Cogs in Time 2 (The Steamworks Series) Page 7

  "Why do you ask that, Henry?"

  "That man said he wants to make me stop functioning. He wants me to die. I don't want to die, Father. Please don't take me apart."

  Ezra raised his hands to cover his face as he tried to hold back his tears. George knelt down in front of the automaton and put his arms around him. "My precious child, I'll never let anyone take you apart. As long as I live, I swear you won't die."

  Henry bowed his head. "So I don't have to die?"

  "No, son," George whispered. "You don't have to die."

  "Then I'm happy," Henry said. He turned his metal head to Ezra. "Isn't that great, Papa? Father says I don't have to die."

  Ezra pulled his hands away from his wet face. "I'm so happy to know that, Henry."

  "I'm happy too. Can I clap?"

  Ezra choked back tears and laughter.

  George smiled as he wiped away his own tears. "Yes, Henry. You can clap as much as you want."

  ***

  "Are you sure you want to try for the city now?" the metal trader asked George.

  "We're still being hunted. I don't think that man will give up easily." He placed a hand on the trader's shoulder. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for what you have done for us."

  The trader grinned. "Any time, friend. You take care of that boy of yours."

  "I will."

  George took Ezra's hand and kissed him on the cheek. "Everything is going to be alright now," he whispered. He moved his other hand to the top of Henry's head. "We'll be alright."

  Ezra smiled. "Yes. We just need to keep moving."

  The trader brought out his steam carriage and drove them. "We should make the next city by nightfall," he told them.

  "Thank you again," Ezra said.

  "Yes, thank you!" Henry said.

  The trader smiled. They traveled for a few hours until he slammed on the brakes and swore. "There's a roadblock ahead!"

  "They're looking for us," George said.

  "I don't suppose you have any weapons?" the trader asked.

  "Just one," George said. He turned to Ezra. "You and Henry hide behind the vehicle. No matter what happens, you get to the city, alright? My plans are in my bag. You take them and sell them."

  "George, I—" Ezra said but George shook his head.

  "I love you," George said and stepped out of the vehicle.

  The hunters leveled their laser sights on George's chest. He knew if he moved they would shoot him. Although he didn't have a gun, he did have a homemade grenade he had made in case he needed it.

  George glanced over to the side of the vehicle where Henry sat next to Ezra. The automaton waved to him.

  George felt tears in his eyes as he mouthed back, "I love you". He pushed his hood back and let the rain fall down onto his head. He closed his eyes, and let the water drip down his skin as he pulled out the pin to the grenade. The men holding their guns on him gasped and took a step back.

  "Are you insane! Throw that away! Now!" the lead hunter yelled.

  George shook his head. "If you won't let my beloved husband and my son go, then I'll take you bastards with me."

  "He means to do it! Shoot him!" the leader hissed. The men with him looked at each other uncertainly.

  "But boss, he might throw it at us if we shoot."

  "You stupid cowards!" The leader snarled, aimed at George and pulled the trigger just as George tossed the grenade at him.

  The men screamed out in surprise just as the bullet slammed into George and sent him flying backward. The grenade exploded as the leader tried to flee and hit him full force while knocking the others down.

  "No!" Ezra yelled.

  "Father!" Henry cried out.

  They rushed to George's side as he groaned in pain. The bullet had hit his shoulder and the wound was bleeding heavily. Henry placed his mechanical hand over the injury.

  "Please, Father, don't let them take you apart," the automaton said."I don't want you to die. Don't leave us!"

  George used his good arm and touched his son's face. "I won't let them take me apart, Henry. I promise." Then he looked up at Ezra, who glared down at him angrily, tears on his face.

  "Have I ever told you how beautiful you look when you're angry?" George whispered.

  "You idiot!" Ezra choked back a laugh. "I thought... I thought you—"

  "I'm sorry. I couldn't let them take you and Henry. Are they gone?"

  Ezra looked about. The leader of the hunters was dead. The other men, all injured from the blast, were groaning and stumbling away. "They're leaving. It's over."

  "Then we're finally free. You'll both be safe now." George closed his eyes and sighed.

  "George? George!"

  "Father!"

  ***

  After Eva pleaded with her father, St. Clare had gone to great lengths to purchase Tom from Haley. They had haggled for hours until a deal was struck. Eva was so excited she ran to Tom to tell him the good news.

  "Tom!" she exclaimed. "He did it. My father bought your debt chain. Now we can talk whenever we want."

  Tom had stared at her, astonished. A few hours later he found himself on his way to the St. Clare estate, a beautiful farm with hundreds of acres. Their exotic crops were highly sought after in the city. Credits flowed freely and Marie, Eva's mother, spent just as freely. Mr. St. Clare, a kind owner, was also very generous to his laborers. He often spoke with Tom, who he remained grateful to for saving Eva's life. Miss Ophelia, St. Clare's cousin and a kind woman who didn't believe in the debt chains, came to visit and the house was filled with laughter and joy.

  Two years passed. Life was good for Tom, but he missed his family. He worked hard, hoping to continue to lessen his debt chain and one day become a free man.

  "Tom!"

  He looked up from his work in the fields and smiled as little Eva came running toward him. "Hello, Miss Eva. What brings you out on this hot day?"

  She smiled back at him. "I thought you might like a glass of lemonade."

  "Thank you, Miss Eva," he said gratefully.

  "I wish you were part of my family, Tom." she said.

  "You can call me Uncle Tom, if you like, Miss Eva." He thought back to Sebastian’s nickname for him.

  Her smiled widened. "Thank you, Uncle Tom."

  He sat next to her and sipped his lemonade. He glanced over and noticed her troubled expression.

  "What is it, Eva?"

  "Uncle Tom? I don't think I am going to be here much longer."

  "Are you going somewhere?"

  She nodded slowly and looked up into the sky. "I think I will go to heaven soon."

  He stared at her. "Miss Eva, you're very young. I don't think you will be going there any time soon."

  "No, I haven't felt well this year. I feel like I'm slowly rising up and fading away." Then she stopped. "Oh, Uncle Tom! Look! He's so beautiful." Then she ran forward toward something by the tree-line.

  Tom squinted, trying to make out what she was running toward. It was a wolf. Tom froze, afraid if he moved too quickly the wolf might attack Eva.

  "Miss Eva?" he whispered hoarsely. "Just walk back to me slowly."

  Eva smiled at him and shook her head. She turned back to the white wolf and dropped to her knees.

  The wolf stepped closer to her and sniffed. Eva raised her hands slowly and the wolf appeared to hesitate. Finally the beast dipped his head and let the little girl touch him. She giggled softly at the soft fur between her fingers.

  "You're so soft and beautiful," she said.

  Tom, astonished, watched as Eva leaned her head down to the wolf's before hugging him. She laughed as the wolf licked her face.

  Tom took a step closer. "Miss Eva? Please be careful!"

  The wolf noticed him and pulled away from the little girl before trotting off. It cast one last look at Eva before it disappeared into the trees.

  Eva turned to Tom with a pout on her face. "You scared him off, Uncle Tom."

  Tom sighed, took his hat off, scratched
his head and stared at the little girl. "Miss Eva, you are something else. That was a dangerous thing you did with that beast."

  She frowned at him. "Why? I'm going to be leaving soon anyway."

  Tom's heart felt heavy. He picked her up in his arms and started to carry her back toward the house. "I wish you wouldn't talk like that, Miss Eva."

  Eva put her arms around Tom's neck. "He knew I'm not well."

  "Miss?"

  "The sweet doggy. He knew I'm not well."

  Tom blinked back his tears. "You're a special child, Eva."

  ***

  "Mr. St. Clare?" Tom said.

  St. Clare looked up from the porch swing where he rested from the noon sun. "Why hello, Tom. What is it?"

  "I'm worried about Miss Eva," he said. "She doesn't seem to be feeling well."

  St. Clare sat up and sighed. He looked at the towering man before him. His respect for the laborer had grown with each passing day since the man had saved his daughter. "I know, Tom. Miss Ophelia has also expressed her concern. I've sent for a doctor to look at her."

  Tom nodded. "I'm glad, sir. I—well, all of the laborers, we're really fond of Miss Eva."

  St. Clare smiled and gestured to his bench. "Have a seat."

  Tom hesitated a moment before obliging. The two men sat quietly for some time. Finally, St. Clare turned to him.

  "Tom, I've been thinking."

  "Yes, sir?"

  "You're an intelligent man. I think if you hadn't been born to debt, you would have made quite a citizen."

  Tom shifted uncomfortably. "You're too kind, sir."

  "No, I mean it." St. Clare gestured with a wave of his hand to all the two men could see from the porch. "This is a big place, Tom. I've a hard time running it alone at the best of times. If—if Eva is sick, I need to be by her side more. I'd like it if I could rely on you more around here." He turned to Tom and held out his hand. "I'd like for you to become my foreman."

  Tom sat speechless. He stared at the outstretched hand and bowed his head in prayer. St. Clare blinked at him. "Do you feel the need to pray about it, Tom?"

  Tom shook his head. "No, sir. I feel the need to thank our Lord for giving me such a kind man for an owner."

  St. Clare smiled. "Although I don't believe in prayer, say an extra one for me on Eva's behalf."

  Tom nodded. "Already done, sir." Then he looked up and took St. Clare's still offered hand. "Thank you. I accept, sir."

  The two men shook heartily and smiled at each other. St. Clare looked up as a steam carriage turned down the lane toward the house.

  "That must be the doctor."

  ***

  Doctor Sullivan listened to Eva's heartbeat, while St. Clare, Miss Ophelia and Tom watched anxiously. "How have you been feeling, little one?"

  Eva smiled. "I've been tired. I'm looking forward to resting."

  The doctor smiled back at her. "And rest is what you need, little one. Lots of it. You just lean back in your bed and get some sleep."

  Eva shook her head. "I mean my everlasting rest, doctor."

  The old doctor's smile faded slightly. "Ah, I see. Well, for now, take a small nap, Miss Eva."

  St. Clare tucked his daughter in and kissed her forehead. "You rest like the doctor said, Eva. I'll read you a story later, alright?"

  Eva smiled. "Can Uncle Tom read one, too?"

  St. Clare looked at Tom who nodded anxiously. "I think Tom would be delighted."

  "That's right, Miss Eva," Tom said. "You rest, and I'll read anything you like later on."

  Eva smiled and closed her eyes. St. Clare followed the doctor and Tom out with Miss Ophelia close behind him.

  "So what is wrong, doctor?" he asked.

  Doctor Sullivan sighed. "Your daughter has a very weak heart, St. Clare. Her body is growing far faster than her heart can keep up. It's putting a lot of stress on it."

  "What can we do?" Miss Ophelia asked.

  The doctor shrugged. "Ordinarily, if she was an adult, we would give her a mechanical heart. But she is far too young and would never survive the procedure."

  "What about a real heart?" St. Clare asked.

  The doctor shook his head. "Donors don't exist anymore since the introduction of the mechanical heart. What is happening to Eva is very rare. We see maybe one or two cases a year at most. Even if we could find a donor in time, it's unlikely she would survive the procedure."

  "Take mine," Tom said without hesitation.

  The doctor, Miss Ophelia and St. Clare turned to stare at him. "What?" St. Clare said. "Tom, I don't think you realize what you just-"

  "You said she is too young for a mechanical heart, right?" Tom said. "But I'm not. Take my heart and give it to Eva. Then give me the mechanical heart."

  The doctor frowned. "Laborer, I don't think you realize the costs involved. They would not fall on your owner, but on you."

  "I don't care, sir." Tom turned to St. Clare. "Please sir, do this for me and for Miss Eva. I'll assume the debt. I'll work it off, I swear!"

  St. Clare stared at Tom. He glanced over to the doctor and said, "Could it work?"

  Doctor Sullivan scratched his head. "I'm not sure." He eyed Tom. "He's a big man and she is such a little thing."

  Miss Ophelia placed her hand on St. Clare's arm. "But surely it is worth trying! If not, she might..."

  The doctor sighed and nodded. "It's worth trying. His heart must be strong." He looked at Tom in the eyes. "You do understand the risk you are taking on, laborer?"

  "His name is Tom," St. Clare said. "He's a good man and wonderful friend to my family." Tom watched for the second time in his life as a citizen held out his hand to him. "Thank you, Tom."

  "Sir, I'd do anything for you and Miss Eva." Tom clasped the other man's hand.

  When Eva learned of what Tom was going to do for her, she burst out in tears. She hugged him tightly. Then she turned to her father.

  "Papa? Can I speak to you a moment?"

  "Yes, my treasure." Tom excused himself and they spoke for a few moments quietly.

  "I promise, sweetheart," St. Clare said softly.

  ***

  The surgery was a difficult one. Twice, they almost lost little Eva because her heart stopped. Finally, they lifted Tom's heart out and placed it inside of her body. It beat strong and true.

  Tom was given a mechanical heart. The gears ticked away slowly as the baffles pumped. The doctor sighed with relief after the last stitch had been placed. He nodded to St. Clare who had not left Eva or Tom's side. "We're finished."

  "Did it work, doctor?" St. Clare asked anxiously.

  The doctor shrugged. "Her body has accepted the heart, but we won't know if it can handle the new blood for some time."

  Tom groaned as the anesthetic wore off. "Sir?" he called out.

  St. Clare rested a hand on Tom's shoulder. "It's alright, Tom. I'm here."

  "Did it work, sir?"

  "I think so, Tom," St. Clare said. "I think it did. You rest now."

  "Yes, sir," Tom said weakly. He turned his head to Eva's unconscious body on the bed next to his. "May your will be done, Lord."

  For two days all seemed well. Eva appeared to be getting stronger until she collapsed in the morning after she tried to stand. Her organs, weakened by lack of blood flow for so long, had given out and couldn't work any longer. Nothing could be done.

  Everyone, save Marie, gathered around Eva's bed. She smiled at them weakly, her face very white and thin. She looked at Tom.

  "Tom?"

  "Yes, Miss Eva?"

  "Would you carry me outside one last time?"

  Tom didn't wipe the tears that streamed down his face. "Yes, Miss Eva."

  "Eva," St. Clare said, "perhaps I should do it. Tom is still weak from the operation."

  "No, sir. It's alright. I can take her." Tom gently lifted Eva's frail frame into his arms. The opening in his chest hurt as he held her to him, but he didn't care. Slowly they walked outside together while St. Clare stared after them with Miss Opheli
a.

  "Oh cousin," she said. "Poor little Eva. And Tom. To go through all that..."

  "He's a far better man than I could ever be, Ophelia," St. Clare whispered. He turned to her, and she held out her arms to him. Together they cried.

  Tom carried Eva through the garden toward the pond.

  "Tom?"

  "Yes, Miss Eva?"

  "We're friends, right, Tom?"

  He nodded. "We're friends, Miss Eva."

  "We'll be friends after we both go to heaven too, right?"

  "I promise, Miss Eva."

  She smiled. "I'm glad, Tom." She turned to look at the water and the forest beyond. She squinted, trying to make her eyes focus.

  "Look Tom," she said, and pointed to the trees. "It's the wolf."

  Tom glanced up and saw the white wolf standing there.

  "Miss Eva?" he said.

  She didn't respond. He leaned his head down and kissed her cheek. "Oh, Miss Eva. Fly away to a better place. I'll see you again one day."

  Then he sobbed as he held Eva's body in his arms. The white wolf lifted its head and howled a lonely call into the morning sun.

  ***

  Eva's funeral brought out not only the entire St. Clare household, but many people from the nearby town who had known the little girl. She had touched many lives and brought smiles to their faces in life. In passing, some said they believed that even the angels wept, although they were sure that the angels would be glad to greet her. St. Clare was silent through the whole affair. His face had become ashen. It seemed like the life had gone out of him.

  Miss Ophelia turned to Tom. "Would you please say a few words?"

  Tom nodded, his tears flowed without shame. He held out his book of scripture and stared at the small coffin before him.

  "Miss Eva touched the lives of many," he said. "Although I knew her for so short a time, she touched my heart. She's even taking it with her. Not just the one of flesh and blood, but my true heart, the one that will never be whole again without her. Miss Eva, without you, the way ahead seems lost. But you'll never be out of our thoughts, and our love will follow you to heaven. You strengthened our faith. One day, I know I'll see you again.”

  Everyone paid their respects and left, except for St. Clare. He stared as the steam digger slowly lowered his daughter's coffin into the ground. Finally, when the last of the dirt had been placed on top, he turned and walked to town without stopping. He drank himself into a dark stupor and blindly wandered through the street until a man, haggard and starving, tried to rob him.