Willy has been writing dime novels with a fictional hero-- or so she thought.
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Pulling off his hat, he saw she was in the doorway to what
appeared to be the kitchen. “Please come in and tell me about Holly. I wasn’t
very polite to you and am sorry for that.”
“You did what Holly would’ve with a stranger approaching
that way. Sorry I startled you, Miss Butler.”
“You have come a long way. Would you like a cup of coffee,
something to eat?”
He handed her the flour sack. “I did bring you some supplies
from Payson.”
She looked in the sack and smiled. “I don’t smoke.” She
handed him the Luckys.
“I don’t always either, but there are times.” He put the
pack into his shirt pocket.
She smiled. “Like when you are sent after a crazy woman?”
“That would qualify.” Reluctantly, he grinned.
“I’d love to hear how Holly is, but why don’t we eat first.
I started a pot of beans this morning, flavored with ham. I think they’re ready.”
“Sounds real good, ma’am.”
“Willy.”
He smiled then as he followed her into the kitchen where
there was a small table with two chairs. She set down a small bowl for the
little dog and then dished up their food.
After eating, he sat back in the chair and studied the
beautiful woman across from him. She was nothing like he had expected.
“You haven’t told me your name,” she said as she poured them
each another cup of coffee.
“Cole Taggert.”