The Sapphire Brooch by Katherine Logan (reading eggs books .TXT) 📗

Richmond to meet with a group of Northern sympathizers. I was followed when I left the meeting, and had almost reached my rendezvous point when I was attacked by five Rebel soldiers. I gave as good as I got, but in the end, I was gut shot.

“They carried me up the hill to Chimborazo Hospital. I lay there for two days, in agony and dying. Yer sister said she was sent to rescue me.”

Jack scrubbed his face with his hands. “How long have you been a major?”

“Six months.”

“How long have you worked for the president?”

“Since Gettysburg.”

“Why are you lying?”

“I’m not.”

“You and Charlotte didn’t have time to concoct a similar story. You weren’t talking when you got here. I don’t know how it’s possible, but I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt for now. After all, I write fiction, and this sounds like the beginning of an intriguing mystery novel. I’ll play along and see where it goes.”

“I hope ye get good reviews.” Braham said, smirking.

“I usually do,” Jack said. “Now, crank the bed down. I can see you’re hurting, so I’ll let the nurse know. She’ll give you something to reduce the pain and help you sleep. We’ll talk more when you wake up.”

Within minutes a nurse was at Braham’s bedside injecting medicine into the tube connected to his arm. Sleep came quickly, and with it dreams of a lass with golden hair and eyes bluer than the waters of Loch Lomond.

11

Winchester Medical Center, Winchester, Virginia, Present Day

Raised voices woke Braham from a restful sleep, but he remained still, eyes closed. He listened to the discussion taking place in his hospital room.

“I told her I didn’t like the idea at all.”

From the tone of Doctor Thomas’s voice, he’s not happy.

“She’s being overly protective. You know how she can be.”

Jack defending his sister.

“I’d have released him to go home in two days. I don’t see the point in transferring him to another hospital.”

“You’ll have to have that argument with Charlotte,” Jack said.

“I will, but it won’t do any good.” Doctor Thomas huffed. “I’ll sign the release order.”

“You two are made for each other. I don’t know why you never hooked up.”

Doctor Thomas gave a derisive laugh. “Because I’m not a suitable mate. I don’t meet all ten requirements on her must-have list.”

“I’d say you meet the most important one. You’re as committed to the practice of medicine as she is.”

“Are you kidding? It isn’t even on the list.”

Jack laughed. “I don’t know what else to tell you, Doc.”

“Take her patient to Richmond, and tell her to forget the rib eye and wine. All bets are off.”

Leather shoes squeaked across the floor and the door closed.

“You can open your eyes now,” Jack said. “I know you’re awake.”

Braham pushed the button on the little white box and raised the head of his bed, grinning. “Ye fight yer sister’s battles well.”

“I’ve been doing it since she could walk. I’m not likely to quit.”

“Ye’re moving me to Richmond? Are ye sure it’s safe?”

Jack chuckled almost soundlessly, shaking his head. “You’d be safer with the hangman. You don’t know my sister.”

Braham put his hand to his throat and swallowed hard. He didn’t find Jack’s comment the least bit humorous.

Jack pulled the thin black device from his pocket again, and Braham pointed his finger at it. “I assume the thing in yer hand is a communication device. What’s it called?”

“Smartphone,” Jack said as he punched at it and raised it to his ear. “Ken’s going to sign the release order, but he’s not happy.” Jack also poked at the device he called an iPad with his finger while he talked to his sister about logistics. “Sure, I’ll put him on.” He handed the phone to Braham. “She wants to talk to you.”

“Hello,” Braham said, mimicking Jack’s tone. Braham didn’t understand how Charlotte could hear his voice through the device, especially speaking normally. He intuitively wanted to raise his voice, but Jack didn’t. So, Braham didn’t.

“I’ve arranged for an ambulance to pick you up and bring you here. You’ll stay in my hospital for a couple of days. Do you have any questions?”

“Only one. When can I go home?”

“Soon. I’ll see you tonight.”

There was no softness in her voice. Only a rush to finish the conversation. He handed the phone back to Jack. “She must be busy.” Braham shifted his weight in the bed, pretending her hurried tone didn’t matter, but it did. He wanted the intimacy they had shared when she ran her fingers through his hair.

“She’s always busy, but sometimes I think she’s busier than she needs to be.”

Braham scratched his whiskers. If he continued to look the part of a rogue, he’d never get any of her time and attention. Jack hadn’t shaved, though. Maybe men in the twenty-first century didn’t scrape their faces every day.

“I need a shave. Do I have time before we leave? I also need pants and boots.”

“Your face is too cut up to shave, and you’ll go in an ambulance in what you’re wearing now. Tomorrow or the next day I’ll have my barber come in and give you a shave and trim.”

An hour later, rattling wheels approached their door.

“Looks like your ride’s here.”

Two men rolled a gurney into the room. “Mr. McCabe, we have an order to transport you to Richmond.”

Braham didn’t look forward to the future’s mode of travel. He’d seen a picture of Kit with a conveyance she’d called a car. He didn’t understand how it moved without horses, but he’d soon find out.

The men rolled the gurney next to the bed and lowered the rails. “We don’t want you to do anything. We’re going to lift and move you.” They rolled him and slid something beneath him. “On the count of three. One. Two. Three.” As his body jerked sideways, Braham groaned. “Sorry, sir.” They settled him onto the gurney, tucked in the sheet, and strapped him in.

Jack picked up his leather satchel, slung the strap over his shoulder, and walked