A Watch In Time – Chapter 7, Part 1

A WATCH IN TIME

A Full Length Short Story by Golden Keyes Parsons

Chapter Seven – Part 1

Click here to start with Chapter One

Lily Kate draped the watch around her neck as she ran down the stairs to catch the trolley. It was early, but she wanted to go by the hospital to check on Lieutenant Cole before going to the Red Cross.

Garnet called after her. “Katherine, aren’t you going to eat breakfast?” Lily’s middle name fell foreign on her ears, however, the aroma of cinnamon enticed her into the kitchen. Snatching a warm sweet roll from the counter, she hurried out the door.

She strode into the hospital with confidence—this time wearing a nurse’s uniform. After acquiring Lieutenant Cole’s room number, she found it quickly, and knocked on the open door.

Still in a hospital gown, the pilot pushed his breakfast tray away, and grinned at her. “Good morning. This is a welcome surprise.”

“Checking on my patient.”

“I appreciate the personal touch.” He tapped the cast on his arm. “Are they going to let me out of here today?”

“Since the break didn’t require surgery, I’m sure they will.” She looked at his uniform lying on the chair. “I’ll call someone to help you get dressed.”

“I kinda hoped maybe they had sent you to …”

“Ahem. Well, I don’t actually work here at the hospital.” Lily Kate felt her cheeks redden.

Lieutenant Cole laughed softly. “I’ve embarrassed you. Please forgive me.”

“No problem, Lieutenant— ”

“Please call me Clay. I’m Clay Cole.”

“Yes, I saw your name on your chart. I’m Katherine Monroe.”

“Yes, Katherine Monroe, I saw your name on your name tag.” His tone teased with her.

She turned to go. “I need to get to work. I’m glad you are doing better.”

“Wait a moment. Could I call on you? Looks like I’m going to be out of commission for a bit.”

An older nurse carrying a tray of medications appeared at the door. Lily Kate slipped by her into the hall as she waved good-bye to Clay. Her pulse quickened. Why did his question make her so nervous? “You know where to find me.”

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“Is Ivy here?” Lily looked around the interior of the dark tent.

Blanche shook her head. “She hasn’t come in yet—which is most unusual for her. She’s normally early.”

“I’ll get started with the bandages.”

The minutes crept by, but no Ivy. Lily Kate didn’t want to make the woman uncomfortable, but she was eager to speak to her again about their family connection. How many people have the chance to experience such an encounter? A group of soldiers came in inquiring where the canteen was located.

Blanche gave them directions, then bustled to Lily Kate’s side . She picked up a bundle of bandages. “If Ivy’s not here by noon, she’s lost her job.”

“Perhaps we should check on her.”

“I have no idea where she lives.”

Lily Kate glanced at the clunky-looking telephone on Blanche’s desk. “I don’t suppose she has a phone either.”

“Not likely.” Blanche put the folded bandages in the cupboard.

Lily Kate shook her head. “Don’t you think we should call the sheriff’s office?”

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Lily watched as the sheriff shoved his hat back on his forehead and mumbled to Blanche. “ … probably last night. Heart attack. Never knew what hit her.”

Lily hurried over to Blanche’s desk. “Wha … what did you say? Ivy’s dead?”

“Evidently.”

“What about burial?” The sheriff put his hands in his pockets and shifted his weight. “Who should I contact to claim to body?”

Blanche’s heavy eyebrows formed a dark awning over her eyes. “I asked her many times about family, and she always claimed she had none. I guess it’ll be a pauper’s burial for her.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

Blanche stared at Lily Kate. “You? You just met her yesterday. Why would you be concerned about a worn-out former—”

“—former what, Blanche? A former human being who made her way in this world the only way she could? She deserves a dignified burial.”

“But you have no connection with her. Why bother?”

“We have a very direct connection, but one too complicated to explain. And my family has the means to afford her a decent burial.” She turned to the sheriff.

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Join us next Friday for part 2 of chapter 7.

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