Creekstone

“Doc says the knife did its job on the first stroke. Killing someone that way – it’s not as easy as you might think.” Sheriff RayJohn Kilber took a long drink from the beer in front of him. “Whoever did this, he grabbed her from behind and nearly strangled her as he slit her throat. At least she didn’t suffer too much.” “Thank heaven.” Susannah Adler wondered how terrified Ella must have been. Then a more pressing issue fell into place – was Evie in danger? “She let them into her house, RayJohn. Does that mean she knew them?” “Maybe, but maybe not,” he mused. “We saw a lot of damage around the door frame – I had to push it back into place to shut the door, remember?” He took a breath, and another swallow. “They likely burst through the door, forcing their way inside. She may have known them, but she didn’t invite them in.” “Could be.” Susannah wore her deep yellow dress with brown trim along the sewn-in pinafore and edging her long sleeves. As always, she fiddled with the cuffs as she spoke, her mind racing. “Does it really matter either way?” “Not unless we identify them. Until then, it’s just a detail.” RayJohn sat silently as the soup arrived and was set in front of them. As the waitress left, he looked across the table at her. “Got the bowie back, and something else – Doc found these buttons in Ella’s pocket.” He handed three brass buttons across the table. “Have you seen any like this before?” She turned them over in her hand. “They feel quite heavy but no, they don’t look like anything I’ve seen. I suppose Ella could have been using them for a garment she was sewing.” “Doc says they had blood on them – and not hers.” “Maybe she tore them off the jacket her killer was wearing…” “Just what I was thinking,” RayJohn smiled. “You aimin’ to be my deputy?” “No, I don’t think I’m cut out for that.” His remark was a compliment, and she was pleased. “But if you need a sounding board, I’m here.” The soup bowls were taken away, and RayJohn cleared his throat as he approached the topic neither of them were anxious to discuss. “How’s the girl – she feeling any better?” “I think so. She ate a little dinner an hour ago. Her mother’s death hasn’t sunk in yet.” Her eyes wandered the room, looking for a way to lighten the conversation, and finding nothing. “She’s pretty strong.” “Had Vander send wires out to sheriffs in Denver, Wichita and Kansas City – should be hearing back in the next few days. Told them the mother was dead and there’s a child involved.” He sat back as plates were delivered and paused until the waitress walked away. “They’ll wire back quickly, I suspect.” “The sooner the better - I think Evie could use a change of scenery.” It was a lie, but she had to say something. Dinner conversation was stilted – the weather, cattle drives and RayJohn’s usual complaints about drunken cowboys raising hell after they left the saloon. They ate quietly for a few minutes, and she noticed him watching her closely. “What?” “Nothin’ – you’re just confusing, that’s all.” “I’m not sure that’s a complement, Sheriff.” She set down her fork and knife. “What’s on your mind?” “Nothin’ much. Just that you won’t give yourself enough credit.” “Credit for what?” “You’re a strong, brave woman Susannah. You live in a man’s world, and you succeed. That ain’t no small thing, you know. Give yourself some credit for that much.” “I will – thank you,” she smiled. “It just hurts me that someone would kill Ella and leave poor Evie without her mother - that’s all. And what happens to her now?” “For now, she’s got you.” RayJohn smiled at the doubt in her eyes. “Anyone else would be a better choice,” she shook her head. “Anyone.” “Lucky for you I’m the sheriff and I get to decide…” He grinned at her. “I choose you for the job.” He ate a bite. “You make everyone think you’re so tough, but I know better.” “Well, she’s just… she’s just a child.” They went back to their meal. After roast beef and some berry pie for dessert he pulled the napkin from his collar, letting it fall into his lap. “How are you gonna feel when we find family for Evie?” “What do you mean?” “I’m hopin’ the girl’s got a place here until we find her kin.” RayJohn noticed her shifting nervously in her chair. “Unless that’s a problem…” “A problem for me?” Susannah was surprised at his question – now he thought she didn’t care about Evie? For just a moment, her heart sank – good Lord, could he know the truth? It flashed through her mind like the plot of one of those traveling drama shows, and not necessarily a pleasant one. “I don’t like the idea, but Evie is welcome here RayJohn. I just wish she had a better place to go.” She hated herself for saying those words, but she had no others to offer. “I only want the child to feel better.”