of town, and with the snow and all, there’s no way we can set up a meeting that quickly. As soon as the snow melts . . .”
“Very well, then. I’m willing to wait a few more days under the circumstances.” She nodded at Jake. “Good day, gentlemen.”
Mrs. Brooks swept out of the office as fast as her girth would allow.
Sheriff Carter sank into the chair behind his desk, his gaze glued to the door.
Jake picked up his whittling knife. “Do you think she means it?”
“Oh, she means it all right.”
Chapter Ten
“Of course I didn’t mean it.”
Livy breathed a sigh. She’d worried over nothing.
Mrs. Brooks bustled about the kitchen, her movements quick and efficient. Livy finished cutting the potatoes, scooped them up, and dumped them in the soup pot. Next she gathered the fixings for two pans of corn bread. The aroma of vegetable soup filled the kitchen, making her mouth water.
“Unless he doesn’t get the children admitted back in school.”
Livy gasped. The older woman’s eyes twinkled, and she shrugged her shoulders. “Well, the threat worked. Let’s hope the board can get something done. That woman doesn’t have the right to turn our children out of school. Her nephew should be punished if anyone should.”
“You and I know that, but since we’re new in town, I imagine folks won’t believe us over Mrs. Johansen.” She reached for the empty coal bucket. “Be right back.”
Mrs. Brooks eyed the pail. “The coal bin was almost empty last night. We’ll have to see Mr. McIver about buying some on credit.”
Livy’s gaze met the older woman’s. “Unless our guardian angel fills it up again.”
“I wish I knew who’s been providing us with coal. I’ve been so grateful, but I don’t like not being able to thank someone for their kindness.”
“Maybe they have a good reason for not wanting us to know.”
“Maybe so.”
Livy trudged outside to the small porch and grabbed the shovel. When she opened the lid, a full load of coal lay nestled inside. Thank You, Lord, and bless the generous person who sees to our needs.
Shivering in the bitter cold, Livy hurried to fill the container. Before she could head back inside, a sound came from around the corner of the house.
Then whispers. And giggles.
Livy frowned. Seth and Georgie were up to something. Again. She set the bucket down and hurried to the edge of the porch. Leaning over the railing, she caught a glimpse of the two boys huddled against the side of the house. “Seth, what are you doing?”
Seth’s wide-eyed stare met hers. Georgie’s eyes grew round. Seth cradled something inside his coat. Livy crossed her arms. “Seth? What have you got there?”
“Please, Miss Livy, can we keep her? Please? She’s cold and hungry.”
“Please,” Georgie echoed.
“Keep who?”
Seth tugged the flap of his coat back, and out popped the bewhiskered face of a scrawny cat.
“Seth—”
“She won’t eat much, Miss Livy. I’ll share my biscuit with her. Pleeeaaasse.”
“Pleeeaaasse.”
Livy sighed. “I don’t know, boys. You’ll have to ask Mrs. Brooks. But come on, let’s go in. It’s too cold to stand out here talking about it.”
She moved aside, and the boys filed past her. She picked up the bucket and hustled them inside, smiling as they immediately begged Mrs. Brooks to let them keep the cat. Livy didn’t doubt the outcome as soon as she saw the woman’s face.
“Boys, boys. Hush now. I can’t hear a word you’re saying.”
“Can we keep her? Miss Livy said we could.”
“Seth, I never said any such thing. I said you’d have to ask Mrs. Brooks.”
The cat jumped from Seth’s arms, made a beeline to the stack of old newspapers piled in the corner beside the stove, completed three turns, and bedded down as if she’d found a home at last. The scrawny cat looked ready to drop a litter of kittens any minute. Apparently Mrs. Brooks noticed the cat’s predicament too.
“Well, I guess we can let her stay at least until the weather clears up. It’s too cold for man or beast out there.”
The boys whooped and raced out of the kitchen.
“Poor thing. Looks like she’s in a bad way.” Mrs. Brooks looked a mite sheepish. “I just couldn’t say no.”
Livy hugged her. “Of course you couldn’t. And she won’t eat much. We should have plenty of scraps to keep her fed. And we could use a good mouser anyway.”
“You’re right.”
Livy reached for the bucket. “Oh, I forgot to tell you—the coal bin is full again.”
“Thank You, Jesus.” Mrs. Brooks raised her hands heavenward. “God is so