Page 40 of A Bride for Brodie

“You’ve had other women come in like this?” asked Lottie.

Doc nodded. “Usually, it’s one of Flannery’s girls. One client likes to tie the girls up first and have them try to get away. They’ve come to me to help get them ready for the next client, but I can’t do much. Treat the abrasion and tell her the bruises will fade.”

“What will those girls do now that Flannery will be behind bars?” Lottie looked up at Brodie.

He shrugged. “Someone will take over the business.”

“Lottie, get on the table, please.” Doc looked at Brodie. “You’re right, there is always someone to take over that kind of business.”

“Maybe Joey?” Lottie closed her eyes for a moment and tried to let the laudanum work, but her wrists still hurt. She climbed onto the table in the middle of the room.

“I think Joey might end up behind bars, too. He’s the one who actually did the crimes. Flannery just ordered them.” Brodie kept glancing at her wounds and then looking away. Each time, his expression was angrier than before.

“Okay, I’m getting the water and cloth ready to clean your wrists.” Doc poured water into a basin he took from the cabinet underneath the counter. Then he grabbed a washcloth from one of the drawers before returning to her. He put the basin on the rolling tray by the table she sat on.

Doc dunked the cloth into the water and then rubbed it over a bar of nice smelling soap. “This is lavender soap. It’s less harsh than pure lye soap and the lavender might have healing properties.” He held her left hand while he cleaned her wrist.

Lottie closed her eyes and didn’t move. It hurt like crazy, but she kept her eyes shut. If she looked, it only hurt more. She’d cry and then her father’s whippings would start. She held still.

Tears ran down her cheeks, but didn’t make a sound.

Brodie came over and held her other hand. “It’s okay, sweetheart. It’ll be okay. We’ll get you home as quick as possible.”

Lottie didn’t acknowledge that he was talking. She just held still and let Doc work.

Finally, both her wrists and hands were clean.

“There we go. Let’s get some petroleum jelly on these and then I’ll wrap them. I’ll send some laudanum home for pain.”

Lottie wiped her cheeks with her palms and took a couple of cleansing breaths. “Thanks, Doc. I appreciate what you’ve done for me.”

“That’s why I’m here, my girl. I take care of your hurts as best I can.” He picked up the bottle of laudanum and handed it to Brodie. “Give her half-a-teaspoon when you get home and a full teaspoon before bed tonight.” He turned back to Lottie. “You’ll be on the mend in no time, I promise. In the meantime, for the next couple of days, I want you to take it easy if you can.”

Lottie shook her head. “I have chores to do and—”

Brodie took her hand, brought it to his lips and kissed the back. “We have plenty of people to help do your chores.” He turned to the doctor. “I’ll make sure she complies.”

Lottie felt herself blush. Brodie looked at her and then winked.

You are a wicked man, Brodie Campbell, but you’re mine and I plan on keeping you.

Suddenly, the sound of gunshots rent the air.

Brodie scowled at her. “Stay here.”

“No. Brodie.” Fear grabbed hold, and she reached for him.

But he was gone, out the door and out of her sight.