Mistletoe Mistake Read online

  Would the people of Mistletoe accept her or was she doomed to fail? Surely there’d be a need for her services soon. She needed patients to prove she was capable of treating them. What would she do if this move was unsuccessful?

  Chapter Two

  Shannon had plenty of time to set up the medical office the way she preferred. Apparently, Dr. Jones had restocked his supplies shortly before he’d passed away. At least she had the equipment needed to meet any emergency.

  Her long trip had been tiring and her cool reception added to her fatigue. For dinner, she opened a can of beans and downed them cold. She followed with a can of peaches. Although only eight o’clock, she climbed the stairs.

  She wasn’t squeamish, or didn’t think she was, but she was grateful the main bedroom had been refreshed before she’d arrived. The thought of clearing out the dead man’s linens before she could turn in would have been creepy. She’d seen plenty of dead people, unfortunately, but she hadn’t slept in their beds.

  Her trunks were in the middle of the floor and she shoved them to one side. Unpacking could wait until tomorrow. She had what she needed in her valise.

  Shannon laid out her nightgown and took the pins from her hair then brushed the required hundred strokes. As she unbuttoned her dress, she heard a rap on the front door. Hurrying down the stairs with the lamp in her hand, she wondered who might need her services at this hour. When she opened the door, the sheriff stood on the porch.

  Her shoulders dropped and she sighed. “I thought you were a patient.” She set the lamp on a nearby table.

  “Told you I’d check on you during my rounds. Everything all right?”

  Clasping her dress closed at her throat, she stepped aside to allow him to enter. “Fine, thank you.”

  Hat in hand, he peered around. “You find enough for supper?”

  She didn’t understand the reason for his questions. “The cupboards are full. The ladies gave me a pounding.” He’d been standing there when they explained to her what that meant.

  He shifted from one foot to the other. “Right, I remember now.” He used his hat to gesture. “When Will… Doctor Jones was here, I always came to the back of the house to check on him. I was afraid a knock there would frighten you.”

  Tossing her hair so it hung down her back, she turned her back and fastened the buttons. When she pivoted to face him, he wore a strange expression. “I don’t frighten easily. You forget I made house calls at all hours in a crowded city.”

  A nod acknowledged her statement. “You have a gun with you?”

  “As a matter of fact, I do. I carry it in my medical bag.”

  He jerked his head toward the treatment area. “But, you left the bag downstairs when you went up to bed?”

  From where she stood, the black valise was visible. “I see what you mean. You think I should have kept it with me?”

  “Couldn’t hurt, that is, if you know how to fire the gun.”

  “I assure you I do. On occasion I’ve had to defend myself against ruffians. However, I believe you said there isn’t much crime here.”

  “Not since I’ve been sheriff,” he spoke decisively. “You’re an attractive woman living here alone, and that’s a temptation to certain types. You have any problems with anyone, let me know.”

  “So far, my problems have been from you and a few others who are angry the new doctor is a woman.”

  He grimaced and gave a shrug. “Little late to do anything about that. For the next six months, we’re stuck with you and you with us.”

  “That pretty well describes the situation, Sheriff. Anything else?”

  “No, I’ll be on my way. Goodnight, Doctor Callahan.”

  “Goodnight, Sheriff McCallister.” She closed the door, still uncertain why he’d bothered to knock or come inside.

  Lying in bed later, she replayed the day. Her less than enthusiastic reception had thrown ice water on her usual optimism. Who knew what tomorrow would bring?

  ***

  Riley clamped his hat on his head, cursing himself six ways to Sunday. What fool notion had him staring at the woman like he had? Seeing her hair down and shining in the lamplight invited his fingers to caress the strands. His brains had taken a vacation south of his belt buckle.

  Thinking of her as a woman—a soft, desirable woman—was something he didn’t need. She was a thorn in his side, nothing more. He’d be polite, but danged if he’d make friends with her.

  From habit, hers was the last place on his rounds. What kind of situations had she met where she had to use her gun? Danged if he could figure out why a woman would want to put herself in that position.

  Riley gave up trying to make sense of the new doctor. He paused at the doors to the Holey Bucket Saloon, but didn’t go inside. In spite of trying, he couldn’t get the pretty doctor and her golden hair out of his mind.

  The town barber walked toward him. “You finished your rounds, Sheriff?” Uriah Cobb’s hair was slicked down and the man reeked of bay rum. “Come on, I’ll buy you a beer.”

  Riley grinned at him. “Can’t turn down your offer. Wouldn’t want to hurt your feelings.”

  The barber’s chortle came in a wheezy rasp. “What do you think of the new doc? Heard not only did we get a female, but she’s a real looker.”

  An understatement but Riley feigned disinterest. “Guess she’s okay. Just checked on her.”

  Uriah signaled for two beers. “She settled in?”

  Riley shrugged a shoulder. “Said she was fine a few minutes ago. Don’t know how I could tell one way or the other.”

  Uriah gave another wheezing laugh. “Guess that’s right. Half the time I can’t tell what Millie’s thinking and we’ve been married thirty-five years.”

  From further along the bar, Jasper Amherst edged near them. “Figured the new doc would be crying about the reception she received and be packing to leave.”

  Riley had never cared for Jasper. The man thought the world should kowtow to him. “She can’t leave. Has a six-month contract.”

  Using his forefinger, Jasper pointed at Riley’s chest. “You get a male doctor here and I’ll buy out her contract and send her packing back to where she came from.” He clunked down his glass and stalked toward the door.

  Jasper’s remarks made Riley want to champion the new doc on principle. Jasper Amherst thought he spoke for the townspeople, but most couldn’t stand the man.

  Uriah frowned at Jasper’s back. “Far as I’m concerned, he’s always been a bit highhanded.”

  “He is that for a fact but I don’t answer to him.”Riley grinned. “Well, not just to him. Still, I have to listen to all the residents.”

  The barber sent him a sly wink. “But you aren’t obligated to do everything we say, are you?”

  This time, Riley laughed. “Guess not, and sometimes that’s a good thing.”

  By the time he left the saloon thirty minutes later, he was a happier man. He trudged to his home behind the jail. Not as fancy as the doctor’s house but it suited him. Better than he’d had for many years before he came here, that was for sure.

  If he’d wanted to settle down before he arrived in Mistletoe, he could have. But, the opportunity hadn’t thrown itself in his lap the way things happened here. Now he was a respected member of the community with a job and a house. Danged if he wasn’t turning into a decent citizen in spite of everything.

  He couldn’t keep from laughing at the situation. Wouldn’t Pa be surprised?

  ***

  Shannon started her second day in Mistletoe by writing a long letter to her parents. She couldn’t admit the townspeople hated that she was a woman, so she wrote about the positive aspects of her relocation.

  Dear Mother and Father,

  I arrived with no trouble and my train was met by about a dozen people. The house which the town furnishes me is a lovely blue home with white trim. The men in town had repainted the outside of the house and the carriage house. The lawn and garden are also tidy, thanks to those me
n.

  Ladies had cleaned and refreshed the inside and fully stocked the pantry. They called filling the pantry a “pounding”, which one of the women explained was called that because people contributed “a pound of this and a pound of that”. I won’t have to buy groceries for a long time. How nice to arrive from a long journey to a clean home with fresh sheets on the bed and food in the pantry.

  In addition, the medical office is well stocked. There’s a waiting room, an office, a treatment room, and an infirmary with two beds. Those rooms had also been cleaned thoroughly. All the walls are white, but I may change that to pale green.

  The air here is fresh and sweet. Mistletoe is in a lovely valley with glorious mountains nearby. First are the forested lower mountains and beyond them the high, purple-appearing, snow-capped ranges. The sky is incredibly blue. I’ve learned the first snow occurs in September, so I won’t have long to wait.

  I’m furnished a buggy and a bay horse named Plato. Apparently, the town spared no preparations for my arrival. Mistletoe appears to be a lovely town and I’m sure I’ll enjoy my life here.

  Your loving daughter,

  Shannon

  She sealed the letter in an envelope and set it on her desk to be posted when she went into town. Feeling guilty for misrepresenting her new position, she convinced herself she hadn’t lied except by omission.

  Two days later, Shannon gave up reading and paced the floor. For the third day, not one patient had sought her services. Anger fueled her movements as she donned her hat and picked up her letter, her purse, and her parasol.

  As she locked the door, the blackboard reminded her she had a responsibility to others—even if they didn’t want her here. She wrote “Errands in town—back soon” in her best penmanship then placed the chalk back in the tray provided. Darned if she’d give anyone just cause to criticize her.

  Without patients, how was she to cover her expenses? She had enough money to squeak by for six months but then what? Would she crawl back home defeated after her father had told her she was crazy to take this position?

  Not if she had to starve first.

  The mercantile should be a good place to start getting acquainted and where she’d mail her letter. She strolled through town, smiling at people she met even when they didn’t respond. The sun shone brightly but a light breeze kept the temperature from being oppressive. In the distance, the mountains were majestic.

  Inside the store, she was greeted by a woman dusting shelves. “Good morning, Doctor Callahan. Can I help you?”

  At last someone who smiled at her. “You know my name, but I don’t know yours.”

  “Doreen Murphy and my husband is Colin, but he’s in back seeing to feed deliveries. Did you need something specific?”

  “After I post my letter, I want to browse through your goods.”

  Doreen sold her the proper postage.

  Shannon nodded toward the back. “You have a lot of merchandise.”

  “Make yourself at home and give a shout if you need help. I swan, dust gets in here faster than I can get rid of the stuff.” Doreen resumed cleaning the shelves.

  “Everything appears neat to me.”

  Doreen glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “Thank you. It’s the dirt streets, you see. Every time the door opens, more dust sifts inside.”

  The bell over the door announced new arrivals. Phoebe Porter and Lily Holloway entered. Great, not who she wanted to see.

  Doreen called, “Phoebe, Lily, how are you today?”

  Mrs. Porter held up a small fabric swatch. “I need thread and Lily accompanied me.” She walked down an aisle and stopped when she saw Shannon. “Oh, I didn’t realize you were here.”

  Shannon met the woman’s angry gaze. “Am I not supposed to be?”

  “Well, you do have an office. Shouldn’t you be there all day? That’s what a professional physician would do.”

  Shannon raised her left eyebrow. “I see. Did Dr. Jones spend every minute of the day at his office?”

  “Well, no, but—”

  Shannon held up a hand. “I know, but he was a man. Don’t worry, I don’t intend to stop in at the saloon. Ladies, I do have errands that won’t be possible after the stores close. I left a note on the blackboard saying where I am.”

  Mrs. Holloway glanced back and forth from Mrs. Porter to Shannon. “Phoebe didn’t mean anything by her comment. She was just surprised. Of course you have shopping to take care of during the day, same as we do.”

  Shannon carried a pair of lined leather gloves to the counter. “I believe I’ll need these in a few weeks.”

  Doreen wrapped them in brown paper. “Oh, you will, dear, and these are the warmest we have. We’ll have snow next month. Driving a buggy in our winter is cold indeed. You’ll need a warm hat, not a decorative one, and a scarf. Something to keep your head and neck warm.”

  She accepted the parcel. “Perhaps you’ll show me the proper attire once the weather changes.”

  “I’ll be happy to. Shall I start you an account you can pay at the end of the month?”

  “Why, yes, thank you.” She tucked her new gloves under her arm. “I enjoyed meeting you, Mrs. Murphy.”

  “You call me Doreen. We’re less formal here than in the east.”

  “Then you should call me Shannon. I’ll check in another day.” She nodded at the other two. “Ladies.”

  She sensed their stares as she departed. Phoebe Porter was an old biddy and Shannon was glad she’d stood up to her. Lily Holloway acted less comfortable following her companions’ behavior each time they met. Perhaps there was hope for Lily. Humph, she thought, perhaps there’s even hope for me.

  Chapter Three

  Outside the store, a crowd of running children barreled into her and she grabbed the wall to stop a fall. “Whoa. Where are you going so fast?”

  “They’re running from me.” The sheriff strode toward them carrying the saddest looking dog she’d ever seen.

  Poor dog was filthy with several shades of matted brown hair. He was far too large to be toted around in the sheriff’s arms.

  “Is that your dog?” She reached out to scratch between the creature’s ears. Poor animal ducked as if he thought she’d hit him.

  After putting her parcel more securely under her arm, she caught the dog’s muzzle in her hands. “Poor boy, has someone been mean to you? I won’t hurt you.” She stroked his head and scratched between his ears.

  The dog’s eyes lost their fear and he licked her hand. The crowd of children chose her distraction to run away.

  “That Doan horde probably didn’t intend to be mean, but they were terrorizing this animal. Five of them fighting over him and pulling him first one way and then the other. They’re lucky he didn’t bite one of them.”

  “Whose is he?”

  “Never saw him before. Looks as if he’s missed a lot of meals.”

  “And baths.” She smiled at the lawman. “I guess you have a dog, Sheriff. What are you going to name him?”

  The sheriff shook his head. “Oh, no, he’s not mine. Rescued him from the Doan horde because I don’t want him harmed or frightened.”

  She smiled and nodded. “Or hungry or dirty or lonely. You definitely have yourself a dog.”

  He leaned toward her and spoke over the dog, “I tell you, I don’t.”

  Shannon crossed her arms. “Think not? Put him down and walk away and you’ll see.”

  Shooting her a glare, he set the dog on the boardwalk. When the sheriff stepped away, the dog stayed at his heels.

  Shannon laughed. “You’d better feed your dog, Sheriff. And name him.”

  His eyes held mirth even though he pretended to be angry with her. “I should call him Shannon, but I guess I’ll name him Sylvester. I imagine I can get some scraps from the café.”

  “Now you have someone to make rounds with you each day.”

  He stopped and stared at the dog. “Hear that, Sylvester. Guess you’re the new deputy.”

  Still ch
uckling, Shannon walked toward her new home. Getting out on such a nice day had lifted her mood. She’d even had a halfway decent conversation with the sheriff. And his dog.

  ***

  Riley took the dog to the back of the café and knocked on the door.

  Abner Vincent answered, “What? You can’t come in the front for some reason?”

  Riley gestured at Sylvester. “You have anything I can feed this starving dog?”

  The café owner and cook grinned. “I reckon if you were to buy yourself dinner, I’d make sure there was enough for two.”

  “You have a deal, Abner. Have any of that roast beef left?”

  “Coming right up.” The cook returned to his kitchen.

  Riley sat on a bench by the door. He’d had a dog when he was a boy, but he didn’t know how the dog had been trained. His folks had taken care of that before he was old enough to know about such things.

  The door slammed behind Abner and he handed Riley a box holding two plates of roast beef, a cup of coffee, and a bowl of water. Riley took the largest serving of beef and set the other one on the ground. Sylvester ate like he was being timed in a contest. Then, he drank all the water from the bowl.

  Riley ate slower. “Sylvester, you and me are gonna have to establish some rules. I’m not eating all my meals in this alley.”

  The dog plopped down and Riley could swear the animal grinned.

  When Riley was stuffed, he set his plate down and let Sylvester lick it clean. Then he gathered up the plates, cup, and bowl and returned them to Abner with the money for the meals.

  “Sure appreciate your help, Abner.”

  The café owner gave Sylvester the once-over. “Better get that dog a bath. Looks like he has fleas.”

  “And probably all manner of other things. On my way now.”

  Riley strode to the bath house.

  George McGarry, bathhouse owner, took one look at Sylvester. “Get that filthy beast out of here.”

  “Now, George, I don’t have any place to wash him. What if I take a bath and then bathe Sylvester in the same water?”

  The bath house owner looked around but no one else was in sight. “You tell anyone I let that dog in here and I’ll swear you’re lying. Hurry before someone else sees you.”