Chapter 6

While Victoria and Heath went to do Eugene's bidding, he began examining Gabby's wound. There was quite a bit of bleeding, but it could be worse and as he looked closer, he found that the bullet had entered and exited on her side just above her waist. Where it was located, there wouldn't have been any organ involvement for which he was grateful. It was mostly a matter of cleaning the injury and binding it up until she healed.

"How is she?" Victoria asked as she entered the room with the bandages he had asked for.

"Mother, it's good news. The bullet entered and exited so she will be just fine after a bit of resting. If you will help me remove her blouse..."

"Perhaps I should do that..." Victoria stated, then laughed at herself. "Sorry. It's hard to remember that you are a doctor now." Placing the bandages on the side table, she helped her son remove the outer garment, which was now ruined, leaving her in her camisole. Gene anticipated Gabby's modesty and left the undergarment in place, lifting it out of the way so he could work.

It was at that moment that Heath entered the room with the hot water. Noticing Gabby's state of undress, he politely turned his head as he set the bowl down. "Will she be alright?" he asked fearfully, not liking her pallid complexion and continued lack of consciousness.

"Thanks, Heath. Gabby should be fine but has lost some blood, so she will have to recover from that. She will be weak for a time and will need rest though. Come back in about a half-hour and you can see her then."

Heath looked from Victoria to his brother before glancing at Gabby's face once again, nodding, and leaving the room.

Victoria watched with admiration as her son cleaned the entrance and exit wounds and quickly added a few sutures, glad that Gabby did not stir. Then he wrapped bandages around her body, hearing her groan which was a good sign, and tied them off. "Mother, she is going to be much more comfortable in a nightgown, but we can wait until Audra and Nora return so the three of you can help undress her. I will show you what to do to avoid further injury. Until then someone will need to sit with her, so she doesn't move too much."

"I'm so proud of you, Gene," Victoria said as she hugged her son. "Nora will be grateful for all you have done for her sister."

"I'm only happy that it wasn't more serious."

"Let me see if I can find Heath," Victoria replied as she left the room and walked downstairs, finding Heath in the living area pacing. He looked miserable as his eyes turned to her. "She is going to be fine, Heath. Gene is finished for now if you want to go visit with her. He said she needed to remain still."

"Thanks, Mother," he said softly then took the stairs two at a time. When he opened the door, he saw that Gene had pulled a blanket up to Gabby's shoulders. "I came to sit with her."

Eugene smiled as he picked up his bag. "She has been stirring and should wake up soon. Don't let her move around too much, she could tear open her wounds. She'll be fine, Heath. I'm going to town to get some medicine for pain, she might need it when she wakes up," he said as he touched his brother's shoulder and left the room.

Walking over, Heath stared at Gabby wishing he could see her green eyes open. His hand lightly touched her face and then he walked over and sat in a chair to watch her.

He hoped his brothers could find something because they needed answers as to who shot their guest.

Only a few moments later, Gabby began to move around, and Heath stood and moved to her bedside. "It's alright, Gabby. You're safe," he said softly. "You need to remain still."

She began moving her head back and forth, her moans growing louder, and then Gabby threw the covers off with her flailing arms. Knowing he had to wake her, Heath put his hands on her bare shoulders.

"Gabby, wake up. Gabby," he gently shook her, and soon her eyes slit open.

"Pain." The one word made his gut twinge, hating that she was injured. "Thirsty."

Heath poured her some water and lifted her head slightly so she could drink a little. "Gabby you were shot but you are going to be fine. You must stay still. Eugene went to get you something for the pain." A slight nod was his answer as she took another drink.

After she swallowed, her eyes closed. "Thanks, Cowboy," she murmured, making him smile at the nickname as she dozed back off peacefully. Heath couldn't help but notice her soft skin as he pulled the blanket back up and swept her dark hair from her face. Then he returned to his chair to watch her sleep.

###

The shooter hadn't stuck around after hitting the woman and didn't know how badly she was injured. Maybe she would die.

A smile crossed their face at the thought of hurting the Barkleys, although the woman wasn't the target earlier. No matter. There would be other opportunities, they thought as they continued to their dwelling.

###

When Nora and Audra returned, Victoria told them what had happened and watched as Nora rushed upstairs to be with her sister. A few minutes later, Heath came down and joined the two of them in the living room.

Victoria and Audra were having a cup of tea, with Heath standing near the fireplace when Jarrod and Nick came back. Standing, Victoria put her finger to her lips to ensure that Nick would keep his voice down.

"How is she?" he asked Victoria in a normal tone.

"She will be well in time. The bullet wasn't lodged, thank God, but went through without causing any major damage, other than some blood loss. She will be weak for a while but should make a full recovery. Eugene went to town to get her some medicine and Nora is sitting with her. What did you find out?"

"Saw some disturbed ground and hoofprints on the other side of the fence," Jarrod replied.

"And this," Nick added, holding up an empty shell casing.

Victoria took it and examined it for a moment. "So, what we need to figure out is, why would anyone want to shoot Gabby?"

"Your vision may be too narrow, Mother. Remember, Heath was there as well. Either one could have been the target," Audra replied.

"Heath, any enemies out there you are aware of?" Jarrod asked.

"No one comes to mind," he responded inattentively, trying to follow the conversation. "But yesterday I found some reins that appeared to have been cut."

"Now Heath..." Nick began.

"Reins?" Victoria asked.

"Nick seems to think they were just worn, but they looked cut to me. It was the long reins that we have marked for the buggy. Thankfully, I saw it and changed them before Nora and Gabby went out."

"If they were cut, then it is hard to say who was the target. Mother and Audra use the buggy the most, and occasionally we do as well." Jarrod's words made sense as they all pondered the situation.

"It sounds like no one in the family should be out alone for a while." Victoria's words were not a request; they would pair up wherever they went until this was solved.

"I'm going upstairs to check on my wife," Nick said starting to walk away before turning back. "Oh, Heath. The new mare was still in the area, so we brought her back."

"Lady Josephine," Heath said absentmindedly.

"What?"

"The mare. Gabby named her Lady Josephine," Heath explained, casually running his fingers across the mantel, his mind preoccupied.

Victoria and Audra smiled at each other, with Jarrod joining in as Nick furrowed his brow and left the room.

"It's a fine name for a fine animal," Jarrod said as he walked over and slapped Heath's shoulder. "Don't worry, brother. It sounds like Gabby is going to be alright. And we will find out who is responsible."

"I hope so." Heath wanted nothing more than to beat the person within an inch of their life for hurting Gabby.

###

"Can I get you anything else? Another pillow?"

Gabby sighed as she lay there in her clean nightgown, already propped up on three pillows. She knew Nora meant well, but she was taking things a bit too far.

"Nora, sweetie, I'm as fine as I'm going to be," Gabby replied. The morphine Eugene was giving her in small doses regularly was taking the edge off her discomfort.

It had been a long night but today was much better- other than all the fussing her sibling was doing of course. Heath hadn't been back to see her since right after she was hurt. But why should he come to see her? After all, they barely knew each other. She decided to ask anyway.

"How is Heath doing? I know he was in here yesterday for a little while, but I haven't seen him since."

"He refuses to leave the house. I tried to talk to him, but he won't budge. I think he feels responsible for what happened."

"What in the world? Someone shot me and he thinks it's his fault? That silly cowboy..."

"He thinks the bullet may have been meant for him instead of you."

Gabby thought that over. "Well, even if it was, he didn't pull the trigger. Can you tell him I would like to see him?"

"That will make him happy. He's been pacing in the hall most of the morning, even though I tried to shoo him away." Nora's words brought a lift to her sister's spirits- so he did want to see her. Once again fluffing the edge of Gabby's pillows, Nora moved an errant strand of hair off her sister's face. "I'll send him in."

Gabby reached up and smoothed her hair a bit, then laughed as she realized how ridiculous she was being. Soon, Heath walked in the door, her heart fluttering at the sight of him. Puzzled by the feeling, she decided not to dwell on it.

"Good morning, Gabby. How are you today?" His words were tender and compassionate, his voice soothing.

"Much better. Eugene is taking wonderful care of me, and Nora... well, Nora is doing what Nora does- being a fuss-budget. How are you, Heath?"

"Jarrod and Nick went to the sheriff this morning about the shooting. He may want to talk to both of us and will probably come here today. Are you up to it?"

"I think so. Not much either of us can tell, I don't suppose. We were a bit focused on winning a race."

"I guess we will have to finish that another time. Can I bring you anything?"

"I'm fine, thank you. Heath, please don't take this burden on yourself. None of this was your fault. Nora mentioned that everyone was trying to figure out who the target was and hopefully, we do figure it out, but even if it was you, I don't blame you for what happened. I'm confident that the guilty party will be caught."

Her words were kind and warmed Heath's heart. "I appreciate your thoughts. I'll bring the sheriff in when he arrives. You get some rest."

Her voice stopped his exit. "Heath, do you think... maybe... you could read to me later?" She couldn't admit to him that the sound of his voice calmed her, and it was all she could think of to ask.

The crooked smile he was known for followed her request. "I'd be glad to. See you soon."

Watching as he walked out of sight, Gabby took a deep breath and winced before she exhaled and sighed.

###

After the sheriff spoke to Gabby, he and Heath went downstairs. "I don't know what to tell you, Heath. You two were the only ones there, and neither of you saw anything. Maybe someone was out hunting rabbits or something."

"I don't think so, Fred. I found a cut long rein yesterday. It seems connected somehow."

"Well, I'll do my best to get to it. Bandits south of town, and an escaped convict top my list of investigations right now, so I'm a little swamped. But, I'll give it my due diligence," the sheriff said as he replaced his hat and opened the door.

"I know you will, Fred. Let us know if you find out anything."

"You'll be the first."

Heath watched as he mounted up, then took the stairs to go read to Gabby.

###

Over the next few days, they settled into a routine. The Barkley men and their workhands were on full alert to any danger that may come near the house, but so far, nothing had transpired. Doctor Jones had made an appearance, pronounced that Eugene had done an excellent job on Gabby's injury, then had some tea and cookies with Victoria before heading back to town.

The women in the house would clean Gabby up and put her in a fresh gown every morning after Eugene changed her bandages and checked her wound. Thankfully, it didn't appear to be infected, so her recovery should continue without a setback. Gabby had to look at the bright side and see that perhaps something good had come of this incident.

Family members would come and go during the day so she wouldn't be lonely, and Gabby began to learn more about each one as she started to feel comfortable in the Barkley home. One-on-one was always where Gabby shined, unlike Nora who loved being the center of attention. In a crowd, Gabby was like a shrinking violet, looking for a corner to hide in.

It's a wonder she ended up on the stage. But performing was different. She didn't have to fellowship with her audience, simply entertained them and never spoke to them. Occasionally, she would have to be nice to a fan after a show, but it was always exhausting. Gabby had wished for years that she was more like Nora, before coming to accept herself as she was and live with her insecurities.

As much as she was enjoying her time with each member of the family, afternoons were her favorite time of day as Heath would come in and read to her. Whether it was a chapter from a classic that she enjoyed or a few lines of poetry, she would relax as he spoke, sometimes closing her eyes as she listened to his mellow voice.

"I brought a book that Audra likes. She suggested you might like it too," Heath said as he came in, tome in hand, and sat down. "You're looking well today. Pretty as a picture." The way he spoke to her made her think that perhaps he was the man that she dreamed of in her younger years. The years before she became cynical about relationships after watching her parents- specifically her father. Judas Steele was the reason she had decided that marriage wasn't for her and that she would go through life making her own way.

"That was kind of her. What's the title of it?"

Looking at the cover, he replied. "Sonnets from the Portuguese, by Elizabeth Barret Browning."

"It sounds lovely. Open it and read me one randomly," Gabby suggested as she snuggled into her pillows.

"Alright." Heath opened the cover and the book fell open close to the beginning.

"Number 6- Go from me. Yet I feel that I shall stand henceforth in thy shadow. Nevermore alone upon the threshold of my door of individual life, I shall command the uses of my soul, nor lift my hand serenely in the sunshine as before, without the sense of that which I forbore- Thy touch upon the palm. The widest land doom takes to part us, leaves thy heart in mine with pulses that beat double. What I do and what I dream include thee, as the wine must taste of its own grapes. And when I sue God for myself, He hears that name of thine, and sees within my eyes the tears of two."

The sound of his smooth voice was comforting while she listened, but when he finished, the room grew deafeningly silent. Heath normally would start up a conversation about what he had read, but today he looked at the floor before turning those blue eyes upon her and looking into her soul. The chosen verse had made them both uneasy.

"Heath, I'm feeling a bit weary today. I believe I need a nap. Would you mind leaving the book with me?"

"Not at all," he said as he rose and placed it next to her on the bed. "I'll see you later." One more capture of her gaze and he spun to exit, closing the door behind him. Picking up the volume, Gabby turned to the selected poem and reread it to herself, a smile on her face. It was an interesting choice for sure that started with 'go from me.' Gabby could tell there was a struggle in the author's words, much like she was feeling in her own heart the last few days.

What exactly was there between them if anything besides a budding friendship? Despite the incident, she felt very safe with Heath. Protected. In a way she never had before.

It's a shame nothing would come of it.

Gabby lay down the book and closed her eyes, falling into a deep sleep.

###

The next two days went by slowly as Heath stopped coming to her room in the afternoons. Gabby wasn't exactly sure what was going on, but when she would ask Nora, her sister would tell her that he had work to do and couldn't come today.

Finally, Eugene decided that his patient needed some time outside and she could hardly contain her excitement as Audra and Nora helped her get dressed in something besides a nightgown. It was late afternoon and she planned to have dinner with the family after getting some fresh air. When she was fully clothed, Eugene and Nora stood on either side as they slowly walked down the steps together, Gabby glad for their support and encouragement. "You aren't running a race, Gabby. Take your time," Gene said as he smiled at her. The youngest Barkley had been simply wonderful to her, and they had become close.

As she arrived at the bottom of the staircase, Jarrod and Victoria applauded her efforts. "It's so good to see you up and about, Gabby. I have a very comfortable chair out back ready for you," Victoria said as they joined the procession and led them to the rear of the house. Just as they headed out the back door, there was a knock at the front.

"I'll get that," Jarrod said as he changed directions. "You're doing great, Gabby."

The chair had been covered with a thick quilt and a small pillow sat on the table next to it to place behind her neck. Feeling the sun on her face made her think that she would soon be well. Although she was still weak, she was much stronger than she was a few days ago.

"How does that feel?" Eugene asked his patient as she settled in.

"Absolutely fabulous," was her answer as Nora sat in the opposite chair.

"Excuse me, everyone." Jarrod's words brought their eyes to the door where he stood with an older couple that they didn't know. "Gabby, Nora, this is Mr. and Mrs. Worthington- your grandparents from Boston."