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“Him again?”

“Yeah. Kid’s a pain in the ass.”

“Hopefully he gets his head out of his ass before you fire it.”

“We’ll see. Don’t get your hopes up. See you around, Whitebear. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Buffet.”

Sally Anne came to the counter with two enormous bags filled with food.

“Here’s your order, Sheriff. See you around.”

I tip my hat, take the bags, and head back to the station.

Chapter 3

Ruby

I can’t believe the bakery is mine. As soon as the papers are signed, Dustin drops me off at the bakery and hands me the keys. I go back in and look around the downstairs before heading up the inside stairwell to the apartment above.

Thirty minutes later, I have a thorough list of what I’ll need to get. It might take a few days for me to get all together. In the meantime, I’m staying at the Broken B. They have a bed-and-breakfast on the property and even offer ranch hand experience “vacations”. Maybe one day when the shop is running. I’ll take a two-day excursion on the ranch. I’ve always loved riding. My best friend’s family had horses. Since most of my time at their house, I learned to ride.

Most of my list can wait for later, however I need something to wear tonight and a pair of boots. I drive down Main street and look at the storefronts. A few blocks from me is a store called Calico Gypsy. I find a space, park the Beamer and head inside. Roger bought the car for the prestige. I like the reliability but I need a bigger car. I need to drive to Tulsa and trade it in for a bigger SUV. Maybe a Tahoe or a Yukon. I’ll have to see what kind of deal I can get. Shouldn’t be an issue. Even used, I have the more expensive vehicle.

I’ll look up the value later. Maybe I should ask Dustin if there’s a reputable car dealership closer.

The door tinkles with the sound of a dozen tiny bells. A woman in her mid-thirties with long dark hair greets me.

“Welcome to Calico Gypsy. Is there something I can help you find?”

“I’m new in town and got caught unexpectedly by the weather. I need a pair of boots and a dress for tonight?”

“Where are you going, so I know what style?

“Spotted Horse.”

“It’s a nice place. Kinda dance bar and steakhouse combined. I think I have the perfect dress for you and I have several pairs of Old Gringo boots on sale right now. We’re making room for the new season.”

“Excellent. Please point me in their general direction.”

“Right over there to the left, past the purses.”

I followed her direction to the wall of the boots. After trying on several pairs, I decided on a three-quarter height cowboy boot. They’re black with a pink butterfly on the back and front. It’s done in a feminine style, but not ultra-girlie. I’ll be forty in a few years. I don’t want to wear boots made for a teenager.

Bonus, they were on sale for half off. The saleswoman finds me with several items in hand. She shows me to the dressing room. I try on everything and settle for a border print maxi dress with a high-low hem. The three-quarter length sleeves mimick the dress’s hem. I find a pair of silver earrings and a matching necklace, both marked down. The dress is on sale as well.

I bring my purchases to the counter. The woman smiles at me.

“I’m Gypsy, by the way. Welcome to Wolf Creek.”

“Thank you, Gypsy. I’m Ruby. This is my first day in town. I’m headed to the Broken B next, but forgot to ask Mr. Whitebear for directions. Maps has led me astray once too often.”

“Dustin Whitebear?”

“Yes.”

“He’s our best realtor. Are you plannin’ on staying awhile?”

“I am. I bought the old bakery. There’s an apartment above, but it needs a little work.”