New Beginnings (New Beginnings Series) Read Online Free Page A

hung in the barn. Several times Toby started fires in the town and everyone was well aware any flames needed to be watched closely. Fire fascinated him in a dangerous way. Eric told Toby to follow shortly and left the farm, leading the team behind his horse. As expected, soon flames could be seen a mile away, black smoke funneling toward the sky.
    Eric was back to town before Toby caught up to him. He delivered the horses to the hotel’s stable when the boy, excited and flushed, rushed into the barn. Jumping up and down he tried to tell Eric something but between the mumbled words and lack of interest, the man couldn’t understand what the boy tried to say. He left Toby to brush his horse and went to tell his boss what happened.
    Sam was only a little disappointed at the news. He lost one of the saloon’s best customers, but the prospects of a farm payment not being made this fall pleased him. He thought William had a wife, but he never mentioned any children. She certainly wouldn’t have anything to stay here for now and probably would go back home in the east.
     
    When they arrived back in Brandon, Eric drove the team to the back of the saloon where Sam’s home was located. As soon as he pulled back on the reins and called “Whoa” to the horses, Toby sat up in the back, exaggeratedly rubbing his eyes.
    “We here already,” he yawned, “we must’ a flied.”
    “Yeah, right!” Eric turned to the boy, “Help me get Sam out of the wagon.”
    It was about four feet to the ground from the seat and the ride was a long and painful one. Although he tried not to, a loud groan escaped Sam as he reached the ground. Eric tried to lift his boss to carry him, but was met with a demand not to, as no one was to see Sam Fielding not in control. They helped him up the six steps to the door, which suddenly opened and the housekeeper, Mary Benson, met them.
    She took Toby’s place at Sam’s left side, sending the boy away. “Go and get Doc Brown. Tell him Mr. Fielding needs him right away.” She sent him scrambling, waving her hand at him.
    Toby took off on the run, tripping over his feet, almost falling flat on the ground.
    “Take it easy kid, get there in one piece!” Eric yelled.
    As they stepped inside Eric hoisted Sam into his arms, refusing to listen to any protest, which was not quite as demanding this time. Mary led the men into the sitting room, adjoining the large entrance. The room was decorated to show off the owner’s wealth and the settee Eric was heading for came from France. Mary quickly covered it with a blanket as Mr. Fielding’s clothing was greatly soiled from the dusty ride home and the tragic activity of the day before. Sara had patched the trousers but they were still covered with blood and dirt.
    After making Mr. Fielding comfortable, Mary went to his bedroom to get a robe. She was a smaller woman, a touch on the heavy side, but she moved quickly up the stairs. After returning with it, she dismissed herself to go prepare a pot of tea for after the doctor’s visit. Eric helped Sam change, throwing the soiled clothes in a pile for the trash.
    Doc Brown arrived within a short time, as Sam was probably one of the most influential men in the town and demanded prompt service when needed. Besides, he was the owner of the office the doctor rented and that was reason enough to provide quick aid.
    After he removed the dressings and saw the previous care, Doc remarked at the excellent care to the wound. “You were lucky to find someone with medical experience so quickly after the shooting,” he said, surprised the wound was already starting to heal. “If it hadn’t been so well taken care of, no doubt the damage done would have been much more extensive. If infection set in you could have lost your leg, but from what I see here it looks like it will mend back to normal. It will take several months but that is much better than amputation.”
    Sam was quite relieved to hear his rescuer did such a good job