Page 47 of Montana Lawman Rescuer
Jesse steered Emily down the step to the sidewalk. “Don’t look so regretful.”
“I know she has sewing to do and I’m keeping her from it. Just as I know, I am keeping you from your work.”
He tucked her arm around his elbow, liking the feeling of taking care of her. He told her about some of the letters he’dreceived. “So, you see, it’s my job to find lost individuals, as well.”
She increased the pressure of her hand on his forearm. “Well, I’m glad I am giving you meaningful work.” Her laugh lacked mirth. “I welcome your company. I confess I am afraid.”
“Of what? Of not getting your memory back? Surely, the doctor can fix that.”
“I’m as afraid of what I’ll learn about myself when my memory returns as I am that my memory won’t return.”
“You told me to believe I am a good man. I’m asking you to believe you are also a good person.”
“I’m trying. Truly, I am.”
He noticed how nervously she glanced around as they crossed the street. Did she have a reason other than her loss of memory to be fearful? He hated the doubts arising within him, and yet his job and his life had taught him to be cautious.
They reached the doctor’s house and entered the office door. A young man and an older woman were already there. Jesse knew them both, and they exchanged greetings.
Emily sat on a bench waiting for the doctor to call her. Her hands twisted together so tightly that her knuckles turned white. If they’d been alone, he would have taken her hands between his and told her not to be afraid.
Instead, he remained standing, her tension reverberating along his nerves. He tried to imagine how it would feel not to know who he was. No doubt he, too, would wonder what sort of person he’d been. Maybe the hurtful comments others had sent his way would feel true. That must be how it was for Emily.
Doc saw the waiting woman. A few minutes later, she emerged, and the doctor saw the young man.
Jesse sat at Emily’s side. “Whatever happens, you have friends here. Don’t forget that.”
She darted a glance his way. “I’m hoping they will still be my friends if I learn something awful about myself.”
“I can’t imagine there would be anything like that.”
The doctor opened the door. “Which of you is the patient?”
Emily jerked to her feet. “Me. But I want Jesse to come in, too.”
“Very well.”
They followed Doc into the examining room. Jesse looked around. Where was Albert Stevens, the young man who had become Doc’s assistant when Doc’s daughter, Kate, married Conner?
Doc saw his curiosity. “Young Stevens has gone to check on Mrs. Adams and her new baby. Now, what can I do for you, Miss Emily?”
Emily perched on the edge of the hard chair. “My memory hasn’t returned. What can you do to help?”
Jesse knew his hat would be permanently crooked if he didn’t quit twisting it, but he couldn’t make himself stop.
Doc leaned forward. “Are you having headaches?”
Emily shook her head. “I feel fine. I just need to remember who I am.”
Jesse wondered if Doc heard the way her voice trembled.
“My dear, sometimes our brain blocks something fearful or hurtful and doesn’t let us remember until we feel the danger has passed. I suspect that might be what is happening with you.” He studied her a moment, his face swathed in sympathy. “Do you experience fear or perhaps sorrow?”
She blinked rapidly as if keeping tears back.
Jesse wanted nothing so much as to take her hands and comfort her.
Her voice crackled as she answered the doctor. “I worry I might not like who I am. I wonder if I’ve done something awful. I feel nameless fears.”
