14
Patrick will return every night, and we’ll be over to see to things during the day,” Caleb told Mrs. Andrews.
Micah stood nearby, listening to his friend give last-minute instructions to the few remaining residents at the warehouse. He had come to help move Caleb and the others back into Caleb’s house, hoping he’d have the chance to speak to Kenzie about her desire to become a nurse. And if the opportunity arose to give her another kiss and remind her of what she felt for him, so much the better.
“If you have any problems at all, just send word, and I’ll come right away,” Caleb finished.
Mrs. Andrews chuckled. “Son, I’ve been taking care of myself since my husband passed on ten years ago. I’ll be just fine. We’ll be fine. Mr. Murdock is a good man, and my Mr. Lake will be around.”
Caleb smiled. “Of course, but with the army pulling out by the end of June, I fear that the city’s more unsavory types might grow bolder.”
Mrs. Andrews patted his hand. “You just stop your fretting. We’re in God’s hands. If nothing else, the earthquake and fires proved that to me.”
He sighed. “I agree. We are in God’s hands, and I won’t accomplish a single thing by worrying.” He turned to Micah. “Have we loaded the last of the things we’re taking to the house?”
“Yes. There wasn’t much left, since you took over some of the items yesterday.”
“Then I suppose we should be on our way. I know the girls will want to put everything in order before nightfall.”
They made their way outside, and Caleb climbed up into the wagon. Micah jumped aboard as well and took a seat beside him.
“What are your plans for this place and the future?” Micah asked.
Caleb snapped the lines. “I was just speaking to your father about it last Sunday. We both still agree that it’ll make a good refuge for people who need a helping hand. Your father thinks that we should return to our original plan for it to house only women and children, however. It’s difficult to provide adequate privacy for both men and women, and we want everything to be above reproach. Judith wants to add on private quarters and live there ourselves. She’s amazing, the way she cares for people. God truly sent me a gem.”
“I agree and feel the same where Kenzie is concerned.”
“I’m praying that situation gets resolved soon. Morgan’s arrival has really taken a toll on Kenzie’s peace of mind.”
Micah shrugged. “Better now than later. If there truly was a conspiracy to keep Morgan and Kenzie apart, then I want the details sorted out. I know she doesn’t love him. She loves me.”
Caleb seemed to consider this a moment, and in his silence, Micah continued. “I’ve got a thought to add regarding the warehouse. I’d like to offer my assistance.”
Caleb glanced over at him. “In what way?”
“I’d like to be a daily presence for you at the warehouse as a doctor. I can set aside part of the warehouse for patients—an examination office, even a small area for the sick. I could receive patients there as well as take care of any residents who are sick. We could make it a hospital for the poor.”
“I think that’s a marvelous idea. I would happily pay you to manage the facilities as well.”
Micah grinned. “And I would let you, since many of the patients I treat can’t pay.”
Caleb nodded. “I could provide some of the equipment and supplies you’d need as well. Judith would probably want to help. She’s been after me to find ways to use her inheritance to help the people of San Francisco.”
“Well, you just said she wants to have private quarters in which to live on site. Perhaps we might buy the property next door as your sister once suggested and build on.” Micah grinned. “A little hospital and quarters for my family. But we can discuss that at a later date.”
“Have you talked to Kenzie since Arthur came to speak to her today?”
Micah frowned. “I was livid when I heard he was here. He definitely knows how to make her feel guilty. I want to punch him in his smug face. Honestly, he makes me forget my Christian charity and Hippocratic oath.”
Caleb chuckled. “I completely understand. When I spoke with Morgan, I got the sense he was hiding something. There’s something that just doesn’t figure where he’s concerned, and I intend to find out what it is.”
“I agree, but what do you have in mind?”
“I’m going to Kansas City. His family is established there. Kenzie’s father and mother live close by in a smaller town. I intend to seek out information.”
“About what?”
“About whatever I can learn regarding Morgan. I just can’t see a man like him being fooled by his family. He’s a willful person—used to getting his own way. I felt the entire time I was speaking with him at the hotel that he was giving a performance, but for what purpose, I’m not entirely certain.”
