Robbery at Holliday Creek (16)

 Courage Is Not A Function Of Age.

© Robert Faulkender

Darkness had fallen when the four slipped into the Sheriff’s office. Ted found the lantern and lit it. Joseph’s eyes narrowed as soon as he saw the bars. “You said we warn’t arrested.” 

     “And you’re not, but my boarding house is full, so we’re making this place work.” He led them into the back room, making a big deal about leaving the cell doors open.

     “I’m going for some food. You kids stay in the back, keep the lantern low, and don’t think of moving.”  He smiled warmly; erasing the fear in each face, then passed through the darkened front office and slipped the door lock as he left. There were limits to unsubstantiated trust.

    Ted went straight to Ma Blanchard’s. Fortunately, Doc was still at the dinner table.” Doc, I need your help. Got a situation over at the jail that calls for a medical opinion.” 

     “Emergency?”

    “Naw, it’s private, but needs attending tonight.” Ted followed Ma into the kitchen. “Ma, I have three hungry people in jail. Can you put together a pot of something warm?”

    Ma Blanchard had a feel for certain things and didn’t need explanations. Unlike Clara Maud, who saw things, and then decided what she felt about them, Ma felt things first, and if she felt good about the moment, she seldom needed explanations to take immediate action. In record time, without questions, she presented Ted with dinner for four.

      Skillman moved swiftly to the office and quietly unlocked the door. The children were exactly where he left them. As soon as he set the stew pot on the desk Sarah took charge: dishing out cups to the brim just as though she had done it every day. 

    When Doc marched through the door, four edgy people nearly jumped out of their skins. As improbable as the scene was, the only thing that surprised Doc was how the little girl wore a man’s white shirt like a dress, cinched up at the waist with a stretch of rope. 

      “Looks like you caught a couple of thieves, Sheriff.”

     “Get to that later, Doc. Right now tell me about this boy’s crushed foot.”