Page 15 of Kissing the Sheriff

When she got back to town, she decided to see what Alma was up to and headed for the general store. When she reached it, Woodrow Atkins was at the double doors speaking with one of the younger Darlings. Oliver, was it? “Thank you, Mr. Atkins,” he said. “Wallis and I appreciate it.” He smiled at her. “Morning, Sheriff.” He tipped his hat and headed across the street to the hotel.

“What did he want?” she asked.

Woodrow shoved his hat back. “More lumber. Them boys are gonna work me to death, but I ain’t gonna argue. It’s money in my pocket.” He smiled warmly. “How you doing today, Cassie?”

“As good as everyone else.” She watched Oliver go into the hotel. “How long do you think they’ll stay?”

“Word is, they have to be in San Francisco in six weeks. They still want to see the West, so …” He shrugged. “… your guess is as good as mine.”

“Do you think the oldest will stay?”

“Do you think Letty will?” he countered.

Cassie glanced at the doors and back. “I don’t know.” She entered the store, where Alma was behind the counter, wrapping something in brown paper.

“When you’re done with that, come sweep this corner. It’s filthy!”

Cassie rolled her eyes. Agnes Featherstone came around a display of fabric and scowled at Alma. “You’re a disgusting girl.”

“Good morning, Agnes,” Cassie said tersely.

Agnes jumped. “Don’t do that! You ought to know better than to scare a body that way!”

“As this is the only general store around for over a day’s ride, I suggest you be a little nicer to Alma. She can ban you.”

“What?!” Agnes screeched.

“And I’ll back her up.” Cassie smiled and went to the counter. “So, anything new?”

Before Alma could answer, Agnes stomped to the counter, gathered her packages and marched out the double doors.

Cassie shrugged at Alma. “What’s wrong with her?” Aside from her being herself, of course.

Alma’s blue eyes were round as saucers. “I don’t know, but she’s on edge about something. Dora said she went into the hotel yesterday and acted like she was inspecting everything.”

She looked at the doors. Agnes didn’t bother closing the one she used. Cassie went and did it. “Everyone is nervous.”

“I’m not,” Alma stated.

Cassie returned to the counter. “When did you speak with Dora?”

“Earlier this morning. She came in to get some flour and sugar.” She took a jar off a shelf behind her. “Licorice whip?”

“Thanks.” Cassie pulled one out and took a bite. As she chewed, she pondered what could have Agnes so riled. What was one more resident? “Sterling Darling.”

“What about him?”

Cassie smiled. “He doesn’t put up with Agnes’ shenanigans. She can’t control him.”

“Thank goodness.” Alma took a generous bite of her own licorice whip. “I’m getting some new fabric in tomorrow,” she said, mouth full. “I’m going to buy some for myself and make a new dress.”

Cassie smiled. “That’s nice. Too bad we don’t have anything to dress up for.”

“We can change that.”

She looked at Alma’s bright-eyed expression. “How?”

“We have men in town. We could have a dance.”