Free The Doctor's Newfound Family by Valerie Hansen Page B

control if she could help it. The first chance she got, she would once again write to Mr. King, as she’d already planned.
    What would she say? That answer came easily. She would tell him about William Bein’s attempts to send her whole family away. Let the powers that be make of that what they would. She knew it was nothing but a shameful attempt to steal what rightfully belonged to her and her siblings. If Uncle Will thought he was going to get away with cheating them out of their inheritance, then he had another think coming.
    She shivered, remembering the cold look in Bein’s eyes. If she never had to actually meet that man face-to-face again, she would count it a blessing.
     
    A doctor? Taylor was still smiling to himself as he returned to his hotel for the night. Sara Beth was amazing in both her courage and her ambition. He supposed there were female doctors somewhere, although he had never personally met one. The notion was just so farfetched it amused him. He could envision the reactions of some of his stuffy professors if a young, pretty woman like Sara Beth Reese walked into the operating theater and wanted to observe, let alone begin to practice the healing arts on her own.
    Entering the imposing What Cheer House, Taylor headed for the formal dining room. This was one of the most prestigious establishments in the city and also provided real baths in the basement, something most other hotels had not yet added to their amenities. Taking rooms there was his one extravagance and one he sincerely hoped he’d be able to afford to continue. It wasn’t on par with eastern hotels, but it was one of the best available in San Francisco.
    Gas-lighted chandeliers illuminated the separatedining area off the lobby. Crisp linen cloths draped the small tables, which were graced by only the finest china, silver and crystal goblets. Although no strong spirits were served, the hotel was nevertheless always crowded.
    Waiting for a table, Taylor spotted W. T. Coleman, waved to him and was motioned over. He gladly obliged.
    “Evening, W.T.”
    The wiry man offered a chair. “Join me?”
    “Delighted. How goes it?”
    “The raw oysters on the half-shell are delicious. I highly recommend them.”
    Taylor huffed and lowered his voice. “I had something other than food in mind when I asked. Any word on the problem you and I were discussing?”
    Coleman shook his head, glancing from side to side as if expecting to be accosted any second. “No. And I don’t want to discuss it in here. The walls have ears.”
    Waiting until a black-suited waiter had taken his order and departed, Taylor continued his query, albeit quietly. “Have you seen the latest issue of the Bulletin? ”
    “Yes. Do you think that’s wise?”
    “What? Printing the truth?” He unfolded his napkin and laid it across his lap.
    “No. Letting King quote that girl. Do you have any idea how dangerous that may be for her?”
    “I didn’t notice any direct quotes,” Taylor said, frowning. “Did he actually mention her by name?”
    “Not in the article. Since I figured out where most of the information came from, others will, too. Where is she staying now that she has no home?”
    “At the Ladies’ Protection and Relief Society headquarters. She’ll be safe there.”
    “Only if she keeps her head down and her mouth shut. A few more letters like the last one King printed and anything may happen.”
    Taken aback, Taylor leaned closer and grabbed his companion’s wrist. “What do you mean, printed? He was supposed to build a feature on her letter, not run it.”
    Coleman nodded, looking decidedly uncomfortable. “Well, it’s there. On page three. If all you read was the article, you missed the most important part of the paper.”
    “I’ll stop and cancel my dinner order on my way out,” Taylor said, standing and throwing his crumpled napkin across his place setting. Sara Beth fully intended to write again, this time making specific references to William