Chapter 18
Shadow Valley, Texas - March 1873
"Doc!" Buck called out, his voice laced with urgency, as he flagged down the doctor who was just closing his clinic door.
The doctor turned, a furrow etching his brow in recognition. "Buck, how are you?"
"Doin' well Doc. Thanks." Buck removed his hat, his smile strained. "I just wanted to settle up for Samantha Mills' treatment."
The doctor's brow furrowed further. "The Mills' girl? But Buck, you paid that bill in full weeks ago. How's the young lady's leg doing?"
A cold dread coiled in Buck's gut. "You mean you haven't seen her recently?"
"Not at all." the doctor replied, shaking his head. "Not since her initial treatment after the break. Is everything alright?"
Buck swallowed hard, the doctor's words shattering the carefully constructed narrative Desiree had woven. "She's… she's been very sick." He finally managed, his voice tight. "Her mother thought it might be an infection from the break."
A flicker of suspicion crossed the doctor's eyes. "Well, from a medical standpoint, that's highly unlikely. The break's completely healed – she'd be building muscle and strength now, not fighting an infection."
Anger and confusion burned in Buck's cheeks. He omitted the lie about Desiree taking Samantha to see a doctor, a truth he'd have to confront later. "I see," he mumbled, his mind racing. "Well, thank you, Doc. I'll… I'll have her come in if it doesn't clear up soon."
The doctor gave him a skeptical look. "If she's ill, Buck, beyond a simple cold or stomach upset, she needs to be seen right away. Especially if it's something serious."
"Of course," Buck mumbled, forcing a smile. "Thank you, Doc. I appreciate it."
Buck left the doctor's office, his steps heavy. He stood on the boardwalk for a moment, the weight of the revelation settling on his shoulders. Desiree had lied. Not just about a doctor's visit, but about the very nature of Samantha's illness. What was she hiding? And why?
With a growing sense of unease, Buck mounted his horse and headed back towards the Mills' house. He needed answers, and he needed them fast.