Copper Chameleon Read online

  *****

  The door to her room burst open as Ralph bounded in, scooping her gently into his arms. “Blaze Ann, Oh God, Blaze Ann. I thought I had lost you. Thank God you’re okay.”

  I’m fine, Ralph. Dock Lanier just left and told me that I’m a living miracle.”

  “Child, you caused me a dozen more gray hairs, I swear. Now you just stay in this bed and recover.”

  “When can I go home, Ralph?”

  “Child, your hands are badly burned. You aren’t going to be able to do anything for yourself for quite a while. There’s no way you can go home and take care of yourself. We can’t let those burns get infected. Bergmann here can provide the care you need. You’ll be staying here a while.”

  “I can’t Ralph. I can’t” She protested.

  “Blaze Ann, ye have to. No choice. I know you’re hard-headed and stubborn, but for your own good, you’re going to have to do what’s best, not what Blaze wants. I’m putting my foot down for your own good.”

  “But I missed a payment on my loan. I was so close... Roberts and I had an agreement with additional terms and....”

  “Hush. I’ll take care of that low down scoundrel. Don’t you worry about that.”

  “No Ralph, you don’t understand...”

  “Blaze Ann, stop worrying. You ain’t gonna lose your Mama’s tub. I won’t let ya. I put my foot down here. You are a woman grown with wild head strong ways, but this time I’m taking care of you as I promised your Pa. You are like my own daughter, you understand? I even made sure that mangy cat of yours was here in case.. and I do mean in case you came to. Blaze Ann, you just don’t realize how close you came to dying. I’m not taking any more chances. Now looky here at the scratches I earned bringing that cat to you.” He displayed the angry red trio of marks of his arms. “He caterwauled all the way here. If I can handle him, I can handle Roberts.”

  Smiling through her tears, she never realized that was the last time she would see Ralph Williams alive.