If those men were responsible, Max was determined they would pay a heavy price for their decision. He would pressure his father to testify against them and see them properly charged. The wealthy had no right to do something like this. It threatened the lives of all in the neighboring communities.
Max gave a quick glance around the warehouse as the men reached the ground. “Is that everyone? Let’s get out of here.” Just then a portion of the roof gave way, blocking the entrance. Max pointed to the back. “We’ll have to make a run for it. The flames are spreading fast.”
He took the ledgers but didn’t look for his coat. It wasn’t worth the delay. The entire west wall burst into flames as if on cue. “If any of you are praying men, now’s the time.”
12
It was a welcome sight when Mother and Evie’s brothers arrived with three wagons loaded with medical supplies, food, and water. Mother immediately went to work setting up an area for heating water and cooking. She was good at organizing this kind of thing, and Evie and her siblings knew the routine well. Whenever there had been disasters, be they storm or fire, the Turners were some of the first to arrive to help.
Mother noted Evie’s bloodied apron. “Goodness, have there been a great many injuries?”
“Not as many as you might expect. Quite a few burns, and one man broke his leg jumping out of his house’s second story.” Evie pushed back a wisp of curly brown hair. “So many people have lost their homes, Mother. They’ve lost everything but what they could carry out, and frankly, for many that wasn’t very much. This fire has been spreading so fast that most only had time to run. Now it’s going on suppertime, and no doubt the homeless are going to be hungry, along with the firefighters.”
“We’ll see to that.” Mother gave an unladylike whistle, andAndrew, Jacob, and James came running. “I need you boys to head to Charlotte Van Cleve’s house and let her know what’s going on. We need food and water to feed them and the firefighters. Hundreds lost their homes, so we’ll need bedding and clothes as well. There’s no end in sight for the fire. On the way here, I heard that this thing will probably burn all night. Help Charlotte in any way you can and get back as quickly as possible.”
“Yes, Mother.” Andrew looked at the other two. “Let’s go.”
The boys hurried toward the wagon just as Meri and Abby took the last crate from the bed. They took the box from the girls and stacked it on one of the others before all jumped into the conveyance and headed for the bridge.
Meri and Abby came to join Mother and Evie. Both were dressed for hard work and wore canvas gloves to protect their hands. “What should we do now, Mother?” Meri asked.
“Your father and Evie need boiling water for washing wounds and other needs. I can get a small pot boiling here, but we’ll need more. Across the street is a Chinese laundry. Go there and see if you can get their help boiling water for us.”
“Yes, Mother.”
Evie watched them go, wishing she could do such menial labor instead of tending wounds. Her father was right. Burnt flesh was not an easy smell to deal with, and the ghastly wounds could look so hideous. She was doing the best she could to cope but honestly didn’t know how much more she had to give. When no one was watching, she poured some of the peppermint oil onto her handkerchief and dabbed more around her nose. Hopefully, this would see her through for a time. When she passed by her mother, she saw nothing but sympathy in her expression.
“I know you’re tired. I can see it in your eyes. And I also know you haven’t eaten, so first things first. While there seemsto be a lull in patients, go get your father and come to the wagon. I have food for you.”
Evie nodded and went to collect her father. He was wrapping a small injury in clean bandages when she approached.
“There, that ought to hold you. Try to keep it dry,” Father instructed.
The man nodded and bolted off the wagon bed and headed toward the ongoing flow of people who were desperate to escape the fire and smoke.
“Mother has food for us. Since there’s no one else to treat at the moment, she wanted us both to eat.”
“I suppose we should do as we’re told,” he said, smiling. “I don’t know about you, but I could stand a bite or two.”
Evie nodded, although her stomach had been an agitated mess since helping her father with surgery.
As if reading her mind, Father put his arm around her. “Like I said, burns are some of the worst injuries to treat and the smell is always overwhelming. Don’t be too hard on yourself for being sick.”
“It’s just that—well, to tell the truth, I struggle—”
“Dr. Turner!”
Evie’s father stopped midstep and turned to see who was calling. “Dr. Overton. Good to see you.”
“I’ve come to help,” the young doctor declared. Where would you like me?”
“We have the wagon set up and more supplies have just come in. He motioned to Evie. “This is my daughter Nurse Turner. She’s quite thoroughly trained and has been a great asset.”
“I asked Nurse Treadwell, who works with Dr. Bolton and myself, to join us. She’ll be here shortly.”
“The more we have to help the better. I fully expect more injuries. Those firemen are at great risk. There’s been quite afew men just overcome by the smoke, and we’ve had a few bad burns, but most aren’t all that big. We’ve been fixing them up and sending the really bad ones to the hospital for further observation. There are a couple of young men who’ve volunteered their wagon to transport patients. They should be back anytime.”
“I thought to bring a few lanterns,” Dr. Overton said, looking back in the direction of the fire. “They’re in my carriage.”
