Chapter 9 - The Doctor’s Confession
Clara found Dr. Pike washing blood from his hands.
He was an old man now, thin and stooped, but fear made him look younger.
She locked the door behind her.
“You told Thomas his son died.”
Pike stopped washing.
“You do not understand what Silas Vale was capable of.”
“I understand he bought your silence.”
Pike turned.
“He threatened my daughters.”
“So you stole another man’s child.”
Pike sank into a chair.
Annie had survived the birth for nine hours.
The baby was premature but breathing.
Silas wanted the child because Annie’s family deed transferred South Creek land through her first surviving male heir.
If James lived, Thomas controlled the land as guardian.
If Thomas believed James dead, Silas could hide the boy, control his identity, and claim the property later through forged Vale papers.
Elias Bennett helped move the baby to Denver because he believed it was the only way to keep him alive.
He intended to tell Thomas after gathering evidence.
Then Silas threatened Clara.
Elias remained silent.
Clara’s anger became something cold.
“My father chose my safety over Thomas’s entire life.”
“He chose what frightened men choose.”
Pike admitted Annie learned of the plan before she died.
She made him promise to save the child even if Thomas had to believe a lie temporarily.
“She thought the truth would come out within weeks,” Pike said.
“It took twenty-two years.”
Thomas entered behind Clara.
He had heard everything.
For a long time he said nothing.
Then he asked one question.
“Did Annie know I was outside?”
Pike lowered his eyes.
“Yes.”
“Did she ask for me?”
“Yes.”
Thomas looked toward the room where Jacob slept.
“And you kept me away.”
Pike began to apologize.
Thomas stopped him.
“I have no use for the apology yet.”
Jacob’s fever worsened by noon.
Pike said the bullet had damaged bone but missed the artery.
He needed rest.
Jacob refused to remain in Millfield.
He believed Edwin would return and harm the woman who raised him.
Thomas offered to go to Denver with him.
Jacob refused.
Clara insisted they all go.
Annie Rose would remain with the schoolteacher.
Before leaving, Clara opened the flower shop.
The shelves had been destroyed overnight.
On the counter lay a bouquet of blackened wildflowers.
Beneath it was a message.
May you like
The blue house burns tomorrow.
