A Scent of a Woman

by Shaolin Kitten

Part 12

Kwai Chang Caine placed Laura near the center of the bed. He removed her blouse and covered her with a blanket, leaving the right shoulder exposed. He gently rolled Laura onto her left side, re-examined the injury, and discovered a bruise was forming where the board had struck her. He pulled out a small jar from his satchel that contained arnica cream and gently rubbed it over the bruised area, trying not to bruise it further with his ministrations. Next, he pulled out some gauze and wrapped her shoulder to protect it from further injury. He then examined her wrists and discovered the burns made from the ropes that had been used to bind her. He pulled out another small jar containing chickweed cream and aloe and gently smeared it over each wrist, which he also wrapped with gauze to protect the skin. Satisfied that she would be fine for the moment, Kwai Chang got up and went to the kitchen. He looked around and found a small pot. He filled it with water, placed it on the stove, and lit the burner. He was just about to add the necessary herbs to make a soothing tea when he was brought up short by screams coming from the bedroom.

"NNOOO!" Deep sobs racked her body and terror filled her mind. She struggled as someone grabbed her and wrapped strong arms around her. She was pulled close into an embrace and rocked.

"Ssshhh. It is all right. You are safe now."

Soothing words cut through the fog that filled her mind and she stopped struggling. The tears that would not come earlier spilled out and fell, wetting Kwai Chang's collar. He held her until she again drifted off to sleep. He stayed with her for a few more minutes then went back to the kitchen. The pot of water had nearly boiled down to the bottom. He added more water and began the process over again. When she woke again, she found herself back in her own room and Kwai Chang coming in carrying a tray with a steaming cup of tea. She tried to rise, and pain shot through her shoulder and neck. Kwai Chang nearly dropped the tray he was carrying to respond to her need. He quickly placed the tray down, helped her to sit up, and propped two pillows behind her. He then grabbed the teacup, sat beside her, and handed her the cup.

"You must drink all of this. It will soothe your mind and body."

"What's in it?" Laura sniffed the tea and a strong sent of chamomile came to her nose. When she sipped it, however, it did not taste like it. The tea had a woody and bitter taste. "Oh, that's awful!" She tried to hand the cup back to Kwai Chang but he gently pushed it back in her direction, insisting that she drink.

"You must drink it all for it to be effective." The look that Kwai Chang gave Laura did not invite argument.

Laura stared back at first in defiance then gave a sheepish grin and continued to sip the tea. Slowly, the tea worked its healing magic and Laura began to relax. When she sank down in the pillows, she winced as her shoulder touched the headboard of the bed. Kwai Chang grabbed Laura's hand and felt her pain. Laura's eyes became wide as she saw that the pain she felt had been mirrored in his eyes. Tears of sorrow and regret shone out brightly and Laura gave him a questioning look without saying a word.

Kwai Chang swallowed the knot that was in his throat. "I ask forgiveness for the injury that was caused you."

Laura reached up and caressed his cheek. "There is nothing to forgive. You were not the one that caused the injury."

"I should not have let it happen."

"You could not have prevented it. You could not have known, Kwai Chang. The man believed I was someone else. He didn't see the truth. He must have been in great pain to have done what he did. I admit I was scared but . . ."

Kwai Chang's heart again leaped toward his throat and tears threatened to fall. This woman understood. She was aware of so much more than just her own pain. Kwai Chang gathered Laura into his arms and held her tight, being careful not to re-injure her shoulder. He did not wish to lose this woman. Though at one time Kwai Chang1 believed he loved Sabrina and her daughter, this women held his heart captive more than ever. Still holding her, he pulled her head away so he could look deeply into her eyes and what he saw was an echo of his own feelings.

"Laura, I . . . ." He did not have time to finish the sentence when she pulled his head down to her and kissed him deeply. A flame of light filled him that had not been there before. When they released, it was Laura who embraced him as best she could in a fierce hug that spoke of deep passion.

"I love you, Kwai Chang Caine, " she whispered into his ear. "I always have. Don't ever leave me, again."

Master Dao arrived at the house to give a message. He had been dispatched by Ping Hai to inform Kwai Chang and Laura Carradine that the man, Casey, would recover and that he would be receiving special counseling to release the demons that were tormenting him. He stepped into the home and soon stepped out. Neither of them had been aware of his presence. Jealousy pulled at his heart and a lot more. The woman had confessed her love for Caine. It could not be true, and yet, he saw them kiss. He believed it was one more thing that the line of Caine had taken from him, his birthright, his family's honor, and now the woman he secretly loved. Master Dao left the shelter of the porch and returned to the Temple.

End of Part 12