An Excerpt from The Aftermath

“He didn’t hire you.” It was a statement, not a question.

His shoulders slumped, and he pulled off his gloves and tie. “No.” He hobbled to the table in the center of the room, propped his crutches on it, and sank onto his chair. He pulled his wide trouser leg up, removing his false leg and throwing it on the floor beside him, then pinned the leg up and folded his arms on the table.

She put her hand on his shoulder. “Why? You were in the top of your class at Oberlin. You have your license. Why wouldn’t Mr. Hayes hire you?”

He lifted his head and glared at her. “Why do you think?” He pointed to his missing leg. “That’s why.”

“Surely not. There must be another reason. What did he say?”

 “He said he was sorry, but a man with one leg wouldn’t be able to hold the attention of a jury or a judge, let alone persuade them with verbal arguments. He told me a lawyer must have self-assurance about him, and no matter how qualified I am, he can’t use me. He offered me a position as his law clerk for half of what I make now. When I refused, he said I have a good job at the telegraph office, and I should be grateful. Grateful?”

He kneaded the back of his neck. “Anyone could be a telegraph operator. All you have to do is learn Morse code.” He pointed to his stump. “Maybe it is the right job for me. Even a cripple could do it.” He rested his head in his arms, and a sob escaped his lips.

“Horsefeathers.” She glanced at the children through the window then sat beside him. “We still have money saved up from both of our salaries during the war, not to mention your inheritance from your father. You could open your own law office and show everyone in town how valuable you are.”

Nate grabbed his crutches, stood, and paced a couple of steps toward the door and back, then banged his fist on the table.

She startled. It wasn’t like her husband to be physical when he got angry, even if his words had become harsh. After what happened with her sister, even him pounding on the table caused her heart to race. “You’ll feel better after you’ve had something to eat. You’ll see the sense in what I’m saying.”

“They don’t want a cripple. I’m half a man. Why can’t you get that through your head and leave me alone?” He grabbed his overcoat and headed for the door.

Betsy ran to it and blocked his exit. “Please, don’t go. Supper’s almost ready.”

He stepped closer to her and put his face within inches of hers. “Get out of my way, woman.”

A twinge of fear ran up her spine. She moved away, and he slammed the door as he left. The next time she saw him, he would be drunk. She picked the artificial leg up off the floor and sat at the table, her eyes burning from unshed tears. Lord, help me.