Daniel let out a brief laugh. “She obviously had something going there, Alistair, seeing as she made it so far in politics—something I have no interest in.”
“Ha! What a fine example she is to wear a bright green ribbon in her hair with her judge’s robe. It’s despicable!” He lifted his nose in sheer disdain.
Daniel sighed, “Alistair, despite all her accomplishments, I have neither interest in politics nor the endeavors of poor Esther Morris.”
Alistair’s brows were drawn fiercely together. “She asked all sorts of questions about my visit to the mayor. Somehow, she knew and wascurious, she said. She was curious!”
“I really don’t see the problem, Alistair,” Daniel gave him a bored look and shrugged. “Right now, we have far more pressing matters to handle.”
Alistair tapped his foot on the ground and grumbled, “She should never have come here to Cheyenne and should have remained in South Pass City to allow her husband to continue his precious gold mining. What if she spreads word of this dilemma?” he huffed. “Soon there will be mass hysteria. People are already complaining and asking questions. The hospital—”
“Let them speak and complain, Alistair. Let them know about the threat and the need to remain cautious. Can you imagine our clinic filled with patients as sick as Richard?”
“Well …” Alistair started and then stopped, his cheeks red.
“In a few days Ruth and Rose will have sterilized the entire clinic from the apothecary and waiting area, to the consulting rooms, and every part of the clinic, including our offices,” Daniel said firmly. “Richard will stay isolated in this ward, and Ward B will be used for other patients.”
“Very well,” Alistair groused reluctantly. “I’ll have to agree to this, though it’s against my better judgment. Just a few more days of house calls and the clinic re-opens.”
“I understand your frustration but remember the well-being of all our patients comes first.”
Daniel’s face softened as he turned to watch Richard and his family. They had always been a talkative family, but today was an exception. All Richard could do was nod and smile as Tom and Mary called out to him excitedly.
Richard held up his hand and looked at Daniel pleadingly. “Please, help me go over to my family.” His voice was frail. “Please,” he begged.
“It’s not a good idea, Richard,” Daniel argued urgently. “It’s too soon, you’re too weak, and your body needs more rest.”
“Daniel,” Alistair’s voice was brash. “You said only moments ago that he and his family are now reunited. What’s the harm in helping this small request?”
“He’s not ready, Alistair,” Daniel warned
“Alright, I’ll do it myself!” he blustered and Daniel’s jaw dropped.
Alistair shrugged out of his jacket and Daniel watched him go over to the bed and help Richard stand, his arm around Alistair’s neck, and slowly they shuffled toward the window where Mary and Tom were standing.
Daniel’s eyes narrowed as he closely watched Richard’s legs shuffle along as Alistair pressed forward. He stopped to breathe heavily at almost every step.
Something didn’t feel right at all, and guilt sat heavily over Daniel as he realized he should have done whatever it took to somehow stop Alistair in this foolish act.
He saw Mary and Tom go pale with worry, Ruth’s eyes grow large, and then he himself started running as soon as Richard’s legs buckled and he fell to the floor, pulling Alistair down with him.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Ruth held onto Tom with all her strength and begged him to not run inside the ward. Mary cried out, her tears starting anew, while Tom shouted and fought to free himself from Ruth’s tight grasp. She had to resist the urge to abandon Mary and Tom as she watched the horror of Richard collapsing to the floor while Alistair tried to hold him up.
“You can’t go, Tom.” Ruth insisted, “You can’t go inside. It’s not safe.”
“I need to go to my father,” Tom rasped, his eyes bright with unshed tears. “I need to help him!”
“Think of your mother; she needs you, too,” Ruth said urgently. “She has seen what you have seen. Dr. Grant and Dr. Nagle are with your father. They will look after him.”
Ruth felt the fight in Tom disappear, and he stopped struggling and turned to his mother. Mary face was buried in her hands, sobbing.
“Come, Mary,” Ruth beckoned, putting her arm around Richard’s wife. “Let me take you both back to the waiting room and I’ll find out what happened. I’ll send Rose to you, and she’ll help with anything you need.”
Ruth could hear the sobs behind her and brushed at tears that welled up in her own eyes. She had to be strong for them and breathed deeply for her own self-control.
Please, Lord Jesus, Ruth prayed silently as she walked toward the ward,please heal Richard; please don’t take him now. He has a loving family that needs him.
