Influenza
By
Debbie Busch
Joshua Bolt threw the flap of the tent back as he hurried inside. He had just taken his gloves off and threw them onto the table in front of his older brother who was hunched over studying a map. "Jason, you gotta do something. He won't listen to me. Says he has no choice, tells me to handle it myself if I think I can do a better job."
Jason stepped form behind the table and placed a calming hand on his brothers' shoulder. "Come on Josh, get to the point. What's wrong? I'm sure it's not something that can't be fixed."
"It's Stemple, He's closed the mill."
The eldest Bolt brother straightened up. "Closed the mill! He can't do that. We've got only ten days left to fill that big contract." Jason was already on his way down the mountain. "Where is he?" he asked his brother who was only a few strides behind him.
"Lottie's. Jeremy is with him, trying to convince him that there must be some way to keep the mill open."
Jason stepped into Lottie's to find the place nearly deserted. Lottie was behind the bar drying some glasses while Jeremy was at a corner table, his feet in a chair as he sipped on a beer. The two Bolt brothers approached their youngest sibling and Jeremy gestured to the other chairs at the table. "Have a seat. Lottie, a couple of beers for my brothers."
"Jeremy," Jason said in his best non-threatening tone. "Where's Aaron?"
"Jason, Jason." Jeremy said as he put both feet back on the floor folded his hands on the table and leaned forward. "I told J-Josh we could handle things. He insisted on going up to camp though and bringing you all the way down here. And for nothing I might add."
"Jeremy, lets start from the beginning. Why was Aaron going to close the mill? And how did you take care of things."
"The flu Jason." Joshua added speaking up for the first time, "Stemple doesn't have enough men to run the mill."
"That makes sense, we're on a skeleton crew ourselves. So little brother, how did you manage to keep the mill open?"
"Simple, Aaron says if he had just one more man he could work the mill too and keep it open." Jeremy explained.
"Jeremy, you've forgotten one critical point. We tried to hire a few more men ourselves a few days ago. There aren't any that aren't working or down with the flu. Where do you intend to find this extra man for Stemple?"
"Me." Jeremy said simply.
Joshua laughed, "You're kidding."
"Look J-Jason, there's no other c-choice. I know we're short handed too, but without the mill it wouldn't matter how many men we had." Jason had begun to look thoughtful. "I f-figure you and Josh could run things on the mountain, and I'd be the best choice to work for Aaron."
Joshua was the first to break the silence, "What makes you think you're the best choice to work the mill?"
"Now wait a minute Josh," Jason smiled, "Jeremy thinks he's the best man to work day in and day out with Aaron Stemple. Taking orders from the man all day long. Then I respect his decision. Come on Josh, Let's get back to camp."
Jeremy's smile had faded as his brothers disappeared out the door. "Here ya go Jeremy." Lottie said placing another beer in front of the young Bolt. "You may need this."
"Lottie?" Jeremy said looking up at her. He had grown very close to Lottie over the years, almost like a mother. "Have I made a mistake?"
She laughed heartily, "Only time will tell."
He took another drink of his beer and muttered to himself, "What have I g-gotten myself into?"
The short walk from Lotties to the dormitory exhilarated Jeremy as he stepped up to the door and knocked. He knew where he would find the support he needed now. Someone to tell him that working with Aaron would be fine. To tell him that he and Aaron wouldn't be at each others throats after the first day. Someone to remind him that it's only a week, the contract would be filled and the job complete. He had begun to smile again, only a week that's all. Of course there won't be a problem. "Jeremy!" Candy said sternly as she pushed him back, not allowing him entrance to the dormitory. "What are you doing here, you know most of the brides have the flu. You're going to get it too if you keep coming around here."
"Can't help it, I miss you too much. Come on over here and s-sit with me for awhile."
"Ok, but just awhile."
"Jason sent a wire to Dr. Wright today. Telling her what's going on and asking her to come back as soon as she can." Dr. Wright had left for San Francisco last month. A colleague had written her about a medical breakthrough and an instructional talk that was to be given. It was the town of Seattle that had insisted that she take the time for herself and go. After much reluctance, she had agreed. Now, this small logging community might not survive without her.
"I'm so glad. But it's going to take her some time to travel. I hope she gets here in time. Biddies sick now too. Her fever is very high, I'm worried about her."
"She'll b-be ok. How about you, how are you doing? I know it can't be easy t-taking care of everyone. You look tired." He brushed a stray curl from her cheek and put a comforting arm around her shoulders.
"I am tired," she said as she rested her head on Jeremy's shoulder, "there's just so much to do." Her voice had trailed off. A few moments later her even breathing told Jeremy that she had fallen asleep. He kissed her on the forehead and was content to simply hold her in his arms as she slept.
Candy had slept here only about half an hour when Kathryn came outside. Jeremy put his finger to his lips to usher her silent. "I have to wake her Jeremy. Biddie is asking for her."
Jeremy nodded, "Candy...Candy." He said softly.
She stirred slightly then opened her eyes and sat up apologetically, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep."
"It's f-fine with me. I wasn't going to wake you but Kathryn says Biddie is asking for you. I knew you'd w-want to know."
"Oh my, yes. Thank you. I'll see you later Jeremy." She said as she hurried inside.
"She hasn't slept hardly at all in two days." Kathryn told him. "She's always been the one to take over everything and she thinks she has to do that now. I'm just afraid that she's going to be the next one the bet sick if she doesn't get some rest."
Jeremy nodded, "She can be stubborn. I d-don't know how to get her to slow down."
"Maybe you could just get her out of here for a couple of hours tonight. I know that alone will do her a lot of good. Just to get away from here for awhile."
"Good idea. I b-be back tonight." He said stepping off the porch and walked in the direction of Stemples' mill.
In the days that followed Jeremy and Candy hardly saw each other. Candy would not leave the side of her best friend. Biddie's fever lingered and Candy kept the cool compresses on her nearly twenty four hours a day. On the morning of the third day, Jeremy waited outside the mill for Aaron to arrive so they could begin another day's work. The sun had already been up for nearly an hour when he decided to go to Stemple's house and drag him out if he had to. A few minutes later Jeremy stood banging on the door to Aaron's house.
"Don't tear the house down boy." Aaron said as he opened the door. He stood there in a silk nightshirt and a blanket wrapped around him.
"Get d-dressed Aaron, we got w-work to do."
"Sorry Jeremy, I think I've got the flu." He said pulling the blanket tighter around him.
It was then that Jeremy saw Aaron's flushed face. "Boy, you do look s-sick."
"We'll just have to call off production at the mill till I get over this."
"Sorry Aaron, b-but the Bolt brothers reputation is on the line. Give me the keys to the mill."
"No Jeremy, you don't have enough experience."
"I've been working with you for three days." Jeremy said boldly, "I've been around this b-business all my life. I'll j-just pull one of the loggers off the mountain. We'll handle it."
Aaron was thoughtful a moment, "You have to promise me that you will take your time and think about what you're doing."
"You got it Aaron." Jeremy took the keys from him, slapped him on the back and added, "Take it easy Aaron. You look awful. Get some rest."
"Take your time." Aaron called after him as he disappeared around the side of the house.
Jeremy enlisted the help of two of the loggers and together they managed to keep the mill running somewhat smoothly. The hours became long and strenuous for not only the three at the mill but also for Jason and the rest of the crew on the mountain. The contract deadline needed to be met, and everyone worked well into the darkness to ensure that the reputation of the Bolt brothers logging operation remained untarnished. The enveloping cloak of night surrounded Bridal Veil Mountain as Jason hurried to the flume to check on how smoothly work was progressing. He found Corky guiding the next log into place. "Corky," Jason called.
"Yea, Jason." He replied. He hadn't bothered to look up, his attention was held to the task at hand. He released the log and sent it sliding down the flume.
"Can we tighten up the time between release?" He asked as he reached the place where Corky stood.
Corky looked up at Jason for the first time; he admired the eldest Bolt brother but could see the lines of stress on his flushed face. "Were cutting it pretty close now Jason. Only about fifteen seconds between them now."
Jason shook his head. "That's close enough, we'll have to start hauling some out by wagon too. Thanks Corky, keep up the good work." Corky nodded and released the next log.
The next two days became critical. The crew on the mountain began working in shifts around the clock. Jason had refused to take the time to sleep. He had been working straight for the last thirty hours when Lottie came up the mountain to see him. She rarely ventured up to the logging camp but Jeremy had come to see her earlier in the day. He could see the toll the schedule was taking on his brother. He told Lottie that she would be the only one he would listen to. Lottie knew how stubborn Jason was, but also knew how crucial the situation could be. Jeremy told her he suspected that Jason had contracted the influenza. He confided to her that his brother was barely eating, possibly as a way to control his nausea. Lottie reached the camp and was told that Jason was in the tent. Without announcing herself Lottie pulled back the flap of the tent and stepped inside. She found Jason without his shirt, washing his face in a basin of water. "Sorry to come uninvited."
"I guess that's a chance you take when you live in a tent." He replied rubbing his face with a towel, then putting on his shirt. "What can I do for you Lottie? I'm really quite busy."
"Jeremy tells me it looks like the contract will be met on time tomorrow."
Jason smiled, "He's right, if we keep things going, we'll make it." He sat down and sighed.
"You look exhausted."
"I'm alright Lottie. No need to be concerned."
She stepped over to him and placed a hand on his cheek. "Just as I thought. You're burning with fever."
"I'm fine. Please Lottie, I have work to do." He stood, but a little too quickly. With the little nourishment he'd been taking, he became dizzy and put out his arm out to the table to steady himself.
"Lottie was quickly there to lend a hand of support. "Come on Jason, you're very ill. Your brothers can handle the next twenty-four hours. It's time to let them stand on their own two feet. Trust them, this operation means as much to them as it does to you. They won't let you down."
Jason almost felt a relief in what Lottie said, and with that relief came the realization that he was indeed ill. "Just let me tell Josh to take over and I'll go into town with you."
Lottie smiled and put her arm through Jason's to walk back with him.
With the passing of one full day and the last board cut to specification, Jeremy thanked the men for their hard work and extra effort. Locking the door to the mill he dropped the key off at Stemple's and headed toward Lottie's to see how his big brother was doing.
Joshua was at the bar when he entered Lottie's. "How's J-Jason?" he asked.
"Fever's got him good." He said shaking his head. "He didn't know me a little while ago."
"Lottie there?"
"Yeah."
"I'm g-goin' up." Jeremy replied. When he reached the stairs he took them two at a time in his haste to check on his brother. When he entered the room Lottie was at Jason's side. "Lottie?" Jeremy said softly as he watched her place another cool compress on his forehead.
"Hello Jeremy, come on in." Lottie replied.
"How is he?"
Lottie shook her head. "His temperature is so high. I don't know."
"Has he b-been awake?"
"Not much, and when he is he has delusions."
Jeremy nodded and felt helpless as he pulled up a chair. Jason had always been the one to take care of him. He never remembered Jason being this ill.
"Another of the brides died this morning." Lottie told him.
"Who?" Jeremy asked. He feared that it might be Biddie. He knew if that happened Candy would be devastated.
"How's C-Candy?"
"She'll be ok. Naturally she's upset, she's lost two friends to this influenza in two weeks. She's keeping busy though. There's still a lot to do. Most of the brides are starting to get well."
"Biddie?" Jeremy asked.
"Biddie's doing really well. She been able to drink some broth, and her fever has broken."
"Good. I don't know how Candy would take it if.."
"Biddie's going to be fine. Don't think about what could have happened."
Jeremy knew that Lottie was right and turned his attention back to his brother. Suddenly Jason sat up in bed and shouted, "Look out Charlie! Bear! Run!"
Momentarily stunned Jeremy stared at his brother. Lottie took Jason's face in his hands. "Jason, it's ok, you're here with family."
Jason relaxed and put his arms around Lottie, "Mom, its my fault. I made that bear mad."
Memories flooded back for Jeremy. Charlie was Jason's best friend. Jeremy was only about five but still remembered the guilt Jason felt over his friend's death. He remembered Jason staying in his room and not wanting to go outside. He had kept to himself for months even refusing to play with his brothers. For Jeremy the memories had nearly been forgotten, yet now he realized how deep the scars were for his brother. A few minutes later Jason had fallen asleep again. Jeremy took a deep breath and settled back in his chair. It was only then that he noticed Joshua silently closing the door. Jason's cries had brought him up the stairs, and now without a word, he left.
A tender touch on his shoulder woke Jeremy and he looked into the comforting eyes of the woman who held the key to his heart. "Candy."
"Did you sleep here all night?"
He looked around and cleared his throat. "I g-guess so. How's J-Jason?"
"The same I think. His fever is still pretty high."
Jeremy ran his hand through his tousled hair. "I f-feel so d-damn helpless. He raised me C-Candy, looked after me. He cared for me when I was s-sick, or hurt. He was always there f-for me when I'm st-stuttering so much I c-can't get the words out." Jeremy stood and walked over to the bed where his brother lay. "Now he needs me, and there's nothing I can d-do for him."
Candy could see how torn her beloved Jeremy was, in his worry, even his stuttering was more pronounced. "Jeremy," she said putting her hand on his arm, "you are here for him that's all he needs from you right now. I'm sure that he knows you love him, and you are here for him."
"Maybe you're right." He said as he sat on the edge of the bed and took the compress from Jason's fevered head. He refreshed the cloth in the basin of water and placed it back on his brother's head.
"Can I get you some breakfast?" Candy asked.
"No thanks, I'm not hungry." The cloth had warmed quickly and Jeremy refreshed it again. Jeremy picked up the basin of now tepid water to get some fresh, cool water.
"I'll get the fresh water, you stay with Jason." Candy said taking the basin from him.
The day wore on and Jeremy continued to sit with his brother. Hours were spent placing cool compresses on his brothers' head. Other times he simply watched, waiting for some sign that the fever was losing its grip. Twice in the day the fever had brought with it delusions that caused Jason to call out. Each time Jeremy had felt more helpless and did all he could to calm his brother. Darkness was beginning to fall on another day and Jeremy lit a lantern. Jason was sleeping peacefully now and Jeremy slumped in his chair. Fatigue showed clearly in his puffy eyes, and dark circles were beginning to appear under them.
"Jeremy." Candy said coming into the room.
"Yea?" He answered, not taking his eyes from his ill brother.
"I just came to get your tray." She lifted the napkin and shook her head, "Jeremy, you haven't touched your dinner."
"Yea I d-did." He said as he stood to face her, "Right there, s-see, I ate the p-pie."
"Two bites, maybe. Jeremy, that's not dinner."
"I'm j-just not hungry, Candy. Please, I'll eat later."
"I'll hold you to that Mr. Bolt. I'll bring you a sandwich later."
"Deal." He said kissing her gently and opening the door for her.
"Mom." Jason called from across the room.
Jeremy went to his brothers' side immediately "Jason, it's me, Jeremy."
"Jeremy, it's hot. So hot." He rolled his head back and forth.
Jeremy placed a cool compress on his brothers' head. Jason sighed deeply and Jeremy knew he was asleep again. Taking a deep breath he ran his hand through his thick, uncombed hair, closing his eyes against the tears that threatened to spill forth.
"Jeremy." Lottie said slipping into the room.
"Yea Lottie?" He said wiping a cool cloth over his Jason's' still face.
"Let me do this for awhile. You go to the cabin and get some rest."
"I c-can't leave. P-Please don't ask me to."
"At least go and take Joshua home and put him to bed. He's been drinking since early this evening. I don't think he could find his way."
"Guess I'd b-better then."
"He's very upset about Jason too. He's just handling it differently, that's all."
Jeremy shook his head; "I can't be concerned with that right now."
When Jeremy came downstairs he saw Joshua at a table on the far side of the room. Everyone else had gone home and Josh sat alone. Joshua Bolt downed another shot of whiskey and followed that quickly with half the mug of beer. He looked up to see his brother standing in front of him. "What are you looking at little brother?"
"Come on Josh, let's g-go home."
Joshua held up the whiskey bottle, "Can'tÖ.not done yet. Pull up a chair, have a drink."
"T-Take the bottle with you. Lottie needs to lock up."
Joshua rose to his unsteady feet, "Well, aren't you just taking care of everything. First Stempel, and the mill. Then Jason, now me." He made a wide gesture with the bottle in his hand throwing himself off balance. Jeremy stepped up to steady him. "See," Josh said, "that's what I mean."
"Come on J-Josh." Jeremy took the beer from his brother and set it down on the table. When he turned back around he was met with Joshua's fist. The force of which sent Jeremy to the floor.
Sitting up Jeremy looked at his brother. He tested his jaw to insure that nothing was broken, then shook his head and sighed. He was tired, worried about Jason, and now angry with Joshua. Jeremy could not believe that with everything that was going on that his brother was behaving this way.
Joshua's stance swayed as he stood over Jeremy, "Come on little brother. Get up."
"I'm not g-going to fight you Josh." Jeremy said as he stood up.
"We'll see about that." He said as he swung his doubled fist toward his brother. Yet in his drunken state, his perception was off and Jeremy only had to step back to avoid being struck. The force of the swing threw Joshua off balance and he toppled to the floor. He laid there a couple of minutes; the anger and the fight seemed to drain out of him. Jeremy held out his hand and helped Joshua to his unsteady feet. The color drained quickly from his face and Jeremy lent him a steadying arm of support.
"Are you al-right?" he asked.
There was a lengthy pause, then as beads of perspiration dotted his forehead he looked at his brother. "Jeremy, I think I'm going to be sick."
Jeremy hurried his brother outside where the inebriated Joshua became violently ill. Once the waves of nausea subsided, Jeremy led his brother back to the cabin and waited to make sure he was asleep before he left to check back in on Jason. When Jeremy entered his sick brother's room, he found Lottie there, just as she had promised. "Thanks Lottie, I didn't want to leave him alone."
"Jeremy, you're exhausted. Let me stay tonight."
"I have to be here. I c-couldn't sleep." He replied.
"Then I have an overstuffed arm chair in my room, let me help you carry it in here."
"I'd like that Lottie. Thanks."
Jeremy carried the solid wooden chair to Lottie's room to make room for the armchair. The chair wasn't that heavy and Jeremy managed to carry it alone. A few moments later, Lottie came in with the footstool. Jeremy sat down in the chair and marveled at its comfort. Putting his feet up on the stool he looked over at his brother. "Thanks Lottie."
"I'll get you a pillow, and blanket."
"No thanks Lottie. You've d-done enough. I couldn't sleep anyway."
"Well let me get them, you don't have to use them."
"Ok then." He smiled at her.
Before Lottie could leave Jason opened his eyes, "Lottie?" he said weakly.
"Yes Jason." Lottie said as she approached the bed. Jeremy was already on his feet.
"Thirsty." Jason said as his tongue traced his dry lips.
Jeremy poured the water into a cup, and handed it to Lottie who sat on the edge of the bed and helped Jason up enough to drink. The moment that Jason took the first sip, he grasped the cup and drank the water down ravenously. "More please."
Lottie handed the cup to Jeremy who silently filled it, hoping that this was a sign that his brothers' illness had taken a positive turn. Jason sipped at the water and Lottie placed her hand on the side of his face to take note of his temperature. She looked over at Jeremy watching her intently. She read his unasked question and shook her head. "How do you f-feel?" Jeremy asked.
Jason looked up at him. "Weak." He told his brother. He handed the cup to Lottie and lay back down with a sigh. "We met the contract, right."
Jeremy smiled, "Yea, we met it."
"Where's Josh?"
"He's resting. It's b-been a long day."
"What happened to you?"
"Me?" Jeremy repeated. "Nothing, why."
"Your jaw, it's bruised and swollen."
Jeremy touched the spot tenderly, "Long s-story. Not important." He replied, realizing that Jason had had put on his big brother hat and even as ill as he was he was looking after him.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm f-fine Jason. I'm more c-concerned about you."
"You know me. Nothing will keep me down."
Lottie had been listening to the exchange, "Ok you two. That's enough. Jason needs his rest."
The three of them were silent for a short time, then Jason sat up. "Lottie, I'm going to be ill."
She quickly retrieved the pan that was kept next to he bed and handed it to him. With the pan in his lap, Jason heaved. Lottie quickly placed a cool compress on the back of his neck and held it there. Jason quickly emptied his stomach of the small amount of liquid that he had consumed. Still he continued to heave. He pulled a shaky arm across his stomach hoping that the touch would quiet the spasms that continued relentlessly. Finally the heaving began to slow and Jason fell back against the pillows. His usual bronzed complexion was pale and his dark wavy hair was damp with perspiration. Lottie picked up the pan and left the room. Jeremy took her place at the edge of the bed and placed another cool compress on his brother's head. It was then that Jeremy's fingers briefly touched his brother's forehead and he realized just how much the fever still raged.
Jason looked up at his young brother; "I'll be ok Jeremy."
Jeremy nodded and straightened the blanket, "Get s-some rest."
Jason sighed; his eyes began to drift closed "So tired." He said slowly. Then sleep over took him.
Jeremy stood and walked over to peer out the window thoughtfully. Lottie returned then, with a clean pan and a blanket and pillow for Jeremy. She put the pan by the bed and the linens on the dresser. "For you if you change your mind."
"Thanks."
"Josh do that?" she asked as she stepped closer to examine his bruised jaw.
Jeremy pulled away, "Yea, t-took me by surprise." Lottie reached again to look at the bruise, but again Jeremy stepped away, "Please Lottie, don't fuss. I'm f-fine." He stepped around her and stood by his brother's bed, "What d-do you think? He s-seemed better."
"I just don't know Jeremy. If that were you I'd say it was a good sign. I've been by your side through many an illness. But Jason, he's never been so ill. Don't read too much into this tonight. His fever is still terribly high."
Jeremy nodded and went back to the window. "Thanks Lottie." He said with his back to her.
"I'll be in my room. Come get me if there's any change."
"I will." He replied, still not turning to face her. A moment later he heard the door close quietly. Jeremy looked over his shoulder at his brothers still form. He turned then to walk over to the bed, folded his arms across his chest and watched his brother sleep. He didn't stand there very long, a few moments later he turned and walked back to the window. The pattern had begun, and Jeremy retraced those same steps many times over the next several hours. Jason had not stirred in all that time. Finally Jeremy sat in the armchair. He started to put his feet up on the stool but stopped to take his boots off. He sighed deeply as he crossed his legs at the ankle and rested them on the stool. He was pleased that Jason had had such a peaceful night, but the sun would be dawning on a new day in only a couple of hours, and he was worried at what that might bring. Jeremy tried to fight the fatigue that gripped him but he was unable to keep his eyes open. Slowly, he drifted into a troubled sleep.
The sun had just risen, and Lottie still in her robe and slippers stepped quietly into the room. She went first to Jason's side and placed her hand to his cheek to test his temperature. Then she turned her attention to the youngest Bolt. She was pleased that he had finally gotten a little rest. She took the blanket she had left on the dresser and covered Jeremy's sleeping form. He stirred but did not wake. Lottie took the bowl of tepid water so she could refresh it. Jason's temperature was still high and he would need the cold compresses.
A sudden noise in the room forced Jeremy to come awake with a start. "J-Jason?" He said as he saw his brother sitting on the edge of the bed and putting his boots on. "Where are you g-going?"
"I have to get wood." He replied.
Jeremy was standing now, "What for?"
"For the stove of course. I have to fix breakfast for you and Josh. Can't send you to school on an empty stomach."
Inwardly Jeremy groaned as he realized that the fever had once again brought delusions. ""Jason, it's ok. Um, Josh and I already ate. You get some rest, and I'll be b-back after school."
"I am tired." He replied as he pulled his boots back off and laid on the bed.
Jeremy picked up his boots and stepped out into the hall. Lottie was just coming back up the stairs with the bowl of water, "Jeremy, where are you going."
"T-to school."
"Pardon me."
"Jason was just about to go gather wood to fix b-breakfast for Josh and I before school."
"Oh my. He thinks you're still teenagers and he has to look after you."
"J-just like he did when were growing up."
"Then why don't you go to the cabin and lay down and get some rest."
"I slept last night." He protested. "I'll j-just wait here till he falls back to sleep."
Lottie shook her head, "Jeremy, you got two hours at the most. I heard you walking the floor all night."
"Sorry Lottie, I didn't mean to disturb you."
"That is not what I ment Jeremy Bolt. Well, let me take this inside and check on our patient."
Jeremy put his boots down and opened the door for Lottie. Once inside the room she said, "He's asleep Jeremy."
He stepped into the room and saw his brother asleep on top of the blanket. With Lottie's help the two of them managed to get the elder Bolt back under the blankets. She placed a fresh compress on Jason's head and looked over at Jeremy. He was again staring out the window. "Jeremy?"
"Yea Lottie."
"Are you alright?"
He turned around to smile at her. "I'm f-fine Lottie. Please d-don't worry."
"I can't help myself. You and your brothers are my family."
Jeremy walked over to her and put his arms around her. "We f-feel the same way."
"Ok," she said as she took a deep breath and wiped a tear that had formed in the corner of her eye. "You watch over Jason. I need to get dressed and go check on Aaron. Candy asked me if I'd go this morning."
"How is Aaron."
"He's doing fine. A few more days of bed rest and he'll be his old self. "He wasn't nearly as ill as Jason, perhaps he didn't have as much exposure since he lives alone. He even asked about Jason. Made me promise not to tell though."
Lottie left and Jeremy sat on the edge of the bed and placed a fresh, cool compress on Jason's fevered forehead. The sound of pounding hoofbeats brought Jeremy's attention to the window. He looked out in time to see a lone rider gallop into town. Jeremy was not the only one who had heard the urgent hoofbeats. Many of the brides were already standing on the dormitory porch. Some of the brides were still recovering from their illness and stood with blankets wrapped around their slight forms. Jeremy's eyes searched the crowded porch for Candy's face. For a moment he became concerned, then saw her as she pushed her way to the front of the women. His attention was brought back to the rider and smiled when he realized that it was Dr Allyn Wright who was dismounting in the Town Square. Many of the brides and some of the loggers were already gathering around her. Jeremy hurried down the stairs and out into the sunshine. He stepped onto the street and realized that his boots were still in the hallway outside the room where Jason lay so ill. "We're so glad you're here." Jeremy said when he reached her side. "We didn't expect you f-for at least a week. The stage isn't due till then."
"That's why I got the horse. After I got Jason's wire I knew I had to get here as fast as I could." She looked around, "Where is Jason?"
Jeremy looked down briefly. "He's very ill. High fever, even out of his head at times."
She reached for her medical bag that was hooked over the saddle horn, "Well, lets go see."
"Brides f-first." Jeremy stated, "Jason would insist."
Candy spoke up, "Some of them are very ill too. Four have died, and we thought we might lose Maggie last night. She's very weak."
"Then lets get started, I have a lot to patients to see. Jeremy, keep cool compresses on Jason's head, I'll be there as quickly as I can."
Jeremy nodded and headed back toward Lottie's. He stepped inside as Lottie reached the bottom step. "What's all the commotion?" she asked.
"Dr. Wright," Jeremy said hugging her, "She's back."
"That's wonderful news." She looked toward the door, "Where is she?"
"She's with the brides."
That makes since. Maggie was not doing well last night. I didn't think she would survive the night. I told Candy to come after me if she took a turn for the worse. I guess she made it through the night."
"I'm going up." He said indicating the stairs.
"I'll be back by the time she gets here. I need to check on Aaron."
Jeremy bounded up the stairs, for the first time in days there was hope in his heart. He picked up his boots and stepped into Jason's room.
Lottie opened the door and entered Aaron's house. Just as she and Candy had been doing since Aaron had become ill. She walked to the back of the house and tapped lightly on the bedroom door. "Come-in." he said weakly.
"It's me Aaron." Lottie said stepping into the room. She placed the knitted shawl she had wrapped around her shoulders onto a nearby chair. "How are you feeling?"
"Not too bad. Thirsty, I was thinking about getting up for a glass of water."
"You stay put, I'll get the water."
"Thanks Lottie." He said when she returned with the glass. He took only a few sips before handing it back.
Lottie placed the glass on the stand next to the bed. She turned back and sat on the edge of the bed. She placed her hand against his cheek and frowned, "You still have a fever."
"I figured I did. I can't seem to shake it."
"Well, Allyn's back. So perhaps she can get this community back on its feet."
"I'm glad to hear that she's back. How's Maggie? When Candy came by last night she said Maggie might be the next one to die. I felt so helpless, she was so upset."
"She made it through the night. Allyn's with her now."
"How'd she get back so quickly?"
"She arrived on horseback. She must have ridden hard for days. I haven't spoken to her yet."
"And Jason. How is he doing this morning?"
"I'm worried about him Aaron. His fever is so high, I'm wondering how much more his body can take."
"He is strong Lottie, we can't forget that. He'll come through this."
"Of course he will. You get some rest Aaron. I'll send over some soup this afternoon. You will try to eat some."
"Sure Lottie. Thanks, I appreciate you and Candy coming by here. I just feel better in my own home."
"We're glad to do Aaron, really. I'll see you later, you get some rest." She said as she closed the door behind her.
Lottie entered Jason's room as Jeremy placed another compress on his brothers fevered head.
"How's Aaron?" Jeremy asked.
"He still has fever, but all in all, he's not doing too bad."
The compress had warmed and Jeremy reached to refresh it. Lottie took the towel from his hand, "Here Jeremy, let me do that." He stepped away from the bed and quietly walked over to stare out the window.
"What are you looking at?" Lottie asked as she came over to stand by his side.
"Nothing really. The sky, the mountain. Jason loves it all."
"How's Jason?" Joshua asked closing the door as he came into the room.
Jeremy turned around to face his brother. "Not too good Josh."
"Has Allyn seen him? I hear she's back in town."
Lottie spoke up, "She should be here shortly.
"You look like hell." Jeremy said to him as he noted his brother's disheveled appearance. His hair was still uncombed, and Jeremy could see the redness in his bloodshot eyes.
"Feel like hell." He said sitting in a nearby chair. "Did I do that?" he asked indicating the bruise that was considerably larger and darker than it had been on the previous evening.
"You d-don't remember?" He asked his brother.
"Vaguely," he replied, "Sorry, I just wasn't myself last night."
"And that's supposed to make it alright?"
"Don't start with me little brother!" Joshua said standing. His voice was soft but there was an underlying tone of anger.
"Don't start with you!" Jeremy repeated raising his voice.
"That's enough!" Lottie said interrupting the brothers. "This is neither the time or the place."
"You're right Lottie." Joshua said sliding back into the chair.
Jeremy Bolt shook his head and silently stepped over to refresh the compress on Jason's head. A few moments later Allyn Wright stepped into the room, with Candy at her heels. Jeremy moved away from the bed to stand at Candy's side. Silently he slipped an arm around her waist and drew her close to his side. She glanced over at him but Jeremy's brow was furrowed as he intently watched his brother.
Allyn sat on the edge of the bed and placed her hand against the side of his face. She raised an eyebrow and glanced up at Jeremy. She opened her medical bag and withdrew her stethoscope. She listened to his heart and lungs. Finishing she looped the instrument around her neck and stood up. "We have to get this fever down. It's dangerously high." She pulled the two blankets off the bed, throwing them to the floor. "Open that window." She ordered. Jeremy turned around and did as he had been told. At once he felt the cool breezes bring the aroma of salt air into the room. Allyn sat back on the bed and began to take the cool compresses and wipe them over his face, neck, arms and chest.
"What can I do?" Jeremy asked as the first to speak up.
"Keep the cool water coming. Candy, I need you to check on Maggie. If there's any change, come and get me. Any change. Josh, how are the men at the camp?"
"I haven't been up there today."
"Go and check for me. Make sure there's nothing urgent. And Lottie, would you mind checking on Aaron? Make sure he's doing ok." As she spoke she reached up and pulled one of Jason's eyelids up to look at his eyes. "Oh no." She said.
"What?" Joshua said quickly as Jeremy stepped closer to the bed.
She watched helpless as Jason's eyes began to roll back in his head, "He's having a seizure!" She said as his body began to jerk violently in the bed. "Hold him down! Don't let him hurt himself!" She said as she leaned across his chest and her hands grabbed his jaw."
Jeremy and Joshua both rushed forward to help her hold their brother down. It lasted only a minute and Jason's body fell limp. The room was quietly stunned. Jeremy looked over at Candy whose hand still covered her mouth in horror. "He's b-bleeding." Jeremy said pointing to Jason's mouth.
"He must have bitten his tongue. Right now though we have to get this fever down.
"I'll get the water." Jeremy said as he quickly left the room.
"Maggie." Candy said following Jeremy out of the room. Each of the others in turn left then to take care of the task Allyn had given them.
Jeremy returned with the water and he sat on the other side of his brother and followed Allyn's lead as he began to wipe his brother's body with the cool cloth. "Don't wring it out so much Jeremy. We want the water to stay on his body and be cooled by the air."
Jeremy nodded and dipped the cloth back into the bucket. Then continued to mop Jason's neck and chest. Allyn stopped for a moment to again listen to Jason's heart. It sounded strong and she smiled at Jeremy.
Jeremy reached up to touch his brothers cheek; already he felt a little cooler. He smiled, "It's working."
"It's only a temporary fix Jeremy. We have to keep his body cool enough to keep him from having another seizure. As soon as we stop, the fever will rise again. He's strong, we just have to help his body fight a little."
"Then we keep going. Right?" he asked.
"We keep going."
They both continued their task for a few more minutes, and then Allyn tried to speak to her patient, "Jason. Jason it's Allyn. Can you hear me?"
Jason groaned and rolled his head to the side but did not awaken. "That's a good sign Jeremy. He did hear me."
Jeremy felt the despair that had been gripping him for days begin to lift with her words. For the first time since Jason had become ill, Jeremy held hope for his recovery. With renewed energy he pushed the cloth back into the bucket to refresh it.
"Well hello there." Allyn said as Jason opened his eyes. "How do you feel?"
Jason took a deep breath and swallowed, "Cold." He raised his hand to rub it across his damp chest. A weak smile turned the corners of his lips upward, "Woman, I hope you haven't left me fully exposed."
She sat up straight and tugged at the sheet that covered him to the waist. "That could be arranged Mr. Bolt." She replied.
Jason's hand grasped the top of the sheet. "That won't be necessary Doctor." He said, then added, "I'm thirsty."
Jeremy had been smiling through the exchange between the two but now helped his brother to sit up in the bed. Allyn handed him a glass of water. Jason turned the container up and started to swallow eagerly. Allyn pulled the glass away from his mouth, "Slowly Jason. Sip it."
"Allyn!" A voice called from the stairs in the hall. She stood and turned toward the door as Candy rushed in breathless. "It's Maggie—she's having trouble breathing."
Allyn turned to pick up her bag. She could see that Jason was starting to shiver and gave Jeremy some final instructions as she started toward the door. "Jeremy, close the window. We have to watch the fever, but we don't want him to get pneumonia either."
Jeremy nodded and the doctor hurried out the door. He closed the window and Jason pulled the sheet up around him. "Do you need anything Jason?"
"No. I'm just tired."
Jeremy sat in the chair and watched Jason as his eyes drifted closed. The youngest brother sighed, he was grateful that his sibling was resting peacefully.
"Where's Allyn?" Joshua asked coming into the room.
"She had to go over to the dormitory."
"Maggie?" He asked.
"Yea, It doesn't sound good."
Joshua shook his head, "How's Jason."
"He woke up a little while ago. Not f-for very long, but he was rational. He was himself Josh."
"That's good, Jeremy."
"How about the loggers?"
"Corky is getting better. Most of the others too. Maybe we're looking at the end of all this."
"I hope so Josh. I hate what this is doing to this town. The strain. What it's done between us." Jeremy said softly as he looked up at his brother.
"Me too Jeremy. I am sorry about the way I have behaved. I want you to know that. You're my brother, and I love you."
Jeremy smiled, "It's been a trying month since all this started. We've both been anxious about Jason. We're brothers, but we're d-different. We both have to try to have a little more patience with the other at times. I was out of line too, and I'm sorry."
Allyn hurried up the stairs of the dormitory. "Maggie!" Candy shouted as she realized that her friend wasn't breathing. The doctor quickly listened with her stethoscope but could find no life. "I'm sorry Candy, there's nothing more I can do."
"No!" she screamed. "Not again." Allyn and Kathryn were at her side immediately as Candy's legs became weak with grief. Sobs racked her body as she held on tightly to Kathryn.
Over the next few days, Maggie was buried. Aaron's fever broke. Candy occupied herself as best she could to try not to think of the friends she'd lost; and Jason's illness lingered. Many of the loggers and most of the brides were getting well. It seemed to all that the worst was over.
Allyn spent much of her time with Jason. With many of her patients no longer needing her full attention she was relieved that she could direct her focus to the man who had brought her to Seattle. He was the man who supported her desire to practice her craft in this community. The man who had directed her to this place where she had found so many new friends. The man who she believed she could love if only given the chance. It was late in the day when Jason's fever began to decline. He managed to eat a little soup and keep it down. The news that Jason was beginning to recover spread quickly through the close knit community and this alone had done much to raise the spirit of the inhabitants of the town.
Jeremy stepped outside and took a deep breath. The Air was crisp and cool, and it exhilarated him. He looked over at the dormitory and new he wanted to be with Candy now. He knocked on the door and waited. Candy opened the door and Jeremy did not even allow her to speak. He took her hand and pulled her out onto the porch and into his arms. He kissed her briefly, yet tenderly. "Come sit with me." He said when he pulled away, "I want to hold you in my arms and watch the sunset."
"Let me get a wrap. It's going to be chilly."
"Ok." He said, "But I won't let you g-get cold." There was a glint in his eye and Candy blushed.
"Jeremy Bolt!" she whispered, shaking her head.
She retrieved her wrap from inside and settled into Jeremy's arms in the swing on the porch. They were both content to sit there in silence. To just enjoy the beauty of the sunset and the closeness of their bodies. They were both lost in the thoughts of putting the pain of the last several weeks behind them and looking forward. Forward to the town becoming a vibrant growing community. Forward to having the rest of their to spend with their family and friends, and each other.
THE END
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