Morgan nodded. “I think you know. I want to marry Kenzie, and you are a complication.”
Micah leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “I might say the same of you, but I don’t think you are much of a complication. Kenzie doesn’t love you. She loves me.”
Morgan frowned. “I ... well...” A forlorn expression came over his face. “You don’t understand. Kenzie was my whole world. I stood against my friends and family to have her in my life.”
“And they connived so that your wedding was called off and Kenzie’s spirit crushed. I don’t think much of friends and family who would do that. I think even less of a man who would allow it to happen and do nothing to change the outcome.”
“I was a fool. It never occurred to me that I couldn’t trust them. They’re my family.” Morgan took a long drink from his wine goblet. He held the glass and swirled the contents for a moment. “I would do anything to get her back.”
“I don’t intend to let her go, if that’s why you’ve asked me here tonight.”
“What if I made it worth your while?”
Micah’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not for sale.”
“Even if I were to build you your own hospital, complete with every possible piece of modern equipment? I could arrange for it to be named after you. I could speak with my father’s cousin, J. P. Morgan. With his help, we could make it the grandest hospital west of the Mississippi. If you truly care about treating the sick and injured, how could you refuse such an opportunity?”
Micah could hardly believe what Morgan was suggesting. “Let me understand you. If I give up Kenzie, you’ll give me a hospital?”
Morgan seemed to think Micah was actually considering the bribe. “Yes! You can see for yourself the opportunity. Imagine how much it would mean to the community. You would have the ability to help thousands, and it wouldn’t cost you a dime.”
“It would cost me much more than a dime—it would cost me a lifetime of happiness. I love Kenzie and intend to marry her.” Micah got up from the table. “There is nothing you could offer me that would make me walk away from her as you did.”
“But I never meant to.” Arthur Morgan hung his head. “I know you don’t care, but she’s the only woman I’ve ever really loved. The only one I will ever love.”
Micah felt sorry for him. He appeared to be genuinely bereft. “I’m sorry you feel that way.”
“At least you aren’t without compassion,” Morgan said, looking up. He gave a long breathy sigh. “I suppose there is nothing left for me to do but go home.”
“That would be best,” Micah agreed. He certainly wasn’t going to suggest otherwise. “If you’ll excuse me now, I should be going. Thank you for the meal. It was delicious.”
Morgan looked at him with the same lost expression. He nodded but said nothing, and Micah took that as his cue to leave.
He made his way down the grand staircase, wondering if it would really be that simple. Would Morgan finally admit defeat and go back to Kansas City?
“Dr. Fisher!” the clerk called to Micah just as he reached the front doors. Micah looked up and saw the clerk making his way across the lobby to him. “Dr. Fisher!”
“What is it?”
“A young woman was just here. She was looking for a doctor and thought perhaps we had one staying here. She said her mother is very ill. The situation is desperate.”
Micah looked around the lobby. “Where is she?”
“She just left, but she gave me the address.” He handed Micah a piece of paper. “It’s just down the street two blocks, then turn right. I’m sure if you hurry, you can catch up to her.”
Micah nodded. “I’ll see what I can do.”
He raced from the hotel, glancing around to see if the young woman was still in sight. The darkness made it difficult. A few of the gaslights had been restored, but not all of the streets had them.
He picked up his pace and headed toward the address, though he wasn’t sure he could even help. He’d left his bag at the warehouse, certain he wouldn’t need it, so he would be limited on what he had available.
The next street was his destination. He didn’t know the exact location of the patient, but figured as quickly as he’d followed, he might find the young woman just now reaching her door. He strained to see in the dark and finally spied a female figure.
“Miss! I’m a doctor!” he called.
She turned, but Micah didn’t know anything else. A heavy blow to the back of his head made him sway, and then blackness engulfed his vision and he fell to the ground.
CHAPTER
