A Shining Light (24 page)

After pushing to my feet, I reached for the pitchfork. Thinking to use it as a substitute walking stick, I cursed when the handle broke and I fell to the floor. As I shifted to one side, my gaze settled on the rafters and I gasped. A waning shaft of sunlight glimmered overhead.

Keeping my eyes fixed on the rafters, I pushed to a stand and then stepped closer. My heart pounded an erratic beat as I caught sight of a metal box wedged into the corner of two rafter beams. That had to be the money. Now all I had to do was get it down from there.

I stepped close to the edge and looked down at the boy. “Lukas! I need you to come up here and help me. Ain't no cause to be afraid. Even with my bad leg and this gash in my side, I made it. You can, too. Show your pa that yer a brave fella.”

“Maybe we should come back tomorrow, Papa. It's getting dark and soon it will be time for supper.”

No use wasting any more time on the boy. He was useless. I
glanced over my shoulder. Maybe that piece of ladder would get me up high enough. Probably why it was up here. Johann had likely left it up here after he'd hidden the money. Determined to succeed, I anchored the ladder against the wall. I wasn't leaving without that box.

“You comin' down, Papa?”

The boy's whiny question set my teeth on edge. “You don't see me, do ya?”

“No, but I wish I did.”

I wasn't gonna waste my time on useless conversation with the boy. Carrying the broken pitchfork handle, I gritted my teeth and slowly climbed the ladder. I worried one of the rungs might give out and send me sprawling, but I reached the second rung from the top without incident. Holding the top rung with one hand and the pitchfork handle with the other, I stretched to one side and poked at the metal box. As the box dislodged and fell to the floor, a sharp pain ripped through my side. I shouted a string of expletives that matched some of the worst I'd ever heard aboard a ship.

Slowly I descended the ladder. The box was enough to make me forget my pain. Using the metal prongs of the pitchfork, I forced open the lid. Moments later, my shouts of excitement echoed throughout the barn.

Goin' back to the village was slowed by the pain in my side. If I hurried, I feared the wound would completely reopen. I leaned heavily on the walking stick, but with each step I could feel the dampness of the oozing wound. I'd hidden the box under some hay in a corner of the loft. It was the best I could do with my pain and bleeding. Lukas had seen the blood on my shirt when I descended the ladder. His complexion had turned as pale as bleached muslin. He peered at me as we neared the village. “Is your side still bleeding, Papa?”

I nodded. “The time to be worried 'bout me was back there in the barn when I asked you to climb that ladder, not when we're on the way home.”

The boy turned silent and looked away. “I'm sorry, Papa. Maybe we shouldn't have gone till you were better.”

“Ain't up to you to decide when we should do things. Besides,
I reckon it was worth the pain 'cause I found somethin' that's gonna make life a whole lot easier.”

“What'd you find, Papa?”

“Don't you worry none 'bout what I found. I'll tell ya when I get good and ready. You was too scared to help me, so you don't get to know everythin'.”

“I'll try harder next time, Papa. I really will.”

I almost told him it was too late for apologies, but I had to pull back and do my best to treat him with a little kindness. I needed him to keep his trap shut about what we'd been up to. I patted his shoulder. “Sorry I been so hard on ya, boy. I jest want you to grow up and learn to do things on your own. Can't go through life scared of every little rabbit that jumps in your path. Ain't that right?”

His thin brows furrowed into a V between his eyes. “I'll try, Papa.” He hesitated a moment and smiled at me. “But I'm not scared of rabbits. I like animals.”

I blew out a long breath. If I didn't need to keep the kid from shootin' off his mouth, I'd let loose and let him have it. How could one kid be so aggravatin'? “Before we get back, I want you to repeat what I told ya about goin' with me today.”

“‘Papa and me went for a walk in the woods, and'—should I say you fell down and hurt your side?”

“Good! That's what we'll say. I stepped in a hole out in the woods, twisted my foot, and fell.”

Lukas pointed to the left. “Then shouldn't we go that way so we'll be coming from the woods if anyone sees us?”

“Good thinkin', boy! You're gonna make your pa proud of you yet.”

He squared his shoulders and grinned. I didn't point out that he'd be tellin' a lie. After all that Bible teachin' he was getting in
this place, he'd probably change his mind if I mentioned anything about lyin'.

The supper bell tolled as we stepped off a path leading from the woods. We were equal distance from the doctor's office and the place where Andrea and the boy lived, and since the doctor's wife still carried meals back to my room, I turned him toward the kitchen house. “You go on so there's not a lot of questions. Remember, we was in the woods.”

He smiled real big. “I remember, Papa.”

“Run now, so you ain't late.”

I held my side as he took off at a trot. The boy hadn't been much good at the barn, but in the end, I'd managed to make him feel important, which might prove even more helpful. He'd become an accomplice of sorts, and I could more easily manipulate him if needed.

Once the boy was well on his way, I turned and continued on, still holding my side. I had gone only a short distance when I saw the doctor and his wife on their way to the dining hall. There was no mistakin' when he first noticed me, 'cause he came runnin' at a gallop.

“What's happened, Mr. Wilson?”

I moved my hand from my side and waved toward the kitchen house. “I'll be fine. You go on with your wife and have supper.”

One look at my blood-soaked shirt and the doc shook his head. “Absolutely not. We need to see to your wound.”

His wife's eyes widened as she approached. “You go on and care for your patient, Wilhelm. I will carry supper back for both of you.”

Instead of waiting for his answer, she continued down the sidewalk. The doctor cupped my elbow, but I shook him off. “Thanks, but I can do fine the rest of the way. The walkin' stick is all I need.”

The doctor frowned. “Where have you been and what happened that you have reopened the wound?”

His look of exasperation grated on me. This had been the most important day of my life. I was a rich man. A little blood oozing from my side didn't matter one bit, but the doctor would never understand—not unless I told him my true whereabouts and what I'd discovered today. And that would never happen.

“I stepped in a hole and fell while walkin' in the woods with my son.” I grimaced for effect.

His frown deepened. “I thought we agreed you would limit your walks to the sidewalks or level streets in the village.”

“I shoulda taken your advice, Doc, but it's too late to change things now, ain't it?”

The doctor nodded to a small group of men who were passin' by on their way to supper. Except for height and weight, they all looked alike. Same felt hats, same dark pants, same suspenders, and same white shirts. After years of seein' men and women in all sorts of colors and styles, the sameness here disgusted me. People should think for themselves, but the folks who lived here were willing to let someone else make all their decisions. They didn't have to think about anythin'—not even what clothes they should wear. It seemed to me the only thing they gave much thought to was makin' it to them prayer meetin's every night. Never heard of such hogwash before comin' here. What sane man went to church every day?

The doc never did answer me, but I figured my question didn't really need an answer. We both knew what had happened today couldn't be undone. And I knew he'd do his best to get me mended. No doubt it was gonna take longer to be healed up enough to get outta here, but now with that money, my worries were over.

Andrea wouldn't know nothin' about the money till I was long
gone—and that was as it should be. She could stay here with the boy. I sure wasn't gonna take 'em with me. Andrea would be trying to run off at ev'ry turn, and the boy would be a downright nuisance. Besides, goin' it alone meant more money for me.

Soon as we got to the waiting room, the doc motioned me toward the room where he examined his patients. “I want to take a good look at your wound and have my medical supplies close by.”

I didn't argue. When he told me to lie down on the table, I did, but not without a groan escapin' my lips. Maybe I'd done more damage than I thought.

The doctor shook his head. “You are a foolish man, Mr. Wilson. We were so close to having you well, and now we must start over. You have ripped out the stitches, but maybe it is for the best.”

I lifted up on one elbow to look at him. “What's that mean?”

“Looks like there was some infection in there, and it wasn't ever going to heal quite right. Did you notice how red the edges were becoming? I'll need to clean it out. It will hurt, but it must be done.”

He was right about the pain. I gritted my teeth and even yelled at one point, but he kept on working. When he finally gave a nod and stepped away from the table, I opened my eyes. “You done?”

“Ja, for now.”

“For now? What else you gotta do?”

“I have cleaned the wound and packed it. Once I am certain the infection is completely gone, I will stitch it up again and hope that you will heal quickly. I am surprised the infection had not caused your temperature to rise.”

I hadn't put together my not feelin' good with that gash in my side. Didn't figure one had anythin' to do with the other, but it appeared I was wrong. Since I was mending, the doctor didn't check out all that stuff every day, but even if I'd known,
it wouldn't have mattered. Nothin' would have stopped me from going over to that barn today.

The doctor helped me up from the table and back to my room. Even using my cane and his help, it was no small feat. The pain made me feel weak, and a couple times I thought I was gonna pass out. His wife returned with supper while he was helpin' me into bed.

She fluttered around the room carryin' a metal basket on her arm. “I have supper. Would you like to sit in your chair, Mr. Wilson?”

The doctor shook his head. “He cannot sit in the chair right now.”

“Truth is, after having the doc work on me, I think I need to rest awhile afore I try to eat anything.” I forced a smile. “But thank ya for your efforts.”

“You rest, Mr. Wilson. I'll put your food on top of the heating stove to keep it warm. You can ring that bell when you feel you're ready to eat.”

The thought of trying to push myself into a position so I could fork down a few bites of food was enough to ruin my appetite. I'd wait until mornin'. Maybe I'd be able to get myself into an upright position by then.

I asked the doctor about giving me some laudanum, but he decided it wasn't necessary. 'Course, he wasn't the one feeling the pain. I considered usin' a few curse words to let him know what I thought of his decision but held off. Until I was well enough to get the money from the hayloft and leave town, I'd have to be careful what I said.

When the morning bell rang, I groaned and covered my ears. I felt like I'd gotten to sleep only a few minutes before they started
that incessant clangin'. I longed to get back to sleep, but moments later Dr. Karr stepped into the room.

“Guten Morgen, Mr. Wilson. How did you sleep?”

“I didn't. You shoulda given me some laudanum.”

He ignored my comment and drew closer. “Let me have a look at your side.” After pullin' down the sheet, he lifted the bandage and poked around on my side.

I let out a yelp and glared at him. “That hurts!” I wanted to add a few expletives but figured I'd get in big trouble if I didn't watch my tongue.

“Ja, I am sure it does, but I am not the one who went walking in the woods against my doctor's orders. When you disobey, you must suffer the consequences.” He secured the bandage and pulled up the sheet. “I will bring your breakfast when I return. Until then, you should rest.” He turned and strode toward the door without comment.

“How's it look, Doc?” I pointed to my side. “You think it's gonna heal soon?”

“If you do not do as you are told, it will never heal, Mr. Wilson. I am hopeful the wound is clear of infection and we will be able to stitch it back up in a few days. Only time will provide that answer. Until then, I suggest you do as you are told.”

“Don't you worry, Doc. I'll be right here in this bed when you get back.” He continued out the door without sayin' anything else. I needed to get back in the doctor's good graces.

If I could get a letter written to John before Lukas stopped to see me, I'd send him to the general store. With any luck, the mail would go out on a late afternoon train. Even though I couldn't send him the money, I wanted to let John know it would be comin' his way soon. 'Course, he might not believe me, since I'd been stallin' for time ever since I left Baltimore.

I woke up a short time later when the bell over the front door jangled. I expected to see Dr. Karr or his wife return with my breakfast. Instead, Andrea walked into the room, carryin' the familiar metal basket used to deliver my meals. She glanced around, and looked at the larger table on the other side of the room.

“Dr. Karr was called to see a patient, and his wife was joining some other sisters to quilt. I said I would bring your breakfast.” She lifted the metal lid and reached inside the basket.

“Wait. I'm not sure I can make it over there to eat, and the doc said I shouldn't get out of bed without his help. Did he tell you I could get up?”

“He was in a hurry and we didn't discuss where you should eat. Probably better if you stay in bed.” She gestured to the board balanced against the wall. “I'll put your food on that board Lukas brought for you to use for writing letters when you were still bedfast.” She balanced the board across my lap and then placed the food, a cloth napkin, and silverware in front of me.

“Ain't ya gonna tuck the napkin around my neck?”

She stiffened at my question. “No, and I'm not going to feed you, either. Exactly what were you and Lukas doing yesterday?”

“Why? What did he tell ya?” I did my best to stay calm. If Lukas had told her about what I'd been up to, I'd wring his neck.

“It isn't so much what he said, but the way he acted.”

“Well, how did he act? I don't know what you're talkin' about, Andrea. You ain't makin' sense.” I spread the napkin across my chest. “And don't be givin' me those provoked looks.”

She sat down in the chair and folded her hands in her lap. “He acted like he was trying to avoid me—like he didn't want to tell me what happened. Did you have him do something he shouldn't have?”