The Sheriff's Second Chance

“That was my major. Then I settled back here after college not sure which direction to take. I juggled different jobs for a few years to make the rent, did some bookkeeping, sold insurance policies at Dad’s agency, and worked evenings as a deputy under Roger Norton. When Norton announced his retirement near reelection time last year, it occurred to me that I liked the law-enforcement job a lot more than the others. So I ran for sheriff and won.”

“Are you happy?”

“I find the job very satisfying. I enjoy the contact with people and they seem to respond to me well.”

A small silence followed, both of them looking around as if not sure what to say next.

“Jelly bean?” Ethan abruptly swung his jar of red and white ones under her nose.

Realizing she hadn’t had more than an English muffin and yogurt all day, she took a handful and popped some into her mouth. “These taste like the gourmet ones your mother used to buy.”

“They are.”

“So, how are your parents doing? Mom wrote me when they moved to Phoenix a few years ago.”

Ethan nodded. “They left mostly to escape the snowy Wisconsin winters. They love the desert climate, the rock-garden yards. I’m concerned about them, though. The highways there are always clogged and the drivers extremely aggressive. Nothing like this sleepy town.”

“But your dad spent years on the road selling insurance, so he’s probably comfortable with it.”

“So he says. Along with the reminder that they’re only in their fifties—like your mom.” Folding his arms across his chest he shook his head. “I’m probably overreacting but can’t seem to stop myself, and figure it’s just our turn to do the worrying. Some sort of karmic revenge.”

And worry Kelsey did about her mother. “Is Clare doing all right, Ethan? I mean, really all right?”

“What exactly are you asking me, Kel?”

“Are people kind to her?”

He hesitated slightly. “Like all of us, she has her allies.”

“Gee. I don’t remember it ever coming down to allies.”

“Nothing new, really. Kids just don’t see it.”

Of course. Adult life was all about friends and enemies.

“As far as I know, she’s getting along,” he assured kindly. “ I’m in there almost every day—”

“Really!” she rejoiced.

He looked startled then pleased. “My favorite place for morning break.”

Kelsey stared out the window, as if seeing a new ray of light on the horizon. “She claims to have her regulars, like she used to before the accident. But I’ve always been a little doubtful.”

“She appears content, that’s all I can be sure of.” He looked at the floor now, as if self-conscious. “So, are you okay? Are you happy in Philly?”

Suspecting she’d be questioned over and over by classmates at the reunion, she’d prepared a cheery stock response about her life. But sitting alone with this once-cherished friend was enough to bring the plain truth of her situation bubbling to the surface. The loneliness, the disappointments, the depressing realization that her college friends had gone on to fulfill their own dreams of marriage and children. While she…

But these were hardly confidences to share with the first guy to dump her! Her pride wouldn’t allow her to show dejection then, and still wouldn’t.

“What’s the matter?” he prodded. “The term Philly as offensive to you as Frisco is to Monica?”

“Nope. Philly’s fine all around.” She crossed her legs, mentally retrieving her original spiel. “My life is pretty hectic. I teach at a rather posh elementary school in the city and own a condo within walking distance. It’s a tiny place that would cost a fraction here in Maple, but the location is so convenient, I don’t even need a car. Great restaurants, parks and theaters are all within easy reach.”

“Sounds this side of perfect.”

She shrugged and smiled.

A surprising pinch of distress furrowed between his dark brows. But surely he’d wished her safe and well all this while. Hadn’t he?

She would never know for sure what was on his mind as he broke eye contact and reached over his desk to push a button on an old intercom. “Monica, call the café, see if Clare is there.”

As he released the button, Kelsey took him to task. “We could’ve called her ourselves.”

“Naw. Monica loves playing secretary. That was her career back in Frisco.”

The pair watched through the glass as the officious woman made the call. Hanging up the receiver she gave them a thumbs-up.

Kelsey rose to her feet. “Guess I’ll be getting back. Thanks for the beans and the chat.” When he levered himself off the edge of the desk, she added, “I’ve taken up enough of your time, but I’d like to keep my suitcases here for now though, if that’s all right.”

“No problem. In fact I’ll be making my rounds soon, so I can drop off them off at the house.”

“Great.” With a nod to Monica, she was out the door.

Chapter Four

Ethan rounded his desk to take a seat, aware that Monica was already in his doorway, wearing a bright smile and brimming with curiosity.

“So she’s the one, eh?”

With a rueful look, he pulled out his chair. “Why, oh, why did I ever confide my life story to you?”

“Because I’m one of the few ears in town who can give you impartial feedback. I’m also a good listener with a heart big as all outdoors. And your own ma is miles away.”

“Yeah, guess that’s why.”

“It must have been a shocker to confront her so abruptly. Did you have any warning she was coming in on today’s bus?”

“No,” he complained. “Sarah could have told me but she didn’t.”

“Sarah’s bound to be in a whirl, taking care of the baby, running the reunion. She probably doesn’t realize how much it would matter to you.”

“I’m not sure yet how much it does matter.” He turned his chair to stare pensively out the window. “Guess I’ve thought about Kelsey most after each time a relationship’s failed. Wondered if she could still possibly live up to my boyhood memories, if we’d be good together as adults.”

“She seems very pleasant and likable, pleased to be here.”

“I hope that sentiment lasts. She already caught some disapproving glares outside her mother’s café. Obviously they hurt, but that’s not to say she didn’t handle things like a champ. She always was strong.”

“You must be feeling pretty lucky all of sudden, having a second chance with the girl-next-door.”