After several minutes of uncomfortable silence, Judith jumped to her feet. “I nearly forgot.” She rushed from the room with everyone gazing after her. When she returned, she held a pie pan aloft and smiled. “I made dessert.”
This broke the tension, and one by one, they burst into laughter.
“For sure, a little sugar should put a better taste to the day,” Patrick said.
Kenzie took Micah’s hand and smiled as he turned to face her. “Don’t give Arthur any kind of hold on our life. I won’t allow him to come between us.”
Micah nodded. “I had just hoped that he would pay for his wrongdoing and the way he hurt you.”
She shrugged. “He is paying, whether he realizes it or not.”
A look of understanding broke across Micah’s face. “Indeed, he is. He doesn’t have you.”
Caleb returned late the following Tuesday, and after a night of rest, agreed to go with Judith to the hotel to check on Victoria. To both their regret and relief, they learned that she and Arthur Morgan had departed on Sunday. They were bound for Kansas City, the clerk explained.
“Can I help you with anything else?”
Caleb shook his head. “No, thank you.” He pulled Judith’s hand through the crook of his arm. “What say we go to lunch and discuss your accounts, Miss Whitley? Our business here is apparently finished.”
Judith nodded. “I suppose there’s no way of finding out exactly where she’s gone.”
“Oh, there are ways,” Caleb said, leading her to his car. “The real question is whether or not we care enough to utilize them.”
“I worry she might be in danger. I didn’t like her very much—in truth, not at all—but I still don’t wish her harm.”
“Which is far from her regard for you and the others.” Caleb helped her into his car. “There are always going to be coldhearted people like Victoria. She’s a victim of her calloused upbringing and the loss of her mother at such a tender age. All we can do is pray for her and hope for the best.”
He got the car started and maneuvered down the street. Every day the cleanup was returning the city to better order. It would be a long time before San Francisco regained her former beauty, but the people were hardy and willing to work.
“Where are we going for our luncheon?” Judith asked as they headed north.
“Mr. and Mrs. Wong invited us to share Chinese food with them. Have you ever eaten it?”
Judith was wide-eyed at this question. “No. But I’m intrigued.”
He smiled. “Good. I think it’s just the diversion we need. Besides, I thought you might like to see what’s happening in Chinatown. You might just be of a mind to arrange some aid for them as well as what you’re doing for Solid Rock.”
She seemed momentarily surprised, then gave him an assuring nod. “I would very much like to help the Wongs and their friends. They were wonderful to us when we first arrived in the city last year.”
When they arrived, Mrs. Wong pushed open the tent flap and welcomed Caleb and Judith to their temporary home. She was dressed in a floor-length plum-colored skirt with a short robe-style top that crossed her body and was tied with a sash. The sleeves were long and slightly belled at the bottom. Her black hair, liberally salted with gray, was combed back and styled in a perfect bun.
“You come and sit as honored guests,” Mrs. Wong told them with a wide smile and a bow. “We are very happy to share our home with you.”
Caleb returned the bow. “We are honored to be invited.”
“We’ve missed you very much,” Judith added.
“Mr. Wong and Liling will be with us in a moment. You come and sit.” Mrs. Wong motioned to a simple plank table set with plates and teacups.
Her husband entered from the back of the tent.
“Mr. Wong.” Caleb bowed and then extended his hand. “I am glad to see you are doing so well.” Their daughter, Liling, entered behind her father with a simple teapot.
“It is good to see you, Mr. Caleb,” Mr. Wong said. “I hope the wild radishes are not choking out the flowers.”
“I’ve scarcely had time to check on that, but I promise I will.” Caleb smiled at Liling and gave a slight nod. She smiled and returned the bob before stepping to the opposite side of the table with the tea.
“You sit here, Mr. Caleb,” Mr. Wong told them. “Miss Judith, sit here.”
