“Comforts him?” Kenzie shook her head. “Judith’s the one who lost her grandmother.”
Camri’s expression grew serious. “Caleb is worried about Micah. He’s heard nothing. Neither have the Fishers. I heard him speaking with Pastor Fisher last night. It would seem Micah’s doing a great deal of work away from the hospitals.”
“But he’s alive?” Kenzie tried not to sound overly worried.
“He was, but there have been so many buildings collapsing and people killed. No one has seen Micah since the earthquake, and you know very well that the fires have been deadlier. Caleb’s terribly worried. I am too. Caleb said that one of the newspapers mentioned a doctor being killed a couple of days ago—they had found an unconscious man pinned in one of the buildings that hadn’t burned. Apparently the doctor went to help, and he and the others were killed when the building collapsed. It didn’t mention his identity.”
Kenzie knew it was senseless to pretend she didn’t care. Micah was just the sort to rush into an unsafe building to save a life. “I’ve been praying for him and for Cousin George.”
Camri nodded. “Poor Mr. Lake. I hope he managed to get to safety. Caleb was going to speak to the soldiers in charge of that area and see if they’d heard anything. They’ve started posting notes at the relief camps. Someone came up with the idea to create a board where people could tack up the names of those they’re looking for. We should probably send someone to put up your cousin’s name. Micah’s too. Oh, and then check with the people handling ... the dead.”
Kenzie’s throat constricted. She hated to think of her cousin dead, even though the odds were good that he was. But to consider Micah dead was almost more than she could bear. It wasn’t because she had special feelings for him, but she hated to think of someone so talented being killed. At least, that was what she kept telling herself.
“I’ll go. I’ll write up notes that we’re looking for George and Micah and post them on the relief camp boards.”
Camri seemed to consider this for a moment. “I suppose that would be good, but let’s wait until Caleb and Patrick get back from their meeting. They should be back anytime, and they might have word.”
Kenzie pushed her unfinished oatmeal aside. “I’ll go write up the notes.”
CHAPTER
2
Well, ladies, good news,” Caleb Coulter said, shrugging out of his coat.
It was nearly ten o’clock, and Kenzie had begun to wonder if the men would ever return. The morning was nearly gone. She put aside some sewing she’d been doing and joined the others gathering around Caleb and Patrick.
“Do tell, brother.” Camri stood beside her fiancé. Patrick Murdock looked down at her with a lopsided smile and slipped his arm around her waist. They were well-matched and clearly in love. Patrick was just the kind of man the willful Camri needed.
“I spoke with Judge Winters. General Funston has agreed to share some of the relief supplies with us. His boys will bring a load yet today.” Caleb reached out to touch Judith’s cheek. They, too, were very much in love.
Everyone is in love. Everyonebut me.
Kenzie frowned as Micah came to mind. How easy it would be to give her heart to him. He said and did all the right things—well, when he wasn’t being a pest or making a fool of himself. Kenzie pushed aside her memories. She was determined not to fall in love with him. She had lost her heart once. She wasn’t going to be fool enough to do it again.
“I think we should make a place where we can receive and inventory the supplies,” Caleb continued.
“I figure the dining tables are perfectly situated,” Camri said, glancing toward their outdoor dining room.
“Generally I’d agree with you, but I saw Mrs. Wong, and she said it was going to rain this afternoon.” Like the others, Kenzie marveled at Caleb’s former housekeeper’s ability to forecast the weather.
“How are the Wongs? I wish they could have stayed with us,” Camri replied.
“They’re well. They’re helping their friends and family. Chinatown was completely burned to the ground. The Chinese have lost most everything, and now the Board of Supervisors wants to move Chinatown out south of Golden Gate Park, well away from the city. The land where Chinatown used to sit is being coveted, I’m afraid.”
“That’s completely against the law, isn’t it?” Camri asked.
“It depends. The law these days is pretty much being interpreted as we go. The army acts as though they’re in charge, although martial law hasn’t been declared. I suppose we should be grateful for the order they helped bring, but they are also seen as the reason so much of the city burned. Most of the people handling dynamite for the backfires had no idea what they were doing. They caused more harm than good.”
Judith looped her arm through his. “But they were doing their best. We have to remember that. I’m sure they feel terrible about it.”
“For sure that’s possible,” Patrick jumped in with his Irish brogue. “But I’m thinkin’ they enjoy bossin’ folks around.”
“Not to mention they’ve been given approval to shoot looters and miscreants on sight.”
“That’s terrible. Those poor people are probably just trying to find food and shelter,” Judith murmured.
“Not all are bein’ so selfless,” Patrick said, shaking his head. “Not unless they’re thinkin’ to eat diamonds and pearls. I heard tell two men were shot siftin’ through the remains of a jewelry counter.”
