Free Chastity by Elaine Barbieri Page A

should worsen."
        "That could happen, I suppose."
        "It will happen if you don't follow Dr. Carr's advice."
        "I have to try."
        "But… but…" Green flecks stirred deep in the soft brown of Chastity's eyes. "Surely someone else can locate this man for you and tell him to come here to meet with you."
         "If he hasn't already left Sedalia."
        "Oh, I'm sure he hasn't. He couldn't if he understood the importance of your work."
        Reed felt victory within his reach. "He understands, but his time is valuable."
        "Perhaps Sally could help you."
        No, he didn't want that. Sally was too wise to be taken in by a story he was inventing moment by moment. He responded with a shake of the head and an apologetic grimace. "No, I don't   think so. Sally's a nice person, but her appearance is misleading."
        "Oh." He could see that Chastity silently concurred, and he could see the struggle that waged behind her sympathetic gaze when she glanced at the clock on the nearby dresser and then shook her head. "I wish I could help, but my train is leaving in fifteen minutes."
        Startled by her response, Reed repeated, "Your train?"
        "Yes. I'm on my way to Caldwell, Kansas. It's important. I… there's someone waiting. I mean…" She glanced at the clock again.
        So, there was someone waiting for Chastity Lawrence in Caldwell. He wondered why he hadn't realized there would be. He replied, "You came back for your glasses."
        "Yes."
        "I haven't seen them."
        Discomfort flashed in Chastity's eyes. "Do you mind if I look for them?"
        "No."
        Growing increasingly weaker, Reed closed his eyes. He listened to the sounds of Chastity's movement around the room. He opened his eyes again when the sounds ceased.
        "They're not here." Chastity paused. "So, I suppose I'll be saying good-bye."
        He couldn't let that happen. He responded, "I have a favor to ask of you before you do. If you could get my clothes” He motioned toward the pants and shirt hanging on a hook in the  corner " and put them on the end of the bed for me."
         "Your clothes? You don't intend to get up…"
        Reed did not respond.
        "You can't get up until Dr. Carr says it's safe."
        "Chastity…" He paused, deliberately evoking a sense of friendly intimacy by using her given name for the first time. "Don't worry about me. Your train is leaving."
        "But"
        "I'll take care of what has to be done."
        "Dr. Carr can find someone to help you."
        "Your train is leaving…" He looked at the clock. "In ten minutes."
        "Dr. Carr knows everybody in town. He's sure to know where to find the fellow you're looking for."
        "Finding him isn't the problem. There should be a message at the telegraph office telling me where to meet him. I'm feeling much better. I can make it."
         "At the telegraph office? You intend to walk there? Do you realize how far that is from here?"
        "I'll make it."
        "No, you won't."
        "Yes, I will."
        "No, you won't!"
        He saw the moment of capitulation coming.
        His satisfaction diminished as a new bout of weakness assailed him, Reed closed his eyes. He felt a soft palm on his forehead and opened his eyes again to see Chastity leaning toward him,   her smooth brow knit with concern. He smelled the scent of roses.
        ''You're too weak to meet him. Surely you see that."
        "I have to try ."
        Chastity hesitated only a moment longer before replying, "I'll go for you."
        "But your train…"
        "There'll be another train tomorrow. I can't leave without my glasses, anyway. What's the name of the man you're supposed to meet?"
        "I can't let you"
        "What's his name?"
        "Edward Jenkins."
        Chastity nodded.
        As she turned toward the door Reed added, " A word of