I laughed. “I guess we did waste a few years trying to outdo each other, didn’t we?”
He grinned. “Yep, we were two stubborn old mules. Well, it was fun though, wasn’t it?” He started laughing. “Seems we don't even have to get hold of Maxymowich anymore, do we? Speaking of Marlow, he seemed pleased that we solved the case. He was a little upset that you almost got killed but I think the thing that bothered him the most was he didn’t have an excuse to come to see you and get some muffins.”
I did enjoy the Captain’s visits even though they made me a nervous wreck. He had this ability to make you feel guilty even if there was nothing to feel guilty about. I guess that was why he was such a good cop.
“Of course, Mabel, we don’t want to forget the time we spent a night together out at Beulah Henry’s cabin.”
We both laughed.
“I can’t say being snowbound in a cabin with you was the highlight of my life, Reg.”
“The thing I remember most is you screaming in my ear all the way back to town.”
“That was one terrifying ride. I’ve never ridden on a snowmobile since then.” It was good to reminisce. “There is something you have to think about though, Reg. I have my store so I can keep busy, but what will you do? You told me you can't take being the mayor anymore. So, if you don't want to be sheriff and you don't want to run the town, what do you want to do? If I remember correctly, you were bored in Hawaii after a week the last time you retired.”
“I think I have that all worked out, Mabel. Someone has offered me a position and I think I’m going to take it. Like you say, I can’t just sit around or go fishing every day. It sounds good but I’d go nuts after a week.”
“Really? You got a job offer? It better not be at the lumberyard because that job is reserved for Jakie.”
He shook his head. “Not the lumberyard. By the way, Junior started there yesterday. I think he’ll stick with it too. No, Mutt Mitchell called and said the town council had an emergency meeting and suggested that when I finish my year as mayor, I start up my own taxi service.”
It took several seconds for that to sink in. I had lost a sheriff/mayor and gained a … taxi driver?
“I think it sounds wonderful," I stuttered. "Really, Reg, I think you would make an excellent taxi driver. You really made that patrol car move. It's just something I never imagined you doing. I mean, why?"
"Because we only had one."
"Had?"
He nodded. "We are now a taxi-less town." He grinned. "That is until Smee's Taxi Service gets going."
"But what's going to happen while Jim is still immobilized? We might survive without a taxi but can we without a sheriff?"
“I’m recommending that Scully apply for the temporary job. If he needs advice, Jim is there and Doc Fritz said Jim can spend the days down at the station. Besides, they can always come to me for advice."
"I don't know, Reg. Scully can be kind of juvenile."
"Oh, he's not as bad as he seems. To be honest, he sees things that I miss and not only that, all the old ladies like him. I figure they are good judges of character.”
I laughed. “You mean like me?”
Reg left soon after and while alone, I had time to think about all the new changes. I knew it would be good for everyone or I was hoping it would be anyway. I reached up and touched the tender spot on my skull. Sometimes it is best to quit while you are ahead. It's good to be mature enough to admit when to step down.
Of course, I would never refuse if Jim or Scully happened to need a bit of advice.
The End
About the Author
Sharon Mierke loves mysteries, cats, and good friends. This inspired her to write her Mable Wickles Cozy Mystery series. Mabel Wickles, her main character, thrives on solving mysteries; she has a houseful of cats, and she has a best friend, Flori Flanders. The four books include Deception by Design, Calamity by the Car Wash, Cold Case Conundrum, and Frozen Identity.
Sharon also writes the Beryl Swallows mystery series: Virtual Enemies and Case Closed. not.
Her historical fiction books Sarah's Valley and The Widow's Walk center on life in America in the early 1800s.
Sharon Mierke and her husband live in Manitoba, Canada. They have four grown children and four grandchildren. Sharon also enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and photography.
You can connect with the author on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Frozen Identity Page 16