“Is he dead, Fred?” She could hardly make out Fred’s features, so there was no way to read his expression.
“It’s not good. He was losing a lot of blood. An army assistant surgeon just happened to be nearby, and he jumped in immediately to help. We brought him to Dr. Scott’s, and that’s really all I know since I left to come get you.”
Marybeth nodded and started walking again. “Let’s hurry.”
She wasn’t sorry she’d asked the question. She’d always been able to deal with the truth better than someone telling her a lie to shield her from pain. It’d been that way when Pa had died. She knew when they’d come to her doorstep with the news that it wasn’t good. But rather than just tell her, they tried to ease her into the truth of what had happened.
“Just tell me ifhe’s dead,”she had demanded,“and then youcan fill me in on what happened.”
The folks who had gathered to give her the bad news looked momentarily stunned, but they nodded and confirmed her suspicions. Her father had died instantly. The truth was something of a punch in the gut, but Marybeth preferred getting it straightaway rather than playing at the issue.
Now she was facing another life-and-death situation with Edward. Her worst fears were revealed, laid open for all to see.
God, please give me strength to deal with this and please keep Edwardalive.
They arrived at Dr. Scott’s. It was well lit, no doubt due to the circumstances. Fred didn’t bother to knock but opened the door and made his way inside with Marybeth.
The temperature within was a sharp contrast to that outside. The welcome warmth helped Marybeth focus. She glanced around. The front room was void of people, but there was plenty of noise coming from the next room.
Fred stopped and gazed in with Marybeth close on his heels. Inside the exam room, Edward was stretched out on his back. Two men, Dr. Scott and another, who Marybeth presumed was the army surgeon, were working over him. Mrs. Scott was busy handing them whatever they asked for. There was blood on the doctors. Blood on the table. So much blood.
Marybeth wanted to offer her own help but knew there was little she could do. She prayed that God would give the men insight so that they would know what to do to keep Edward from dying.
Suddenly, it was all too much. She looked behind her and saw a chair. Making her way to it, she sank down feeling the strength go out of her legs. Her biggest fear had come true.What was she going to do? How could she go on without Edward?
She remembered that he had said Inga and George would take her and Carrie in. Maybe if George hadn’t sold the house she and Carrie could just return there. No, that wouldn’t work. Pastor Orton was sure to show up with the judge and demand she give over Carrie. Nothing on that aspect would have changed. It would merely have been delayed.
Oh, God, please don’t let Edward die. I need him so much. I know that mayseem selfish, but it’s the truth of the matter. Carrie and I need him.
Fred came and sat beside her. “I’m sorry this happened. Sorry as I can be. Garlow may not have meant to shoot Edward, but he’s not one to care about his deeds so long as they serve his purpose.”
“I feared something like this happening. Edward told me not to worry, but I did just the same.”
“I’m sorry. It’s all my fault that he’s even here in Cheyenne.”
Fred sounded so saddened that Marybeth felt the need to comfort him. “Edward wanted this life. He wanted to come west even before losing Janey. They talked all the time about going west and settling in Denver. It could have been there as easily as here. It’s not your fault at all.”
“I always enjoyed working with Ed. He was strong and capable and followed orders well. I never knew a young man more faithful and loyal.”
“He is that,” Marybeth agreed, wishing Fred wouldn’t talk about Edward in the past tense. “When he believes in a thing or a person, he never gives up on them. He has the greatest admiration for you, Fred. I was always hearing about Major Henderson and his great exploits.”
Fred smiled. “We had a great many exploits to be sure.When I thought of men I’d like to have at my side in this town, Ed was the first name that came to mind.”
She still didn’t like the shortened name but tolerated it for Fred’s sake. “I know Edward felt complimented by your request for him to come. That had to mean a lot since he thought so highly of you.”
Dr. Scott appeared in the open doorway. His apron was smeared with blood. It was all Marybeth could focus on.
“I think we finally got the bleeding stopped. The next forty-eight hours will tell us everything. If he doesn’t take an infection, he should be able to get beyond this. He’s strong and young.”
Marybeth let tears come to her eyes. “Thank God.” She sniffed. “When can I see him?”
“Let us get him settled in a bed,” Dr. Scott replied. “We have a room we use for patients. Fred, if you’ll help us get him moved, that would be much appreciated.”
“Certainly.” He followed the doctor, leaving Marybeth alone.
Closing her eyes, Marybeth prayed for Edward, as well as herself. She’d never had to deal with something like this. Attending to the sick was one thing, but the wounded was entirely different. She had never been able to stomach wounds very well.
“Are you all right, my dear?”
