Page 120 of Call it Reckless

It didn’t take him long to change, and soon, the three of us headed toward the white tents set up along the street where various food vendors had set up to cook their specialty in barbecue.

Ironically, one of the first people we ran into was Hans. He tipped his coonskin hat when he saw us approaching. “Howdy, Deputy. Miss Allen.”

“You behaving today?” Reid winked as he shook hands with the old-timer.

“Now, what’s the fun in that?” Hans countered.

I noticed a blue ribbon attached to his name badge. “I see you won something today.”

The gap between his two front teeth showed as he grinned. “Fifth year running.”

“Venison stew, right?” Reid asked. “Emphasis onvenison.”

Hans waved his hand as if swatting a fly. “Of course. Most of the fun is getting those old ladies riled up, you know.” He gestured to the pot he had over a portable burner. “Want to try some?”

Reid and I both took a sample. “It’s delicious,” I told him.

“Stop on by at the end of the day. I’ll have something even better for you. Of the liquid variety.” He winked.

We stuffed ourselves with barbecue sandwiches, chips, and a soda for Lex and beer for Reid and me. Lexi skipped ahead while Reid and I walked hand in hand through the vendors that had come from all across the state, as well as some neighboring ones.

There were a lot of visitors to our small town, but everywhere we went, there were familiar faces who called out their greetings. Several strangers came up to Reid and announced their support for him as sheriff now that he’d made his plan to run official with the petition.

We paused while Reid chatted with them and made mental notes if they expressed any concerns about things happening around the county. It made for slow going, but I was so proud and impressed by how easily he made conversation with each person. He had a knack for finding something he could relate to them and talk about. He made getting to know them personal rather than just another vote he needed. The entire time, he held my hand, being sure to include me so I didn’t just feel like an ornament.

“Guys, look!”

Reid excused us from the couple we’d been talking to for several minutes and wandered over to join Lexi. She was watching a wrinkle-faced lady with frizzy gray hair sitting on a chair. She had a wooden paddle wedged under one leg and held a rod with a wooden dancing doll at the end of the board. As she tapped on the paddle, the doll bounced and kicked its legs.

“I’ve never seen that before,” Lexi said.

The woman noticed her. “Do you want to try?” She stood and offered the board and the dowel with the doll on the end to Lexi, who hurried to take the woman’s place. She caught on quickly, and soon, Lex had the doll doing a fast, little jig on the paddle.

By this time, it was growing dark. Stage lights lit up the bandstand. A microphone squealed, drawing everyone’s attention. Richard Bowen stood on stage, Sterling on his shoulder.

“Hello, and welcome to Milling About Barbecue and Bluegrass Festival. I’m Richard Bowen, Mayor of Sterling Mill, along with Sterling, honorary mayor.”

Squawk!“Welcome. Mayor Bowen. Mayor Sterling.”

Rich’s smile was as big as I’d ever seen it.

After the applause and catcalls died down, Mayor Bowen continued. “We’re glad to have everyone here tonight. Thank you to all the bands who’ve performed already today. We have the winners of today’s barbecue contest.”

He read the names of the various categories. “Congratulations to everyone. We’re all winners tonight, getting to sample all that deliciousness.”

More applause.

“Winners!” Sterling screeched from Rich’s shoulder. He flew to the microphone. “Vote Braxton for sheriff.Woof!”

And with that, Sterling spread his wings and flew to Buddy, who stood at Reid’s feet.

The crowd roared and clapped.

“Braxton, Braxton,” became the cheer of the locals.

I almost felt sorry for Monroe Sinclair, who’d also declared his candidacy. Almost.

Rich offered a beleaguered sigh from the stand. “Alrighty then. Without further ado, I’m pleased to announce our next band, Hoot and Holla.”

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