Rory's Promise (22 page)

V
IOLET PERCHED IN ONE OF THE BARBER CHAIRS WHILE ELENA braided her hair. Elena's hands shook as she folded one length of hair across the other. She looked up when they returned. “What's happening?”

“Another Anglo mob—they want the priest and the agent,” Ramon said, his ear to the door.

“And the kids. All of them,” Rory added.

Elena went pale and stumbled. Ramon hurried to Elena's side to steady her. She let him help her to one of the barber chairs. “Ramon,” she implored. “You can't let them take Father Mandin!”

“Elena, it's not safe for us either,” Ramon reasoned. “We have to go now.”

“No!” Rory cried. “The Sisters need our help.”

“Ramon, it's our duty to watch over the Father,” Elena added.

“There's nothing we can do,” Ramon pleaded with both
of them.

Rory looked from one to the other. There was one thing that she knew would make Ramon help them, but it was desperate and unfair. Did she have a choice? She lifted Vi out of the chair and clutched her sister to her chest. “Then Violet and I have to go back to Sister Anna.”

“Rory!” Elena gasped. “You can't do that!”

“I don't want to leave Elena,” Violet whimpered. “Rory, you said we could stay with them.”

Rory kept her attention on Ramon. “I'll do it if I have to,” she said.

“It's not safe,” he repeated.

“Help me help the Sisters,” Rory cried. “Once they are all right, we can leave for Mexico.”

Ramon scowled. “Rory, you're as stubborn as—”

“You, Ramon,” Elena finished. “She's as stubborn as you. We don't have a choice. We must do the right thing and help them.”

Ramon held his hands up in surrender. “What do you two ladies want me to do?” he asked.

“If the judge can't tell the townspeople what to do, who can?” Rory asked.

“Mr. Mills is the only one,” Ramon said.

“Yes, Ramon, go to Mr. Mills!” Elena turned to Rory and said proudly, “He's powerful. But when the workers were on strike, he listened to Ramon bargain for the miners.”

“Can we tell him what's happened?” Rory asked.

“I'm sure he knows everything already,” Ramon said. “He
has spies everywhere.”

“Is he a good man? Will he help the Sisters?” Rory wanted to know.

Ramon lifted his shoulders. “If we make it worth his while.”

Rory wasn't sure she liked the sound of that.

B
efore they knocked on Mr. Mills's door, Rory turned to Ramon and touched his arm. “Thank you, Ramon. I know you didn't want to get involved.”

“You and Elena were right. Someone has to protect the foolish priest and your Sisters. I only hesitated because I wanted to protect my family.”

Mouthing the word “family,” Rory banged on the door.

A tall man with dark hair, graying at the temples, opened the door. He wore a suit but his black cowboy boots made him look like a Westerner. “Ramon Martinez!” he said, with a tight smile that seemed painted on his face.

“
Señor
.” Ramon was polite but not friendly. He gestured to Rory. “This is Rory. She's with the Sisters from New York.” Mr. Mills smiled and nodded. “What can I do for you?”

“We're here about the orphans,” Ramon said.

“That's none of my concern,” Mr. Mills said, starting to close the door.

Ramon's grin showed all his teeth; it was as false as Mr. Mills's smile. “Keeping peace in Clifton is your concern. Men who are rioting are not mining copper.”

Mr. Mills reluctantly waved Ramon and Rory into the room. “But I hear a judge has been sent for.”

“The judge will be useless. We both know that,” Ramon said. “The priest arranged it all, but it is the Mexicanos who will be blamed.”

“Then let the priest work this out with the judge—” Mr. Mills said.

“You know he cannot. The priest is completely discredited,” Ramon interrupted. “I hear that there was talk of lynching him last night.”

“That bad?” Mr. Mills sounded surprised, but Rory couldn't believe he didn't already know.

Ramon nodded. “And also talk of tarring Father Mandin and the agent. Worse, the children were seized by armed men.”

Mr. Mills stared out the window. His face was like granite, impossible to read. Rory figured it was time for her to make the most of being an orphan and a girl. She let her voice tremble, “They pointed their guns at me too.”

His head jerked to look at her. “That's not right,” Mr. Mills said. “You're just a kid.”

“It's true. Sheriff Simpson led the posse.” Ramon paused. “We are devout, you know. That is why the Sisters gave us the babies. If the Catholic nuns or the priest are harmed, I guarantee the Mexicano community will explode. Have you forgotten the violence last year?”

“The situation is already out of my control,” Mr. Mills said irritably. “I can hear the crowd in the lobby from here.
What do you expect me to do about it?”

Ramon raised an eyebrow
.
“It is the Anglo women who have caused all the trouble,” he said meaningfully. “They wanted the children so they took them. They've pushed their men to go after the priest and agent. If the priest and Mr. Swayne leave town, the mob will lose interest and go back to work.”

Mr. Mills went to a side table and poured himself a cup of coffee. Without offering any to Ramon and Rory he drained his cup in one gulp. “I can't just snap my fingers and send a mob on its way.”

“
Señor
,” Ramon said silkily. “You can get the men out of town. It will have the same effect.”

“I don't think I should get involved,” Mr. Mills said, shaking his head. “Sorry, Ramon.”

“Ramon, did I tell you how many powerful friends the Sisters have?” Rory asked.

As if they had practiced it, Ramon replied on cue. “No, Rory, you didn't.”

“Governors and Senators and editors at newspapers,” Rory added casually. “The papers love stories about orphans.”

“How embarrassing for the Arizona Copper Company,” Ramon said. “And for their representative in Clifton.”

Mr. Mills carefully placed his cup on the table and paced around the room. Finally he turned to them and said, “Maybe I can help the priest and this Swayne man. But I draw the line at the children who were taken. It's more than my life is worth to tackle those women.”

Ramon shrugged. “
Señor
, we mere men must be practical. Let the Foundling fight for the children in their own courts.”

Mr. Mills sat down in a large upholstered armchair next to the stove and stretched out his feet to enjoy the warmth. “The Sisters won't kick up a fuss?” Mills asked.

“It's the only way. They'll see reason.”

“Ramon!” Rory said leaning in so only he could hear her. “We can't leave the kids here.”

“I'll have to think about it,” Mr. Mills said. He got up and held the door. “Good afternoon, Ramon, Miss Rory.”

“It wasn't enough, Ramon,” Rory whispered. “Do something, please.”

“I have an idea, but you won't like it,” he replied. Rory gulped. “Do whatever you have to.”

Ramon took a deep breath. “
Señor
Thompson is your superior, is he not?”

Mr. Mills watched Ramon carefully. “That's not a secret.”

“His wife lost a second child last year.”

Mr. Mills frowned. “I didn't know that. How did you?”

“My wife's friend is
Señora
Thompson's seamstress. We all pitied her. We know what it is like to want a baby and not be able to have one.”

Mr. Mills checked to see if the hall was empty. “What exactly are you suggesting?”

“
Señora
Thompson is light-skinned with yellow hair. Rory, are there any such children with the Sisters?”

Rory stared at Ramon with horror. “Ramon—you can't!”

“Rory, is there such a child?” Ramon insisted.

Rory faced the fact that he was only doing what she asked. Reluctantly, she nodded. “There are two, a brother and a sister. Both are fair and blond.”

“That would do very well.” Mr. Mills looked pleased. “I'd be willing to arrange safe passage for Father Mandin and the agent in exchange for two children.”

Rory closed her eyes and prayed for the strength to face Sister Anna when she found out about this unholy bargain.

But Mr. Mills wasn't finished trading yet. “Tell me,” he said. “Are there any boys with dark brown hair and eyes?”

“Why?” Rory asked suspiciously.

“I have a friend, a doctor, visiting from San Francisco. His wife can't have children. I could get him a baby too.”

Rory jabbed her finger in the direction of both men. “You're both treating these children like livestock that you can buy and sell.”

“Your Sisters are in the adoption business, aren't they?” Mr. Mills said reasonably.

“Yes,” she admitted reluctantly.

“My friend is well-to-do. The boy will have a fine life and a good education.”

“And in exchange?” Rory said weakly.

“I'll get your Sisters and the kids they have left out of Clifton and back to New York.” Mr. Mills rubbed his hands. “You can't ask for anything fairer than that!”

“Rory, it's the best chance to get them home,” Ramon said.

Mr. Mills and Ramon stared at her, until she nodded slowly.

Ramon clapped her on the shoulder. “Good.” Turning to Mr. Mills, he said, “So,
Señor
, we have a deal?”

“Yes,” Mr. Mills said. “Two children to get Mandin and the agent out of town. And another kid for putting the Sisters and the orphans who are left safely on their train.”

“Agreed,” Ramon said, pulling an unwilling Rory out of the room. “We'll need to convince them. Come to the Sisters' room in one hour.”

In the hallway, Rory turned on Ramon. “You can't just give away children like that!” she said accusingly.

Ramon put his hands on Rory's shoulders. “Rory, the children will be well taken care of. These aren't bad people, just desperate. They'll cherish the babies as much as Elena and I will cherish you and Violet.”

“But they won't be raised Catholic,” Rory reminded him. “And that's what Sister Anna cares about.”

“But the rest will be saved and your Sister Anna can place them wherever she likes.” He sighed loudly. “I've done my part. Now it is up to you.
You
must explain to your Sister Anna what has happened.”

Rory felt ill. “What about you? I thought you would come with me.” Her voice faltered. “I can't face her alone.”

Ramon shook his head. “I have to take Elena and Violet somewhere safe.”

“What about me?” Rory asked in a panic, clutching his sleeve. “You said we're a family now. You can't leave without me!”

His chuckle put her fears to rest. “Stay with the Sisters until the last minute. I have a bad feeling they may need you. Collect your and Violet's belongings. I'll fetch you at the train. I promise.”

She looked deep into his brown eyes and knew she could trust him. “All right,” she said.

In exact detail, he told her where he would be waiting, out of sight. “Can you get away without being seen?”

Rory nodded.

“Don't look so worried,” he said. “It's almost over. This time tomorrow we'll be on our way to Mexico.” He held out his arms and she stepped into his embrace.

Against his rough coat, Rory muttered, “All I have to do is convince Sister Anna to sacrifice sixteen children. Easy as pie.”

R
ORY TOOK THE ST
A
IRS TWO STEPS
A
T
A
TI
M
E.
A
FTER EVERYTHING that had happened today, the stairs seemed steeper and Rory couldn't catch her breath at first. Panting, she knocked at the Sisters' door. Sister Eileen opened the door a crack then wide open when she saw Rory.

Mr. Swayne had turned up. He was slumped on the sofa. Rory spared him a glance. Although he had shaved and changed his clothes, his face was haggard and his eyes were bloodshot.

“There's a crowd down on the street.” Sister Anna stood at the window.

“They're here for Father Mandin … and you, Mr. Swayne,” Rory said in a hurry. She didn't have much time. “Sister, we need to talk. There's someone who can help us.”

“Yes, the judge. The sheriff has to listen to him.” Sister Anna spoke as if it were a rote fact, like the way Rory had learned her multiplication tables.

“But Sister …”

“Rory, sit down and have some tea,” Sister Anna ordered. “Have you eaten anything this morning?”

All at once, Rory realized how hungry she was. Even though precious time was passing, she sat obediently and accepted a piece of buttered bread and a cup of tea.

Casually, Sister Anna asked, “How is Violet?”

Sister Anna's words floored her. “How did you know?” Rory asked.

“Aha!” Sister Anna's eyes gleamed like the old Sister Anna who always knew when the children were up to something. “I knew she wasn't taken with the others!”

“How did you guess?”

“If Violet had been kidnapped, you wouldn't be here. You'd be out there searching for her.” After a moment, Sister Anna added, “Where I should be. Those children were in my care.”

“But it's different for me. I'm only responsible for me and Vi,” Rory protested. “You're responsible for everyone. You have to take care of the children we still have.”

Sister Anna's face went blank for a moment before she recovered herself. “So where is Violet?”

“Elena and Ramon have her. I took her place when the posse came to collect her and William.”

“A good thing you did or else we might have lost her, like the others.” Sister Anna made a brave attempt to act like her usual decisive self. “When this is over, we'll collect Violet and bring the two of you back to New York. I won't make a mistake like this again.”

Rory hesitated. She had to tell Sister Anna that she wasn't returning to the Foundling but there was a more urgent matter first. She slurped her tea. A soft tap at the door saved her from having to decide what to say next.

“I hope that's the judge now,” Sister Anna said, standing to answer the door. Mr. Swayne sat up and made a futile attempt to straighten his tie and jacket.

Mr. Mills filled the doorway. “Sister Anna Michaella Bowen?” he asked.

Sister Anna nodded warily.

Rory glared at him. They had agreed she would have an hour to talk to Sister Anna, but Mr. Mills had come after only a few minutes.

Mr. Mills introduced himself in a voice as slick as his manners. Sister Anna was impressed with him, treating him the same way she did the patrons of the Foundling. Rory rolled her eyes; she knew better. Mr. Mills was a snake in a nice suit.

“Are you getting enough food?” he asked. “I can arrange for some to be sent up.”

“Thank you, we would appreciate that.” Sister Anna gestured to Mr. Swayne. “This is the Foundling Hospital's agent, Mr. Swayne.”

“We met yesterday in Mr. Swayne's room,” Mr. Mills said, his voice flat.

Mr. Swayne nodded brusquely. There was no love lost between these two.

“And this is one of my charges, Rory Fitzpatrick.”

Mr. Mills didn't spare Rory a glance; he went straight to business. “I'm sorry that your visit to Clifton has been so troubled,” Mr. Mills said. “My employers are appalled.”

“As are we, Mr. Mills,” Sister Anna said wearily. “Thank goodness a judge is on his way. We need some law and order.”

Mr. Mills hitched his thumbs in his belt loops. “Ah, Sister, the judge arrived an hour ago. He's already ruled.”

Rory had to restrain herself from going over to Mr. Mills and kicking him in the shins. He had known about the judge all along but hadn't told them. Well, on further thought, what difference did it make now?

Sister Anna straightened. “Without hearing our side?”

“The town got to him first,” Mr. Mills said, shrugging.

Mr. Swayne leaned back in his chair and put his head in his hands. “What did he say?”

“He refused to issue adoption papers for the children who were … shall we say reclaimed?”

“Of course he did,” Sister Anna said triumphantly. “Those people kidnapped our children at gunpoint. They can't be legally adopted, not without my permission.”

“Which you wouldn't consider giving by any chance?” Mr. Mills leaned back against the mantel.

“Absolutely not!” Sister Anna raised her voice. “I won't leave Clifton until we've retrieved each and every child. Did the judge order the town to bring the children back?”

“I'm afraid not. He wasn't willing to stand up to a roomful
of angry mothers.”

“That's not a judgment at all,” Sister Anna exclaimed in frustration. “I still don't have the children, but they can't legally keep them.”

“We are at an impasse,” Mr. Swayne said, his voice muffled by his palms.

Mr. Mills shook his head. “A dangerous impasse. The crowd downstairs is in an ornery mood.” He glanced at Swayne. “Sister, we should continue our discussion without Mr. Swayne here.”

“I won't leave Sister Anna,” Mr. Swayne protested.

At Sister Anna's shoulder, Rory whispered, “Listen to him, Sister. Mr. Swayne shouldn't hear this next part.”

Sister Anna considered Rory, then Mr. Mills. “Mr. Swayne,” she said. “Please excuse us for a moment.”

“But …”

“I insist,” Sister Anna said in her no-nonsense tone.

“If you say so,” Mr. Swayne muttered as he went into the other room and shut the door with a bang.

“Now, Mr. Mills, what do you have to say that you cannot say in front of Mr. Swayne?”

“Sister, that crowd is out for Swayne's and the priest's blood. If they don't leave soon, and I mean today, they're dead men,” Mr. Mills said. “I can get them out, so long as my price is met.”

“Your price?” Sister Anna asked, suspicious. “What do you want in return for helping us?”

Mr. Mills lifted his eyebrows at Rory. “You haven't told her?”

“You didn't give me a chance—you were supposed to wait an hour,” Rory said sourly.

Sister Anna looked at Rory, slowly shaking her head.

Rory hurried to say, “Sister, you don't understand. Mr. Mills's plan can save Mr. Swayne and Father Mandin.”

Mr. Mills nodded. “I get your men to El Paso tonight and you give me the two kids—Rory, what are their names?”

“Frank and Lynn,” Rory said faintly, afraid to meet Sister Anna's eyes.

“Absolutely not,” Sister Anna said. “Rory, I'm ashamed that you would even consider it. Mr. Mills, regardless of what that crowd has accused us of, we do not barter children!”

“But what about Mr. Swayne? He has a family. Are you going to make them orphans?” Rory entreated. “And don't nuns have to protect priests?” At least the incompetent ones, she added under her breath. She hadn't forgotten that this was all Father Mandin's fault.

Sister Anna's fingernails dug into her palms. “We are sworn to protect the children, not trade them away.”

“The kids will have a good home—you don't need to worry about that,” Mr. Mills said. “The couple I have in mind is educated and well-to-do.” With a glance at his pocket watch, he said, “Sister, I don't want to rush you. But the train to El Paso leaves soon and I've got a powerful lot of arranging to do.”

Sister Anna held up her hand and said, “Give me a moment.” She took out her rosary and closed her eyes. Her mouth moved in a silent prayer.

Rory tapped her foot. Was this really the time to pray? Did Sister Anna think God would suddenly appear with a better option? Mr. Mills walked to the window and drew back the curtains to look at the street. Finally Sister Anna took a deep breath and turned back to Mr. Mills. “If I should agree, what happens?”

“My men will escort Swayne and the priest to the train.”

“And the crowd?”

“Everyone in that crowd depends on me for their livelihood. They'll do as I say. And if they get a mite excited, my men are armed.”

“Oh my.” Sister Anna fanned her face.

“Tell Swayne to get the priest and meet me in room 220 in a quarter of an hour.” Mr. Mills walked to the door. “Afterwards I'll come back and we'll discuss getting you and the other children out of town.”

“We won't leave without the missing children,” Sister Anna said flatly.

Mr. Mills shook his head. “Your dedication does you credit, Sister. But you aren't ever going to see those thirteen children again. Do you want to lose the rest?”

“Of course not. But …”

“There are no buts, ma'am. You can save the kids you've got left or lose them all.” He opened the door. Looking back, he eyed Rory meaningfully. “Explain it to her.”

Sister Anna and Rory were alone. Rory opened her mouth, but Sister Anna held up a hand. “Not one word, Rory Fitzpatrick.”

Sister Anna went to the adjoining room. Rory heard Mr. Swayne's voice protesting, woven in with Sister Anna's best “nun voice” telling him what to do. He didn't want to leave the Sisters. But Sister Anna was firm. After a few minutes, he hurried out without any farewells.

“So, Rory, you've been busy, haven't you?” Sister Anna asked bitterly once they were alone. “Was this exchange your idea?”

“No, it was Ramon's,” Rory admitted. “But I finally agreed because it was the only way to keep you all safe. And the children will have a good home. Isn't that why we're here?”

“A good
Catholic
home, Rory,” Sister Anna said.

“Sometimes we can't have both. We have to accept what we can get,” Rory whispered then fell silent. What else was there to say?

Sister Anna fell into her armchair. “Those children were already abandoned by their parents,” she cried. “I can't desert them too.”

“You have to,” said Rory. “At least for now. But when you get to New York, you can fight for them. You have to be sensible, not proud, Sister.”

Sister Anna ran her rosary through her hands, thinking hard. “Do you think Mr. Mills can get us safely to our train?” she asked, and Rory knew she had accepted the inevitable.

Rory nodded. “Mr. Mills is the most important man in town. He can deliver what he promises.”

“And what payment will he expect?”

Rory didn't like the bitterness in her voice. “Just one
child. Mr. Mills wants a boy for a doctor friend. I thought Johnnie would do.”

“May God have mercy on my soul,” Sister Anna said faintly.

Rory was quick to reassure her. “I'm sure He will,” she said.