It's right nice to make your acquaintance, ' she added.
'I'm not his wife, ' Jessica explained. 'But this is my son. His name
is Caleb.' Tom Norton stepped forward to shake Cole's hand, then
pulled out a chair for him and one for Jessica.
'Sit down and tell us what in thunderation you're doing back in
Middleton. You don't think there's going to be another robbery, do
you? ' 'No, ' Cole answered as he sat down and perched Caleb on his
lap. 'We came here to talk to you.'
'Is that right? ' Tom asked.
'I was just thinking about you the other day. Yes, sir, I was. I see
you're still wearing the star. Have you taken to the notion of being a
marshal then? ' 'For the time being, ' Cole answered. He thanked
Josey for the cup of coffee she placed on the table in front of him,
and then turned back to Tom.
'I haven't been a marshal long enough to know if I like the job or
not.
' After making the comment, he glanced at Jessica. She was watching
Josey closely and seemed to be weighing every move the older woman
made.
Caleb reached for the hot coffee. Before either Jessica or Cole could
react, Josey moved the cup out of his reach.
'Can the little imp have a cookie? I just made some fresh. They've
got nuts in them, though, and some babies don't like nuts. What about
some ilk? I've got plenty.'
'I'm sure he'd like some milk and a cookie, ' Jessica answered. 'But
he'll make a mess. Will you mind? ' 'No, of course not. He's too
young not to be messy, ' she added.
'Have you folks had your supper yet? I could fry upt' 'No, we've
eaten, ' Cole hastily interjected. 'But thanks for offering.
'I'm not at all hungry, thank you, ' Jessica answered.
'Tom, could I have a word alone with you for a minute? ' Cole asked.
The sheriff led the way into the living room. Caleb was still a little
suspicious of his strange surroundings and wouldn't let go of Cole. He
handed him to Jessica, winked at her, and then left the room.
Jessica wrapped her arms around her baby and held him protectively
