Texas Rainbow

by Caroline Clemmons

  “Good idea. You pick them out and I’ll have the electrician install them. You might want some downstairs. I’m thinking of adding them to my place, too.”

  Nancy focused on Ellie. “We use ours three-fourths of the year. With this being upstairs, you’ll definitely be better off with fans.”

  Bart straightened. “Glad to see you have help, Ellie. Guess I’ll get on with my job.” She heard him hurrying down the stairs.

  Bobby exhaled. “Guess I better get on with my job too.” He narrowed his eyes. “Am I getting paid for this?”

  Nancy’s eyes widened. “Bobby?”

  Ellie grinned at him. “Of course you’re getting paid. I should’ve negotiated with you earlier. I was just so happy to have you here that I forgot.” She told him what she planned to pay. “Are we agreed?”

  He returned her grin. “You bet. Thanks.”

  “I’ll have to get you to fill out some forms for taxes before payday. I’ll pay you each Friday unless either of you needs it earlier.”

  Nancy glanced at her son then nodded. “Fridays are fine, thank you.”

  Ellie wished she had a phone directory. “Do either of you have any idea how late the laundromat stays open?”

  Nancy shook her head. “I don’t, do you, Bobby?”

  He leaned on his broom and pulled a phone from his pocket. “Just a minute and I’ll tell you.” He fiddled with his phone for a few seconds. “Their hours are seven am to seven pm every day.”

  Ellie was dumfounded. She’d had no idea she could look up such things on her phone. Obviously, she needed further lessons from Penny. Probably, she’d do even better taking lessons from Bobby but how would she explain her ignorance?

  “Thanks, Bobby, I should have thought of using my phone. I won’t waste time going by the place until I leave today. Right now, I’ll start work on that disgusting bathroom.” She picked up a pail and cleaning supplies, including rubber gloves, and headed for the bathroom.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Bart had hoped to find Ellie alone. Probably just as well others were present. Today he was feeling especially weak where she was concerned and had trouble keeping his hands to himself when he was around her. In fact, he had trouble keeping a goofy grin from his face when he looked at her.

  Or thought of her, which was often.

  No harm done today. As far as the Colgates were concerned, he was just a landlord checking on his property. At least he hoped that’s what they thought. He didn’t want anyone making smart-aleck cracks about Ellie. Sure, she was willing to have her way with him, but he’d better not catch any other guy moving in on her.

  Would you listen to yourself? You are pathetic.

  Berating himself as he walked up the street toward the sheriff’s office, he met Caleb coming out of the café. “Checking on your new tenant?”

  “Yeah, things look to be on schedule. Should be finished by the end of the week.”

  Caleb whistled through his teeth. “You really have those guys moving along. No problems then?”

  “Uh unh, don’t tempt fate by putting it that way.”

  Caleb chuckled. “Never knew you to believe in superstitions.”

  Bart raised his eyebrows. “You never knew me to believe in a lot of things I have lately.”

  His cousin sobered and rubbed at his jaw. “Isn’t that the truth? Our family’s had several major shocks in the past year. I’m willing to believe about anything is possible now.”

  Bart spotted the rough crowd—sans Bobby—strutting down the opposite side of the street as if they owned the town. They really raised his hackles.

  Caleb followed his line of sight. “Bunch of troublemakers. Don’t imagine a one of them will have a job this summer.”

  “Did you notice they have expensive taste in shoes?”

  “I’ll say. A pair of those like the Cannon kid is wearing will set you back a couple of hundred bucks. Makes you wonder where they get that kind of cash.”

  Bart’s anger grew. “Doesn’t make me wonder. I’d give you odds they’re all dealing as well as stealing. Knowing isn’t enough, I have to be able to prove their guilt. I haven’t been able to catch them in the act. They may be stupid but they’re sly and I’m way understaffed.”

  “You’re a great sheriff and my money’s on you. You’ll catch them.” Caleb watched them. “At least the Colgate kid isn’t with them today.”

  Bart turned back to smile at his cousin. “You won’t believe this and I wouldn’t if I hadn’t seen him. He’s working for Ellie. Last time I saw him he had a broom in his hand.”

  Caleb laughed. “So it’s not just you over whom she has magic powers?”

  Bart started to protest but figured it was useless. He shrugged good-naturedly and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I guess you’re immune?”

  Caleb held out his hands. “Hey, I saw right away how that was shaping up. Don’t want you to call me out to a duel.”

  Drat his cousin—he’d never let him live down that one. “Aw, I haven’t done that since I was eight years old. I’m not likely to start again now.”

  Caleb leaned near his face. “Guess not, because you got your rear kicked when you were eight and you know I could do it again.”

  Bart grinned. “Maybe so, maybe not. One thing is clear, though, and that’s now I can arrest you for assaulting a law officer.”

  Caleb laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. “In that case I’ll go back to work.”

  “Yeah, me, too.” Bart parted with his cousin and strode toward his office.

  He couldn’t get those kids out of his mind. Caring about Harmon County meant Bart cared about each of its citizens. Kids hell-bent on self-destruction especially worried him.

  He wished he could make them see the error of their ways without arresting them. Sadly, he didn’t see that happening. Hard to make them listen when they already thought they knew all the answers.

  When he reached his desk, work littered the surface.

  Chief Deputy Vince Coggins looked up. “Stacks of paperwork calling your name.”

  Bart hung his Stetson on the coat tree. “Vince, I ran for sheriff so I could round up the bad guys and make the county safer. Instead, it seems I spend more time at my desk than stamping out crime.”

  Vince shook his head. “No sympathy here. You’re the one who keeps a tight rein on trouble. If you ask me, you are your worst enemy if you want to be out playing cowboys and Indians.”

  Bart laid his weapon on the desk and sat down. “How were things while I was out?”

  “Old Mrs. Dooley said someone broke into her chicken pen and let her hens loose. A dog caught one but she took a broom to the poor animal and rescued her chicken. From her description, the vandals were Joe Cannon and his hooligans.”

  “We’re smart men, Vince. Why can’t we catch those three?”

  Vince glanced up. “You mean four.”

  Bart chose the top paper on the stack centered on his desk. “Not today. Bobby Colgate is working for my new tenant, Ellie St. Eaves, cleaning up her apartment over the shop. So is Nancy.”

  “That’s surprising but good news. I hope your friend can keep him too busy to hang around those three troublemakers.”

  “That’s her plan but she can’t keep him busy 24/7.”

  Vince grimaced. “Nancy’s a nice looking woman but she won’t give me the time of day. Don’t know what I ever did to get on her bad side.”

  Bart hid his surprise that his deputy showed an interest in Nancy Colgate. He didn’t know much about the man’s private life, only that he was divorced, had no kids, and his ex-wife had moved out of state. He’d offered to give Vince a special discount on an apartment so he would have another peace officer living there, but Vince had appeared embarrassed by the offer.

  “She’s probably just worried you’ll have to arrest her son one day.”

  Vince met his gaze. “One of us may. I sure hope it’s not me.”

  “I was hoping neither of us would because h
e’d kept out of trouble and away from Joe Cannon and his hangers-on. Nancy’s a nice woman and I think at heart Bobby is a good kid. Losing his father set him on his ear.”

  “I lost my dad when I was ten. Not exactly the same, but sure sent me on a rampage. I was angry at the world.”

  “That’s how I felt when my mom left, but I had Sally Rogers to see me through. She’s a better mother than my real one ever was.” He hadn’t meant to ever talk about his mother. What was wrong with him today?

  Chapter Twenty

  “Sally sent our lunch. Even though she didn’t know I’d have your help today, she included enough for several people.” Ellie set a large basket on the table then washed her hands at the sink.

  Bobby’s face split in a smile. “I’m starving.”

  Nancy hugged his shoulders. “You’re always starving.”

  Ellie opened the basket and took out a table cloth then started setting out sandwiches and the trimmings. “Soon we can start painting if you’re willing.”

  Nancy nudged her son. “We’re willing. I’d like to wear old clothes if I won’t embarrass you.” She helped set the food at each of three places.

  “Good idea, Nancy. I’ll do the same.”

  Bobby glared at his mom. “I didn’t know this would take so long. Mom said you needed help cleaning the apartment.”

  Before Nancy could say anything to her son, Ellie said, “I hoped you’d be a permanent employee, Bobby. There’ll be a lot to do this summer to get the shop set up for business and off to a good start then you could work part time after school starts in the fall.” She hoped she could keep him busy but added, “You’d still have time to hang out with friends.”

  He looked at the floor. “I guess I can do that.”

  Nancy exhaled as if she’d been holding her breath until her son agreed. “Wash your hands so we can eat. There’s enough food to fill up even a starving teenager.”

  When they were all seated, Ellie looked at Bobby. “The male usually says the blessing, Bobby.”

  His eyes widened in panic. “Me?”

  She nodded. “You.”

  He stammered a brief prayer ending with, “Amen.”

  “Tomorrow I have to pick out the paint and get the supplies. Bobby, I was hoping you’d go with me and help carry stuff. You’d be on the clock, of course.”

  Nancy asked, “What can I do while you’re shopping for paint?”

  “Continue washing the dishes and returning them to the proper place. I’ll have the clean laundry back by then so you could make up the bed and put away the linens.”

  “Have you decided on colors?”

  “Pale gray for the living room, pale yellow for the kitchen, and light blue for the bedroom. I’m also repainting this table the same shade of green as the stove’s trim.”

  When Ellie arrived the next morning with loads of clean laundry, she saw Nancy and Bobby waiting. Bobby had a black eye and cuts and bruises showing and walked as if he was in pain. Nancy appeared frantic.

  Ellie left the car. “Bobby, what happened?”

  He shrugged and winced. “Nothing. I fell down some stairs is all. No big deal.”

  Ellie raised her eyebrows when she exchanged glances with Nancy. “I see. Well, I appreciate your coming to work when you’re obviously sore from your fall. Shall we go up to the apartment?”

  Too banged up to run, he walked away as if grateful to escape examination.

  Nancy had tears in her eyes. “I know it was that awful Joe Cannon and his two lackeys who beat my boy.”

  Ellie hugged Nancy. “You must be worried and angry. For now, though, let’s go along with his story.” She took out her phone and texted Bart.

  Please come ASAP and see what those guys did to Bobby. He says he fell so please don’t tell him I asked you to come by.

  “Bart might be able to get the story out of him.”

  Nancy shook her head. “I doubt that. They scared him so he’s insisting that he fell.”

  Ellie grabbed a basket of folded laundry from her car and Nancy carried another. When they reached the apartment, Bobby was laying face down on the couch.

  He looked as if he’d been crying, but sat up and put on a brave face. “I was supposed to carry those for you.”

  Ellie sat hers on the table. “I was there so I grabbed one. Your mom did the same. We can get the others later.”

  Nancy asked, “What are your plans for today?”

  Ellie had a full day of activities mapped in her mind. In view of Bobby’s state, she had to revise quickly and lied, “I might have overdone it yesterday. I think we should take things easier today and let our muscles recover, especially this morning.”

  She heard familiar boot steps on the stairs.

  Bobby turned so his black eye was away from those in the room. He bent over the laundry as if sorting it.

  Bart entered and pretended to shield his eyes with his hand. “I should have worn my sunshades. This place is so shiny clean it blinds me.”

  “Looks good, doesn’t it?” She shot him a saucy grin. “Anyone who keeps the place this tidy should get a discount on the rent.”

  He grabbed his chest over his heart. “I’ve been stabbed. Quick, get help.”

  Ellie pulled out her phone. “I’ll call the sheriff.” She paused and held her phone in the air. “Oh, wait, that’s you. Guess you’ll have to deal with the matter yourself.”

  “I thought I’d stop by and see if things were moving along all right. The guys downstairs tell me everything is on schedule and they expect to be finished by Friday evening.”

  She had to rein herself in or she would have jumped up and down. “Yay, Friday.”

  “Ellie, don’t get your hopes up. Something always pops up at the last minute.”

  “Don’t try to dampen my mood, Sheriff. I’m beyond excited they’re working as quickly as they are. My website’s done except for photographing and pricing the clothing. I still need to locate more stock.”

  Bart asked, “Your sign ready?”

  “The sign will go up on Thursday afternoon. Be warned it is so cute it may stop traffic.” She pulled it up on her phone and showed Bart and Nancy.

  Nancy laughed. “That’s a clever sign. No one will be able to resist it.”

  Bart put his hand at Ellie’s waist. “That’s the bee on your website, isn’t it?”

  “Yes.” She walked over to show Bobby. “What do you think?”

  He shrugged. “Yeah, I guess it’s something ladies will like.”

  Bart took that opportunity to stare at Bobby. “Say, what does the other guy look like?”

  The teen shrugged again. “I fell down some stairs.”

  Bart shook his head. “I know the mark a fist makes. You ought to bring charges.”

  “Are you crazy? Um, sorry, Sheriff. Bad things happen to family and friends of people who snitch. You oughta know snitches get stitches.”

  “Looks as if bad things have already happened to you. You change your mind, I’d appreciate it. I reckon I know who’s responsible and you’re not helping anyone by refusing to press charges.”

  “Easy enough for you to say. You don’t have a mother… never mind. I tell you I fell down some stairs.”

  Ellie and Bart exchanged gazes.

  Bart softened his voice. “You’re a good kid, Bobby. I hope you’ll stay away from the people who caused your ‘fall’. They’re bad news and are headed for arrest.”

  Bobby looked at the floor. “They say you’ll never catch them.”

  Controlled anger sparked in Bart’s eyes. “I’m sure they believe that. So did a lot of men I’ve sent to prison. It’s only a matter of time until they’re caught. Stay away from them and don’t get trapped in their net.”

  So soft she could barely hear him, Bobby said, “I’m gonna try.”

  Bart said, “Good man. Guess I’ll move on and let you get to work.”

  When he’d gone, Ellie carted her basket toward the bedroom. “Bobby, why don’t you hel
p me make up the bed?”

  Nancy followed with the other basket. “Bobby and I can do that while you decide where you want the other things. Oh, I see you have new pillows.”

  Ellie picked up a stack of bath towels from one container of clean laundry. “I don’t mind using old bedding but I didn’t fancy using a dead man’s pillows.”

  Bobby shivered. “Sounds creepy when you put it like that.”

  “I guess it does. That bag on the floor contains a new mattress pad. There wasn’t one before.”

  Nancy asked, “Are you sleeping here tonight?”

  “No, I suppose I’ll wait until after this is painted. I’m eager to move in but Sally and Penny are encouraging me to wait until the place is complete. They’ve been so nice and helpful, I guess I’ll go along with them. I need to be finding more stock. All I have so far are some dresses from 1920.”

  Bobby brightened. “Mom found some stuff in our attic. My grandma and great-grandma never threw anything away.”

  Ellie clapped her hands. “Wonderful. Are you willing to sell them, Nancy?”

  “Definitely. Or give them to you. I’m surprised the ceiling hasn’t caved in from all the stuff stored in the attic.”

  “You could also invite one of the antique dealers to look at what you don’t want to save for Bobby.”

  Bobby scoffed, “For me? No way, I’m not interested in stuff like that. I didn’t even go to the homecoming prom.”

  Ellie laughed at his reaction. “Now you say that but in five or ten years you’ll be proposing to someone.”

  He shook his head. “Pffft, not me.”

  What a shame he hadn’t gone to the prom. She wondered if it was lack of funds or lack of confidence.

  Nancy smoothed out the bedspread. “I hadn’t thought of selling some of those pieces. There are one or two I want to keep but the others have no sentimental value. No point in them remaining dead weight on the ceiling and gathering dust.”

  “Do you know any of the local antique dealers?”

  “Yes. Also, several dealers from San Antonio come through buying for their shops. I met a couple when I worked for Mr. Avidi.”

  “Great. You’re all set then.”