Free Oklahoma's Gold by Kathryn Long Page B

realized her fists were placed on her hips, her well-known ready-to-do-battle stance. That gave her the extra shot of adrenaline she needed to continue on with her speech. "And do I see anyone but me tryin' to do something about it? No siree. Not a warm-bodied soul in this whole damned community has lifted a finger. And it steams me somethin' fierce." She marched across the room to close a shade from the blinding sunlight that announced daybreak was finally here.
     
    "Well, get on with your examination," she ordered, then sat in a chair, arms crossed to indicate the subject of "foolishness" was now closed.
     
    Doc looked exasperated, but didn't utter a sound, as he opened his bag, took out a stethoscope, and placed it on Daniel's chest. The reposed figure moaned softly at the touch as Doc listened for several seconds.
     
    Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to Emma, Doc removed the stethoscope and looked over at her.
     
    "His pulse is strong and steady," he began and then proceeded to examine the wound. He gingerly felt around the crown of the head with his fingertips. "And it doesn't look like there's any swelling, but he'll need to go to Lawton General anyway for x-rays, just in case."
     
    "The hell I will," Daniel uttered as his eyelids fluttered open. The words and gesture startled both Emma and the doctor.
     
    "Now, Daniel. I won't take no for an answer. As your physician I have to insist. A brain concussion is a serious matter. Swelling on the brain is not all that uncommon."
     
    "I'm fine. If I could just …" He began to raise his head off the bed but winced in pain and quickly placed it back on the pillow. "I just need a few minutes to rest."
     
    Emma sighed. Stubborn to the core, just like herself. She walked over to Doc and whispered, "Let me talk to him."
     
    "Emma, we can't wait," he began but stopped when he realized she was right. He'd been faced with this kind of bold, stubborn independence many times. Most folks around here had it. Came with the territory and lives they led. You needed that tough exterior to battle the elements, to make the ranch or farm work for you. Many a tragedy occurred, but the one steadfast motto they had kept them going. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." And there were plenty of strong ones around. Doc shook his head. Stubborn, too .
     
    "Call me sometime this mornin'. I'll go ahead and set things up for the x-rays." He looked at her sternly in one last attempt to intimidate, but she wasn't caving in. He walked across the room, glancing back once. "This mornin', Emma," he said, then went out the door.
     
    As he reached his car another pulled up alongside. Caleb got out and grabbed his gun and holster from the seat. As he strapped it around his waist, Doc could not help say what he was thinking. "Plan on shootin' some desperadoes today, Caleb?"
     
    The sheriff scowled back at him.  "Mind your own business, Doc," he growled and marched up the steps to the house.
     
    Doc chuckled to himself as he got into his car. Placing his bag on the seat next to him, he realized how everyone was acting a bit too dramatic for his taste. There was no big conspiracy or shady operation going on here. He was certain these were all a bunch of isolated acts. Accidents such as brush fires were common enough. Of course, it did puzzle him about Daniel's mishap. He wasn't robbed. Then again, his attacker could have been scared off too soon to take anything from his victim. Probably some drifter, hoping for something to get him to his next meal.
     
    He smiled, shook his head, and began to whistle as he drove down the long, dusty drive of Emma's property. He glanced at the bunkhouse and corral as he passed them. The scene looked peaceful and right as it should be. Just perfect. Doc smiled, then continued on with his tune; the sounds of Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again" emanated from his lips.
     

Chapter 18
     
     
     
    Caleb brushed the dirt back and forth with his boot and