Page 45 of Heart of Mystic Valley
Joshua’s head snapped up. “You know about the robbery?”
“Hard not to, with all the commotion,” Wainwright replied. He hesitated, then added, “Actually, I saw something peculiar after the explosion. A man who looked remarkably like William Flock running down the alley behind my office, carrying a satchel.”
Joshua’s eyes widened. “William Flock? Are you certain?”
“Well, I can’t be entirely sure, but the resemblance was striking. I found it odd, given he’s employed by ArtemusGraham. I’d have thought he’d be running toward the bank, not away from it. Of course, I’m not one hundred percent certain it was him.”
Who else could it be?Joshua thought. If Flock was involved, this could be bigger than they’d initially thought. He glanced toward the examination room, torn between his concern for Faith and the urgency of this new information.
“Doc,” Joshua said. “I appreciate you sharing this. It could be vital to the investigation.”
Wainwright nodded. “I hope it helps. Now, shall we check on our patient?”
Joshua’s mind whirred with possibilities as Dr. Wainwright pushed open the examination room door. The significance of Flock’s potential involvement weighed heavily on him, but his concern for Faith took precedence as he followed the doctor inside.
She sat on the edge of the examination table, her face pale but determined. The doctor approached her with a gentle smile. “How are you feeling?”
“Better, thank you.” Her voice didn’t waver, despite the lingering pain evident in her eyes.
Joshua watched as Wainwright slipped on a sling to keep her arm stable, then helped Faith off the table. His hands steadied her as she found her footing. The doctor’s movements were practiced and efficient, a testament to his years of training at Harvard Medical School.
“I’ll walk you out,” Wainwright offered, guiding her to the door where Joshua waited.
“Thank you, Doctor. I’m so glad you were available to fix my shoulder.”
He smiled. “It was my pleasure. For a few days, wear the sling when you walk. Be careful with your shoulder for at least a week.”
“All right.”
When Faith stopped beside him, Joshua saw the strength in her eyes, the unwavering spirit that had drawn him to her since childhood. “I’ll take you home,” he said softly.
“I want to go to the newspaper office.”
“But—”
“I’m fine, Joshua,” she interrupted. “If you don’t want to go, I’ll walk by myself.”
“You’re stubborn. I’ll give you that.” Joshua ushered her outside.
As they stepped out onto the boardwalk, Joshua’s mind returned to the pressing matter at hand.
“Faith,” he began, his voice low and urgent, “I need to speak with Sheriff Brodie. It’s about the robbery.”
Her journalistic instincts spiked. “What about it?”
He hesitated, torn between his desire to protect her and his respect for her independence. “Dr. Wainwright saw something… someone. It could be important.”
“I should come with you,” she insisted.
He shook his head. “No, you need to rest. I’ll fill you in later, I promise.”
As they reached the door of the Mystic Gazette, Joshua’s hand lingered on Faith’s arm. The touch sent a familiar warmth through him, a reminder of the unspoken connection they shared.
“I’ll be back in a while to walk you home,” he murmured, his eyes conveying more than words could express.
With a final glance at Faith, he turned and strode toward the sheriff’s office, his mind already formulating how to relay Dr. Wainwright’s crucial information to Sheriff Brodie.
Faith watched his retreating figure for a moment, her mind wrestling with possibilities. The pain in her shoulder had dulledto a persistent ache, but her curiosity burned even stronger. She pushed open the door to the Mystic Gazette and stepped inside.
