Western Dilemma Read online

  It was slightly unnerving to have her peg him so well after such a short acquaintance. But what she said was true, and it was common knowledge among those who knew him, so he didn’t bother denying it. “That’s more true than you may realize.”

  She grimaced. “Are you telling me you’re going to be in this clinic often? I might get tired of stitching you up,” she teased.

  An idea came to him. “You know, the mine could use a good nurse. I know the Copper Kings are looking for ways to keep their workers healthy.” She gave him her full attention, but she looked skeptical. It seemed that no matter what he said, she still wasn’t ready to believe the Copper Kings were looking out for the workers’ well-being.

  “If that’s true, it would be wonderful.”

  “It is true,” he said, and she didn’t argue with him again. “Would you be interested?”

  She frowned. “Interested in what?”

  He laughed softly and leaned against one of the counters. “Interested in becoming the mine’s nurse? You’d be paid a salary, and you’d see to whatever medical attention the workers needed. I’m sure the pay would be very generous.” He’d make sure of it.

  “It does sound interesting,” she said hesitantly. “But I couldn’t leave the clinic.”

  “Workers could come here.” Staying at the clinic wasn’t a deal-breaker. Besides, she was right. The town needed her here.

  She held up her hands and laughed softly. “Then yes, I’d be interested. But I don’t know why we’re even discussing this. The Copper Kings haven’t asked me, I haven’t even heard of anything like this.”

  He glanced away, his jaw clenching. Here was another opening to tell her who he really was—he just wished he could.

  “As good an idea as it is, I doubt it will ever happen,” she said. “Why would they ever go to the trouble or the expense? They won’t even see to their workers’ other needs.”

  Frustration bubbled within him. No matter what he said, she wouldn’t believe he and his partners had the best intentions for their workers. To her, he was just another miner, someone she needed to defend. And while he appreciated that about her, he also wished she would have faith in what they were trying to do in Promise Creek. “If I can get the Copper Kings to agree, will you do it?”

  “Of course. That’s what I want to do. To help people. And if being paid a salary would make it easier for the workers at the mine to come to me, I’ll do it.” Her eyes softened, and he knew she meant every word.

  He’d been attracted to her when he first saw her, but getting to know her heart had made him desire her even more. “When I leave in a few days, I’ll talk to them straightaway.”

  A look of disappointment flashed in her eyes, and she nodded. “All right. But no matter what they say, I want you to know that I think it’s a good idea. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you, Mr. Everett.”

  He couldn’t help but step toward her. “Just Everett,” he said softly. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you as well. I hope you know how grateful I am for everything that you’ve done.”

  She swallowed hard, but instead of rejecting his request, she said. “All right, if that’s what you’d like. And as for taking care of you, I couldn’t do anything less.”

  First and foremost, this was her job. But she cared for him as a person too. He wanted to say more, say something that would bring her closer. “Emery…”

  When he stepped toward her again, close enough to wrap his arms around her, she held her palm up to his chest. Her hand shook, but then held steady. Slowly, she looked up into his eyes. “You should get back in bed.”

  That was exactly what he wanted to do. Only, he wanted her with him. As if sensing his thoughts, her fingers curled into his shirt, but instead of pulling him closer, she stepped away.

  She felt what was happening between them, the attraction that flowed through him. But where he wanted to explore it, she obviously didn’t, and he’d respect that.

  So instead of pushing, he retreated. He picked up the book and smiled. “Thank you for this. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll let you know what I think.”

  Her eyes were wide as he walked out of the room.

  Chapter 5

  Two days later, Everett finally felt strong enough to leave the clinic. The problem was he didn’t want to.

  He didn’t know how it was possible to get so close to someone in such a short amount of time, but he wanted more time with Emery. He didn’t know if it was because she’d taken care of him, or if it was because she was beautiful, intelligent, and everything else he admired in a woman. All he knew was that he didn’t want this to be the end.

  He needed to talk to his partners about telling her who he was. The longer this deception went on, the worse it would be when she found out the truth.

  A knock sounded at the door, one he’d become familiar with, and his heart beat a little harder. He didn’t need to be a doctor to understand what was happening to him. “Come in.”

  Her hair was tied back today, and he wanted to loosen the ribbon and watch the thick tresses tumble over her shoulders. He wasn’t afraid to admit it—he was a bit obsessed with her hair. He’d never seen anything so rich and glossy. He just wanted to sink his hands into it as he kissed her. Since he’d visited the clinic, he’d been able to think of little else. The romantic tale hadn’t helped either.

  She smiled at him, completely unaware of his thoughts. She glanced over him from head to toe, taking in his tailored clothes. “I see you’re ready to go.”

  He nodded. “It’s time. You’ve taken excellent care of me.”

  Pleased, she flushed. “You should thank yourself for your recovery. You did your part. Remember though, you still need rest.” She took a deep breath and looked around the room as if trying to find something to do. “What will you do now?”

  “I’m going back to the mine.”

  She swallowed hard and nodded. “I can’t say I’m surprised.”

  Needing to insert some levity, he joked, “I do work there.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I know that. I just wish it wasn’t so dangerous.”

  She cared for him. He knew it. “Why? I thought you enjoyed stitching people up.”

  “Not when I have to do it over and over again.”

  He laughed softly. “It’s going to be all right. I promise, things are changing.”

  She nodded but didn’t say anything more. She didn’t look reassured.

  Throwing caution to the wind he suggested, “Why don’t you come with me? See for yourself.”

  Her head whipped back toward him, her eyes wide. “You want me to go to the mine?” She shook her head.

  “Why not? Things are changing, but I don’t think you’ll believe it until you see it with your own eyes.”

  “That’s probably true,” she hedged. “I’m just not sure what it’ll accomplish. Plus, am I even allowed?”

  “I can get you in.”

  She arched a brow at him. “How?” She sounded suspicious.

  “Because they love me there.” He grinned.

  She huffed out a breath. “I don’t know. I would like to see it, but I’d have to close the clinic. And besides, I’m still so upset with what happened—”

  “Anyone here?” someone called from downstairs.

  Disappointment filled him. “Looks like you have a new patient.” He knew it was for the best, though. Although unlikely, it was possible one of his partners would slip up and reveal his secret before he had the chance to explain things to her. “Come on. I’ll walk down with you.”

  She nodded solemnly, as if realizing he was really leaving. The same feeling echoed in his heart. But what else could he say? She had a job to do, and there wasn’t enough time to explain who he really was. And she’d obviously made up her mind to not get involved with him.

  They walked down the steps toward the waiting room, where a man twisted his hat in his hands. The rest of his clothes were scorched. Everett stepped closer, sensing some
thing was wrong. “What happened? Fire? We didn’t hear an alarm.”

  The man nodded his greeting to Emery before answering him. “There was a fire, but not in town. At the copper mine.”

  His stomach dropped. “Injuries?”

  “Minor, fortunately.”

  A breath released slowly from his lungs before he looked at Emery. Her face had gone stony. “Does anyone need medical attention?”

  “Yes ma’am. That’s why I’m here. The injuries are minor, but there’s many people who need tending to. We were hoping you’d be able to come to them.”

  “Of course. Return and tell them I’m on my way.”

  She didn’t wait for a reply before turning back to the clinic, opening a bag, and throwing in supplies. She worked with calm efficiency, but her movements were quick, and he could tell she was upset.

  “Are you all right?” he asked softly.

  “Of course I am. I’ve been safe in my clinic. It’s more than I can say for those men.”

  He closed his eyes, getting his temper under control. She was right. The safety precautions should have been seen too immediately upon opening. Men should have never been working in those conditions. But there was nothing he could do now except move forward, make changes, and protect the workers. “Mining is a dangerous business.”

  She pressed her lips together, throwing even more supplies into her bag before snapping it closed. “It is.” She whirled around to face him. “And you’re going right back to it. To something that almost killed you. Something that will kill you eventually.”

  He could see the frustration in her eyes, the anguish. She’d always been controlled—albeit disapproving—when talking about the mine, but he’d never seen her like this.

  He placed his hands on her upper arms, stilling her. “You’re worried about me.”

  “Of course I am! You just recovered from your last injury.”

  “I’m going to be fine. I won’t be in the mine for long,” he said, trying to reassure her.

  But she just shook her head. “Yes you will. You’re a miner. Unless you decide to strike out on your own, that’s where you’ll be.” She shook her head then closed her eyes, taking deep breaths as if trying to calm herself. “I can’t be a part of that.”

  “Emery—”

  Before he could say anything else, she broke from his grip and rushed past him. “I need to hurry. They’re waiting for me.”

  He clenched his jaw and followed after her. He wanted to finish the conversation, but others needed her more. And with his training, he knew he could help them as well.

  He strode out the door with her and headed toward the stable. She whirled toward him. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m coming with you.”

  “You need to go to your lodging and rest.”

  He gave her a level look. “I have medical training remember? I can help.”

  She opened her mouth then let out a small sound before snapping it closed and turning toward the stables. “You’re a free man. Do whatever you wish.”

  She didn’t say anything else as they gathered their horses and set off toward the mine. The jostling irritated his ribs, but he didn’t care. It was better to be sore and help others than to let them suffer.

  And he would help his workers, no matter what the cost.

  He’d make Emery see that the Copper Kings weren’t the enemy.

  ***

  Emery didn’t know what to expect as she approached the mine. Chaos maybe. Screaming, definitely. But not this.

  Workers were walking through the yard as if nothing had happened. The sun shone. The day was clear. Everything seemed normal.

  But as she got closer, she saw a group of men sitting on logs, their clothes and hair scorched. One man cradled his arm, and another, his neck, but they all seemed in good health. Especially after living through a mine fire.

  The man who’d summoned her waved them over. She dismounted quickly and carried her bag of supplies toward the group.

  Everett was behind her, never lagging, even though she’d ridden hard. She worried about his injuries, but she wasn’t responsible for him anymore. The men at the mine were the ones who needed her now.

  “Thank you for coming, Nurse Kane.”

  “Of course.” She looked over the injured men. “Who has suffered the worst injury?”

  Everyone gestured to the man holding his arm, and she moved toward him. “I’m Nurse Kane,” she said, introducing herself. “What’s your name?”

  “Adam Greene.”

  She set her bag on the ground in front of him and crouched down so she was at eye level with him. She glanced at his covered arm. “May I see?”

  He nodded and sucked in a breath as he lifted the covering. It wasn’t the cleanest thing to place on the wound. She’d need to clean his arm first. The burn would scar, but if attended to properly, it wouldn’t turn putrid and kill him. “Is this your only injury?”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  She gave him a small smile. “You’re going to be just fine, Mr. Greene. You’ll have a scar, but nothing too ghastly, I hope.”

  The man lit up. “Thank you.”

  She took out her cleaning solution and fresh bandages. As she worked, she gave him instructions for his care.

  Each of the wounds the men had suffered were easily tended to, but she was grateful she’d been called. Even the smallest wound, left untreated, could fester.

  Once everyone had been treated and sent on their way, the man who’d fetched her caught her attention. “Mr. McDermott would like to speak with you, Nurse Kane.”

  She wasn’t surprised. From the beginning, Lucas McDermott, one of the Copper Kings, had looked out for her and the other women they’d brought to the town. “Thank you. Please tell him I’ll be there in a moment.”

  The man nodded and went to deliver her message.

  She repacked her supplies, and Everett moved closer to her. “Thank you for treating them,” he said. “I know I don’t need to thank you, but I want to.”

  She nodded but didn’t speak. What could she say? While tending the men, she couldn’t help but wonder if the next time she was called here it would be Everett who needed patching up.

  She’d broken her rule—had gotten attached to him when she shouldn’t—and it made everything so confusing.

  She didn’t want to worry about him, to wonder if he was in danger. It would drive her mad. “I should go see Mr. McDermott.” She needed a few moments without Everett to regain her composure.

  “I’ll walk you to the office.”

  She didn’t argue, knowing it wouldn’t help. Besides, if she just let him do it, he’d probably leave sooner.

  He grabbed her bag and walked with her the short distance to the office at the end of the yard. It was a single-story room with stairs leading up to it.

  Her friend Lily, who’d recently married one of the Copper Kings, had worked here before. It was just as she’d described.

  At the door, Emery knocked.

  “Come in.”

  She recognized Lucas’ voice and entered. She expected Everett to hand her the bag and leave, but he stepped in behind her and closed the door.

  Lucas smiled at her and gestured for her to sit in one of the chairs across from his desk. “Thank you for coming, Emery.” His eyes went to Everett. “And—”

  “It’s Everett, sir,” he said, introducing himself quickly.

  It was odd he’d jumped in like that, but maybe he didn’t want to embarrass Lucas since it was unlikely Lucas would remember his name.

  A strange expression filled Lucas’ face, but it was gone in a second. “Yes. Everett. Please join us.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  Emery looked between the two of them, feeling like something more was going on, but eventually ignored it.

  Once they all were seated, Lucas turned his attention back to Emery. “Thank you for coming. I didn’t want to send all those workers to you with their injuries. I thought it bett
er to have you brought to them. We’re happy to pay your fee with extra for the trip.”

  “That’s generous. Thank you.” Confusion and anger warred within her until she couldn’t contain the latter. “Mr. McDermott, I’m glad I was able to help these men. But I’m also grateful to have the opportunity to speak with you.”

  “Oh? Is something wrong?” He frowned. “Is it the clinic?”

  He’d helped her to secure it, and a needle of guilt speared her. She was grateful to the Copper Kings for bringing her here and helping her fulfill her dream. Be even with all their generosity, she couldn’t ignore their wrongdoings. “No. The clinic is wonderful, and I’m appreciative of all you and your partners have done.”

  She glanced over at Everett and noticed his eyebrows shoot up. Her cheeks heated, wondering what he must think of her when she’d criticized them so after they’d helped her.

  “Then what is the matter?” Lucas asked.

  She squared her shoulders. “I came to speak to you about your mine and the conditions of your workers.”

  Lucas glanced at Everett. “Is that so?”

  “Yes. Mr. McDermott—Lucas—I’ve treated several of your miners for illnesses that can be prevented, I’m sure of it. Then there was the cave-in and now the fire. You have to see why I’m concerned for your workers’ welfare.”

  She was surprised when he nodded fervently. “I agree wholeheartedly. My partners and I are very concerned with this also. Several changes have already been made to improve safety measures. Today was an example of that.”

  She frowned. “The fire? How was that a success?”

  Lucas leaned back in his chair. “We had a specialist walk through and make changes. One of those changes was adding water barrels and buckets in each tunnel to put out fires before they spread. Because of that change, the injuries were minor.”

  Horror spread through her. “And if the water barrels hadn’t been there?”

  Lucas held up his hands. “It would have likely killed many men and crippled our operation.”

  She sucked in a breath, trying to comprehend such a thing. It took a moment to respond. “I’m grateful such changes have been made.” She didn’t even want to imagine such devastation.