Page 42 of Kissing the Sheriff
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Cassie walked slowlyto the sheriff’s office to enjoy the warm sun on her back. Today was the first day she didn’t feel the heavy weight of loneliness. Was it because she’d had more interaction? Let’s see … she spoke to Pa this morning, had her meeting with Dora and the others, then lunch with Conrad and Billy. The rest of the afternoon would seem dull by comparison.
When she reached her office she tidied up, swept the cell area, shook out the blankets and fluffed the pillows of each cot. Never mind that there hadn’t been a prisoner in one since Pa arrested Chester Smythe for having too much of Captain Stanley’s applejack New Year’s Eve four years ago. Nothing ever happened in Apple Blossom to warrant any arrests until the incident. And those outlaws were never caught.
Sometimes she wondered whatever happened to them and where they were, then had to push the thoughts aside. She didn’t want to think about such things today, not when she’d had such a wonderful time at lunch. Conrad was a perfect gentleman and was so good with Billy. She wondered how much the boy would miss him when he and his brothers left.
She sat behind the desk and stared at the opposite wall. With nothing else to do, she decided to start informing people of the dance. She’d go to the bank first and speak to Mr. Featherstone.
Unfortunately, when she got there, Agnes was the first to spot her. Great. “What are you doing here?” the woman snapped. “Aren’t you supposed to be guarding the town?”
Cassie sighed. She shouldn’t have, but it was Agnes. “We’ve had a meeting about the dance …”
“What? That silly thing? What about it?”
Cassie sighed again. “It’s to be held a week from Saturday evening. We worked out all the details and I’m letting everyone know.”
“I have no interest in it,” Agnes stuck her nose in the air and headed for the door.
Cassie shrugged and started for Mr. Featherstone’s office.
Rudolf Miller the bank teller waved her over. “What about the dance?”
She turned his way. “We’re going to hold it a week from Saturday …”
“I heard that part. What can I do to help?”
She told him what she and the others had decided, and he happily agreed. “Wonderful, I’ll whip something up and maybe bake a batch of cookies.”
“Can you play your banjo?”
“Of course. In fact, I can round up the other musicians. We might want to have some practice beforehand. I’ll let Carl Tate and Chester Smythe know. Captain Stanley won’t be back until tomorrow – I’ll speak to him then.”
“What about Sarah Crawford?” Cassie asked. “She could relieve the captain.”
“That’s right, she plays the piano as well. Would you mind speaking to her, Cassie?”
“Not at all. I’ll let Mr. Featherstone know what’s going on.”
“Please do.” He looked around warily. “You and I both know Mrs. Featherstone won’t tell him anything.”
With a knowing smile she headed for the office door. She gave it a knock and poked her head in. “Mr. Featherstone, do you have a minute?”
“Cassie,” he said happily. “Come in, come in.” He came out from behind his desk. “What can I do for you?”
She gave him the details for the dance and told him Rudolf would be gathering the musicians. “I’m afraid Agnes isn’t very interested in this.”
He waved a hand at her. “Agnes is grumpy lately, that’s all. Never mind her.”
“Will you be able to bring a dish and dessert?” She held her breath.
“Oh, that. I’m no cook, as everyone knows, and if Agnes doesn’t want to participate, that means she’s not going to cook for it.” He tapped his fingers together. “Don’t worry, I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thank you, Mr. Featherstone. I’ll be on my way. I’m trying to let as many people know about the dance this afternoon as I can.”
“Good idea – gives them time to prepare.” He returned to his chair as Cassie left.
Outside, she thought of where to go next, then caught sight of Conrad’s brother Irving and waved to get his attention. He saw her and crossed the street. “Afternoon, Sheriff. Can I help you?”
