Page 36 of Kissing the Sheriff

“To be honest, this whole place smells like pie. It’s hard for me to tell which house has something in the oven.”

She laughed. “That’s true. Come in.”

They followed her inside and she led them to the kitchen. “They’re in the cookie jar. I’ll be home for lunch.”

Conrad cleared his throat. “I’m taking care of lunch today.”

She froze in surprise. “You’re going to make it?”

“You’ll shoot me for sure if I did. No, I’m going to the hotel to fetch it. I’ll be back by the time you arrive.”

Cassie’s cheeks grew hot. “That’s very thoughtful of you, Conrad.” Darn if her heart didn’t melt a little too. “Very kind.”

He looked into her eyes and smiled. “It’s my pleasure. Now off with you. Arrest someone.”

She rolled her eyes. “If Agnes had her way, she’d have me arrest you.”

“What?” He exchanged a look with Billy. “The nerve!”

“She has plenty of that, so mind yourself around her.” She adjusted her gun belt and headed for the back door. “I’ll see you at lunch.”

“Jolly good,” Conrad called after her.

Outside, Cassie smiled and headed down the steps. She liked having Conrad and Billy around. It wasn’t the same as when Pa was alive, but it was still nice. Pa didn’t talk a lot once he sat in his chair in the evening. He had his books and liked reading. He could lose himself in either an adventure novel or some history book for hours.

She reached the office and sat at her desk. There wasn’t much for her to do other than make her rounds, talk to people, maybe resolve a squabble or two, then come back. She’d have to go by the general store today and see if any wanted posters arrived in the post, but she doubted it. Things had been calm since the incident and it was time folks moved on. Herself included.

She went to the open door and stood on the threshold. Was it too early to visit Pa? Hmmm. Maybe she’d better wait and see if Dora and Letty showed up. She hoped they came by early. She didn’t want to be late for lunch.

She decided to see if the captain left for Virginia City and walked down to the saloon. She checked out back, didn’t see his wagon, and figured he must have. She made sure things were locked up around the place, then headed for the store.

When she arrived, Alma was speaking with Sarah. “Hi, Cassie,” Alma called. “Nothing came for you.”

She smiled and came over. “How are you, Sarah?”

“Fine.” Sarah glanced around. “Flint, Lacey, get back here.”

The twins came running. “Howdy, Sheriff!” Flint said. “I heard you and Billy went fishing.”

Cassie looked at the other women and sighed. “News sure does travel fast around here.”

“We ran into Billy when he was on his way to your place this morning,” Sarah said.

“How was fishing?” Alma asked. “Catch anything?”

Her cheeks heated. “No, none of us did. Billy stuffed himself with cookies and I showed Conrad the swimming hole.”

“The one with the rock?” Alma asked.

She nodded. “I’m not sure he or his brothers will ever use it, but at least he knows where it is.”

“I haven’t seen much of Sterling the last few days,” Alma said.

Sarah smiled. “Of course not. He’s working at Letty’s.”

“She’ll be in town later today.” Cassie eyed some books. “Are those new?”

“Yes.” Alma went to the stack. “Want to look?”