Robbery at Holliday Creek (11)

New Sheriff in Town

After settling his horse at the livery stable Ted made the short walk to the general store. As he rounded the street corner, he saw Jim Samuelson on the walk in front of his store. He was studying the store front so intently he didn’t realize he had company until Ted stepped onto the boardwalk.

   The mayor broke into a smile. “Son-of –a-gun, Skillman. I’d about given you up. Welcome to town.”

The men entered the store. Samuelsson headed to the back room; he shouted, “Howard, come in here. I need a witness.” He turned over his shoulder, “Borrowed Howard from the XBARX to help out while Leitha is in St. Louis.”  

He slid the cover back on the roll-top desk, and pulled some papers from a couple of pigeon holes.  A shiny star-shaped badge dropped onto the writing surface. At the same moment a scruffy cowboy entered from the back entrance. 

“Skillman here is the new sheriff, Howard. Need you to witness the swearing in.” 

The mayor read the oath that swore the sheriff to uphold the ordinances for the town of Holliday. “…so help you, God.” 

His Honor picked up a booklet, briefly inspected it, and handed it to Skillman. “These are the town ordinances, duly approved by the town council. Be good for you to get very familiar with them. Now sign the oath.” 

     Skillman was surprised to see Howard sign his name as witness. The cowboy then mumbled something, gave Skillman a suspicious sideways look, and excused himself.

     Samuelson smiled wryly. “Howard don’t look like much, but he can read and write and do figures. He’s got a strong back, too-- only thing he’s got over Leitha.”

        Ted pinned the star on his left pocket, then, casually as possible, “What took Leitha to St. Louis?”

     “My sister lives there; Leitha’s visiting. Leitha has a hankering to live in the big city. I think it’s a mistake. But she feels the west killed her mother. Hell, that woman would have died of pneumonia, East or West. But, this is a chance for daughter to see if East is what she wants.”

     Ted’s poker face hid the disappointment he unconsciously felt. The mayor grabbed his hat. “Come on. I’ll walk you over to Ma Blanchard’s.”

Out on the boardwalk, Samuelson paused to study the store front. “My store’s been broken into, maybe, three times since we first talked. The thief doesn’t take much, and he’s a master at covering evidence of entering.” 

 

     They walked along the main street in Holliday. “I wouldn’t have missed the galvanized pail if my stock wasn’t down to two. One day I had just one. And I noticed this morning a couple of boxes of cartridges are missing. I have no idea how long they’ve been gone.”


Ted processed what the mayor had said. Maybe Clara Maud wasn't exaggerating.