Read Online Medicine Wheel by Ron Schwab - Free Book Online

PROPRIETY ’ S SAKE Thad insisted on Pilar’s presence when he examined Kirsten in Cam’s study. It had been less than twenty-four hours since Maxwell Brannon had rendered the beating, but Kirsten’s recovery was remarkable. There was no indication of infection in the head and face wounds. Upon a cursory examination of the breast, he determined that the wounds, while still ghastly-looking, had not worsened and the bleeding had been sealed.
    “Are you experiencing much pain?” he asked.
    “Not a lot. When it gets too bad, I take the aspirin. It does work, Doc.”
    “You’re fortunate I had some. It’s rather hard to come by, and my inventory of human medications is a bit skimpy.”
    Her face was swollen and had turned to a massive blue and purple, but her ribs, while deeply bruised, seemed to have withstood the blows quite well. He knew that rib injuries could be particularly painful and long-lasting, but she walked with little stiffness and no complaint. Tough lady.
    After the doctoring they joined Cam and the kids at the supper table, where Pilar and Cookie had put together a spread of beef ribs, mashed potatoes and refried beans, the latter evidently a concession to Pilar’s Mexican heritage. The valiant Cam was actually something of a fussy eater and not that fond of Mexican food. Pilar spoiled him most of the time. A delicious flan followed the main course, and Thad noticed Cam was not discriminatory when it came to dessert. Thad would have enjoyed a bit more time with precocious, eleven-year-old Sarah and Ben, who was four years younger with his father’s flair for the stage, but Cam rose from the table and suggested Thad and Kirsten join them in the study.
    Assembled at Cam’s massive oak desk, Cam said, “I’ve arranged for Dr. Roberts to come out here tomorrow to examine Kirsten. We need a second evaluation of her injuries in the event her case goes to trial.”
    “I understand that,” Thad said. “I assume you’re aware the bruising will be more vivid tomorrow?”
    “The thought had occurred to me.”
    “She’s doing remarkably well for what she’s been through. Someone will need to remove the stitches in a week or so.”
    “Pardon me, gentlemen,” Kirsten interrupted, “I’m in attendance at this little meeting, and I don’t appreciate the two of you talking about me like I’m a dumb monkey, and Cam, you can get your ass out of here . . . I want to talk some business with the Doc.”
    “You asked if you could have a meeting in the study, so I just assumed—”
    “Wrong assumption. I don’t want to pay for your time for this business. If we need a lawyer, we’ll talk to your father.”
    Cam was obviously baffled and somewhat taken aback. Thad knew he was not accustomed to this lack of deference, and he could sense the racing of his brother’s mind, probably coming to the conclusion he had a loose cannon of a client, who would need to be disarmed soon. But not now. Cam got up. “Let me know if you need me . . . but I won’t hold my breath.”
    Cam closed the door as he left the room, and Kirsten turned to Thad, “I pissed him off, didn’t I?”
    “I would say so.”
    “He’s so damned bossy.”
    “I’d strongly advise that you listen to him when it comes to your case.”
    She nodded. “I will. I just want him to know that he’s not going to lead me around like a mindless idiot. I had six older brothers, and I learned early you have to push back sometimes with the male species.”
    “It appears to me you learned very well.”
    “Well, I guess I’d better get down to business.”
    “I have to admit I’m a little curious.”
    “It’s about Clem Rickers’ half section.”
    “You mentioned that.” Thad knew all about the 320 acres, which included nearly 40 acres of Big Blue bottomland with rich, fertile soil that was hard to come by in this hilly, rocky country. The south quarter section was all prime, tallgrass prairie, a rancher’s paradise. The crop land was all