in this house. Do you understand?"

Nana swallowed hard, the veins in her neck popping out like swollen tributaries. "Y-yes." She looked up at Moses, and they shared knowing grins. "Just like I said, a fine young woman."