Read Within My Heart for Free Online Page B

the shipment from this morning first, then the shelves. The medicine will be in an envelope labeled either digitalis or foxglove . Time is crucial, so—”
    “I have it here, sir.” Angelo held out an envelope. “It was in the shipment, at the bottom.”
    Rand stared. “But . . . how did you know I would need this?”
    Angelo motioned. “Mrs. Boyd, she told me to look for it, sir . . . when she came looking for you.” The young man pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. “She wrote down the words. See? She asked me to meet you here.”
    Rachel’s face burned. She should have felt vindicated at Angelo’s admission, but she couldn’t bring herself to look up, even when she sensed Rand Brookston wanting her to. She bit her lower lip and fought back tears.
    She was being beyond silly, responding like a cowering child. And to Rand Brookston, of all people. It was foolishness! She was a grown woman. And a mother!
    But she felt like a girl again, standing before her father outside one of his patient rooms—scolded and embarrassed—having tried to anticipate his request but without success, and after having tried so hard to please him. Her chest tightened with emotion. How could childhood memories of a parent still hold such sway when adult memories of that same person cast an altogether different light?
    And why did she still feel as though she were lacking? She had been right this time! She’d chosen the correct medicine. Yet she felt like a disappointment. As though she’d failed, one more time, to meet not only her own expectations, but someone else’s as well.

4
    R and wished Rachel would look at him. Her unshed tears barbed his conscience, and rightfully so. He’d been short with her, speaking out of frustration with himself and fear of what could have happened to Ben Mullins. Of what could still happen . . . “Mrs. Boyd, I . . . I didn’t mean to—” Her hands, clenched tight at her waist, only encouraged the knot of guilt twisting his stomach. “Believe me when I say that I . . . What I mean to say is that . . .”
    What he wanted to say but couldn’t was that he’d behaved like a complete and unmitigated—
    “Excuse me, I’ll get a cup of water for the medicine,” she said quietly, then spun on her heel and strode down the hallway.
    He started to follow, then decided it might be best if he didn’t. Clearly she was hurt. But the swiftness of her stride said she was also riled. And with good reason. He hadn’t meant for his remark to come out like it had.
    He shot an apologetic look at Angelo, who stood quiet, watchful. “I shouldn’t have spoken to Mrs. Boyd in that manner, Angelo,” Rand offered quietly. “Or to you either. I’m sorry.”
    The boy smiled and gave a conciliatory nod. “What you do . . . it is important, Dr. Brookston. Your work is hard. You carry a weight, in here”—he patted his chest—“because of it.”
    Rand often had to remind himself that Angelo was just a youth. Only fifteen, Angelo had endured more hardship than most boys his age and had the wisdom to prove it. Undaunted admiration filled the boy’s eyes, and while Rand appreciated his support, Rand also knew that he owed Rachel Boyd an explanation and an apology. An explanation as to why she’d found him at the local brothel with a woman posed provocatively on a bed, and an apology as to why he’d just behaved like an arrogant jackass.
    Angelo glanced past him to Mr. and Mrs. Mullins. His dark brows pulled together. “Is Mr. Mullins going to be all right, sir?” he whispered, leaning closer. “Mrs. Boyd said there might be something wrong with his heart.”
    Rand nodded, aware that Lyda was probably listening, though she was still speaking to Ben in hushed tones, encouraging him to waken. “Mrs. Boyd was right in her assessment, but I’m doing everything I can to make sure Mr. Mullins recovers.” Even as he said it, he knew the journey from this moment to that one would be long, and would depend