Indigo Sky (10 page)

“Where is he?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Sissy’s lips lifted in a feral sneer.

“Actually, I wouldn’t.” Leila clenched her hands, struggling to control her temper and to remember she was a lady. Her fingers itched to slap Sissy’s smug face. “I couldn’t care less what he’s up to.” She tilted up her nose. “Or you, for that matter.” Disdain dripped from her words. “I have never encountered such lowbred individuals as you and Hank.”

“I’m warning you, shut the hell up!”

Leila smiled coldly. “Or what?”

“Or I’ll slap you.”

Leila laughed. “Your veneer of gentility is indeed thin.” Her blood boiled, but she kept her poise. “You’re a liar and no better than a common whore. You’ve always been a liar, sleeping with my husband, while pretending to be my friend. I never liked you, Sissy, but I didn’t think even you would stoop that low.”

Sissy snarled, and a slap reverberated in the empty passageway.

Leila’s head snapped to the side. She ground her teeth as lights exploded in her head and her cheek burned. Closing her eyes briefly, she took a deep breath.
Don’t react, keep calm
.

“You’re a damn cold fish. No wonder Hank doesn’t want to screw you.” Sissy shoved past her.

Leila walked back into her suite and splashed cold water on her reddened cheek. Patting her face dry, she smoothed her silk dress festooned with lace.
I don’t care anymore. They deserve each other
. A knock sounded on the door, and she jumped. “W-who is it?”

“The manager, Partridge. Might I have a word, Mrs. Dempsey? It’s about Mr. Millburn.”

Dread crept over Leila. Premonition chilled her heart.

Chapter 14

Composing herself, Leila opened the door and stared at Partridge.

“Mr. Millburn was shot and is apparently being treated at the Hospital for the Ruptured and Crippled.”

She sighed and placed a hand on her chest. “Is he going to be all right?” A tear crept from the corner of her eye, and she quickly wiped it away. It wouldn’t do for anyone to see her distress. He peered past her. “Is your husband here?”

“No.”

“I looked for him in the, ah, saloon, but they haven’t seen him.”

Leila scowled. “I’m sure I can deal with the problem. What is needed?”

“I don’t have any details, but they cannot keep Mr. Millburn at the infirmary. The facilities are inadequate. They asked if someone could fetch him.”

Leila released a long breath. “How bad is he?”

“I couldn’t tell you. I received little information on his condition.”

“I shall go to him at once. Please arrange for a doctor to attend him when we return.” Her heart threatened to explode.

“Certainly, madam.” He bowed and backed away. “A woman of questionable character was here asking for Miss Lanweihr.” He flushed and smoothed his jacket.

“How is that relevant to me?”

He coughed lightly. “I overheard her tell Miss Lanweihr to pack your husband’s clothes and meet him.”

Heat crept into Leila’s cheeks. “What my husband does is his affair.” She avoided the compassion in his eyes.

“Of course, but I’ll be discreet. I shall also arrange for a carriage to meet you at the door.” He bowed again and slipped from the room.

She released a long breath and briefly studied her face in the mirror. The beginnings of a bruise marred her cheek. She opened an armoire and chose a black hat with a veil. Throwing a cape over her shoulders, she donned the hat, drew the veil over her face, and walked out, her heels echoing in the passage. Candle flames wavered in brass wall sconces as she headed for the stairs.

She swept through the crowded lobby and stepped into the carriage waiting in the porte-cochère.
I wish Cornelia were here
. Straightening her shoulders, she took a deep breath and released it slowly. The carriage rumbled over rough cobblestones, jolting Leila against the side.
Please, God, let him live.
She pressed trembling fingers to her temples to stop the buzzing in her head.
This is like a horrible dream
.

The carriage drew to a jarring halt at the infirmary. Leila adjusted the veil, ensuring it covered her face, opened the door, and stepped out. She stared at the imposing four-story building and slowly mounted the stairs to an open door. The odors of ether, blood, and unwashed bodies assailed her senses. She pressed a scented handkerchief to her nose and looked around the emergency room.

Depressing green walls closed in on her. Ragged children sat huddled on benches. A toddler with a bloodied rag tied around her head wept loudly. Temperatures soared outside, but a small boy sat on a bench, his teeth chattering. Gasoliers offered a soft, warm light to an atmosphere that would otherwise be ominous.

Leila’s footsteps echoed on the wooden floor as she approached the nurses’ station. “Excuse me.” A nurse looked up with a glary, cold stare, and Leila tightened the hold on her reticule. “Where will I find Mr. Millburn?”

“I cannot give out that information, madam. May I ask who you are?”

“I’m a close friend.”

She consulted a sheet of paper. “I see a Mr. Dempsey was called.”

“He isn’t available.” Leila lifted her chin.

“We don’t take adults as a rule. We cannot keep Mr. Millburn overnight.”

Leila was reminded of her youth and the teachers at the academy—cold, callous, and uncaring.
My heavens, this nurse was pathetic, and all those things as well
.
I must get Rork out of here as fast as possible.

“I’m aware of that. Is he able to come back to the hotel?”

“Does he not have a relative who could be called?”

Nerves stretched to the limit and quickly losing patience, Leila leaned on the desk. “Obviously not, or I wouldn’t be here. Now may I please see him?”

The woman’s mouth tightened. “Please take a seat. We’ll let you know when he can be moved.”

“I assumed he
was
well enough to move.”

“He is being tended by the doctor.”

Leila’s mind raced.
What in the world happened to him? A street fight? Robbery? Is Hank responsible
?

The nurse glared at Leila. “Like I said, wait over there.” She waved at the crammed benches.

I’ll get nowhere being high-handed.
Leila smiled sweetly. “Why aren’t adults permitted in the infirmary?”

“It’s a children’s hospital. Dr. Knight donated his home for poor children in need of medical care. He’s the chief surgeon.”

“The hours must be taxing. I admire such dedication.”

“Yes, they are.”

“I have a friend who will train as a nurse.”

The woman gave her a skeptical look.

Leila smiled. “We helped Dr. Smith save the children from the burning orphanage. Draft Rioters set it alight.”

“You did?” The woman shook her head. “Nasty business that. Why in the world attack defenseless children?”

“It was terrifying.” She waved a gloved hand in the general direction of the passageway. “My friend, Rork Millburn, rescued me and the children.”

“My, such bravery.” The nurse lumbered to her feet. “Let me see how things are going with him.”

“Thank you.” Leila released a breath. Within minutes, the woman returned.

“Follow me, dear.”

“What’s the prognosis?”

“I’m not sure, but I don’t think the bullet hit any vital organs.” She glanced at Leila. “Is he your beau?”

“Ah, yes.”

“Don’t get a fright when you see him.”

Her heart jolted.
Dear God, how bad is he
?

A matron approached. “Your name please, madam?”

Leila bit her lip and fiddled with the wedding ring under her glove. “Ah, Miss Ashburn.”

The nurse chuckled. “He’s her beau.”

The matron nodded. “Nurse will take you to him.”

Walking along the endless corridor, the pounding in her ears grew louder and louder. A chill invaded her as though she’d walked barefoot in snow. She relived the brief kiss they’d shared. She scrabbled in her reticule for a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes. The nurse ushered her into a room with four beds. The odors of disinfectant, ether, and blood intensified.

“I’ll leave you with him.”

“Thank you.” A single lamp cast a pool of yellow light. Hesitating at the door, Leila stared at an iron bed containing a figure covered in bloodstained sheets.

The nurse touched her arm. “Take courage, dear, at least he’s alive.” She turned and left.

Leila stumbled to the bed, tripping on her skirt, and leaned over Rork. Her heart ached to see his skin so pale and the dark rings under his eyes. His right shoulder was swathed in bandages. With her trembling hands, she touched his rugged cheek.

“Leila?”

“You’re alive.”

“You’re here. Now I’m alive.”

She nodded and shook her head.

He chuckled. “Yes or no? You look exhausted and frightened. Don’t worry, I’m tough. I won’t die.”

“I am here to take you back to the hotel. Apparently, they don’t hospitalize adults here.”

“Suits me.” He tried to sit up.

“Please don’t move. I’ll see if I can find the doctor who treated you.” The door opened, and she turned, relief flooding through her.

A tall, whiskered man in a white coat entered the room. “I see our patient is awake.” He looked at Leila, his brown eyes twinkling. “Your husband had a lucky escape.”

Leila opened her mouth to protest, but Rork chuckled and took her hand.

“I’m Dr. Knight. Luckily the bullet passed through and through. The attacker shot him at close range.”

“W-where is his attacker?”

“A passerby who ran to the hospital for assistance said the swine fled the scene.”

“Did anyone identify him?” Leila asked in a whisper.

“Not really. He was apparently well dressed but seemed intoxicated.”

Rork squeezed her hand. “It doesn’t matter, Leila.”

She glanced at him. “Of course it mat—” A warning look from Rork shut her up. “I suppose not. At least you weren’t killed.”

“The swine should be behind bars,” Knight said, taking Rork’s wrist. “His pulse is strong.” He grinned. “I suspect a certain little lady has something to do with that.”

Heat rose in Leila’s cheeks. “Is it safe to take him to the hotel?”

“I’ll send him in the ambulance. With care, he will recover well.” He winked at her.

“Thank you for treating him, Dr. Knight. Can I offer a donation for your hospital?”

He beamed. “Most kind of you, my dear. Certainly can use the money.” He patted her arm. “Excuse me. Children must be tended to.” He bowed and left.

Rork grinned. “So, wife, do I at least get a kiss?”

She laughed and sagged onto the bed. “You’re incorrigible.” He settled his hand on her hip. She jumped up. “Please Rork, stop that.” Even through the voluminous skirt and petticoats, she felt the heat of his touch, and her belly flipped. “What happened, Rork? Did Hank shoot you?”

“Yes, but he was so intoxicated, I doubt he knew what he was doing.”

“Which is why you didn’t press charges?”

He nodded.

Her admiration for Rork blossomed. “It makes you the better man.”

He laughed. “I only did that because I didn’t want you to live with the shame.”

“Thank you,” she said softly.

Propped up on cushions, Rork looked out the hotel window at dark clouds spoiling for another storm. The door opened, and he feigned sleep, watching Leila through half-closed eyes. She came in with a tray of food. Light caught the metallic bronze highlights in her hair and outlined her exquisite profile. Desire for her consumed him.

She set down the tray. Her eyes skittered from his body outlined under the blanket to his face. A blush crept over her cheeks. “You cad, you aren’t asleep at all, and clearly feeling much better.”

He chortled and grabbed her hand. “I’m in a great deal of pain here and need tender loving care.” He pulled her down onto the bed. “Kiss me, Leila,” he whispered, drawing her close. He opened his mouth and captured hers, teasing her lips apart with his tongue. “I want you. It’s a constant ache.” She clasped her cool hands around his neck. Heat coursed through his veins. “I need you.” Ignoring the pain in his shoulder, he flipped the loops off the buttons running down the front of her dress.

Her breath caught, but she didn’t pull away.

“God, you are beautiful.” His mouth moved to her ears. He nibbled her lobe until she trembled. “Let me make love to you.”

With a tortured cry, she pushed against his chest. “I can’t, Rork. I want to, but I can’t.”

He lifted one eyebrow. “Why not? Hank has disappeared with Sissy, and you’re filing for divorce.”

She sat with her hip against his and fumbled with a button, doing it up. “I-I haven’t told you everything.”

His heart seized. “What haven’t you told me?”

She lurched to her feet and paced, wringing her hands. “My marriage was never consummated,” she blurted.

He blinked. That’s last thing he had expected. “How is that possible?” A primal thrill ran through him. She was his and his alone.

She shrugged. “I suppose he was always too inebriated and hallucinating—or so I thought.” She turned and stared through the window. “It was a shock to find him entwined with Sissy.”

“Come here, Leila. Let’s entwine,” he said gently, holding out his good arm.

She laughed and turned to face him. “There is another thing. A week ago I sent a message to my father. Despite his initial opposition to our marriage, he’s insisting that I make an effort to mend the rift. He said it isn’t uncommon for husbands to take a mistress.”

“I would never do that to you. When you’re divorced, marry me.”

“You don’t need the stigma of marrying a divorced woman. It would ruin your career, your standing in society.”

He laughed. “Do you really think I care about that?” He canted his head. “So will you do as your father commands?”

“No, but th-this thing between us won’t work. Not while I’m married.”

“It can, and it will.” He reached out and grasped her hand.

She shook her head and ran from the room. “I have to get away from New York.”

“Leila, wait!” The door closed with a click of finality, and his head sagged. “I’ll follow you wherever you go,” he whispered.