Page 87 of Mistletoe

Emma nodded. She didn’t have direct experience with those activities, but Sweetwater Point had a justified reputation and she had eyes.

Nina continued, “But there’s always a hothead too quick to use their fists or renege on a bill. I’m expected to keep the peace. My deputies get called out to a brawl of some sort most every night. We arrest who we can, but the military courts have jurisdiction over soldiers. I just keep them in a cell until morning and send them back to base. Your tavern brawl?” Nina asked, sounding exhausted.

“I didn’t start that.”

“I know. I witnessed the entire thing, remember? The man who started that has faced zero consequences.”

“None? You were a witness. Surely they wouldn’t question your word.”

“His commanding officer assured me that he would face ‘stiff consequences,’” Nina said, her tone drifting into the sarcastic. “He cleaned the latrines.”

“Not a pleasant experience,” Emma said, though for the life of her she could not understand why she was defending the military on this. Perhaps she was just too used to opposing Nina that it felt unnatural to agree.

“Latrine duty is for a sloppy uniform or minor infractions. Going into civilian spaces, grabbing a woman without her permission, and threatening her with physical violence are not minor infractions. The military courts cannot be bothered if it didn’t happen on base, making it my problem to clean up.” Nina spat on the ground again. “I’m sick of cleaning up their mess.”

“I’ve never seen you so riled up,” Emma said.

“I’m in the mood to make a mess of my own. If deputizing your friend throws a wrench in Major Pearson’s plans, I’m happy to oblige.”

Hal removed the tin star and offered it back.

Nina shook her head. “That was a serious offer. I want you as a deputy.”

Hal frowned as he looked at the badge. “I’ve never been on the side of law and order before. I’m not sure it agrees with me.”

“You can tell me no, but Pearson will be right back here, and he won’t ask nicely.”

Emma stepped between Nina and Hal. “Don’t threaten us.”

Nina held up her hands in surrender. “I was simply stating the facts. I want three days a week. Friday through Sunday. That’s when the soldiers have their leave.”

“When they cause trouble,” Hal said.

“Exactly. Parade around town and let them see who they’ll be tangling with if they get out of line. That’s what I’m asking.” Nina then quoted a salary that Emma considered to be decent.

“I need a minute to discuss,” Hal said. He drew Emma away a few steps and asked, “Is that a lot of money?”

“It’s a good wage,” Emma answered. “Not too high but not insultingly low.”

“Do we need the money? I don’t know the farm’s finances.”

“We got a bunkhouse to rebuild, and I’m considering significant upgrades.” She had been spending more and more nights in the bunkhouse with Hal, so much so that a permanent move seemed inevitable.

“How significant?” he asked.

“No more cold showers. Life is too short for cold showers.”

He huffed, as if amused by her answer. “Such extravagant tastes.”

The bunkhouse roof collapsed, sending up a plume of sparks.

Maybe a little cottage, a place for her and Hal. That sounded nice.

“Think on it,” Nina said, interrupting her thoughts.

“I will consider your offer,” Hal replied.

Emma rubbed her arms. The last of the adrenaline had left, and she felt cold. She was exhausted, but the night was far from over. “We need to watch the fire until it burns itself out.”

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