Deborah's Dilemma by Caroline Clemmons

Author:Caroline Clemmons [Clemmons, Caroline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-06-21T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Deborah opened the door to admit Chief Deputy Milton Sprouse. “Come in, Milton.” Unlike Virgil who’d come from the Midwest, Milton had grown up in Pearson Grove.

“I hear your brother is awake. Congratulations. Guess he still has to rest but I sure need to talk to him.”

“Come with me. He’ll be happy to see someone besides Mama and me and the doctor.”

Milton held his hat in his hands. “Jeff, glad to see you with your eyes open. I wonder if you can remember anything about the shooting.”

Deborah plumped up her brother’s pillows so he could sit up.

Jeff wiggled higher. A bandage wound around his chest and shoulder. “I didn’t see much, just a shape in the dark. I couldn’t identify anyone.”

She pushed the chair toward Milton so he could sit near the bed.

Milton smiled at her and took the seat. “Was the shape tall or short, thin or stocky? For instance, did the shape resemble your sister ridding herself of a troublesome younger brother? Anything you can remember will help.”

Jeff grinned at Deborah then directed his attention to Milton. “I’ve thought about it since I woke. I’d say a man a couple or three inches under six feet and not fat, but stocky. Sorry, but it happened so fast and whoever shot us was in the shadows between the blacksmith shop and the bakery. One second I was talking to Eric and the next he dropped beside me. Before I could process he’d been killed, I was knocked off my feet and unconscious.”

“At least that’s enough to clear Trey Pearson for certain.”

Jeff shook his head. “I’m positive it wasn’t Trey. I wish I could be more helpful but I can’t say who shot us. Since Virgil isn’t with you, does that mean he has other clues?”

Milton hesitated. “He’s pursuing another problem right now, but we’re both still investigating the shooting. Trey is helping us with a research project regarding it. We’re plenty busy and a lot is happening.”

Mama looked incredulous. “Surely a murder and shooting are more important than anything else.”

Milton stood and nodded to her. “Yes, ma’am, it’s our main priority. We’re getting closer, too.”

He looked at her and Jeff then Mama. “I need to be going unless you think of anything else right now. If you think of something later, write it down. One of us will be by to check on you.”

Deborah walked him to the front door. “Thank you for coming by, Milton.”

“Good to see Jeff awake. Nice to see you, too.” He clamped his hat on his head and headed down the walk.

She sighed as she watched him stride toward town. He was a nice man who’d had a crush on her for some time. He’d make someone a good husband. She’d given him no encouragement because—nice as he was—he wasn’t the right man for her.

The image of Trey Pearson popped into her head. Was he the right one? She’d had a crush on him for a long time. She hoped she wasn’t imagining the admiration in his eyes when his gaze met hers.

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