Blowing on Dandelions (8 page)

Chapter Ten

Micah groaned and tried to get up, but his right shoulder wouldn’t move. His thigh was bleeding, and something pinned his ankle. The end of the large rafter. It had fallen before he’d been able to leave and was resting across the lower part of his leg. His skin was on fire. He tried to push the rafter off his foot, but heat rose from the middle of the smoldering timber, which lay across his heavy leather work boots.

From the amount of pain, he guessed his leg could be broken and his shoulder badly bruised. And it looked like something sharp had raked his thigh. He placed his good arm across his mouth and attempted to breathe. At least the smoke wasn’t as dense so close to the ground.

“Jacobs. Micah Jacobs! Can you hear me?” Pastor Seth’s voice penetrated the smoke. “Are you all right?”

“Yes. But my shoulder hurts, and my leg is under a timber. It’s too hot to touch, and I can’t lift it. The rest of the ceiling doesn’t look good.”

“I’m coming in and bringing help.” The pastor and Jeffery Tucker, the boarder who lived at the Galloway house, emerged through the gloom, each carrying a bucket of water. They dumped it on the burning wood that pinned Micah’s ankle, sending trails of steam into the smoke-saturated air. Jeffery placed a shovel under the beam and hoisted it off to the side.

Seth leaned over, a damp cloth pressed against his mouth. “Let’s get you out of here before this ceiling comes down around our heads.” He beckoned to the man at his side. “Tucker, grab his other arm and help me hoist him up.”

Micah grunted his thanks and winced as the pastor drew him to his feet. “Tucker.” He emitted a long, wracking cough, his eyes streaming with tears. “Grab that box of tools?” He gestured at the box that had caused him to return. Even after hurting his leg, he had no intention of leaving it behind.

Tucker didn’t question but scooped up the wood container. “Pastor, need any help?”

“We’re good. Go.” Pastor Seth kept his arm across Micah’s back. “I hope that whatever is in there was worth risking your life for, man. Put this over your mouth.” He pushed the wet cloth into Micah’s hand. “Thank the good Lord you’re alive and not more seriously hurt.”

Micah stifled a harsh reply and did as he was told. If the Lord were truly good, He’d not have allowed his barn and home to burn. Now he had nothing. No wife, no job, and no home.

Katherine moved forward, still holding Lucy’s hand. “There. I see Leah. Let’s ask if she knows anything.” They moved away from the line of men that raced from the nearest watering trough to the livery with buckets. One man frantically pumped the water while others dipped their pails and dashed back to the burning building. It appeared to Katherine to be a lost cause. The roof was engulfed and starting to cave.

Leah turned as Katherine and Lucy paused beside her. She drew them both close. “It’s awful. Someone is still inside. I saw two men go back in.”

Katherine wrapped her arms around herself. Visions of Daniel’s body being carried from the mine overwhelmed her. Had Micah and Zachary perished in the living quarters upstairs, or had the townspeople spotted the fire in time for them to be saved? The memory returned of Micah smiling at her the day he’d driven his wagon past the boardinghouse. Sorrow tore at her heart. She’d entertained them in her home only three days ago, and now they might both be gone.

She brushed a tear from her cheek. “Do you know what happened?”

Leah shook her head. “Nobody does. Someone rang the bell, and everyone came running. When I got here, the fire had climbed the walls, and the men were dousing the closest buildings to keep it from spreading. There wasn’t much they could do to save the livery.”

“You live a half mile from town. How did you get here so quickly?”

Leah rolled her eyes in disgust. “Hunting for Pa again.”

A shout went up along the line, and three men rushed toward the gaping doors. A man ran out the door lugging a large wood box. Close behind, a smoke-blackened figure leaned heavily on another man as they emerged from the barn. Eager hands whisked them from danger, but not before Katherine caught a glimpse of Micah Jacobs. Where was his son?

Jeffery peered back at the crowd as he deposited the box of tools on the ground a dozen strides from the barn. Looked like the pastor could use a hand with Jacobs. He hustled to the injured man’s side and helped him hobble to a stump a good distance from the blaze.

Micah lowered himself with a grunt. “You got my tools?”

Jeffery nodded, irritated that the man cared so much for his tools and so little for his near brush with death. “Yes. The box is beside the water trough. I’ll fetch it before I go.” He was more than ready to get back to his bed since the townspeople seemed to have things under control. When the bell had rung its warning toll, he’d raced from the boardinghouse where he’d been trying to work. Sleep had been elusive earlier in the evening, but now he was drained and ready to drop.

“Tucker?” A hand touched his sleeve.

“Yes?” Jeffery met Jacobs’s gaze. “You need something else?”

“No. But I didn’t have a chance to thank you properly for helping rescue me.” The man wiped a smoke-blackened hand across his face, leaving a dark streak on his cheek. “I’ve been so worried about my boy and my home that I forgot my manners. Forgive me.”

Shame over his earlier thoughts knifed across Jeffery’s conscience. “No need to thank me. You would have done the same.”

Micah gave a curt nod. “Doesn’t change the fact that you’re the one who went into that fire. Thank you. Let me know if I can help you in any way.”

“Think nothing of it. I’ll go see if I can find your boy.” Jeffery stepped away and scanned the crowd. No sign of the young man who’d come to supper with Micah the other night. Hopefully, the boy escaped the building in time. Zachary’s death wasn’t something Jeffery would want to use in his work, even if the rest of this night might be good fodder. All tiredness dissipated as blood rushed through his body in eager anticipation. He hadn’t brought a tablet and pencil, but he’d not forget, even if he had to stay up half the night to write it all down. He mustered a smile. Nobody had been seriously hurt, and he was thankful for that, but there was nothing like a tragedy to get people talking.

Chapter Eleven

Pastor Seth shouted above the din. “Somebody bring water over here for Jacobs and rouse the doc if he’s not here already.”

Embarrassed, Micah held up his hand. “I’ll be all right. They’ve got enough on their hands fighting my fire.”

The pastor peered into his face. “It’s your livery, but it’s not
your
fire. We’re a community, and we stick together.” Seth dropped onto one knee when the silence lingered. “You seem like you’re carrying a mighty big load beyond your loss here.” He waved toward the smoldering building where flames still licked the wood and thick smoke boiled into the night sky.

Micah stiffened, trying to remember that this man had saved his life. He’d lost his livelihood and his home, and very possibly his son’s carelessness had caused this fire. Another month or so into the summer with drier conditions and the entire town could’ve gone up in smoke. What
wasn’t
bothering him might be a better question to ask.

He lifted his head and met the pastor’s eyes square on. “Nothing I care to talk about.” He bowed his head again and stifled a cough with his sleeve. “Have you seen my boy? Zachary went to get help and ring the bell, but I haven’t seen him since I came out. Can you find him for me?”

The pastor nodded, then rose to his feet. “Of course. But remember, Micah, even when things look bleak, God’s light can illumine the darkest corner.” He pivoted and began to head across the street.

“Maybe,” Micah muttered. “But right now I need to know my son is safe.”

“Mr. Jacobs!” A girl’s shrill voice penetrated the hum of voices on the street and Lucy Galloway skidded to a stop beside him, wringing her hands. Katherine Galloway followed a step behind her daughter, and another redheaded woman he didn’t recognize stopped beside her. “Are you all right? Where’s Zachary?”

“You haven’t seen him either?” He tucked his injured arm against his side, grabbed hold of the hitching post rail with his good hand, and dragged himself to his feet, stopping to lean against the post to steady himself.

Katherine touched his arm. “You’re hurt. Has the doctor seen you?”

He pulled away, frowning.

Her hand dropped to her side and she stepped back, a wave of red suffusing her cheeks.

A sense of desolation swamped Micah. So many people, all eager to help, but none of them able to understand the depth of his anxiety and inner turmoil. “It doesn’t matter. I’ve got to find Zachary.” He set his teeth and planted his foot on the ground, determined to search this entire town if he had to. Searing hot agony tore through his body. Biting hard on his lip to keep from crying out, Micah fought to relax his jaw before he drew blood.

His good foot swung out quickly, taking his weight, and he tried again. One more step. He could do this. One at a time. Pain lanced up his leg and he swayed, then started to pitch forward.

Katherine clutched his shoulders, and he caught a whiff of rosewater as his nose buried itself in her soft blond curls. She held on, allowing him to catch his balance.

The redheaded woman hurried to his other side and grasped his good arm. “Maybe you’d best sit down, Mr. Jacobs.” Her firm voice brooked no nonsense, and with Katherine’s help, they settled him on the edge of the boardwalk.

Katherine slowly released her hold, leaving him alone again in a sea of people. Those scant moments she’d held him the anxiety had lessened and he’d felt comforted and … what?

Connected.

For the first time since Emma’s death, he’d once again experienced a true connection with another human being.

He ran his hand over his face. Foolishness. His emotions were getting the best of him. “Please.” He met Katherine’s compassionate gaze. As a mother, surely she’d understand. “Can someone try to find Zachary?”

A shock went through Katherine at the raw pain swimming in Micah’s eyes. She wanted to hug him again and reassure him all would be well, but that wouldn’t be seemly. Besides, who was she to promise his son would return safely when her own husband had died in a tragic accident? All she could do was pray and try to offer comfort if this didn’t end well, but her heart longed to do more.

The ring of people jostling behind her quieted and someone bumped her arm. Lucy squealed and jumped forward. “Zachary! You’re all right.”

The boy smiled at Lucy, then knelt beside his father. “You’re hurt.” The words were strained and laced with alarm.

The anxiety eased from Micah’s face, leaving it relaxed and almost at peace. He held out his uninjured arm and drew his son into a fierce embrace. “When you didn’t come, I feared you’d gone back into the house.” A shudder shook his frame. “Where have you been all this time?”

Warmth flooded Katherine’s soul as the blacksmith held his boy. How many men would publicly show this kind of affection to a nearly grown son? In her humble estimation it took a strong man who knew his own worth to do so.

Zachary eased away from his father and rocked back on his heels. “After I rang the bell, I tried to find the doctor, but he wasn’t home. By the time I got back, the livery had caved in, and flames were shooting everywhere. When I didn’t see you, I feared the worst.”

He shot a look at Lucy, then hung his head. “I kind of got sick for a couple minutes and didn’t move.” The boy turned back to his father. “Then Pastor Seth found me leaning against a tree and told me you were safe.” His face contorted in a grimace. “How bad are you, Pa?”

Micah grunted. “Twisted my ankle is all, and my arm is throbbing. I think I’ll be fine.”

“But your leg is bleeding too.”

“It’s only a cut. I’m sure it won’t amount to anything.”

Katherine touched Zachary’s shoulder, and the boy swiveled toward her. “We’re thankful you and your father are safe, but I think he’s hurt a little worse than he’s willing to let on.” She hated to challenge Micah in front of his son, but if she remembered anything about men, she knew Micah’s pride might not allow him to admit his level of pain. Sure as anything he’d probably try to hobble his way back home….

Then she realized he didn’t have a home. Neither of them did.

She plunged forward. “The doctor needs to look at you.”

Zachary scowled. “The doc isn’t home. Someone told me he’s tending a man at a mining claim and might not be back before morning.”

Katherine nodded. “That settles it, then. Both of you are coming to the boardinghouse with me.”

Micah’s mouth gaped, and he snapped it shut. Go home with her? Why ever would he want to do that? He shifted his weight and grimaced as his shoulder and ankle gave him sharp reminders. Good thing he’d worn lace-up boots or—if the ache and swelling were any indication—he’d probably have had to cut the boot off later.

Zachary placed his hand on his arm. “Pa?”

“Yes?” He knew what was coming. The boy was smitten with Lucy and would push him to stay there till they could find a new place to live. Well, he wouldn’t think of it. No, sir. It wasn’t fitting … Katherine Galloway being a single, attractive woman and all.

“Why did the barn burn down?” Worry clouded the boy’s face, and his voice trembled.

Micah swallowed the harsh lump in his throat and scrambled to find an answer. He had little doubt his son had left a lantern burning, but this wasn’t the time to speak the words. Not with strangers standing around. “I’m not sure. We may never know.”

Zachary nodded slowly, but the confusion lingered. “Do you think …?”

“Let’s not worry about it now, Son.” He turned to Katherine, anxious to get the boy’s attention off the fire. “You have a room at your boardinghouse available then?” Suddenly he realized the cash money he’d stashed in his room would’ve burned with the rest. If he was lucky, he might find a handful of silver after the charred boards cooled. “I’m sorry. I can’t take charity.”

Her brows rose a fraction. “Yes. I have several rooms available right now. Please don’t worry about payment. That’s what neighbors are for.”

He tried not to scowl. “I won’t come unless I pay my way, and until I start working again, that won’t be possible.”

“I’m sure we can work it out when you’re feeling better.”

“I’ll expect to sign a note and reimburse you. I won’t change my mind.”

“Fine, Mr. Jacobs.” The warmth in her voice faded. “I’d hate to have your pride get in the way when you’re hurt, so I’ll agree to take your money. The doctor can see you there.”

“Like I told you before, I don’t need a doctor. Can’t everyone let me be and quit worrying?”

Katherine gripped Lucy’s arm. “I’ll go on ahead and get your room ready.” She stalked off, her posture stiff.

Micah shook his head. What in tarnation put her in such a huff? A man had to keep a bit of pride intact, didn’t he? From the look of things he’d offended Katherine Galloway yet again.

Hopefully his leg wasn’t broken and he could start rebuilding soon. In fact, living in a tent sounded downright pleasant compared to the alternative.

Lucy tugged against her mother’s grip, anxiety mixing with anger at the distance they were putting between her and Zachary. She hadn’t even gotten a chance to speak to her friend, and now Ma was storming home with a bee in her bonnet. At least she knew Zachary was safe.

“Ma!” Lucy dug in her heels a block away from home, dragging her mother to a halt.

“What?” Ma swung around and glared, yanking her wrist from Lucy’s grip.

“What’s got you so riled? You were rude to Mr. Jacobs, storming off like that. And you didn’t even tell Miss Carlson good-bye.”

Her mother’s breath rushed out in a whoosh. “Leah. Oh, my gracious. I can’t believe I left her standing there with that man.”

“That man? Ma, he was injured and almost died in the fire, and he was worried sick about Zachary.” Lucy didn’t care that her voice raised a notch or two. She’d take the scolding for being disrespectful if it came to that, but Ma needed to hear what she had to say. “You got mad at him for nothing.”

Ma rounded on her. “You don’t know what you’re talking about, young lady. I offered him a place to stay, and I didn’t intend to charge him, not after he’d lost his home
and
his livelihood. But no, his pride won’t let him accept kindness. He’ll pay me or not come. Then when I suggest the doctor stop to see him, he throws that in my face as well.”

Lucy took a step back, a step away from her mother’s anger.

Suddenly, Ma slumped and waved her hand. “I’m sorry. Let’s walk back to the house like two civilized people.”

The silence stretched as they strolled at a more dignified pace through the moon-drenched night, toward the brightly lit boardinghouse.

Lucy peeked at her mother. She no longer strode with her chin up but with lagging steps. Pity surged through Lucy’s heart, and she wanted to hug her. Was Ma thinking about the night Pa died? Was that why she wanted to help Mr. Jacobs and Zachary, because she hadn’t been able to help Pa? But she shouldn’t get mad at him for not accepting charity. Lucy didn’t know many men who would.

“Ma?”

“Hmm?” Ma slipped her hand into Lucy’s.

Peace flowed through Lucy, and she squeezed Ma’s fingers. “Nothing. I love you, Ma.”

“I love you, too, Luce girl.”