Western Dilemma Read online

  The man shifted on his feet. “Mr. Everett. He just got here today, so I don’t know much more than that.”

  Emery looked down at her patient with pity. He’d been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Had he come even a day later, he’d still be well—but the others would have likely died.

  Fate.

  It was something she’d learned she couldn’t outmaneuver. Sometimes things happened for a reason, and there was nothing anyone could do about it.

  With heavy doses of luck and prayer, she hoped this man’s journey would be far from over.

  Chapter 2

  The first thing Everett was aware of was his pounding headache. His skull swelled and contracted to his heart’s rhythm.

  He must have passed out again, because when he came to, the pain had lessened slightly.

  He attempted to open his eyes and moaned.

  What had happened to him? It felt like there was something he wasn’t remembering.

  He focused on opening his eyes, his lids fluttering a few times before obeying him. He flinched at the bright morning rays and closed his eyes against the assault. When he turned from the light, he gasped as pain tore through his torso. Taking slow, shallow breaths, he felt across his ribs. Someone had wrapped them.

  From the amount of pain he was in and the wrap, he surmised they were either cracked or broken.

  Even though it hurt, he probed them with his fingers, hissing as he examined the injury.

  Only cracked, he would guess. He was lucky.

  How could he not remember what had happened to him?

  Needing more answers, he forced his eyes open, grimacing against the light and pain. He struggled to push himself upright.

  “No!” A woman with dark hair sprinted into the room. “You mustn’t do that. Lie still. Everything’s all right. You’re safe.” She moved to his bedside and placed a hand on his shoulder—the only place he wasn’t hurting.

  “Wh—what happened to me?” His throat was dry and scratchy. “How long was I unconscious?”

  She gave him a serious look, one he recognized well. She was trying to decide if he could handle the truth.

  “Just tell me,” he said. As a doctor, he’d been on the other side of this before. It would be better to know what he was dealing with—though he had some guesses of his own.

  She nodded as if coming to a decision. “There was an accident at the mine.”

  With that one statement, everything flooded back. He sucked in a breath, remembering the deafening sound as boulders crashed down around him, the stale air polluted with cascades of dirt. His vision had gone erratic with the chaos surrounding him—and he’d pushed Mr. Brown to safety before everything went dark.

  He closed his eyes against the bombarding memories. “Did anyone die?”

  When he opened his eyes, she smiled softly, shaking her head. “There were a few minor injuries. You were the worst off.” Gently, she patted his shoulder. “You saved many lives.”

  Admiration shone from her eyes, and his heart beat quicker. “I only pushed Mr. Brown to safety. Anyone would have done that.”

  She tsked. “No, I don’t think so. Most people would have thought only of their own safety. But it was more than just Mr. Brown. Because you insisted on fixing the tunnel, the other men were out of the area when it collapsed. If you hadn’t told them to get the lumber, I’m certain several would have died.”

  He frowned. “How do you know about that?”

  She smiled again. “You’re a hero. A lot of people have stopped by to check in on you. Even the mine owners. They’ll all be relieved you’ve regained consciousness.”

  Unease filled him. “You never answered my first question. How long was I unconscious?”

  The smile fell from her face, and she turned serious again. “You had some cuts and scrapes, a few cracked ribs, but your main injury”—she pointed to the bandage on his head—“posed the most danger.”

  If the blow to the head had been severe, it was no wonder he’d been rendered unconscious. “How long?”

  Her chin raised. “A week.”

  His jaw clenched. An entire week. He’d been lucky to wake up at all. “When he’s free, I’d like to speak with the doctor.”

  “He isn’t here and probably won’t be back for several days. If there’s anything you’d like to know, I can tell you. I’m Miss Emery Kane. Nurse Kane, if you’d like.”

  That was irritating, but he understood. This wasn’t the East. Doctors were rare. It was no wonder the man had to travel so much. “What was done for my injury?”

  “It was thoroughly cleaned and then stitched. Bandages have been changed as needed to make sure the wound stayed dry.” She looked down at his torso. “We applied salve to your ribs and kept them tightly wrapped. As long as you’re careful, they should heal just fine. The other cuts were cleaned and tended to, but we found no other major injuries.” She cocked her head. “I’ve also been giving you willow bark tea just in case infection set in.”

  Tentatively, he reached up toward the bandages on his head. “Where are the stitches located?” He wasn’t vain by any means, but he wanted to know if he’d been disfigured.

  “Would you like to see?” She reached to the side table for scissors, fresh bandages, and a mirror. “It’s time to change your dressing anyway.”

  “Please.”

  She placed her supplies on the bed. “Just hold still. You shouldn’t be moving around just yet, and I’ve managed to do this many times without assistance.”

  He gave a tiny nod, not wanting to move his head too much.

  “Let me take off the bandage, and then you can look at it in the mirror.” She saw to her task efficiently. Her hands were quick and competent, like any surgeon’s.

  “How long have you been a nurse?” he asked, knowing it wouldn’t distract her.

  She continued with what she was doing, snipping the bandage to size with ease. “I worked in two hospitals back East for several years before I came here.”

  That made sense. “Which one was most recent?”

  “Newbury Hospital.”

  Even through the pain, his eyebrows raised. “That’s a first-rate institution.”

  She nodded but didn’t say anything more as she performed her task. Interesting. With that type of experience, most people would puff with pride—and never would have left their position in the first place.

  Perhaps she’d gotten fired, but he didn’t think so. “Why did you leave?”

  She quirked a brow at him. He’d been too forward, but he didn’t take the question back. His curiosity often got him in trouble. “Well?”

  She shrugged as if it wasn’t a big deal, but he wasn’t fooled. “Because I wanted something else.”

  She finished taking off his bandage, and he looked around the room. “This place?” He hadn’t meant to sound offensive. He was only surprised.

  She set the dressing on the table. “I know it doesn’t look like much, but it’s mine, and I’ve loved each moment spent here so far. I gained so much knowledge at Newbury, learned from so many people, and will always be grateful for my time there.”

  “But?”

  “But,” she conceded, “I wanted something that was my own. To make a bigger difference. The people here don’t have medical care. Not really.” She shrugged. “I probably shouldn’t say this, but the doctor isn’t very reliable. The territory is so vast he’s often visiting people in far off places, and the people here in town are in real trouble if there’s an emergency.”

  “That seems impractical. He should stay here and have everyone come to him.”

  A ghost of a smile curved her lips. “I agree. But I’m not his employer.”

  “What happens when he’s not here?”

  “I do what I can.”

  Understanding dawned, and he wrapped his hand around her wrist, stilling her movements. Her eyes met his. “You saw to my injuries, didn’t you?” Her lips pressed together, and she looked as if she wouldn’t ans
wer. “You did. I know you did,” he continued. “There’s no use denying it.”

  She gently tugged her hand from his, and he let her go. She focused on his wound, avoiding eye contact. “I did. I may not have a medical degree, but I assure you I was thorough.”

  If she worried he’d find fault with her care, she couldn’t be more wrong. “I know that. I wouldn’t still be alive if you’d missed anything.”

  Her shoulders relaxed. “Fortunately, your injuries weren’t too severe.”

  She was right. It could’ve been worse. The injuries he had suffered could’ve easily gotten infected, or if she’d been wrong, there could’ve been more issues. She’d given him the best care possible. “Thank you. For everything.” He realized that if she’d remained at Newbury Hospital instead of moving to Promise Creek, he might have died.

  He swallowed hard.

  She nodded. “This is why I left,” she said softly. “I wanted to help people like you. I’m so glad I was able to.” She smiled. “In fact, you’re my first overnight patient.”

  He grinned. “Well, that’s something then. Did my stay work out as expected?”

  “It did,” she said with pride. “Everything ran smoothly. The supplies I needed were in order, and, even though I was with you each night, I was quite comfortable.”

  He looked at her, aghast. “Every night? You don’t have any other nurses?”

  “No. We haven’t needed any.”

  “But when did you sleep?”

  She shrugged. “I dozed in the chair.” She gave a meaningful glance to the upholstered chair on the opposite side of the bed. “And when I needed more substantial sleep, the sheriff’s wife, Clara Morrison, sat with you when I knew you would rest peacefully.”

  He looked at her with fresh eyes. He still saw a gorgeous woman in front of him, the way her dress fitted over her trim figure and her velvety brown eyes sparkled. But there was even more now. She was brilliant and knowledgeable, and gratitude welled within him for everything she’d done.

  She handed him a mirror. “Here. Take a look.”

  He glanced at the stitches. Neat, even, and tiny. She’d done excellent work, and, with where they were located, he knew the scar would hardly be visible.

  He lowered the mirror and looked at her as she shifted on her feet. “Excellent work.”

  She flushed with pride. “I thought it was good as well,” she said as she took the mirror from him.

  It was more than good. They both knew that, but he didn’t say anything more. He cleared his throat. “I’m glad no one else was seriously injured.”

  She picked up the new bandage. “It really is a miracle.” Her brows furrowed as she dressed the wound. “Something will have to be done to make certain this doesn’t happen again. It’s not right the Copper Kings have men working in such conditions. It’s criminal.”

  His next words clogged in his throat. “The Copper Kings?”

  “Mm-hmm.” She focused on looping and securing the dressing before stepping back to inspect her work. Satisfied, she gave him her attention again. “I forgot you just arrived. That’s what everyone calls the owners of the mine. There are six of them.”

  His mouth went dry. She doesn’t know who I am. “I’ve heard of them. But why would you blame them?”

  She frowned. “They’re responsible for what happened. They might not have set up those beams themselves, but if they’d had higher standards, things like this wouldn’t happen.”

  He shook his head softly, the movement causing him to wince. She moved forward and placed a hand on his shoulder again. “You shouldn’t try to move yet.”

  “The Copper Kings aren’t responsible.”

  At his tone, she lowered her hand. “It’s noble to be loyal, but this isn’t the first issue I’ve come across with the mine.”

  That was news. “Was there another accident?” he asked.

  “Like the cave-in?” She shook her head. “But there have been other things.”

  “Like what?” he pressed.

  She gave him a level look. “I’ve treated several miners with tunnel disease.”

  He mentally cursed. He knew it would become an issue, but he should’ve realized it already was one. “That will change.”

  She pursed her lips but kept doing her work. “I sincerely hope so.”

  He wanted to say right then that he would implement changes immediately, but for some reason he didn’t. It was a strange reaction, not wanting someone to know who he was—especially when he knew he couldn’t stay anonymous for long.

  He just wanted her to look at him as someone who’d done what he could to help people. It was what he’d always strived for, to help, and he was proud of what he’d done. But the minute she found out he was one of the Copper Kings, that would end.

  Plus, he hadn’t been cleared to tell people who he really was. If his partners hadn’t told Miss Kane who he was, they might still have a use for his disguise. He couldn’t jeopardize that.

  She adjusted the bandage on his head, giving it one last critical look before stepping back. “There. That should do it. It looks good. No infection. We’ll probably leave it uncovered in another day or two.”

  He wanted to tell her it would be fine now, but he didn’t want her to know he was a doctor and not just another miner. “Whatever you think is best.”

  She nodded once more. “Is there anything else you need? If not, I’ll leave so you can rest.”

  He was exhausted, but the thought of resting more didn’t appeal to him—he’d already missed so much. “I’d like you to stay if you have the time.”

  She gave him an understanding look. “I could bring in a book and read it to you if you’d like.”

  “I would. Thank you.” He didn’t try to hide his enthusiasm. He wanted to get to know her more, find out what drove her, what had made her the person she was. She intrigued him, and in his condition, he had the time to figure out what pulled at him.

  Miss Kane was a puzzle he was determined to solve.

  Chapter 3

  Everett woke up the next day, already on edge. His head still hurt, and his ribs ached, but the drive inside him that continually pushed him forward to explore, to conquer, demanded he get out of bed and do something.

  As a doctor, however, he knew that was a terrible choice.

  Without any paper or a pencil, he used his brain to make a list of other changes he wanted to implement in the mine. It didn’t take him long to realize his brain was still foggy.

  Irritated, he tried thinking of other things, looking out the window, and studying the room. But finally, he’d run out of things to do, and his mind turned to the intriguing nurse who was taking care of him, going above and beyond her duty to see him well.

  The fact she’d stayed with him night and day for a week, barely taking breaks to care for herself, spoke volumes about who she was. Her strength—her determination—was rare. He couldn’t help but wonder if she was equally passionate in all things.

  She’d spent an hour reading to him as he silently fought sleep yesterday, but he hadn’t had the chance to really talk with her or learn much about her. He also hadn’t told her much about himself either. Just that he had no family who needed to be contacted and that everyone called him Everett or Mr. Everett.

  He still didn’t feel comfortable being dishonest with her, but he tried to put that out of his mind. She’d find out who he was eventually.

  He just had to make her see that the Copper Kings were trying to create the safest environment possible. That was his whole job here. Perhaps he’d ask her opinion on what they could improve in the mine. Maybe that would smooth things over.

  When she knocked on his door a half hour later, he felt confident in how he would proceed with her. But when she opened the door, her dark hair in loose curls down her back and a fresh rosy glow to her cheeks that brightened her coffee-colored eyes, all notions of what to say flew from his mind. All he could think of was her. “Hello.” He winced at his lack of
suaveness, but she didn’t seem to notice.

  She smiled at him as she came over to the bed. “Good morning,” she said, placing the back of her hand against his face, checking for fever. She looked him over, the way he was sitting up in bed, and her brow raised. “You seem to be doing better.”

  He nodded carefully. “Some. Honestly though, I’m not used to sitting around.”

  She clucked her tongue. “I imagine not. Unfortunately, with your injuries you’ll need to keep away from hard labor for some time.” She frowned. “Will that be a problem? Will you lose your job?”

  Her care for his well-being warmed him. “No. My job is secure.” He tried not to chuckle at her concern. It wasn’t like he could get fired.

  “That’s good. At least they won’t let you go over missing work because of your injuries.” She didn’t sound all that impressed.

  Was she really so against their operation? “Of course not. Regardless of everything that’s happened, the Copper Kings care for their workers.”

  She pressed her lips together, shook her head, and went about straightening up the room. “They still need to change how things are run.”

  “And they will.”

  She turned toward him and placed a hand on her hip. “How do you know?”

  Telling her the truth would make everything easier. But that wasn’t an option. “Because I’ll make them.”

  Her eyes softened. “That’s very noble of you, but you’re just one person. I can help you.”

  She spoke with determination, and he respected that. “Then we’ll just be two people.”

  Her lips twitched. “Still better than one.”

  He laughed. “True,” he allowed. They were smiling at each other, and the way he felt, the way she put him at ease so easily, intrigued him. This woman was special. “What things would you change?” he asked, truly wanting to know.

  “Well, the spacing of the tunnel supports to start.”

  “The spacing is up to standard. That was the only tunnel done improperly, and the matter was about to be fixed. Don’t judge them too harshly for that.”