Josie's Dream (Grandma's Wedding Quilts Book 9) Read online

  Josie’s Dream

  by Angela Raines

  Josie’s Dream

  By Angela Raines

  Copyright 2017 by Doris McCraw-writing as Angela Raines

  All Rights Reserved

  This is a work of fiction. Characters, dialogue are the product of the authors imagination. The author has made an effort to keep the story historically as accurate as possible, however some events were moved to accommodate the story.

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the author, except for brief quotations for use in critical articles or reviews.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Epilogue

  Additional Information

  Chapter 1

  I am home, Josie thought, as she stepped out onto the road. To the west, looking like clouds on the horizon, the high mountain peaks gave her a sense of permanence, security. The plains around the town reminded her of the rolling hills of eastern Iowa, except these were dry and dusty, instead of green and moist. She felt lighter in the clear air, the sky a shade of blue that defied description.

  Breathing deeply of the independence she felt, Josie reached down to pick up her cases. Looking around, Josie took in the small town. It was just as she had dreamed. The main street with its business buildings standing like sentinels to keep the town safe, help it grow. Houses, some with fences, some without, ringed the outer reaches of the area.

  Since corresponding with Dr. Harriett Leonard, a past student of her medical school and dear friend, despite the difference in age, Josie had been dreaming of coming to Colorado. Dr. Leonard had offered to let her work at the Spa in Manitou Springs where Harriett was the proprietor, but Josie wanted to create a practice in a smaller town, where people really needed her.

  Now here she was in Kiowa Wells, on the eastern plains of Colorado just a few miles from the railhead at Kit Carson. Her biggest obstacle now was finding a place to set up her medical practice.

  Despite his reservations, her father gave her a medical bag, equipped with the basics. “Something to remind you of this commitment, your Hippocratic oath,” were his parting words.

  Her parents, though still in Iowa, were in her heart. Still, she knew it had been time to leave. While others of her friends were getting married, she had gone to medical school, her path clear to her.

  “Can I help you?” The voice behind her asked, a hand reaching around to grab her bags.

  Turning to face the speaker, Josie took in the disheveled appearance, the look of cunning in the eyes.

  “I can manage, thank you,” Josie replied, taking a firmer hold on her belongings.

  “Now, there is no need to be rude. I was just tryin’ to be helpful,” the man said as he tugged at her bag.

  Stiffening, Josie sternly repeated, “I can manage.”

  With a hard yank, the man managed to pull her doctor bag loose and without a thought, Josie swung her large bag at the man, striking him on the legs as he turned to run off. Instead, he found himself flat on the ground.

  Calmly, Josie bent, retrieved her property, and knowing he was just stunned, started down the street. She had only gone a few steps when she heard a bellow behind her.

  “Let me get to the point quickly,” she said as she turned to her tormentor, who stopped so quickly he almost fell. “I have nothing of value you could use. So, unless you are in need of medical care, I suggest you stop while you are ahead.” Now, standing close, she could smell the liquor on him. Her eye took in his inability to stand upright without swaying. But to be fair, his fall might have had something do to with that.

  “Doctorin’?” he questioned, “you’re lying.”

  The two of them were drawing a crowd. Not the best way to start, Josie thought, but not a bad one either.

  “Yes, as you say doctorin’, I am a Doctor.”

  “Well, I’ll be — a lady doctor,” he said. “You sure you’re not just…”

  “I am a doctor,” Josie emphasized, “now it has been a long trip.” Turning, drawing herself up to her full five-foot-four-inch height, she continued walking forward. Silence followed her as she made her way to the hotel two blocks away from the stage stop.

  The hotel was a glorious affair, something she had not expected in this small town. Two stories high with columns along the front, its white facade almost blinded one as the sun hit it.

  Passing the alley, Josie heard a soft meow. She stopped, listened, but hearing nothing, she continued on.

  Entering the lobby, she was greeted with a smile. As she started to sign in, the smile quickly turned to a frown, then a sneeze. That sneeze was quickly followed by another three.

  “Pardon,” the clerk said, pulling a handkerchief from his pocket and wiping his nose. “How may I help you?” He wheezed, another sneeze taking hold of him.

  “I would like a room,” Josie replied, putting her medical bag on the counter. “Perhaps I can help you. How long have you been sneezing? Do you feel congested?”

  “I’m not sick,” the man smiled as he sneezed again, “just allergic to cats.”

  Looking around, Josie saw nothing and was preparing to say as much when a soft “meow” sounded from under her skirt.

  Pulling up the hem, Josie bent down to see a pair of gold eyes look at her from a coat of dark gray. “How did you get there?” Josie asked. Lifting the small creature up, she moved to the door. The kitten clung to her shoulder, headbutting her chin, loud purrs sounding in her ear.

  “Well I’ll be,” the clerk exclaimed, followed by a series of sneezes. “Sure is a cute one,” he continued when the sneezes abated once again. “No one’s been able to get that close to it.”

  “You know this because...?” Josie asked.

  The clerk smiled, covering his nose before answering in the hopes of staving off any further sneezing. “Yes, indeed,” he said. “It’s mother was killed a short while ago and I’ve been leaving it some food.”

  “I thought you were allergic?”

  “I am, but I always liked cats. Figured a few sneezes were worth it. But that one hasn’t cottoned to anyone.” The clerk looked at the kitten making itself comfortable on Josie’s shoulder then continued, “Looks like it’s chosen you.”

  Josie reached up, gently pulling the kitten forward for a better look. She’d always enjoyed animals, but a cat?

  “I don’t...” Josie started.

  “You’d make me feel better if you...” the clerk began, then sneezed.

  “Let me think about it,” Josie said. “Now about that room?”

  “Sure,” the clerk smiled as he handed her the key. “Room 204 looking out over the town.”

  “Also, is there a freighting service I could use to bring my thing
s from the train depot at Kit Carson?”

  “Myers & Company make a run from here to there twice a week, and they’re reasonable.”

  “Thank you,” Josie replied, as she gathered her bags and started up the stairs.

  Josie opened her room door, but before she could close it, the kitten bounded in, scratching its way to the middle of the bed.

  Just then, Josie heard laughter, followed by cries of pain. Grabbing her bag, she closed the door and headed downstairs again, determined to help whoever was hurt.

  Chapter 2

  The bright moon shone down on the graveyard and the young man standing within its gates.

  “You tried, I know you did, but—,” the young man left the rest unsaid. How could he admit he was more like the man who lay there, without owning up to his own shortcomings. “Ma, I know it hurt, but you did your best. I know now you both loved each other and were the one who was the making of Pa, gave him stability, gave us stability.”

  Will knew at a young age he really didn’t fit in. No matter what he did, how hard he tried, the other children wouldn’t let him forget that he didn’t fit in. It wasn’t so much how he looked, but the way he looked at things, Will realized. As a child, his parents tried, but he was just stubborn enough to want things his own way, just like his pa. He wondered if he could find someone who could love him like his ma did his pa.

  In his own way, Will gave his father credit for who he’d become. Visiting their graves, here in the small Kansas town far from Plymouth, Illinois where he’d grown up, started the painful memories again. The fact that they were lying in this place, far away from the home he’d known, was even more painful. Guess his pa was trying to better their lives when the cholera cut them down.

  “You were always looking for something, weren’t you, Pa?” Will whispered.

  “Did you know them?” A gruff voice asked.

  Turning, Will didn’t recognize the man, but the voice was like so many others in other towns he’d known, curious about him, and wondering if he was trouble or just passing through. “Knew of them,” Will hedged.

  “Just wondered,” the man said, “folks don’t visit here much, ’specially at night.”

  “Promised relatives I’d stop by.”

  Nodding, the man continued to the far side of the cemetery where he stopped and knelt.

  When the man remained kneeling, Will nodded to his parents graves then left through the cemetery gates.

  Will wondered as he mounted his horse for the short ride to town, if the man had heard him talking. Well, no matter, he’d be heading out soon. He’d have a bite to eat and head out, despite the late hour. With the railroad’s arrival here in Pond City, the town stayed open late. Taking a seat in the café, he looked around. Only one other person was there at this hour. Even the waitress looked tired.

  “What’ll it be?” the girl asked.

  “Coffee and the special.”

  “Coming right up,” the waitress said. “Just to let you know, the apple pie is pretty good.”

  “I’ll think about it.” Will said, smiling, hoping to help ease her tiredness.

  She smiled and, with a swish of her hips, she disappeared into the kitchen.

  Will wondered if she did that for all the customers or just the men. Either way, a girl like that could cause all kinds of trouble. Well, I’ll be gone, so I don’t need to worry, Will thought, Still, she is a pretty, young girl.

  No sooner did the thought occur when a face from his past back in Illinois, his old childhood nemesis, walked through the door. Richard Danson, the banker’s son. He looked like he’d been living life a bit too hard. Will knew the years had changed him, but it didn’t seem that way for Richard. His next words proved it.

  “Jenny, bring me some coffee,” Richard yelled.

  “Coming,” Jenny answered.

  So her name was Jenny, short for Genevieve? Will wondered.

  Clanking sounded from the kitchen, followed by a deep voice cursing, and the high voice begging forgiveness.

  “What’s going on in there? Where’s my coffee?” Richard yelled, heading back toward the kitchen.

  “Here you go,” Jenny said, as she hurried from the back.

  Jenny looked over to Will, apology and fear in her eyes.

  It appeared she was afraid of Richard — or perhaps the man in the kitchen? Before he could decide, she disappeared again. Richard took his seat, seeing Will for the first time.

  Richard nodded, and Will returned the same, as Jenny brought his food to the table.

  “Sorry,” Jenny smiled, a tear sliding out the corner of her eye.

  “For what?” Will asked, taking up fork and knife, preparing to dig in. “The food smells good. Your smile and service are good. You’ve nothing to be sorry for,” he finished, as he took a big bite of stew.

  “Thanks.”

  “Hey Jenny, how’s about a piece of pie?” Richard bellowed.

  The other occupant left his money on the table and walked out, leaving Will alone with Richard in the café.

  With a shrug, Jenny moved away, the swish absent this time.

  “She’s taken,” Richard said.

  “Okay.”

  “Just thought I’d let you know, in case you had any ideas.”

  “As long as she is agreeable with the arrangement, I’ve nothing to say,” Will responded between bites.

  “What do you mean by that?” Richard challenged.

  Will saw the pattern and wanted nothing to do with it. “Nothing, just voicing an opinion.” Will stated. “You began the conversation. I’m having a meal, then moving on.”

  Will could tell Richard really didn’t like it, but Will didn’t care. He was moving on.

  “Do I know you?” Richard continued, the lust for a fight in his eyes.

  “Doubt it,” Will returned. The food really was good. He’d not realized how hungry he was and wanted to enjoy his meal in peace.

  “You seem familiar, just can’t quite place it,” Richard said, studying Will closely.

  “I wouldn’t worry about it, you don’t know me, and even if you did, I’ll not be around long enough to make any difference.”

  Richard turned away as Jenny brought him his pie, still frustrated at Will’s lack of concern, and itching for a fight.

  “You always…” Jenny started.

  Grabbing her arm, Richard pulled her to him. “I always what?”

  “Nothing, nothing,” Jenny cried as she tried to move away.

  “I believe the lady would like to go back to work,” Will said between bites of his stew.

  “This isn’t any of your concern, is it Jenny?” Richard said.

  “Well,” Will said, wiping his lips with the napkin, “I’d like some more coffee.”

  When he’d come into town, Will planned to make a quick visit to his parent’s graves, have a meal then head on to Colorado where a job as marshal was waiting.

  Reluctantly, Richard let Jenny go, who immediately headed to the kitchen and came back with the coffee pot. “Thank you,” she whispered. Will smiled and calmly drank the coffee.

  “This isn’t over,” Richard threatened. “I know you from somewhere,” he continued as he stomped out the door.

  Chapter 3

  Rushing past the clerk, Josie drew up watching, as four young boys were throwing dirt and kicks at a fifth boy.

  Without thinking, Josie rushed up. “You should be ashamed of yourselves,” she declared. “This is decidedly unfair. If you’re going to fight, it should be one to one, not four to one.”

  The group stopped, stunned at Josie’s interference. The sun beat down as the dust from the fracas settled around the group of boys, adding to the already dirty faces and clothes.

  “Ain’t none of your concern,” the largest of the boys finally said, breaking the silence.

  “Actually, it is,” Josie answered him. She’d always disliked bullies, but it wasn’t until leaving home she’d started speaking up. She couldn’t stand to see p
eople get hurt. Oh yes, she knew people had accidents, but to purposely hurt someone made her angry. “No one should be allowed to pick on another person, especially when you outnumber him.”

  The other three were starting to back away. This told Josie the one who spoke was the leader. “So, tell me, what did this person do to make you think he needed to be hurt?” she demanded of the boys.

  The others continued backing away, but Josie was having none of that. “Don’t run away, he,” Josie said, pointing at the speaker, “may have talked you into it, but you still went along. Now, get back here.”

  Slowly, the three sheepishly shuffled back, eyes downcast. None of the four answered immediately. Josie continued her glare, watching as the boy on the ground got up and, taking a step back, he plowed into the bigger boy.

  “You big bully,” the smaller boy cried.

  Without thinking, Josie stepped in and separated the two. “That’s enough. Now will someone tell me what’s going on?”

  “He’s a sissy, his parents must have hated him, cause he lives with his cranky old aunt and uncle,” the big boy answered.

  The victim closed and opened his fists over and over, but did not speak.

  “That is still no reason to beat up someone. Now, I want you to apologize and if I ever see this happen again...” Josie left the threat hanging, for she didn’t know what she would do.

  The group started away when the victim returned to whisper, “My parents died, but I don’t want them to know,” then he hurried away in the opposite direction.

  “Welcome to Kiowa Wells,” a voice behind her said.

  “Thank you, sir,” Josie smiled at the hotel clerk. “I seem to have gotten involved rather quickly. Who were they?”

  “The big one is the son of a local rancher who is so busy on his ranch he sorta forgets his son. The other three are just followers,” the clerk told Josie.

  “What about the victim?”

  “He got here about two months ago. Lives with his aunt and uncle. They have a farm just outside of town. I think his name is Homer.”

  “Thank you. Now, do you think there might be someone to bring my trunk over from the stage depot?”