Sheriff Cooper waited astride his horse at the hitching post, as he’d done every day for the past week. She had learned that protests were futile, so she smiled at him as she opened her gate. “Good morning, Sheriff. Another lovely day, isn’t it?” “Going to be a hot one.” She leaned over the gate and fastened the bolt, then turned west toward Elijah’s office. The horse snorted and sidestepped when she passed close to his nose. She shied out of the way, her fear of the large animal prickling her skin. The sheriff chuckled. “He ain’t going to bite you.” “I hope not.” Embarrassed, she picked up her pace. A steady clop, clop on the dusty street told her that her escort was following a step or two back. When she reached the office, she paused before entering. “Thank you, Sheriff. Have a pleasant day.” “Hope it’s quiet.”
