Winter's Refuge
Chapter Fifty-Nine
HEYES
I was surprised when the Kid came back from the blacksmith shop with Dr. Arden, Colin, and Ken. I'm sure they weren't expected today. I try to keep tack of those things/ Martha and I were in the corral brushing Summer's Gold. I was pretty certain our breeding protocol had worked and she was pregnant by Summer's Song. They were a good match in size and temperament.
Summer Solstice was going to foal any day. I wasn't sure of her temperament so we had walked by and checked on her but left her alone. I had chosen Summer's Gold to groom with Martha because she liked to be brushed. Martha wanted to see Autumn's Sweetheart and Posey, too, so I carried her into the stable and let her look into the stall from my arms. The Kid had put a latch on the inside of the stall that adults could reach in and open but the kids couldn't reach, even standing on one of the milking stools. He did the same for Summer Solstice's foaling stall. He's a good pa. I have to find a way to convince him he wasn't responsible for Michael getting kicked.
"Posey's alright?" she asked. "Michael didn't hurt him?" The innocence in her voice went straight to my heart.
"He's fine. His mama protected him," I answered.
"Joe and Not Joe barked at him and Autumn's Sweetheart. I think he was scared."
"Yes, they were protecting you and Michael, so you didn't get kicked again."
"Good," she finished. Both of the twins had picked up Chrissy's word to end a conversation.
Martha was standing on one of those milking stools next to me and we were both brushing Summer's Gold. Even with her thicker winter coat, the name fit her. She was the color of the setting sun in summer. I had a carrot in my pocket that I let Martha feed her. She was rewarded with the mare rubbing her nose against her head. Martha giggled and showed no fear.
We turned when we heard a buggy and voices.
"Uncle Ken's here with Pa!" Martha almost fell off the three-legged stool, but I caught her and settled her on the ground. I've learned to be alert for the twins' sudden movements and catch them when needed. She raced to the Kid, who scooped her up in his arms. She leaned over and gave Marshal Ken a hug. I had trouble calling a marshal by his first name and Marshal Josephs had seemed too formal for our working relationship. The Kid had come up with 'Marshal Ken' and we were both fine with that. Dr. Arden and Colin were in the buggy. I knew the Kid had sent Dr. Arden a telegram about Michael yesterday, but we weren't expecting them today.
Mrs. Clark was happy to see Ken again and hurried the three newcomers into the kitchen, no doubt to fill them with some of the mountain of food we still had.
JED 'KID' CURRY
Aiden and I were goin' to leave for town soon, but I needed to talk to Heyes alone first. I caught his eyes and he understood. Sometimes we can still communicate without words.
We walked into the stable and I explained what they wanted us to do. "I got some more ideas about the telegraph operators And they want me to plan a rescue expedition into Devil's Hole, but again, I can't go?" Heyes seemed annoyed. I knew he would be.
"I'm sorry, Heyes. Nothin' I can do about it. I can try and plan it myself, but I think it will be more successful and I'll be safer if you did it and I helped."
Heyes took a carrot out of this pocket and fed it to Autumn's Sweetheart through the top slats of the stall door.
"If I hadn't touched my gun, my parole would be over and I could go," I recognized the melancholy in his voice. He was feelin' sorry for himself. Next, he feels the world is against him. This leads to his depression and withdrawin' into himself. It hasn't happened much since the babies have come to live with us. They don't recognize his boundaries. I don't want it to happen now.
"Will you help me?" I asked.
Heyes looked at me, really stared at me for a moment. "We going to have a session with Dr. Arden while he's here? You promised." he asked.
I felt myself wigglin' uncomfortably like my ten-year-old self. But I could tell he was serious. If I wanted him to help, I had to agree to this repressed anger therapy. I had already agreed to do it but thought I might be able to put it off for a long time until everyone forgot. Lom had given me a book in prison on the sources of anger so I think I know somethin' about what Aiden might take about. "If he has time, I'll make time," I relented.
"And I want him to convince you Michael's accident wasn't your fault in any way." Heyes' tone was determined and authoritative.
"Well, I agree to talk to him about that, too." I hadn't protected my son, that's all that mattered.
"Okay, I'll start to work on a plan when you're in town. Don't want to lead any lawman to Devil's Hole."
"That's what I told them. And won't arrest our friends. Ken said he'd ride blindfolded for as long as I wanted if I needed his help."
Heyes looked out the stable door toward the kitchen where everyone had gathered. "I'm glad he's back."
ASJ*****ASJ
I rode Winter's Glory into Three Birds and Aiden followed in his buggy. This was goin' be interestin'. Dr. Sexton doesn't think much of any other doctor, but a lot of his ways are old. He has a lot of diplomas and such on his wall but doesn't read medical journals or try to learn anything new. I've heard him say that his procedures were good enough for his father; they should be good enough for him. He's too busy to learn anything new.
Dr. Arden is always readin' medical journals and writes to many doctors about the newest medicines and theories. He thinks about medicine and the mind a lot. He even has written articles that are published in those journals. When I almost died after a night in prison, Dr. Arden came here with me, and I believe he saved my life. I know he did. Aiden didn't think too good of Dr. Sexton's medical techniques. Dr. Sexton will not be pleased there is another doctor here.
We dropped the buggy and Winter's Glory off at the livery. I tried to pay for his keep, but my hand was pushed away.
"Go see your son, Mr. Curry. These horses will be taken care of, no charge. One of those boys you saved at the Crenshaw barnraisin' was my favorite nephew."
I still tried to give him some money, but he pushed my hand away harder with an annoyed look. "Leave it be and see to your boy," he said harshly.
Aiden had watched us. "Why did you still try to pay him when he said no charge. He was being friendly. Sounds like you saved his nephew's life?"
"Don't want to be obligated to nobody."
Me and Aiden walked in silence to the doctor's office, but I could see he was tryin' to puzzle somethin' out. Whatever it was got pushed to the rear of his thoughts as we entered Dr. Sexton's office.
"Ahh, Jed, I expected you here at noon on the dot. It's twelve ten. Do you know how to tell time?" Dr. Sexton tried to make his words a joke, but I felt the dig at me. !
"You remember Dr. Aiden Arden?" I tried to ignore his greeting.
"Oh yes, the prison doctor, yes, how are you?" His words were almost polite, but his tone was insulting.
Aiden ignored it completely. Chrissy was wavin' me into Michael's room. Everythin' went out of my brain except that small body in the bed near the window. The bandage seemed to have grown and covered the main part of his body. Only his legs and right arm were free.
I knelt by his bed and held his free hand. I thought he was sleepin', but he opened his blue eyes. "Papa." He squeezed my hand.
Chrissy had sat back in the chair. "Michael talk and call for his papa during night." She brushed his hair back off his forehead and I saw the bandage with some blood soaked around the edges.
"Hey, Michael," I said. He was so little and the wrapping on his arm and shoulder so large, I didn't know what else to say.
His eyes didn't leave mine. "Feelin' better? Martha sends her love."
Chrissy stood suddenly and ran out of the room coverin' her mouth.
"Mama sick," Michael said softly.
Aiden was on the other side of the bed listenin' to Michael's heart. He looked at me with a question in his eyes.
"Mama will be fine. Probably somethin' she ate," I told my son, but nodded a yes to Aiden's silent question.
He leaned in close to Michael's ear and said, "I'll check her over later but I'm sure she'll be alright." He gently pulled the bandage off the patient's forehead.
"Doctor… whatever your name is, what are you doing? This child is my patient!" Dr Sexton stood in the doorway with a scowl on his face.
"Just giving him a second set of medical eyes," Aiden's tone was accommodating, as he lit a candle and looked closer at the wound on my son's forehead probing with his fingers, then looked into his eyes.
Dr. Sexton turned his ire at me. "Mr. Curry, when I agreed to let your wife stay here, I was under the impression that she was healthy. She obviously has some sort of stomach disorder that I don't want my patients or myself to catch. She is no longer welcome here."
"No. I stay with Michael!" Chrissy yelled from behind the doctor. "He scared without me. I well."
Dr. Arden smiled at Chrissy. "I agree the child should be with his mother. He also might be ill, and the symptoms are not yet showing." Aiden turned to me. "Mr. Curry, I believe with the excellent job Dr. Sexton has done immobilizing the shoulder and arm, Michael and his mother can be transported in my buggy to your ranch. Is that acceptable? I do believe it is best. If they are sick, they need to be moved so they do not infect others."
I was about to object and say Chrissy wasn't sick, she was with child, but the look on Aiden's face stopped me. I smiled to myself. He wanted to get Michael to the ranch where he could treat him and had found a way to do it making it seem like he was doing Sexton a favor. He recognized that Sexton was our town doctor, the doctor we would rely on in an emergency. And he had not alienated him. (Another word I was proud of using.)
Dr. Sexton kept his distance from Michael and Chrissy, but gave me an ample supply of pain medicine and bandages. He thanked Aiden for his help taking the ill people out of his office. Dr. Sexton does not like to be around sick people. Always made me wonder why he became a doctor.
ASJ*****ASJ
When I went to the new mercantile to buy blankets and pillows to bundle Michael and support his injured shoulder, Jeff stacked four in my arms and carried two himself with pillows on top.
"Just put them on my tab," I told him.
"Jed, least I can do for Michael. They're yours."
Stopping, I looked at him. "I can pay for what my family needs," I told him firmly.
Jeff hesitated. "Never meant to imply you couldn't. This is a friend helping a friend. Thought we were friends." I heard hurt in his voice.
I remembered Frank's words. I resist help. If I want to fit in here, I have to accept help when it's offered. I always know there are strings attached but maybe there aren't here. "We are friends, Jeff. Thank you," I said as sincerely as I could.
He didn't look back at me, just started arranging the blankets in the buggy. "Jeff…" I started. "It's hard for me to accept help. Never had no one but Heyes I trusted to help me before. Had to depend on myself."
Jeff stepped back from the wagon. "Jed, accepting these blankets and pillows is a good way to start." He held out his hand and we shook hands.
Dr. Arden stuck his head out the doctor's office door. "Good, the buggy is ready. Jed, would you get Michael and carry him out here. Level, no sudden moves. Chrissy's ready." Chrissy settled herself in the back seat of the buggy among the blankets and pillows and I carried Michael out to her,
HEYES
The Kid brought Chrissy and Michael home. Well, Dr. Arden drove the buggy they rode in but what matters is they are home. Mrs. Clark had cleaned their quilting supplies out of the guest bedroom on the first floor when she saw Colin and Dr. Arden arrive. I don't think she expected Michael to come home yet. Dr. Arden walked in with authority. He knows this house well. He must have already talked to the Kid and Chrissy because she started moving the couch and chairs in the living room.
"This will be an excellent room for Michael to recover in," he announced and put his medical bag on the side table. Chrissy had a blanket I didn't recognize in her arms. "Miss Chrissy, you shouldn't be moving furniture. Heyes, come help me." I did as he asked.
"And how can I help?" Mrs. Clark bustled into the room wiping her hands on her apron.
Dr. Arden looked at her in surprise. Chrissy saw the look. "That our Mrs. Clark," she said as the only introduction. I heard the Kid on the porch and ran to hold open the door. Seeing Michael all bandaged up broke my heart. The little boy was lost in all that covering. His eyes stayed fixed on his pa's face. The Kid couldn't have carried a dozen eggs any more careful, but Michael moaned softly.
"Easy, my brave boy, we're almost there." I heard the Kid whisper as his sure steps let him hold his son gently. Mrs. Clark had helped Dr. Arden spread a blanket over the couch and Chrissy had produced more pillows than I thought we had in the house.
Dr. Arden helped the Kid ease Michael onto the couch, but I heard him cry out.
"I want this lovely lady to help me and the rest of you to wait outside or upstairs until I call you." Dr. Arden motioned to Mrs. Clark and spoke in a voice that you couldn't argue with.
"Chrissy tired. I go upstairs. Come, Martha. Jed, Heyes, need talk with Colin and Ken." She made the decision for all of us.
JED 'KID' CURRY
I didn't want to leave Michael or Chrissy with Aiden, but me and Heyes need to talk some things over with Ken and Colin. I could tell Heyes had some questions. We sat around one of the outside tables. I could hear if the doctor called me from here.
"Colin, this… job… trick?" Heyes started right away. I knew he was worried, he had to concentrate to get the words out. He pounded his fist on the table.
Ken and Colin were taken aback at the question, but it had been playin' in my thoughts, too. Just knowin' where Devil's Hole is located can by some be considered aidin' and abettin'. And we wouldn't arrest any of our friends that are hidin' up there.
"A trick? Why would... We want the hostages we know are being held there released and we want to break the network of telegraph operators that helped Mark and his gang."
Heyes looked at me. He was upset. His words were there in his mind but wouldn't come out as he wanted. I answered, "Seems like anyone knows where Devil's Hole is located and rides in there might be convicted of aidin' and abettin'. Also, won't see our friends arrested."
"No, no," Colin said, sounding like he was apologizing.
But I continued talking, "Or someone who refused might be arrested for obstructin' justice for withholdin' the information."
Ken was noddin'. Colin was tryin' to understand what I was sayin'. There was silence at the table. I stood and walked to the kitchen door. I wanted to be in there with Michael, not out here. I could hear voices but not what they were sayin'.
"Jed," Colin's voice and tone called me back to the table. "I'm sorry. I hadn't thought of those things when the governor suggested you for this mission. I don't think he did either." He took his time and studied me then Heyes. "Jed, I have the authority to offer you a signed amnesty for this trip from the governor before we even start planning. Heyes, I'm hoping to offer you the same thing for this specific plan. Wouldn't mean you could go, just plan it with immunity. Not sure we can do that or even sure how it would fit into your conditional amnesty and parole. I need to talk to the governor about it.
"Talk later then." Heyes stood up and went to the stable. I followed him. The meeting was over as far as we were concerned.
"Got work to do," Ken said and left Colin alone at the table.
Colin looked lost. After a minute, he joined us in the stable. Heyes was leadin' Autumn's Sweetheart out into the corral. Posey was bouncin' along after her.
Colin's eyes got big. "Is that the mean horse that kicks?" he asked, backin' away from Heyes' pathway.
"Only if you t-t-try to r-ride her b-b-baby," Heyes answered, harshly,
Colin looked unsettled but I refused to say anything that would comfort him. Me and Ken started to take care of the other horses, leavin' Colin standin' alone.
"Jed," Ken said in a low voice. "I don't think Colin understood the ramifications of what he was asking. Wanted you to know, I'll stand by you. Don't think you should have to put yourself in jeopardy for helping the governor. It's just not fair," he finished by extendin' his hand.
"Thanks," I mumbled. "Don't want you to do anything illegal."
I could feel Ken using his marshal stare on me, so I stood up straighter and put my shoulders back. Ken took it as bein' defiant; that's not what I meant.
"No need to get defiant; I'm on your side. I think you're a fine man and an honest boss."
Again, I knew that I had acted wrong. I want to be accepted as a neighbor, not a scorned outlaw. But as soon as someone tries to help me or compliment me, I feel like an outsider who doesn't belong. Maybe we should have settled in an isolated place. But for now, I tried to smile at Ken and said, "Appreciate you sayin' that. Don't always think of myself like that."
Ken was goin' say somethin' else, but Colin approached us quickly, interruptin' any further conversation. I was thankful for the break.
"Heyes and you are right. We didn't think this through. Is there someone who can drive me to Bridgeford to catch the train to Cheyenne? I need to sit down with the governor and work this out."
"No, need. There's the twice a month stage in Three Birds. One of them is tomorrow mornin'–the third Wednesday of the month." I tried to sound pleasant and helpful to this man who had placed me and Heyes' amnesties in danger because of his request. "I'm sure Mrs. Clark can fix one of the guest rooms for you." I turned on my heels and headed for the barn, but Mrs. Clark called me into the kitchen. "Jedidiah, the doctor wants to see you."
Mixed emotions hit me. I wanted to hear what Aiden said about Michael but at the same time I dreaded to hear something bad. All the thoughts that kept me awake in the dark of night came back to me. Would Michael's arm be useless? Did the head injury cause brain injury? The bandage covered so much of his body, would he even be able to walk again?
Heyes followed me into the house, but Chrissy was waitin' for him and pushed Martha toward him. "Heyes, take Martha for walk," she ordered. He hesitated but reached down for Martha's outstretched hand.
ASJ*****ASJ
I walked into the livin' room slowly. Aiden was sittin' in a chair next to Michael's makeshift bed on the couch. Gone were the bandages and leather straps Dr. Sexton had wrapped him in.
"What is that?" I asked, lookin' at a white bulky lookin' thing on Michael's arm and shoulder. "Cement?"
"It's a cast and no it's not cement." Aiden seemed amused but I needed to hear about my son.
He sensed that and indicated us to speak quietly. Michael looked to be sleepin'.
"I'm glad we got Michael here where I can treat him. I don't know where that quack got his degree. First, the horse did kick Michael in his shoulder and upper arm but more on the arm than the shoulder. One thing that Sexton got right is that the clavicle is uninjured. I examined it carefully and the part of the wound on his back is a bruise that will be painful but should heal up just fine. It wasn't cleaned out very well before he wrapped it up in all those bandages. I cleaned it out and applied arnica. There's a liniment of it on the table there. That should ease some of the bruising and start to heal the broken skin."
"No big bandage with leather?" Chrissy asked as she moved her chair close to Michael's feet.
"No need for that. All that would have done is make his muscles atrophy if he was kept in it for two months. Don't know what Sexton was thinking. Michael's arm is broken, and I need him to lie quiet for a about a day until that cast fully hardens. After that he still needs to rest but he can sit up and use the chamber pot rather than a bedpan."
"How bad is the arm, Doctor?" I asked. Aiden looked surprised I hadn't used his name. Doctor was about as close to sir as I could get after my anger with Colin.
"Broken but the bones are aligned. Don't know if they were like that or Sexton aligned them. Doesn't matter. They should heal strong. When he gets that cast off, it's important he uses that arm and shoulder. It'll be stiff at first."
"Good," said Chrissy. "Head?"
"Not bad, don't even think he hit it that hard. Just enough to knock himself out. Again, Sexton did not clean it out, there was still straw in there. I thought when that quack missed the wood splinters in your head and shoulder, Jed, that it was some sloppy doctoring. But he did the same for Michael…and they were not that deep although the tight bandage forced them a little deeper. Michael was awake for spells yesterday and talking. The only reason he's sleeping now is the pain medicine."
"Thank you," Chrissy said through tears as she pushed Aiden out of the way and pulled a quilt up under Michael's chin.
Aiden smoothly gave up his chair at the head of the couch and Chrissy sat down. "He should wake up in about half an hour. He was asking for Martha and Uncle Heyes."
I held out my hand. "Thank you for comin' so quickly, Aiden."
He shook it. "Of course, I'd come immediately. You've become my family."
Chrissy was cryin', again, and a whirlwind ran by me as Martha raced to her brother's side. She stopped short of touchin' him. "Mama, Michael sleep now?" I realized Heyes was standin' back watchin'.
"Yes."
Now Martha tried but failed to hold back tears as she patted his hand. "Sleep like Aunt Lily?" she asked ever so quietly, her eyes never leavin' her brother's face. I felt everyone in the room take a breath.
I swept her up in my arms. Still, she looked at Michael. "Oh no, little darlin'. No, no, no. Michael's sleepin' from the medicine. He'll wake up soon."
"Promise, Papa?"
"I promise. He needs to rest a lot, but he'll be fine." I nodded at Heyes with a smile to let him know all was well.
Leavin' Chrissy to sit with Michael for the moment, Aiden strode to the kitchen. "Mrs. Clark, I believe you promised me a good cup of tea and a piece of lemon pie when I was finished!" He sat down at the kitchen table.
A small voice from the couch echoed, "Pie?"
Mrs. Clark smiled. "All the pie you want, Michael, all you can eat."
But he'd closed his eyes again.
While waitin' for his pie, Aiden turned and faced the livin' room again. "Miss Chrissy, as soon as I finish my pie, it is your turn for an examination."
Chrissy blushed and answered, "Good."
ASJ*****ASJ
Colin had stayed outside and that was fine with me. He was leanin' on the corral fence watchin' the horses. Mrs. Clark insisted on going upstairs with Chrissy and Dr. Arden. Ken had gone around to the front door and came into the house. "How's Michael?" he asked.
"Gonna be fine. Sit down. You too, Heyes," I said. Martha was sitting quietly, holdin' Michael's good hand as she had seen her mother do.
"Heyes got a glass of water and sat down at the table and watched me as I joined him. Ken kept lookin' at the babies but sat down when he realized I was waitin' for him.
I kept my voice low so Martha won't hear. "Heyes, Colin is goin' to Cheyenne and talk to the governor. Leavin' on the stage tomorrow."
He was worried and couldn't hide it. "Trap?"
Ken spoke up. "Don't think it was meant to be. If Colin doesn't get an answer that makes you both feel comfortable, I'll go meet with the governor. He owes me and my brother a few favors."
Heyes studied Ken. I know he's scared of him at times. Now he managed a," T-thanks."
"Got somethin' else I need to tell you two, but I want it to stay on this ranch. Frank and Beverly know but they won't tell no one."
Heyes looked at me questionin'. He knows most of what goes on here, maybe even more than I do because he has time to pay more attention. But I think this will surprise him.
"Well, me and Chrissy is goin' have another baby."
Ken smiled broadly. Heyes eyes looked upstairs where he knew Aiden was examinin' Chrissy. "She okay?" was his first concern.
"Says she's fine, just tired from sittin' up with Michael at the doctor's office last night. We'll see what Aiden says."
He brushed his hair out of his eyes and let a dimpled grin work its way across his face to his eyes. Then he stood up and pulled me to my feet and wrapped me in a hug. His words came back talkin' to me. "Congratulations, cousin! Adding to our family tree. As Chrissy would say, 'Good!'"
Ken slapped me on the back twice before he realized I flinched at each one. But I was watchin' Heyes happiness turn to sadness. "You want me move out after parole? I will leave if you want. Make room for baby?"
This time I grabbed him in a hug and lifted him off of his feet. He was so light. I need to make sure he's eatin' enough. "Heyes, you're stayin' right here and help us raise these kids. Couldn't do it without you. Haven't I always told you this is your home. Ain't nothin' goin' to change that." When I put him down, the grin was back.
"Uncle Heyes," he said.
HEYES
Dinner was strained last night. I couldn't talk around Colin anymore. I had looked at him as a friendly acquaintance but now I am leery of his motives. And I find it hard to get words out when he's around. No one really had anything to say to him. I feel like Dr. Arden is watching me closely with a doctor's eyes, but he hasn't said anything. He can tell I've lost most of my words but doesn't know what upset us. Even Martha felt something was wrong. She wiggled her way onto the Kid's lap at dinner and insisted on eating off of his plate. The old Kid wouldn't ever share his food with anyone, but Papa Kid doesn't mind.
Halfway through dinner, Michael woke up. Chrissy hustled over to his couch with a bowl of soup. He took a few mouthfuls, then said, "Want apple pie."
I'm confused. This morning we were allowed to have pie with breakfast. I don't like it when things change. It was good pie, but not for breakfast. Now Mrs. Clark is cutting a piece of pie for the boy to eat as dinner.
"Thank goodness he's hungry!" Mrs. Clark exclaimed.
The Kid carried it over and handed it to Chrissy.
The Kid and Chrissy are his ma and pa, and they're letting him have pie for dinner. They're real good parents. But I like order. This is not the right order.
Ken just watches them and smiles. Colin hasn't looked up from his plate all meal. Michael only ate a few bites of the pie and Chrissy put the plate in front of the Kid. But the Kid kept eating his meat, peas and potatoes and didn't touch the pie until he was finished. That's the right order. Martha climbed back on his lap and started eating his food again.
We had been eating in silence until the Kid surprised me and seemed to apologize. "Colin, I know you didn't mean to try and get us in trouble," he started.
"Thanks, Jed. That means a lot. I just didn't think about any possible ramifications for you and Heyes. Should have, but I didn't. Been beating myself up about it all day. I'm sorry."
I couldn't forgive him. What if my parole is revoked? What if I lose my chance at amnesty? What if the Kid is arrested for aiding and abetting? He don't realize how many people are depending on him, leaning on him, needing him. But sounds to me like he is giving Colin an out on this. I wouldn't have.
"Just try and convince the governor that me and Heyes are the good guys now."
JED 'KID' CURRY
Don't know what's wrong, but there is somethin' Aiden and Chrissy need to tell me. Ken went out to his room over the barn and Mrs. Clark is fussin' around the kitchen with all the extra food. She hasn't cooked since I brought it home, but it seems there's just as much as before. Chrissy encouraged Heyes to read to Martha and Michael.
That left me with Aiden and Chrissy motionin' me up to the bedroom. I didn't want to think of the things that could be wrong. Maybe Chrissy is not healthy enough to have a baby. I can't even bear the thought of losin' her. Or maybe something's wrong with the baby…or Michael.
Chrissy was sittin' on the side of the bed. Aiden had both lamps lit and up high. I thought he'd be the one to talk, but it was Chrissy.
"Jed have to promise no mad," she started.
Worry flooded my heart and my mind. I sat down next to her on the bed and took her hand. "I promised you, I'd never get mad at you."
Aiden gave me a quizzical look, but Chrissy had my attention. "And no seek…seek revenge," she added lookin' at the doctor, not me. She pulled her hand from mine.
I don't understand but I want to. What was she askin'? "I would never think of revenge against you. Chrissy darlin', I don't understand."
She looked at Aiden. Whatever she was about to tell me he knew.
"Not revenge against Chrissy darlin;" she said, now looking at the blank wall in front of her, almost staring.
Then I thought I knew. Someone had hurt Chrissy in prison. I still have never seen her back except for a quick glance when we planted carrots. She must have the scars of a whipping and be ashamed to show me.
"Darlin', you've seen my back. You've seen Heyes' back. We'll always have the scars from whippings in prison. You have them, too. I've felt them. I don't care. You're beautiful."
I saw her take a deep breath and look at the doctor again. I could tell she was fightin' against herself not to withdraw and hide within her mind. She did that in prison to escape.
Her voice became quiet, low. "Chrissy darlin' have more than scars from whippings. Dr. Arden says I tell you. Let you put salve on them." She was focused on the wall and looked like she was retreating inside her mind.
"Offered to do that a few times," I said, confused.
She won her battle to stay in the present and brought her eyes to meet mine. Standin', she slowly started to lift the back of her dress with it facin' away from me. Then she dropped it. "Promise Chrissy darlin' no revenge, no matter about" she pleaded through tears.
I can't deny her anything. "I promise."
She lifted her dress and turned around. "Chrissy bad woman. Chrissy have initials," she lamented openly weepin'.
And I knew what they were. Men in prison who had laid with her had carved their initials into her back. Not deep enough to injure her, but deep enough that the cuts had scarred over and the initials remained. I saw the IP for Irving Price and bile rose in my throat. There were four others, all small, all permanent reminders to her of what her life had been like in prison.
Dropping her dress, she tried to run from the room, but Aiden caught her with a stern look at me over her shoulder. I took her from him and held her in my arms and let her cry. And I understood what I had promised her. That I wouldn't take revenge against the men that had done this demeanin' thing to my wife.
"Darlin', darlin…" I tried to get her attention and Aiden slipped out of our bedroom and closed the door behind him. "I love you. It doesn't matter. And I'll keep my promise."
Those green eyes looked into mine deeply before nodding, "Good."
But I had seen the initials and I remembered each one. I hoped I was never in a position that my promise was tested.
A small knock came on the door. "Mama, Papa, can I come in?" Martha sounded timid.
Chrissy pulled the door open. "Michael?"
"He's asleep. Uncle Heyes read him a story. Can me and Joe sleep with you again, Papa?"
The twinkle in Chrissy's eyes returned. "Joe, in our bed?"
"Papa said it was good because I don't want to sleep in that room all alone."
Chrissy put her hands on her hips, stared at me, laughter now in those mountain green eyes and repeated, "Joe, in MY bed?"
I felt like a schoolboy when I got caught pullin' Diane Smith's pigtails to see if they came off. I shuffled my feet and Martha laughed. She came and held my hand.
"Mama, Papa let Joe sleep with us because I asked him to. Don't be mad at him."
"Go have Mrs. Clark help you get ready for bed. Wash your face and hands. Say your prayers. Then you…and Joe…come back."
"Can I say my prayers with you?" Martha surprised me by askin'. I haven't gotten down on my knees and prayed in a good long time.
I could tell Chrissy was goin' to tell her to say them with Mrs. Clark, so I spoke first. "Yes, we can all say our prayers that we are thankful Michael is gonna recover."