Yesterday's Blood by Jane O'Brien

Author:Jane O'Brien [O'Brien, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-07-31T22:00:00+00:00

∞

The tinkle of the bell could be heard from the hardware side of the store where Wade was stocking some shelves. He put down his box of penny nails, and stepped through the arched opening into the mercantile to greet his customer. He was very surprised to see the tall man with the star on his chest.

“Well, hello, Daniel.”

Daniel grinned. It had been a while since anyone had used his proper name. “Sheriff Dan is fine, or just Sheriff.”

“Oh, that’s right. Sorry. It’s just that Dora has mentioned you on more than one occasion when she’s reminiscing. It was the only name I had ever heard.”

“And you don’t mind? Her talking about our marriage?” Dan whispered as he looked over his shoulder to make sure they were alone.

“Well, I have to admit to some feelings of jealousy now and then, but nothing can be done about it, and I had a wife, too, while she was gone, so we’re on equal ground.”

“And you were the winner, after all,” said Dan.

“I don’t like to think of her as a prize in a contest, but I am a lucky man, I’ll grant you that. What can I do for you, Sheriff?”

“Nothing at all. I just wanted to stop in and see your store. I’m slowly making the rounds and meeting everyone I’ve heard about.”

Wade leaned forward and said softly, “And your relatives?”

Dan laughed. “Yes, my ‘relatives.’ I’ve had dinner at the old homestead with Curtis Kent and his wife, Bertha, their son Danny and lots of others with names I don’t remember. It was quite enjoyable. There’s a cemetery on their property that was quite enlightening. I loved seeing the names on the tombstones.”

“I bet it felt just like family, huh?” winked Wade.

“It did indeed.” He really did like this man that his wife had fallen in love with. His charisma was infectious.

“How long are you planning on staying around, Sheriff?”

“I haven’t decided yet. Right now the town needs me. It seems there is no new replacement on the horizon anytime soon for Holton/Twin Lake. I guess you’re stuck with me for a while.”

“And you’re not needed, uh, elsewhere?”

“I probably am, but I’m trying not to think about it at the moment. I’ll deal with that when I return.”

“I see. Well, thanks for stopping by. Help yourself to a pickle. They’re some of the best in the county. A German woman named Gerda Holtz makes them for me.”

Dan picked one out of the barrel and took a satisfying bite; the crisp, popping, crunch could be heard across the room. “Very good. I haven’t had anything like that in years. Thank you. Well, I’d best be on my way. Have a good day. If you have any problems, just give a holler.” Daniel laughed at his own phrasing as he had been trying to use various vernaculars of the area.

“Will do, Sheriff. A good day to you.”

The sheriff tipped his hat and went on his way. When he turned right and headed toward the boarding house and The Grapevine, Wade had to admit to feeling a tightening in his stomach.

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