Carlene Thompson - Don

"I'd prefer it if you kept your mind off this particular mystery," Nick said firmly.

"Paige, Ripley is scratching his ears again," Natalie interrupted with false urgency. " Blaine had fleas and ear mites so yesterday I had the clinic where I work send me some prescription-strength flea medicine and drops for mites. The mite drops are right here in my purse. I'll show you how to put them in Ripley's ears and then you can do it until he's well."

"Do you think I can put them in right?"

"I'm sure you can. Come give it a try."

Nick cast her a grateful look for changing the subject. Mrs. Collins was another matter. While Natalie and Paige worked on a less-than-cooperative Ripley, he walked into the kitchen. The woman sat at the kitchen table drinking coffee. She gave him a bright smile. "Sheriff, I wasn't expecting you home so early. I just put some pot roast and potatoes and green beans in the refrigerator. I'll fix a plate and heat it in the microwave."

"Before you do, I'd like to talk to you." The woman immediately looked wary. "Did you tell Paige about the murders this afternoon?"

She flushed guiltily. "I'm so sorry. A friend called to tell me-her nephew works at the marina-and Paige overheard me on the phone. But I think she got a call from that Jenkins boy. I'm sure he knew all about it and told her more than she should hear. He's a regular town crier. His mother should keep a tighter rein on him. I don't think he's a good influence on Paige."

The woman was valiantly trying to shift attention from herself to Jimmy. It wasn't going to work. "Mrs. Collins, I wish you had waited until you got home to discuss the murders with your friend."

"She called me?'

"You should have told her you couldn't talk at the moment."

"We hardly said anything."

"My daughter knows quite a few details and she said she heard them from you." Nick looked at her sternly. "Mrs. Collins, Paige is eleven-"

"She would have heard about the murders sooner or later!" the woman burst out indignantly.

"Later would have been better. Later when I got home and could tell her in my own way."

Mrs. Collins stiffened. "I suppose I'm fired."

"No. I just want you to be more careful about what you discuss in front of Paige."

"I raised a girl of my own," she said in vindication. "I know what I'm doing!"

"I'm sure you do." Nick fought to keep his voice even. "We simply need to be clear on this point."

"We are." Mrs. Collins stood. "I will be going, now that you're home."

"I have to go back to work. I need for you to stay."

"Stay! Tonight?" She shook her head violently. "I stayed late two nights ago. I can't always stay late without notice."

"I'm sorry. The next time someone is going to be murdered, I'll ask them to let me know several hours ahead of time so I can clear it with you."

Mrs. Collins gave him a long, icy stare. "You don't need to be obnoxious, Sheriff. I'm doing the best I can. When I took this job you didn't say a word about night work. If you're so unhappy with me, I won't be back tomorrow."

What will I do then? Nick thought. He couldn't lose the woman on such short notice. Feathers definitely needed smoothing.

"You're right, Mrs. Collins. I've had a tough day, but that doesn't give me the right to take it out on you. Will you accept my apology?"

She hesitated and Nick felt she was deliberately trying to make him squirm. "Well, okay," she said in a tiny, injured voice. "But I really can't stay any longer tonight. I'm having a birthday party for my sister. I can't cancel."

"I understand." I understand you've just manipulated me into feeling like a creep when you were in the wrong, Nick thought. But what the hell. "I'll figure out something else for Paige tonight. We'll see you in the morning."

Mrs. Collins marched past him cloaked in martyrdom. In the living room he heard her say, "Good night, Paige dear. Have very sweet dreams. We'll have a wonderful day tomorrow."

Nick sauntered back into the room after the front door closed. Paige looked up at him. "How come she's being so mushy!"

"Beats me. She's just in a mushy mood."

"A weird mood. Daddy, I put the drops in Ripley's ears."

"She did a fine job in spite of Ripley's protests," Natalie said. "We might have a future vet here."

"I'd like to be a vet!" Paige exclaimed. "Either that or a police detective."

"I vote for veterinarian," Nick said. "Safer."

Natalie raised an eyebrow. "Have you ever treated a bad tempered pit bull in pain?"

"I stand corrected." Nick sighed. "Paige, I'm going to have a cup of coffee. Then I have to go back to the office for a while. I'm afraid that because Mrs. Collins went home, you have to go with me." Paige made a face. "I thought you liked police headquarters."

"I do. It's just that you only have a little-bitty TV and Jane Eyre is on PBS at eight. I love Jane Eyre."

"Me, too," Natalie said.

Paige's eyes widened. "Isn't it creepy when Mr. Rochester's crazy wife comes down from the attic and looks at Jane asleep?"

Natalie shivered dramatically. "And when Jane comes back and Mrs. Rochester has burned down the mansion?"

"Oh, yeah! And poor Mr. Rochester is blind!"

"I see the Port Ariel Jane Eyre fan club is alive and well," Nick laughed. "I'm sorry, honey, but you'll have to watch it on the little-bitty TV set."

"Sheriff Meredith, I could stay with Paige until you get back," Natalie said.

"It's Nick and we couldn't impose. I'm sure you have things to do."

"Actually, I don't. I'd like to stay and watch Jane Eyre with Paige." And he remembers you as the woman who shot up the local dance hall with a gun you were carrying illegally, Natalie thought. Very reassuring. She felt ridiculous for suggesting he entrust his daughter to her when there was a murderer on the loose. "Of course, I understand your wanting her to be with you, though," she stumbled. "I didn't mean to interfere-"

"I love Paige's company, but I'm going to be busy," Nick said suddenly. "If you're sure you don't mind staying, I would appreciate it and I know Paige would, too. I don't want to spoil the movie for her."

"Great!" Paige burst out.

Amazing, Natalie thought. Maybe he didn't think she was a nut after all.

"I'll be home by ten," Nick promised. "Keep the doors locked."

"Oh, Daddy, I always do," Paige said. "I'm going to fix popcorn. And Cokes. Or 7Up. Or whatever you like, Natalie."

"Sounds terrific." Natalie looked at Nick. "I'll take good care of her. You go do your duty. We'll be here suffering through the trials and tribulations of a nineteenth-century heroine and loving every minute of it."

It was 10:45. He'd told Natalie he'd be back by ten. Would she be mad?

"Nick Meredith, you act like you're married," he said aloud. "Natalie is not your wife. She's some woman you barely know. Probably shouldn't even have trusted after that dumb stunt she pulled at The Blue Lady. If she's mad, you never have to see her again."

He hoped she wasn't mad.

When he unlocked the front door and walked in, he saw her curled into a corner of the couch hugging an oversized pillow and watching Street Life. Her sandals lay on the floor and her long hair hung in a sloppy braid somewhere near her right ear.

"Natalie?"

She jumped, then smiled sheepishly. "I'm afraid I was somewhere between waking and sleeping. The movie ended at ten and Paige was worn out. She and Ripley are in hypersleep."

Nick laughed. "I take it you two had quite an evening."

"We did indeed. Before the movie we played the piano."

"You actually got her to play?" Nick asked.

"Yes. She said she hated her lessons, but I taught her a few songs. She has talent."

Nick smiled. "Both the piano and the talent come from her mother."

"I think she doesn't like her lessons because the teacher concentrates on classical music. It isn't her favorite. Afterward she got out her boombox and we danced and sang to some songs she does love. Did you know she's a closet rock star?"