Chapter 102. Turn the Page
It had been another long night with Jimmy. He was in considerable pain now, and finding rest was not easy. Julia knew his unrest was not purely physical, but he was in no way ready to hear that truth. So she kept it to herself and cared for him the best way she knew how - with gentleness and grace.
Faith gave him pain medication throughout the night, but it didn't help much. The inability to move around also was not helpful, he seemed to need a change of position. So, in the morning she and Faith decided to try to move him, position him differently, and see if that offered more comfort.
It was a painstaking process as they moved him and sat him a little more upright. They supported him with pillows and when they were done, he seemed satisfied.
Next, they completed his morning examination, and everything still looked better than Faith had been expecting. She offered to sit with him a while and sent Julia home to wash up and get ready for the day.
Minnie arrived about that time with breakfast, and surprisingly, asked if she could take it in. Faith said yes a little bit quickly, mostly because she was caught off guard, and Minnie was behind the curtain before she could blink.
And in the end, it was a good thing. Minnie had a way about her that was just motherly. No matter who she was with, or how old they were, people responded to her. And well, when she walked behind the curtain with that tray, she instantly had Jimmy's attention. Minnie just hummed softly as she ever so slowly pulled the table close and placed the tray down in front of him. She unfolded the napkin and stepped forward, and like a mother, gently placed it across his torso. Then she picked up the fork and handed it out to him, with such a sweet smile.
But then just before he could take take the fork, she pulled it back again, and quietly asked him. "Do you need help to eat, Mr. McIntosh? I forgot to ask Dr. Carter that."
Jimmy grinned softly and answered, "Thank you, but I think I can manage, Mrs…?"
"Oh, I'm Mrs. Joseph Canfield. My husband is the pastor in Hope Valley. But you are welcome to call me Minnie." She told him as she handed him the fork. She sat down, keeping her eyes fixed on him.
Pastor's wife, he thought to himself. Well he wasn't gonna talk much, certainly not to her. But he would at least be polite. "Thank you for breakfast, Mrs. Canfield."
"I hope you like it. I'm the cook over cross the way, at the cafe." She told him. "Please, call me Minnie."
She was too sweet to deny. "Okay, Minnie. I'm sure it will be just fine." He realized she intended to sit there while he ate. So finally, he took an awkward bite.
Minnie didn't say another word, but just sat with him until he finished. When he was done, she bent over him and picked up the napkin she had laid out over his chest. She wiped off his torso to be sure, and handed the napkin to him. He looked confused for a second or two and then he ventured, took a guess, and wiped his mouth. That was apparently what she'd been waiting for, because as soon as he was done, she took the napkin from him. He just looked at her, not really sure what to make of her. She told him calm as a cucumber. "I'll be back at lunch. And next time, please, feel free to talk while you eat."
He laid his head back on the pillow and smiled softly. "And what would you like me to talk about, Mrs. Canfield?"
"Well, that's up to you. Whatever you've got a mind to say, Jimmy." She drawled out slow, like it was the most logical thing in the world. "I'm just sitting here while you eat, so I might as well listen."
"And what if I don't want to talk?" He asked her with that same timid smile.
"That's just fine too. It's up to you. I'm here either way." And Minnie smiled at him, picked up the tray and walked out.
Faith went back in when Minnie was done. Jimmy's head was back and eyes were closed, signaling he wanted to rest, so Faith let him. She took her seat at her desk and kept writing notes.
When Julia came back, they discussed Jimmy's case a while, and then Faith went back in to check on him. When she sat down, Jimmy opened his eyes and looked at her.
"How are you feeling, Mr. McIntosh? How is your pain level?" Faith asked him.
"It's tolerable, after the dose you gave me this morning." He told her.
"Remember, you don't have to be tough. Let us know when you are in pain. Your body has been through enough." She told him.
"Yes, ma'am." He told her. "But I'm a tough guy."
"I imagine you are. But facts are facts, Mr. McIntosh. And you had a brush with death, whether you admit it to yourself or not." Faith told him.
"So everyone keeps telling me." Jimmy grimaced.
"That's because it's true. And now, we want your body to rest…and heal." Faith told him. "Please, you need to alert us if you feel nauseous, dizzy, or feverish."
Jimmy nodded and laid his head back. He didn't like being stuck in the bed or being fussed over. He was ready to get out of here. "How long do I have to stay, Dr. Carter?"
"As long as it takes. But at least a week, maybe more. And then you'll need someplace to recuperate." She warned him. "It will be long, Mr. McIntosh."
He stared blankly. She wondered if he was even listening, he didn't seem to get it. "It might take months."
Jimmy looked at the wall and finally nodded. "You'll let me know if you need anything?" Faith stood, wondering when it would sink in.
"Thank you, Dr. Carter." He finally stuttered.
At lunch, Minnie brought another tray for Jimmy. The same routine, she was calm and easy as she brought it close, and placed it on the table. She spread out the napkin across his chest all motherly, and sat in the chair while he ate. He still didn't talk, but she stayed with him. When he was done, he wiped his mouth, and set the napkin on the tray. He was a fast learner.
Minnie just smiled at him and picked up the tray. "See you at dinner, Mr. McIntosh." She told him, and he returned her smile. She slowly walked out and headed back to the cafe.
Just after lunch, Faith and Julia were sitting at their desk when Nathan popped his head in the infirmary door. He asked them both to step outside.
Bill was there too, and they had an update. Nathan told them the good news first. "Jake just called from Benson Hills. They found Sergeant. He was apparently wandering around town, reigns dragging the ground, when he spotted Constable Clement in red serge, out on rounds. Sergeant walked right up to him, must've recognized the red. So, he's safe and sound, and Jake will bring him home."
"That's great news." Faith told them, and Julia nodded in agreement.
Julia added, "Smart horse."
Both ladies realized by their faces, though, there was more.
Bill added. "They also located Davy. He's in the hospital in Benson Hills. Someone found him in the street, all beat up again. Worse this time." Bill looked at Julia and then Faith. "He's in bad shape. It doesn't look good." Both girls looked at each other and then back at Bill.
Nathan told them. "He should've stayed here."
Julia agreed. She looked down at her hands and back up at Nathan. "What do we tell Jimmy?"
"Well, we need to question him again. See if he'll have any more to say, when we tell him about Davy." Bill told her.
"Someone was trying to even the score, and we'd like to know who." Nathan told them.
Faith nodded. "Well, you are welcome to try and talk to him."
"Then we'll do just that." Bill told her, and the two men entered.
Jimmy still didn't surrender one bit of information. In fact, he wouldn't even open his mouth, even after they told him about Davy. Whoever had hurt them the first time had come back again, struck harder this time, and had meant serious harm to young Davy. But still, in front of them, Jimmy kept his stoic silence.
However, Bill and Nathan they were gone, Julia heard a different story, on the other side of the curtain. Jimmy was indeed affected by the news. He became restless and started to move around. She was just about to go in, when something banged hard against the wall and made a loud noise as it hit the floor. And then, there was the shrill breaking of glass. Julia came fast around the curtain just in time to hear him cry out. She found Jimmy crumpled in the floor, and in pain.
Julia didn't say a word. She carefully helped him up and back into bed. She arranged the pillows more comfortably, and when he was all set, she covered him carefully to the waist. She gently inspected his wounds and made sure that his stitches were still holding fast.
It was evident from the lines on his face, he was in considerable pain. So, Julia went to the medicine cabinet and took out his next dose of pain medicine. She brought it to him and held it out, with a new glass of water. He gratefully took it, and laid his head back. Jimmy's eyes followed her, as she picked up the metal pitcher he had thrown against the wall, filled it with water, and replaced it next to the glass. Then she reappeared with a broom and slowly cleaned up the shards of glass splintered across the floor.
Then she left and gave him space.
When she came back in about an hour later, Jimmy was calm. "Are you feeling any better?" Julia asked softly.
He just looked at her, still unsure what to make of her, just like the first time they'd met. And now it wasn't only her, but Minnie too. He didn't know what to do when confronted with…kindness.
Julia looked at him, sad that he couldn't find a way out of his predicament. "This is a safe place, Jimmy. You can trust my Nathan, and you can trust my brother."
Jimmy pursed his lips. "You can't understand, Miss Matthews."
"You're right, I can't." Julia pursed her lips right back. "But, do you want to end up like Davy? Or worse?"
He looked at the wall.
"You can't see a way out, am I right, Jimmy? But there must be a way. I believe, I have faith, that you'll find the way." Julia told him. "And, if nothing else, you can do the right thing. You did it once before, for me, remember?" She paused. "But this time...do it for you."
Jimmy looked at her, and told her. "It's not that simple."
Julia asked him softly. "Isn't it?"
He sighed and laid his head back again, and she knew that meant he was done talking. Julia adjusted his pillow once more, and left back to her desk.
When Faith came back a few minutes later, Julia went across to the cafe to get three cups of coffee. She got hung up talking to Clara who was very excited about Julia's wedding dress, which was almost ready. Julia realized it was Friday and she had forgotten all about the fitting.
"Clara, I'm sorry. I'll have to come for the fitting another day. We're too busy with our patient in the infirmary today." Julia told her.
"Yes, I heard about him. I completely understand. You just come by whenever you can, Julia." Clara replied.
"Will do, Clara. Thank you for the coffee." She told her and left the cash on the counter.
As Julia walked back towards the infirmary, she ran into Bill and Nathan who were headed inside, again.
Nathan's face lit up when he saw Julia. She smiled back at him, and asked. "Back so soon?"
Nathan told her. "Yes. Faith just sent for us. Apparently Jimmy asked to speak with us."
Julia's mouth fell open. "He did?" Nathan could tell by her face, that she had perhaps had something to do with it.
"Yes. We'll see how much he decides to say." Nathan told her. He held the door open for her, and she entered with the coffee.
She carried one straight in to Jimmy and held it out to him. "Coffee?" He grinned even and gratefully took it. She and Faith quietly exited, leaving the men to it.
Jimmy gave just enough information to corroborate what Jake already knew about Samuel Green. And surprisingly, Jimmy gave up both names of Green's two accomplices, two puzzle pieces that Jake had yet to put together.
Nathan made sure to convey that information on his long call with Jake. In fact, by the time he placed that call, Bill and Nathan had already spoken with Commander Collins and obtained all the necessary orders to arrest all three perpetrators. So now, the only thing left was to track them down. Jake and Gabe intended to do that right away, and they had the full cooperation of the Mountie stations in both Benson Hills and Edmonton. It was only a matter of time.
In the meantime, they would keep their eye on the infirmary, just in case Davy had given up any information about Jimmy McIntosh's whereabouts.
Around dinnertime, to Julia's surprise, Joseph came in carrying a tray and three plates. Faith had gone home to get some things for the night, so Julia was sitting by herself at the desk when he entered.
"Good evening, Joseph." She stood to greet him. "You are delivering dinner tonight?"
"Yes, and I was hoping to sit in with your patient." Joseph answered. "Minnie asked me to."
Julia smiled. Joseph's sweet countenance was just what Jimmy needed. "Oh, I love that Minnie."
Joseph chuckled low. "Me too, Julia." His response was cute, he and Minnie were an adorable couple.
"Can I take it on in?" Joseph asked, as he looked down at the tray.
Julia answered. "Of course, I'll help get him set up."
They entered together, and Julia pulled the table up close. Joseph set the tray down right on top, unfolded the napkin, and handed it to Jimmy. Then Joseph took a seat just next to the bed. Julia smiled at the two of them and headed back to her desk.
Jimmy looked sort of disappointed. "Where's Mrs. Canfield?"
Joseph smiled. "She got caught up at the cafe. People sure love her cooking." He figured he better introduce himself. "I'm her husband, Joseph."
Jimmy could have guessed that already. "The pastor."
"Yep. I guess I am." Joseph told him with an easy smile. "But, I'm also just a regular guy."
Jimmy picked up the fork and took a bite. Once he'd swallowed it, he asked Joseph. "You're here to listen to me, too?"
Joseph replied. "Well, that depends on you. Though, if you don't start talking, I probably will. I'm not as patient as my wife." He said with a chuckle.
Jimmy didn't like where this was going. "Well, what would you like me to talk about, Mr. Canfield?"
"Jimmy, is it okay if I call you Jimmy?" Jimmy nodded. "And you can call me Joseph."
"Sure." Jimmy told him. "So, what should I talk about, Joseph?"
"Well, why don't you tell me about your friend? The one that got hurt?" Joseph asked.
"Davy's not really my friend. Just a kid that kept hanging around, he wanted to be bigger than he is." Jimmy told him. Actually, the truth was, Davy reminded Jimmy of himself at that age. Bored with life, looking for trouble and any chance to get a leg up in the world.
"So, you don't feel responsible for him, then?" Joseph asked. He could see by Jimmy's face that he did.
"I got him into this mess, so yes, I feel responsible." Jimmy admitted. He looked down at the humps his feet made under the bed covers. "He was just a kid." Jimmy was sorry. "He simply wanted to better his situation."
"So you gave him some work, took him under your wing?" Joseph asked.
Jimmy looked at the wall. "I didn't take him under my wing." Then he looked back at Joseph. "But I did give him some work. He was kind of a gopher. Ran errands for me."
Joseph understood the arrangement. "And, he's in a bad way, now?"
"Apparently." Jimmy looked almost stricken. "They ran into him again. Did a real number on him this time."
Joseph asked. "And now you feel guilty? Think you are to blame?"
Jimmy didn't answer.
"Well are you the one who beat him up?" Joseph asked. Jimmy just looked at him. "Seems to me, the ones who did the beating are the ones to blame."
"He didn't deserve what they did to him." Jimmy said. He looked down at his hand. "I did, but he didn't."
Joseph went one more. "And why would you deserve it?"
"Because." Jimmy didn't want to tell him anymore. "I've done things. I don't want to get into it."
Joseph nodded slowly. "We've all done things, Jimmy. We've all made mistakes." He paused and looked at him sincere. "It's never too late to change."
"I'm too far gone, Joseph." Jimmy told him with sad eyes.
"I don't believe that." Joseph told him. "You're here aren't you? And, you've been given a second chance, haven't you?" He held Jimmy's gaze firm. "Somebody must think you are worth it. And that Somebody isn't done with you yet."
"I don't deserve a second chance." Jimmy told him, flat out.
Joseph smiled soft. "Whether or not you think you deserve a second chance, you've been given one. Now it's up to you what you do with it."
"It's not that simple for me." Jimmy told him.
Joseph encouraged. "I think it is." He paused. "Jimmy, you've been given an opportunity."
Jimmy chuckled skepticism. "You're talking about a higher power?"
"Exactly like a higher power." Joseph told him. "Only I prefer to call him by his name."
"I don't believe in God, Joseph." Jimmy told him honestly.
"I respect your point of view." Joseph told him. "But just because you don't believe in Him, doesn't mean He doesn't exist."
Jimmy laughed and asked, sarcastic. "Why would he care about me, anyway?"
Joseph answered like it was the most natural thing in the world. "God loves all his children."
Jimmy cut him off. "I don't want to talk about God." There was no way God thought of him as one of his children. Not with all the bad he had done.
"That's fine...for now. What would you like to talk about?" Joseph asked, as Jimmy took a bite of his dinner.
"Nothing." Jimmy replied. "Nothing at all." And so, they didn't talk any more. Joseph just sat quietly beside him while he ate.
And when he was done, Joseph stood, collected the tray and turned to leave. But just before he rounded the curtain, he promised Jimmy, "See you tomorrow."