Will jogged to Professor Brown’s large three-story house, racking his brain for the memory of the directions. He fondly remembered going to this house as a young man, with wide hopes and dreams. He remembered how generous Professor Brown was with his time, and everything he taught Will. He remembered how Professor Brown had given him the courage – and advice – to go West, to meet his destiny and create himself.
Surely this was the man to talk to about healing his shoulder.
As he approached the front steps, he suddenly stopped and wondered if he should have made an appointment. What if the Professor was busy, or not at home at all? He’d never considered it, but now it seemed obvious. He climbed the steps to the patio and slowly rang the doorbell, hoping to find his friend at home. He remembered about his right arm and used his left hand to stuff the other hand into his jacket pocket again. It hadn’t worked with Hannah, but that didn’t mean it wouldn’t work with Professor Brown. The doorbell made the same chime sound Will remembered, and he smiled to himself.
He ducked toward the door and heard footsteps shuffling to the door. Well, someone was home at least. That was a start. The door swung open to reveal Will’s friend, Professor Brown, standing in the door. He looked confused for a moment, then his face brightened.
“Will Austin! Is that you? What the hell are you doing here on my front porch? It’s good to see you!”
Will laughed. “Good to see you too, Professor. I’d love to chat with you about some things. Are you free?”
The professor nodded, confused. “But I thought you were in Texas. Are you back for a visit?”
“Yeah, kind of an extended visit.”
The professor glanced back over his left shoulder and called, “Kathleen, I am going out to get coffee with a friend. I’ll be back later.” Before this Kathleen has a chance to respond, he grabbed his jacket from the coat rack, and wallet and keys from the side table, and rushed out the door, closing it quickly behind him.
Will glanced thoughtfully toward the door. “Professor, I hope I’m not intruding. Do you have guests?”
The professor laughed. “Oh, that. No, Kathleen is my older sister and has been staying with me for a couple of weeks. She lives out of town. Frankly, she’s boring me with all her stories of how her husband and kids are driving her crazy. I’m grateful for a reason to get out of the house! Thank you, Will, for stopping by at the best moment! I know of a perfect cafe nearby. It’s open late, so we can get some coffee and talk.”
Will grinned. This was indeed the same man he remembered. A well-dressed professor who had a rebellious streak. “That sounds wonderful, Professor.”
“Great! Let me show you the way.”
The two walked down the street for a couple of blocks, then made a left into what appeared to be a dark alley. Just when Will was starting to get nervous about their surroundings, a well-lit shop brightened the whole street, and the aroma of fresh coffee exploded through the air.
“That smells incredible,” Will murmured, inhaling deeply. He hadn’t had a decent cup of coffee since he left New Orleans.
“It is,” Professor Brown returned. “This is one of my favorite places in the city.”
They entered the small café and found their way to a table, where Professor Brown put out his hand, saying that he was glad to see Will again. Will stared at the professor’s hand for a moment, wondering how to handle this situation, and finally stuck out his left hand. Professor Brown looked puzzled and slightly concerned.
“Will, what happened to your arm? How long has that been useless like that?”
“Professor, have a seat.” Will motioned with his left hand to a sturdy wooden seat behind a heavy, rounded, wooden and polished table. “That is what I wanted to discuss with you.” He waved to the waitress behind the counter, signaling for her to bring two hot coffees.
The professor picks up on the intensity that suddenly took over Will as he began to speak, and sat motionless in his chair, listening to Will’s story, not even noticing the waitress as she set the mug on the table in front of him.
Will told his friend all about trying out for a Texas Ranger and being rejected, working in the jail and courthouse in Austin, becoming the Sheriff in Roma, Texas, catching the Gomez Gang, being married and then becoming a widower, following the gang into Mexico, getting shot, and finally ending up at Rancho Arroyo and meeting Elizabeth and her family.
Professor Brown remained glued to his chair during the entire story, with a look of shock and utter amazement on his face, as if he couldn’t believe everything that happened to the man in front of him. He finally blinked and took a quick sip of coffee, but found that it had gone cold. He waved to the waitress for a fresh cup.
Will went on to describe the condition of his arm in as much detail as possible. He told Professor Brown that he wanted to meet with some doctors, but explained that he didn’t have any idea what doctor to see or where to begin. “I thought, with all your connections in Boston, that you might know somebody I could talk with,” he finished, looking hopefully at his friend.
Professor Brown thought for a moment, then said, “Listen, Will. I have a colleague, a doctor at Boston University, who’s the head teacher at the hospital there. Let me talk to him and see who he would recommend. I think he’s the best place to start. This guy knows every person involved in medicine in the city of Boston and beyond. I know he can help out.”
Will let out a big breath that he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “Thanks, Professor!” he said, excited and eager. He grabbed the Professor’s arm in gratitude. “Thanks a bunch!”
Professor Brown laughed. “Where are you staying? How do I reach you?”
“I’m at my Uncle Frank’s house like before, and I’m working at the family store.”
“Great! I remember where to find you, then. Let me stop by in a couple of days to let you know what I find. Good to see you, Will. I am glad you’re alive to tell me the story in person, rather than reading it in a newspaper or in an obituary!”
Will laughed. “Me too! Me too!”
“Take care, Will. Talk to you soon!” Professor Brown stood and shook his friend’s hand, then walked out of the café and on his way. Will watched him go, grateful to his old friend for the help, then finished his coffee. He certainly wouldn’t get coffee like this at Frank’s house, and he didn’t want to waste it.
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