Page 57 of Wagon Train Melody
“What did you find, Bo?” she asked.
He bent over to catch his breath then the words burst from him. “Rudy’s been shot.”
“What? How do you know that?”
“They brought him in a short time ago. I tried to find out what happened, but they shooed me away. You better go. I’ll stay with the girls.”
She was already running toward the fort. She rushed through the open gates and headed straight for the infirmary. At least she knew where it was after taking Bo there.
A Mountie stood in front of the door and stopped her. “You can’t go in there, miss.”
She tried to stare him down, but he was impervious to her look. “But I need to know how he is. How seriously is he hurt?”
The sergeant who had welcomed them a few days ago stepped from his office. “Corporal, go ask how he’s doing.” The Mountie stepped inside to do as bidden, and the sergeant crossed to stand beside Alice.
“What happened?” It was all she could do not to wring his hand.
“They were ambushed by the man who had been tracking him.”
“Big Al? But I thought he was dead.”
“That man was identified as someone different. Didn’t Rudy tell you?”
She shook her head. Of course, he wouldn’t. He’d simply ride away so as to not put her and the children in harm’s way. Was it any wonder that she loved him so much?
The corporal stepped outside and closed the door. He looked to his superior for instructions.
“Tell her the news.”
“Very well. The doctor says he’s been shot in the shoulder. Just above his heart. Doc’s taking out the bullet now. He says the next twenty-four hours are crucial.”
“Crucial. You mean he could die?” Her voice trailed off and she swayed.
“You better sit.” The sergeant eased her to the wooden step, rocking back and forth as he watched her.
“But he can’t die,” she whispered. “I haven’t had a chance to tell him I love him.”
The man beside her chuckled. “By all means. We must make sure he knows. I’ll speak to the doctor and let him know you are to be allowed in as soon as possible.”
“Thank you.” She wouldn’t think that she might not get the chance to tell him.God, please keep him safe.
She didn’t know how long she sat there, praying and waiting. She heard footsteps come and go but didn’t lift her head until someone tapped her on the shoulder.
“Miss Easton.”
She jumped up at the doctor’s voice, her hands to her throat. Had he brought bad news?
“You can go sit with him now. But I warn you, he won’t know you’re there.”
“He’s going to survive, isn’t he?”
The doctor lifted a hand toward heaven. “I’ve done all I can. It’s not in my hands now.”
Alice followed him to where Rudy lay on a high bed. She gasped. He was bare from the waist up and his left side was swathed in bandages. He was pale.
She rushed to his side and took his right hand. “Rudy, I’m here. You must get better. We need you.” She swallowed hard.
“Call me if you see any change.” The doctor slipped away.
