Prime Catch

by Ilona Fridl

  A voice rasped in her ear, “We don’t like troublemakers coming here from other camps.”

  Sarah whirled around. Two other forms in coats stood behind the one who had grabbed her. “Hey, I don’t want no trouble. I’m leaving.” A fist shot out and connected with her jaw. Pain skimmed across her skull and down her neck. As she hit the ground, she noticed two other forms running toward her, and they flattened two of the men. The third had turned at the sound and was pulled into the fray. Sarah’s foot shot out and tripped up one of the men who had risen to rejoin the fight. She jumped up and put a well-placed boot toe in his gut.

  The two who had given her a hand finished dispatching the other combatants, and the three troublemakers disappeared into the fog. She recognized Will as he took her arm to guide her to the truck. “Thank you for giving me a hand with those three, but who was that with you?” She turned at the footsteps behind her. Will didn’t need to answer. “Amos? What are you doing here?” She was angry he hadn’t let her do this on her own, but she was glad to see him, just the same.

  Amos helped her into the truck, then said in a lowered voice, “You may learn to walk and talk like a man, but you don’t understand male society. They challenge any outsider.”

  Will nodded as he swung into the driver’s seat. “Your sheriff is right. It was a good thing he decided to come down here to keep an eye on you.”

  Sarah had an urge to hug Amos, but in her present disguise, that would be awkward. “How did you know which one of the men was me?”

  Amos hesitated a beat longer than he should have. “A woman’s hips move differently than a man’s when you’re walking.”

  Sarah felt her cheeks heat. “Oh.”

  Amos straightened up. “I’ll see you back at the office tomorrow?”

  “I’m spending the night at Will and Mary’s house. I’ll be in around noon to give you my report.”

  He put both hands on her shoulders and gripped her for a moment. “Take care coming back.” He released her and disappeared into the fog as Will started the engine.

  “Your sheriff seems to care a lot about you.”

  Sarah’s face warmed again. “We’re partners working on crime. We work together well.”

  Will was silent for a few minutes. “I was wrong about Sheriff Darcy. He’s a good man, for an American.”

  Sarah studied Will’s profile as he drove. “Thank you for saying so. I trust him with my life.”

  Sarah leaned back in the seat and dealt with the intense tingling that she always experienced when she thought about Amos. I don’t know how long I can keep these feelings down. Something inside was bothered a little bit about Amos coming down here to keep an eye on her. Would he do that with any of the other deputies?

  Chapter 10

  Amos glanced up from his desk as Sarah strode into the office. “Hell of a bruise. Well, sit and give me your report.”

  Sarah rubbed her jaw. “I’ll live.” She told Amos what she’d learned at the meeting.

  Amos nodded. “Bobby Cusnoo, huh? That confirms some of my suspicions. We’d better look into him and his friends.”

  Sarah rose to pour herself a cup of coffee. She sat across the desk from Amos. “May I ask you why you traveled to Angoon?”

  Amos tugged on his mustache. “I told you why.”

  “You wouldn’t have done that for any of the other deputies.”

  Amos shifted uncomfortably. “I was worried you might get in over your head, and I was right.” He knew that wasn’t the whole truth and wondered if she could read that, too. “We should go to the cannery to see if Cusnoo was at work the day of the murder. Personnel should have a record of that.”

  Sarah rose. “I’m ready.”

  As Amos was driving to the cannery, he glanced at Sarah. “Your hair is very short.”

  She put her hand up and touched it. “Kata fixed it so I could comb it over into more of a bob, but it has to grow out a little.”

  “Good. I don’t like it that short.”

  Sarah smirked. “You’re giving fashion advice now?”

  “No.” He let it go there. So much for thinking out loud.

  Amos sat at the desk in the Personnel Department with Sarah peering over his shoulder. He thumbed through the pages of the ledger the timekeeper had given them until he found the date of the murder, and then he ran his finger down the column of names. “I don’t find an entry for Cusnoo. He doesn’t seem to have been here that day. Hmm, that could be significant.”

  Sarah patted his shoulder. “You mean he could have been free to commit the murder. Should we get a search warrant to look in his home?”

  Amos nodded. “I think now would be a good time. Let’s see if we can find anything that would link him to the crime. Got your notes, Lakat?”

  She pulled them out of her pocket and showed him. “Let’s go.”

  They made a stop at the courthouse to pick up the warrant before they arrived at the Cusnoo home. Bobby was coming off the porch in his work clothes. He saw Amos and scowled.

  “What do you want, Sheriff?” he spat out.

  “Cusnoo, I have a search warrant here for your house.”

  “What’s this all about?”

  Amos stepped in front of him. “This is about the murder of Mr. Thornton at the cannery.”

  “Since when am I under suspicion? I wasn’t even working that day.”

  “I know, but you are also the liaison for the Revenge Ravens at the Juneau camp.”

  “Who told you―?” He noticed Sarah. “Ah, our little turncoat.”

  Amos gripped his shoulder. “Never mind that. We’re going in.” Bobby continued to glare at Sarah as they went into the house. Amos pointed to Bobby’s room as he said to Sarah, “I’ll see if any of the clothes match the descriptions. Why don’t you check if you can find anything on that desk.”

  Amos yanked open the wardrobe and went through the clothes without finding a long coat or mukluks. Nothing looked blood-stained, but there had been time to clean up.

  Sarah rapped on the door frame. “I found something on this calendar.” She handed him a desk organizer and pointed to the day before the murder.

  Amos read it. “Meet R. R. at Millie’s for lunch?” He took the calendar outside and showed it to Bobby. “Who is R. R.?”

  Bobby frowned. “A friend of mine, why?”

  “Are you sure it doesn’t stand for Revenge Ravens?”

  “Ray Robertson. You didn’t find anything, did you, Sheriff?” A shade of triumph colored his face.

  “No. But I’d advise you to stay in Juneau.” Amos knew he was guilty of something, but Bobby seemed to have covered his tracks well. “One other thing. Have you been out of town for any reason in the past month?”

  “No. You can ask anyone. May I go to work now?”

  Amos nodded.

  As Bobby left, the sheriff glanced at Sarah. “Care for an early lunch? I want to check a few things with Millie.”

  Sarah smiled. “You want to check about Ray Robertson.”

  He glowed. “You know me too well.”

  Millie’s was warm and welcoming in its little niche by the street. A few men were lingering over coffee at the counter, but the tables were deserted after the breakfast crowd had departed. The cooks in the back were busily getting ready for lunch in about an hour. Amos and Sarah took one of the tables on the far side.

  Millie hurried over. “You two are here before everything is finished.”

  Amos shook his head. “All I want is a ham on rye.”

  Millie glanced at Sarah. “And you?”

  “Do you have the chicken noodle soup?”

  “Yes. Coming right up.”

  When the items were delivered to the table with a cup of Millie’s finest coffee for each, Amos put a hand on Millie’s arm. “I need to ask you a few questions.”

  “Shoot.”

  “A couple of weeks ago, Bobby Cusnoo said he was here with a man named Ray Robertson. Now you know most of the people who come in
here regularly. Do you know a Mr. Robertson?”

  Millie pressed her lips together and tapped her pencil on her pad. “No. But I did see Bobby with a man I didn’t know. He looked familiar to me, though. I don’t think his name was Ray.”

  “If you remember his name, let me know.”

  “Sure thing, Sheriff.” She gave them their bills and went back to the counter.

  Sarah stirred her soup. “Do you think Bobby is the one who killed Thornton?”

  “If he didn’t, I’d lay a million smackers that he knows who did. Possibly the one he was in here with the day before.”

  After lunch, they headed back to the office, where they found Sam with an amused look on his face. “Sarah, you received a delivery while you two were out.” He pointed to a long cardboard box on her desk.

  She had a puzzled look, while Amos’ suspicions peaked. Sarah opened the box and gasped. “A dozen red roses?” She glanced at the card and colored as she quickly put it back and closed the box.

  Amos pointed at it. “Who in Sam Hill is that from?”

  Sarah shook her head. “I’d rather not say. Please, don’t ask.”

  “But, why―?”

  “I don’t know why it came here. It’s personal.”

  Anger threatened to spout, but Amos bit his tongue. “I’ll be in my office.” He banged the door a little harder than he intended to. When did she start seeing someone? He hit the desk with his fist, then pulled back. What right do I have, butting into her private life? I feel like a green-eyed jackass. His fingers drummed on the ink blotter. Amos, you’d better keep your feelings to yourself.

  ****

  Sarah trimmed the stems of the roses as she carefully put them in the vase on the table in the parlor. Do I really want to see George again? He was the one who broke my heart. She hadn’t let any man in her life since then, although feelings for Amos came unbidden often. I know my mother despairs that her daughter is a hopeless spinster.

  The late evening sun made patterns on the floor of the room. Split by the lace curtains flowing back and forth with the sea breeze, the rays had a life of their own. A turn of the doorbell stopped her train of thought.

  As she opened the door, George stood in front of her, hat in hand. “Good evening, Sarah. May I come in?”

  She took a step back and relieved him of his hat and coat. “Come. Thank you for the roses. That was very thoughtful.” As he entered the house, she waved her hand toward the parlor. “Have a seat. I’ll get some tea.”

  He grasped her hand and pulled her to him. “You mean a lot to me. I want to show you how much.”

  A small streak of anger colored her mood. “You could have done that six years ago.”

  “How many times do I have to apologize?”

  “Until you understand what you did to me.” She disengaged her hand and went into the kitchen. Why do I keep seeing him? Maybe I need the attention of a man. Putting a serving tray together, she went back into the parlor.

  George stood in front of her family picture, taken nine years ago at a clan gathering. He turned as she entered the room. “That was the year I first saw you. Do you remember?”

  She set the tray on the table and poured the tea. “Yes, I do.” She sat on the couch.

  He strolled over and sat beside her. “My mother told me to pay attention to you. That you had a strong jaw.” He glanced at her face. “Where did you get that bruise?”

  Sarah put her hand to her face. “I almost forgot about it. The investigation got a little rough. It’s complicated to explain.”

  “I think this line of work you’re in is too dangerous. A woman should not work in law enforcement.”

  Her spine straightened. “I knew the risks going in. This is who I am. It’s not your decision to make.”

  He cupped her chin. “It will be if we get married.”

  “Hold it! You’re making some fast moves. Who said anything about marriage?” She pulled back from him. Resentment grew, and her stomach tightened up.

  He softened. “We don’t have to talk about that now.”

  Sarah rose. “No, we don’t. Or ever, as far as I’m concerned.” She retrieved his hat and coat. “I think the evening is over. Goodnight, George.”

  “If you would let us work this out...”

  “Goodbye, George. May you have luck with your business.”

  He put on his hat. “Sarah?” She glared at him. “Never mind. Good evening.”

  She closed the door firmly behind him and slumped against it. How dare he, trying to tell me what to do!

  Chapter 11

  Amos was especially grumpy that morning. Seeing those flowers Sarah received the day before had stuck in his craw all night, and it was getting harder to reason away his feelings. Now, he was ready to draw and quarter any man who got close to her. A knock on his office door brought him back to reality.

  “Amos?”

  “Come in, Lakat.”

  She poured some coffee and sat before him with inquisitive eyes. “Well, are you going to arrest Bobby?”

  He slammed his hand on the desk. “You know as well as I do we don’t have enough on him to justify bringing him in.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Could you speak to Sally Cusnoo again to see if she knows where he was the day of the murder?”

  “All right. She’s off from work today, so we’ll have time to talk.” She put the coffee down. “Amos, is something else bothering you? Or is not being able to find enough on Bobby rubbing you the wrong way?”

  Amos glared at her. “Flowers.”

  “What?”

  “Flowers. There will be no more delivery of flowers to this office. We’re not a goddamn lonely hearts club. Keep your private life at home. You got that?”

  “Loud and clear, Sheriff.” She rose. “I’m off to speak to Sally.”

  Amos ruffled the papers on his desk and turned his back on her until he heard the door close. Maybe I should have gone with her. No, Sally is her friend and wouldn’t feel comfortable if I was around. Sarah can handle it.

  With a knock at the door, Sam called out, “You have a telegram from Sheriff Mahoney in Cordova.”

  “Bring it in.”

  Sam handed him the yellow envelope, and Amos tore it open. “Sam, there was another warning for a cannery near him. He says he’ll take care of it and let me know what happens.”

  Sam shook his head. “It seems like this group has quite a network of people involved.”

  Amos nodded. “I, for one, will never suspect the natives to be merely dumb savages. Not after this.”

  As Sam went back to work, Amos started planning his next move. He had to keep his mind on something other than Sarah’s love life.

  ****

  Sarah was glad Bobby’s truck wasn’t at the house as she went up the porch steps. Sally greeted her at the door. “Sarah, what brings you here?”

  “I need to ask you a few questions.”

  “On the investigation?”

  “Yes. Can you remember what Bobby did the day of the murder?”

  “Well, he left for work at the usual time―”

  “Wait a minute. You say he went to work that day?”

  Sally’s eyes darkened. “He did. Is something wrong?”

  “We checked the personnel list, and his name wasn’t on it.”

  Sally put a hand to her mouth. “Oh, no. You don’t think he―”

  “We don’t know, yet. That’s why we keep checking things. What did he do later that day?”

  “Well, when I got home from my shift, all he was doing was burning spring brush.”

  “Burning spring brush,” Sarah repeated. Then an alarm sounded in her head. “Where is your burn pile? And do you have a shovel?”

  Sally hurried to a small shed and came back with a garden shovel. “Our burn pile is this way.”

  In the rear of the property, a circle of stones marked the fireplace, and an ash hill rose like a small volcano in the middle. Sarah carefully scooped a layer at a time and sif
ted through it.

  Sally raised her eyebrows. “What are you looking for?”

  “Anything suspicious,” Sarah shot back.

  Most of the layers on top held charred bits of twigs. Sarah continued working her way down to the base of the soot, when she spotted a burnt disk and picked it up. Wiping it off on her sleeve, she noticed it had four small holes in the center. “This is a button! Maybe a coat button.” Digging further, she found some fragments of material and the broken blade of a saw. She collected as much of the material as she could find and deposited it in her jacket pocket. “Thank you, Sally. You’ve been a great help.”

  Sally’s eyes overflowed. “I don’t want to believe my brother is mixed up in this.”

  Sarah put her hand on Sally’s shoulder. “We can’t jump to conclusions, but we have to check everything.”

  As Sarah strode into town, she knocked as much of the soot off her clothes as she could. I must seem like a cloud going down Front Street. She chuckled to herself. Sam glanced up as she banged through the door.

  He laughed. “Look who the cat dragged in!”

  “At least someone’s working around here,” she retorted.

  She laid the side of her fist to the sheriff’s door. “I’ve got something!”

  “Come in.”

  Sarah went like a shot to the desk and emptied her pocket onto Amos’ desk, ashes and all. “This is what I discovered in the Cusnoos’ fire pit.”

  Amos picked up the button and bits of burnt material. “What―?”

  “Sally said he went to work that day and that he was burning spring brush when she got off her shift later.”

  “Hmm.” Amos opened one of the desk drawers, pulled out a magnifying glass, and studied some of the cloth under his desk lamp. “Ha! Take a look at this.” He gave her one of the scraps with the glass. He set aside the saw blade. “This could be what he used to saw through the rail board.”

  Sarah peered at the cloth scrap, then saw it. “There’s a stain that looks like blood.”

  Amos nodded. “I’ll send this over to Elmer, so he can test it. If it is, we have Bobby. Good work, Lakat!” He paused a moment. “Did you say he went to work that day?”