A Prescription for Love (22 page)

“My lovely whore, this story may save us.”

“How?”

He grabbed his pants off the floor and dragged them on. “Don’t you see? The wonderful Michael Henderson is Senator Cochran’s nephew.”

“Yeah, so?”

“Well, suppose—for argument’s sake—I write up a little article to send to the newspapers, about how the revered Oklahoma Territory Senator Jesse Cochran grew up in a brothel? Inform them the man who espouses family values and signs bills to close down the brothels had a mother who made her living in a whore house?”

“I know you’ll accuse me of being stupid, but I don’t understand how writing an article for the newspaper will help.”

His good humor restored, Clarence cupped her chin gently and smiled. “I’ll write the article, but I won’t send the story to the newspaper.”

She continued to stare at him, her brows furrowed.

“My dear, I will bring the article to Heidi. I’ll let her read all the scintillating details, and then I’ll tell her either she goes through with our wedding—now—or the article will be mailed to
The Guthrie Sentinel
and
The Oklahoman
.” He shrugged into his shirt and quickly buttoned it. “If she cares as much for Michael Henderson as I believe she does, she won’t want to see the whole family destroyed by this information getting out.”

“Do you think it would really work?”

“Oh, I’m sure of it. Heidi is a softhearted bitch. She would never allow anything terrible to happen because of her. Believe me, we are now back in the game.” He moved to the battered desk in the corner of the room.

Gloria scooped up her dressing gown from the edge of the bed and slipped on the silk wrap as she joined him.

He slammed drawers as he opened and closed them. “Isn’t there any goddamn paper here?”

Gloria shrugged. “I don’t know, I never write anything.”

He rolled his eyes. “I’m sure.”

Clarence slammed the last drawer shut, then pushed back his chair. “Get dressed. We’re going to supper. But before that, I’ll visit The Guthrie Pharmacy, where I know they sell paper and pencils. What a nice touch to buy the supplies that will crush the little nitwit right from her soft little hands.” He grinned.

“Wait, I can’t show up there with you.”

“I know. You can wait at the restaurant and I’ll meet you there.” He smacked her on her curvy bottom. “Get dressed. Tomorrow I’ll have a wonderful time informing Heidi about our relationship. I’m sure she’ll love knowing her daddy’s money will keep you in the best of dresses and finest of jewels.”

Heidi ruffled little Willie’s hair as she wished Mrs. Parker a good day, then handed the young mother the package of hairpins and barrettes she’d just purchased. She checked her watch and noted only another hour and they would close the store.

She’d awoken that morning happier than she’d been her entire life. Michael loved her. He hadn’t said as much, but the sensation grew stronger as the day progressed. His feelings were there in his eyes every time he looked her way, in his touch on her arm, her shoulder, or her hand, when he passed. Almost as if he couldn’t keep his hands off her.

Her heart soared. She would have a happy, fulfilled life after all. They would marry and she would move into his house. She would cook and clean for him, wash his laundry, and maybe, hopefully, one day bear his child. A little boy who resembled him.

They’d been quiet during breakfast and again at lunch when they strolled together to the coffee shop. Almost as if neither one wanted to diminish the newness of their relationship by speaking about it. With her arm tucked snugly into his, she had all she needed. To inhale the scent of his skin, the woodsy smell of his soap. To feel him close to her, remembering the thrill of his touches on her bare skin. Of his kisses heating her blood. She would have all of that. Forever.

The doorbell brought her out of her musings. To her shock and dismay, Clarence entered the store, smiling smugly at her. While Heidi held herself erect, her mouth in a perfect circle, he approached her, grinning as if he possessed a secret.

“Clarence? What are you doing here today? It’s not Friday.”

He winked at her. “Really, my dear? You’re a very observant woman.”

Michael left the prescription he mixed and joined her behind the counter. “What do you want, Manfred?”

“My, my. Ever the protector. Hello, Michael. It’s so good to see you again.” His bright smile never reached his eyes.

Michael widened his stance and crossed his arms.

“I’m a customer, Henderson. I’ve come to buy paper and a pencil.”

Heidi shook her head and pointed across the aisle. “Over there.”

Clarence bowed slightly, still grinning, and headed to where Heidi pointed.

Michael touched Heidi’s hand briefly. “Why don’t you start on the bank deposit, and I’ll wait on
our customer
.”

Clarence dropped a pad of paper and pencil on the counter. “No, don’t leave yet, Heidi. I want to invite you to supper tomorrow.”

“No,” Michael growled.

Her erstwhile fiancé’s eyebrows rose. “Sorry, Henderson, I invited Heidi. Not you.” His gaze moved to her.

“Thanks anyway, but I don’t think so, Clarence.”

He sighed and shook his head. “You really should, Heidi. Our supper is very important to your future.”

She regarded him curiously, chewing her lip.

“Heidi’s not going anywhere with you. Buy your supplies and leave.”

“Wait,” Heidi said. “All right. I’ll go to supper with you.” She touched Michael on his arm and glanced at him. “We need to get this settled.”

Michael shook his head and rang up the sale, then handed the items to Clarence.

He took them from Michael’s hand and nodded to Heidi. “See you tomorrow at six. Right here.” Chuckling, he left the store, snapping the door shut.

“Why did you agree to meet him?” Michael ran his fingers up and down Heidi’s arm.

“Because I want to be done with him once and for all. I’ll tell him I won’t marry him, no matter what my parents say. I’ll give him his ring back, and tell him I want him gone from my life.”

“Our life,” Michael said as he cupped her chin.

Heidi’s heart soared. He did love her. One last visit with Clarence, and she and Michael could plan their future. She’d never been so happy in her life.

Chapter 20

Hand-in-hand, Michael and Heidi ascended the steps to Mrs. Wilson’s house. When they arrived at the door, he rested his hands on her shoulders, then slid his fingers to link them behind her neck. “Once you have everything straightened out with Clarence tomorrow, we need to have a long talk.”

“My, you look so serious.” Her lips curved into a slight smile.

He smiled back. Something he’d been doing a lot lately. He loved her and had finally found the freedom to acknowledge his feelings. His years of holding himself back, of denying the happiness to be had with a lover and a family of his own was over. As soon as Manfred got on the train tomorrow, he would propose to Heidi, and announce his plans to the family. To the world. In fact, he wanted to run down the street shouting the news.

“No. I’m not feeling serious. Far from it.” He kissed her briefly, then leaned back. “I want to do so much more, but here is not the best place to remove your clothes and have my way with you.”

Heidi blushed a deep red, and he loved it. Loved everything about her. Her hair, her eyes, her chin, hell, even her fingernails. Heidi Lester was perfect. Perfect for him.

He sighed and dropped his hands. “If I don’t leave now, we’ll scandalize the neighbors.”

Heidi giggled. “I agree.” She paused for a moment. “Good night.”

“Good night, sweetheart. I’ll see you in the morning.” He touched her cheek briefly.

Once she closed the door, he headed for his buggy, whistling the entire way home.

Heidi glanced up as she worked on the day’s bank deposit and met the glint in Clarence’s eyes. Her stomach clenched. He looked happy. Very happy. As if he’d placed a large wager and just discovered he’d won. Something was horribly wrong.

“Are you ready, my dear?” He picked invisible lint from his coat.

“In just a few minutes.” She returned to her work. Why were her hands shaking? All of a sudden, she had an overwhelming sense of loss. Of something gone terribly wrong. She took a deep breath and continued with the deposit. Most likely only nerves troubling her. Tonight she would be very emphatic about breaking her engagement. She reached into the pocket of her dress and fondled the engagement ring she would return to him.

Clarence strolled around the store while she worked, touching things, smirking in Michael’s direction every once in a while. The sense of unease in her stomach grew.

She finished the deposit, then approached Michael, who watched Clarence. “Here’s the bank deposit.”

“Your hands are ice cold,” he said as he took the paperwork from her, his brows furrowed. “Maybe I should come with you.”

Heidi shook her head. “No. I need to handle this myself.” She attempted a smile, which faltered. “It will be fine. I’ll see you in the morning.”

She headed to the back of the store, tugging the strings of her apron as she walked.
I wish I could shake this dreadful feeling.

Clarence held her chair as she sat, her hands fisted in her lap.

“Relax, Heidi. You look very nervous.” He grinned and picked up his menu. “What would you like for supper?”

Her stomach rolled. The thought of food made her gag. “I’m not hungry, actually. I had a rather big lunch.” She licked her lips as he stared at her over the menu. “But you go right ahead.”

“Ah, well. Maybe a cup of tea?”

“Yes. Thank you. Tea would be fine.”

After a few minutes of Clarence turning the pages of the menu, a waiter approached their table. “Good evening, ma’am, sir.”

Clarence set the menu down and smiled at the man. “Good evening.” He cast a glance at Heidi. “My dear, have you changed your mind? Do you still want only tea?”

Heidi glanced at the waiter. “Only tea.”

“I’ll have the steak.”

The waiter collected the two menus and left.

“I believe we’re having a celebration meal, my dear.” Clarence took a sip of water, then placed the heavy glass carefully on the white tablecloth.

“Clarence . . .” Heidi stopped when Clarence held up his hand.

“I know you want to set a wedding date, and I agree to a quick one. We can return to your room and collect your things when supper is over.”

Heidi’s mouth dried up. She took a sip of water. “There won’t be any wedding, Clarence. I’ve told you before, and now I must be more emphatic.” She reached into her pocket, withdrew her engagement ring, then placed it on the table in front of him. “Our engagement is over.”

He threw his head back and laughed. Then he glared at her, his jaw tightened. “No, my dear.” He picked up the ring and, pulling her hand toward him, shoved it onto her finger. “Our engagement is not over.”

Heidi tugged the ring off. “Yes, it is. I don’t want to marry you. I won’t marry you.” She moved to leave when he slammed his hand over hers.

“Sit down, Heidi. You’re making a scene.”

She tugged her hand, but he held fast.

“Let go, Clarence.”

“I will release you as soon as you calm down and assure me you don’t intend to move again.”

Panic seized her. He seemed too confident. Smug. Again the feeling of his having wagered and won washed over her.

“Here you are, ma’am, sir.” The waiter returned and placed a supper plate in front of Clarence and a pot of tea in front of Heidi. With a flourish, he poured her tea. “Will there be anything else right now?”

“No, we’re fine. Thank you.” Clarence dismissed the man and picked up his knife and fork. Heidi watched him, her tea untouched, as he cut into his steak and brought the piece to his mouth. “Delicious. You really should reconsider, my dear. This is quite good.”

“I want to go home now, Clarence.”

“I agree. As soon as we’re finished here, I will escort you to that room you’re renting.” He wrinkled his nose. “Where you will pack up your belongings, then we will go
home
. Home to Oklahoma City.” He waved in her direction. “Now drink up your tea, like a good little girl.”

Rage swept through her. “I will not drink up like
a good little girl
. I am leaving. Right now. Excuse me.” She reached for her string purse.

“If you move from that chair one more time, your savior, Michael, and his entire family will be destroyed.” His voice came out a low growl. “Now sit there until I finish my meal, and then I will explain to you exactly how things will proceed from here.”

The air collapsed from her lungs and she slumped against the chair. What in heaven’s name did he mean? Michael and his family destroyed? Did he plan on harming them in some way?

With shaky hands, she attempted to pick up the teacup, but when the hot liquid spilled over onto the tablecloth, she set the cup back down. Clarence ignored her as he continued to eat.

Eventually, he wiped his mouth with a napkin and moved his plate back, tossing the napkin on top of the steak bone. He studied her for a minute, and then withdrew a paper from the inside pocket of his jacket. “This little piece of paper will convince you to stop all the foolishness and return home to plan our wedding.”

No words would form in her brain. She stared at him and took a deep breath.

“Don’t you want to know what this is?”

She nodded, and held out ice-cold fingers to retrieve the paper from his hand.

With stiff, trembling fingers, it took her a while to open the folded note. Her eyes grew wide as she examined the missive.

To Whom It May Concern. (One copy to
The Guthrie Sentinel
, one copy to
The Oklahoman
) It has come to the attention of this correspondent that Territorial Senator Jesse Cochran, the purveyor of family values and champion for citizens wishing to close down the taverns and brothels of Oklahoma, is the son of a whore and spent his entire childhood in a brothel.

Miss Rosie Cochran, a prostitute in St. Louis, Missouri, gave birth to the good Senator while employed by The Pleasure Palace in that city. She continued to work in the brothel and raised her son there.