Page 5 of Return to Telegraph Creek

“I suppose we should buy supplies for our journey since we’re here, rather than things to stock our cellar.”

I sighed as Oscar’s gaze met mine with a look of regret.I supposed the days of relaxing on the porch and fucking in the sitting room were over, at least for now.

Chapter Two

Questions

We got the supplies we needed from the store, including various items for the journey, and rode home in the afternoon.We dropped everything off at our place and rode out to Clarence and Irene’s.

Clarence was cleaning his gun in the front yard when we arrived.He waved as we approached.

“Heya!Jimmy, you wanna go hunting?Irene could use a rabbit or a goose to make somethin’ tasty for supper, and you’re welcome to stay.”

“Well, normally I’d take you up on that offer, Clarence.But we got some news to share.”

He straightened.“What’s that then?”

“I’m afraid we have to travel back to Telegraph Creek.We’ll be gone for a spell, but we’ll be back.Don’t worry.”

“Well now,” Clarence said, his face a picture of disappointment.“That’s a shame.Irene won’t be happy.”

“No, I suppose she won’t be.”

“I don’t wanna go, really,” Oscar said.“But Jimmy feels we have to, and I’m goin’ where he’s goin’.”

The front door creaked, and Irene came out with a smile.

“Hello, neighbors!What a fine day it’s turned out to be.”

Clarence turned to her.“Irene, Oscar and Jimmy gotta leave us for a bit.”

Irene’s face fell as she looked between Oscar and me.

“Oh no!Truly?”

“I’m afraid so,” I said.“We got a message from a friend of ours in Telegraph Creek.She’s asked for our help.”

“Oh dear,” Irene said, holding her hand out for Oscar’s.He took it and she drew him to her for a hug.“But I’ll miss you so!And your brand-new house…”

She and Oscar exchanged a sorry look.

“Yeah.I ain’t really lookin’ forward to being out in the wilderness again,” he said.

“Well, it’s something we gotta do,” I said.

“I know it.Miss June and her girls saved my life, no doubt.”

“Oh!Miss June who runs the cathouse?”

“Yes,” I said.“One of her girls has gone missing.”

Irene raised a hand to her mouth.“Oh, goodness.”

I exchanged a look with Oscar.“Cal left to get married to some fellow, and they ain’t heard back from her since.”

Irene frowned.“Oh no.”

“When are you headin’ out?”Clarence asked.