Page 22 of Healing Hazel

She didn’t glance back before plunging through the narrow gap in the wall.

Jim cursed as an angry wave of heat flushed through him. What was the woman thinking? Her expression—that defiance, the complete confidence in an irrational decision—was exactly how his brother had looked before he bolted off to join Pickett’s charge at Gettysburg. The memory made his stomach sick. Teddy hadn’t listened either, and an hour later he’d paid for his stubbornness with his life.

Jim clenched his jaw and balled his fists, moving closer to peer through the gap. It was hardly more than a foot wide, and he couldn’t get through it even if he’d wished to.

If the building hadn’t been in danger of collapse, he would have driven a fist into the wall. How could she be so reckless? Rules and procedures were in place for a reason. To prevent impulsive actions and further loss of life. And watching someone in his charge disregard his orders and rush headlong into danger left him feeling powerless—a state Jim avoided above all others. He was furious.

Camila came back into the alleyway. Her eyes went wide when she realized where Miss Thornton had gone. She remained quiet, standing near the alley’s entrance, but her expression was worried as she watched.

Jim wished for a match or a lamp or something to help him see what was happening on the other side of the wall. Through the crack he could see only shadows. It appeared the few windows had been blocked, perhaps by shifting furniture, or maybe there were curtains. He didn’t dare lean against the weakened house to get a better look.

The baby’s crying had stopped, but the house wasn’t silent. As Jim strained his ears, he heard the creaking of floorboards and a sweeping sound that he hoped were Miss Thornton’s steps returning to the opening.

Something shifted, and what sounded to be a shower of pebbles fell within the house. The building was not strong, and Jim feared a bump against the wrong doorframe could be all it took for the upper story to collapse.

Jim looked up to discern the strength of the beams overhead, but of course he couldn’t see them. His pulse felt hard, blood moving through his veins at a quick rate. He clenched and unclenched his jaw, willing her to hurry.

Something creaked and rattled. He peered into the darkness, still seeing nothing but shadows.

“Dr. Jackson?” Miss Thornton’s voice came from within. The sound was high-pitched and shaking. “Where... ? I can’t find the opening, and the door is jammed.”

“This way. Miss Thornton, can you hear me?” Jim called.

“Yes, but it’s dark.”

“Just follow my voice,” Jim said.

“Estamos aqui, Hazel,” Camila called into the opening.

At last Jim saw movement among the shadows, and eventually he could make her out. “Yes. This way.”

Miss Thornton moved slowly, one hand feeling along the wall and her feet sliding carefully over the floor to keep from tripping. Jim could hear her breathing heavily. When she reached the gap, she handed the baby through, maneuvering the infant carefully to avoid the rough bricks.

Jim gave the baby to Camila and reached into the opening, grabbing hold of Miss Thornton’s arm and pulling her through. In his anger and his haste to get her safely away, he was not gentle. He kept hold of her arm, and only once they’d stepped from the shadows of the alleyway did he release her. He turned to face the young woman, ready to unleash his fury, but his torrent of outrage stopped when he saw her face.

Miss Thornton was white as a sheet. Her breathing was still labored, and she was shaking. Tears were on her cheeks. She didn’t look at him. She didn’t look at anyone. She crumpled to sit on the dirt road, resting her elbows on her knees and holding her head.

“Hazel!” Camila gave the baby to Lucía and rushed back to kneel next to Miss Thornton on the ground.

“I’m all right,” Miss Thornton said. She sounded as if pushing out the words was difficult. “I’m not hurt. I just... need a moment.”

Camila looked at Jim.

He translated for her, then gave a shrug, telling her he wasn’t certain what the problem was either. He studied Miss Thornton, looking her over to make certain she’d truly not been hurt. He didn’t see any sign of injury. The young lady was obviously frightened, but her reaction seemed much greater than the situation called for. She was safe now. The building still stood, and the baby was free from danger.

He sent the orderlies and Lucía with the mother and baby to the ambulance wagon, then scanned the area. The shadows were growing longer.

People moved among the wreckage, salvaging what they could. Some huddled together in groups. The priest sat in front of what had earlier that day been a house, talking to a small boy. Jim had been impressed with the man and trusted he would continue with the relief effort. Santa Rosa was in good hands.

When he returned his attention to Miss Thornton, Camila was helping her to her feet. She was still pale, and she held herself as if she were cold. Her breathing was uneven. Was she suffering from some sort of fit? She had endured a fright, but her reaction seemed out of proportion to what had actually happened.

“Miss?”

“I’m all right.” Her tone was sharp. She looked up at him, wincing, and softened her voice. “I’m sorry. But really, I... I just need a moment.” Her words came between shaking breaths. She shook her head and started in the direction of the ambulance wagons.

Her dismissal was an insult to his status, and his worry quickly reverted to anger. He reached to stop her but then thought better of it. “We’ll discuss this later, Miss Thornton.”

She glanced back but didn’t fully turn to meet his eye.

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