Prime Catch

by Ilona Fridl

  “That’s what Sally believed. She became concerned when I told her about the personnel list.”

  Amos handed her the telegram. “This came in while you were out.”

  Sarah shook her head. “Oh, no. Not another one. I hope Sheriff Mahoney can keep anything from happening.”

  As he put the scrap of material and note to the coroner into a sealed envelope, Amos called to Sam.

  “Yes, Sheriff?”

  “Get this next door to Elmer, and tell him to give me a written report on it.”

  Sam took the envelope. “Right away.” He hurried out.

  Amos scraped together the bits and pieces Sarah had deposited on his desk and put them in a separate envelope. “This is the most important evidence we’ve had so far.” He put it in a bag next to the broken bat.

  Sarah sighed. “It’s too bad we can’t get fingerprints off wood.”

  “Yes, but this should work.”

  “You seem in a better mood than you were earlier.”

  Amos gave her a contrite expression. “Sorry for barking at you. That wasn’t your fault. Just let your suitor know to send flowers to your home.”

  “I don’t have a suitor. It’s someone who’s trying to make up for a wrong he did me. I’m not interested.”

  A look of relief came over Amos’ face. “Well, I’m glad. You don’t have time for such foolishness.”

  A glow went through her. He seems like he’s jealous. Does he care that much about me? “You know, there may be a time when one of us will want to settle down.”

  “We’ll deal with that then. Right now, we’ll go get a warrant for Bobby’s arrest as soon as we get the report from Elmer.”

  Sarah was a little perturbed at the reaction to the feeler she put out, but she also knew how stubborn Amos was. He didn’t have to be so short with her, though.

  Chapter 12

  Amos responded to a knock on the office door. “Sheriff?” came Elmer’s voice, “I’ve got that report you wanted.”

  “Come in. And have Lakat come in, too.”

  He heard Elmer call to Sarah, and she followed him into Amos’ office. Elmer laid a sheet of paper on the desk. “Here’s the report you wanted. I tell you, that was a tough assignment. The stain had gone through a fire, but I managed to get enough to make a positive ID on the blood.”

  Sarah distractingly leaned over Amos’ chair to read the report over his shoulder. “Good work, Elmer.” He turned to Sarah. “Shall we go get an arrest warrant for Bobby?”

  “Ready when you are.” She strode out the door.

  After a trip to the courthouse, they headed to the Cusnoo home. “Bobby should be off his shift by now,” Amos observed. “Look, there’s his truck in front.” He parked on the road. “Have your gun handy, just in case, and stay behind me.”

  Sarah took a shallow breath as she patted her thirty-eight in the shoulder holster. “Let’s get this over with.”

  Every nerve in Amos’ body was alert with a flood of adrenaline. He hated putting Sarah in danger, but she was a deputy and a good shot, so he couldn’t tell her not to do her job. Halfway to the porch steps, the door banged open and Bobby stepped out with a double-barreled shotgun that he leveled at Amos. “And what would you like, Sheriff? I don’t remember inviting you over.”

  “I have a warrant for your arrest in the killing of Mr. Thornton at the cannery. Now, we can do this easy. Just pass the shotgun to me and come along peacefully.”

  “The hell I will! Get off my property!”

  Amos dropped and rolled as the shotgun fired, then heard answering fire and saw Bobby fold to the porch, clutching his knee. Amos ran up the steps and grabbed the abandoned shotgun while Sarah holstered her weapon and hurried to help.

  Amos leaned the shotgun against the railing and slapped the handcuffs on Bobby almost simultaneously, and then he set to work cutting the knee of Bobby’s trousers to check the wound.

  Bobby yelled at Sarah at the top of his lungs. “You god-damned traitor! I'm shot by a turncoat woman who won’t defend her own kind!”

  “Who’s my own kind, Bobby? A band of murderous animals who kill for what they want? No, that’s not my kind.” She picked up the shotgun and pointed it at Bobby. “I prefer to be on the law-abiding side.”

  Amos finished securing a strip of trouser material over the wound and yanked Bobby to his feet. “Now we’ll take a trip to the doc to fix your leg. Then you can cool off your carcass in a jail cell for a while.”

  When Bobby was safely behind bars, Amos and Sarah sat facing each other in Amos’ office. He let his guard down a little as he smiled. “I’m grateful for your quick thinking. I could have been blown away by the second shot.”

  “I must be getting better. You didn’t add, ‘for a woman.’ ” She hid a grin behind a sip of coffee. “You realize we got the puppet and not the puppet master.”

  Amos nodded. “But maybe we can make the puppet sing. Usually, these people don’t want to go down alone.”

  Sarah bit her lip. “Unless there’s a fierce loyalty there. Some of the members of this group may suffer from a martyr complex.”

  Amos snorted. “You’re beginning to sound like a female Freud. Don’t tell me you go in for that psycho horse shit.”

  “They introduced it in my police training. I didn’t go deep into it. It seems as popular as the spiritualism that has been in fashion the last twenty years.”

  “I swear, I’ll quit if I have to get dead Aunt Bertha to solve crimes.”

  Sarah started laughing so hard Amos was sucked into the hilarity. It felt good to laugh, and to do it with Sarah. He enjoyed being with her. No one had ever filled that void in his life since― Well, he put that dark thought where it belonged.

  Sarah wiped her eyes. “That’s the first time I ever heard you crack a joke.” She added, with great warmth in her smile, “Don’t let it be the last.”

  Amos rose and came around the desk to put a hand on her shoulder. Sarah saw a welling of emotion in his face. “Let’s go question Mr. Cusnoo.”

  Bobby lay glowering on the jail cot as they opened the cell. The iron door clanged shut behind them. Amos slapped Bobby’s boots off the cot. “Sit up and face us.”

  Bobby spit on the floor. “Why do you have me here? You’ve got nothing on me.”

  Amos shot back, “Then why were you burning a coat in the fire pit behind your house?”

  “It was old. I wanted to get rid of it.”

  “Most people either give old things away or use them as rags. I never heard of anyone burning a coat. Were you trying to hide the fact it was bloodstained?”

  “Aren’t I supposed to have a lawyer present?”

  “Sure, Bobby, what’s the name of your lawyer?”

  “I don’t have one yet.”

  “Well, it looks like you stay here as our guest until you do.”

  Bobby glared at both of them, then pointed an accusing finger at Sarah. “Why were you poking around on my property?”

  Sarah smiled. “According to our people’s laws, the property belongs to Sally. I asked her permission.”

  An angry grunt escaped his lips. “I’m not telling you anything else!” He swung his feet onto the cot again.

  Amos let Sarah out of the cell door, followed her, and locked it behind him. They made their way out to the lobby, where he leaned toward Sam. “Lindsey, see that the court provides a legal counsel for Mr. Cusnoo first thing in the morning. Who’s on night duty?”

  “Luke Ayers, sir.”

  “Tell him to keep an eye on Mr. Cusnoo and report if there’s anything suspicious going on outside. I think there are more in this gang, and they might try to spring him.” He turned to Sarah. “Feel up to a meal at Millie’s?”

  “Sounds good.”

  “We’re officially off until tomorrow.”

  Sam bid them a good evening, and they went to Millie’s. They slipped into the cheerful little restaurant and ordered the special, meatloaf and gravy. As they were digging in, Am
os heard a female voice call Sarah’s name.

  Sarah dropped her fork on the plate. “Mother? What are you doing here?”

  Grace nodded to Amos. “Hello, Sheriff.”

  “Evening, Mrs. Lakat.”

  “Sarah, are you going to be home in an hour or two? I must talk to you.”

  “I can be home by seven. Anything I should know?”

  “No. I wouldn’t want to bother the sheriff with details, but it is important.”

  Amos didn’t know why, but it seemed Grace was upset to find him with her daughter. She kept frowning at him.

  Sarah sighed. “All right, Mother, I’ll see you later.” Grace gave a nod and left. “I know that look. I’m going to be lectured about something.”

  “Have you argued lately?”

  “Constantly. Mainly about my unmarried status. Being a spinster hurts the passing of inheritance. Right now, it’s just Mary who will receive the Lakat property. Kata forfeited by marrying Ivan, and I don’t have any prospects.”

  “If you do, will you and Mary split it or have to own it together?”

  “Together. My mother and Aunt Jane live on it now.”

  “What about your house?”

  Sarah paused. “That would have to be sold. It’s a shame. I love that little house.”

  They topped off their dinner with a slice of coconut custard pie before they headed for her home. Amos contemplated what had been said. Sarah was distressed about her situation, and it made him want to help her somehow, but he had no idea what he should do.

  As they arrived at her porch, Sarah turned to him. “You didn’t have to walk me home.”

  Amos cleared his throat. This did look like a suitor’s outing. He clasped her shoulders. “I―it’s just with the gang―the murders―hmm...”

  Sarah smiled. “Amos, you do care.” She kissed him on the cheek, and his body set to warming.

  He stepped back and tipped his hat. “Evening, Lakat.” He started off toward his apartment, knowing it would be another sleepless night. Damn it, he wished she wouldn’t―stimulate him like she did.

  Chapter 13

  Sarah was putting the tea in the pot to steep when she heard a knock at the door. Mother. “Come in. I just put the tea in the pot.”

  Her mother removed her coat and handed it to Sarah. “I need to talk to you. I saw George Ignot yesterday.” She swept over to a chair in the parlor and sat.

  Sarah stood there, stunned, holding the coat. “You saw George?”

  “Dear, don’t stand there with your eyes bugged out. He told me all about your outing.”

  Sarah put the coat on one of the hooks. “Did he also tell you I didn’t want to see him again?”

  “Now, now, I wouldn’t dismiss him so fast. He’s made a lot of money on expeditions. He would be a wonderful provider.”

  “Mother, I want more to life than to be provided for. I have a job, too.”

  “Oh, there you go with that modern nonsense. Mary seems to be the only normal person in this family. It’s easier to just take care of the property and children than it is to work outside the home.”

  Sarah’s chest tightened. “Excuse me a minute. I have to check on the tea.” She strode into the kitchen and slammed together the necesssary items on a serving tray. Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself before she confronted her mother again. She re-entered the parlor the soul of reason. “Would you like some lemon with your tea?”

  “No, thank you.” Her mother’s smile was more like a grimace.

  Sarah poured the tea and gave it to her. “You have to understand that I love my work. There’s a satisfaction in bringing criminals to justice. I read mysteries and true-life crime when I was in school. This was all I ever wanted to do.”

  “That awful missionary school again.”

  “Not awful. I needed to find my purpose in life, and I’m very good at it. If that means I forfeit being a wife and mother, that’s all right with me.”

  “Humph! At this point I’d even be happy if you settled for the sheriff.”

  Sarah’s teacup slid on the saucer and sloshed on the table. “Why did you say that?”

  “My dear, darling daughter, I noticed how he was looking at you when I talked to you at Millie’s. That upset me at the time, but I see your face when I mention him.”

  Sarah’s cheeks heated as she mopped up the spilled tea with a towel. “He’s my boss and a friend. Neither one of us has gone past that.”

  “Two very stubborn people.” Her mother's lips curled slightly at the corners as she raised the cup to her mouth.

  “Mother, quit trying to marry me off to anyone in pants!”

  “I’m getting old. I’d like to see my blood passed along, and you are the only one of my children left. Make an elder happy.”

  Sarah made an incomprehensible sound as she took another sip of her tea. And what did she mean, how Amos was looking at her?

  She thought about what her mother had said as she headed to the office the next morning. Could Amos really feel the way I do? Is he hiding his feelings for me? Her mind went to little things he’d said and done for her these past few weeks. Especially, when she went to the ANB meeting in Angoon. At the time, it hurt that he seemingly didn’t have enough faith in her to let her carry out an undercover job by herself. Could he have been worried about her?

  The sheriff’s office loomed ahead. Suddenly she heard, “Good morning, Sarah.”

  Glancing up, she took an angry breath. “What do you want?”

  He was standing beside her with a Husky on a leash, the dog’s tail waving slowly. The animal was beautiful, different shades of gray and white, its ice-blue eyes steady on her. “This is Shadow. He’s my lead sled dog, and a friend.” He paused. “I spoke to your mother.”

  “I know. She told me,” she snapped. “Why can’t you leave me and my family alone?” She moved to go into the office, and he gripped her arm.

  “I mean to change your mind.”

  “Let go of me, or I’ll bring you in for accosting a woman,” she growled through her teeth. Shadow started barking and prancing on his leash.

  He swung her against the rough boards of the building. “You were promised to me.”

  A hand came and yanked his shoulder. With a cry of surprise, George let go of both Sarah and the dog leash as he was pulled away, his arm twisted behind him, by Amos. Shadow barked savagely, and Sarah managed to snag the leash before the dog attacked.

  Amos pushed George’s face into the wall. “What the hell is going on here?”

  Sarah’s relief at seeing Amos come to her rescue was overwhelming. “This is the man who believes he can get me interested in him again.” She managed to calm the dog while she gazed at Amos’ angry expression.

  “That isn’t any of your business, Sheriff!” George hissed.

  “Roughing up one of my deputies is.” He glanced at Sarah. “Do you want to bring charges?”

  She hesitated. “If he promises not to bother me or my family again, I won’t.”

  Amos whipped him around. “Well?”

  With an angry glare at Sarah, George spat out, “I’ll leave her and her family alone.” He grabbed Shadow’s leash and took off.

  Sarah started trembling, and Amos threw an arm of support around her. “Let’s go into my office.”

  She maintained control until she sat in her customary chair across from Amos, and then she burst into tears.

  Amos finished pouring coffee for them and set her cup in front of her. He gripped her shoulder. “Talk to me. And I don’t want the bullshit that it’s none of my business.” His hand remained where it was.

  “George and I were engaged to be married six years ago, but he disappeared.” Sarah sniffed. “He came back a couple of weeks ago, and I agreed to an outing, but I didn’t feel anything for him anymore. He’s been trying to make me change my mind, and, yes, he’s the one who sent the roses. He even talked to my mother and tried to get her on his side.”

  “Did he?” he asked
gently.

  “At first. I explained to her how I felt about the whole thing.” As she related what was said, Sarah carefully omitted the discussion about Amos.

  After she was finished, he was silent for a minute. “He’s a jackass.”

  “That’s what I’ve been telling you.” His hand felt so warm on her. A comfort. She looked into his gray eyes and saw a spark of something else. She glanced down. “Thank you.”

  Amos circled the desk and sat in his chair. “If that varmint comes near you again, you let me know.” They were both startled a moment later by the sound of gunfire in the lobby. With their guns drawn, Amos carefully opened the office door. They heard the front door slam and found Sam on the floor, his right arm bleeding. Sarah ran outside to see if the gunman could be caught, but he was out of sight. “What happened?” Amos demanded as he helped the deputy to a chair.

  “Food was delivered from Millie’s... I took it to the cell... Cusnoo was lying on the floor.” Sam took a longer pause and swallowed. “I opened the cell door... He tripped me. From the tray... Was a gun―”

  Amos interrupted, “A gun was on the tray?”

  Sam nodded. “It was under the cover. He ran out the cell door...me after him. I tried to stop him in the lobby. You know the rest.”

  “Who brought the tray?”

  “It was a dark-haired woman.” Sarah got a tightening in her stomach.

  Amos waved to one of the other men. “Thomas, help Sam to the doc’s.”

  “Yes, sir.” The man helped Sam up.

  “Lakat.”

  Sarah followed Amos to the cell. The contents of the tray were scattered. Amos picked up the plate and cover. “There was never food on the plate. Someone at Millie’s set this up. Apparently Cusnoo knew about this and was ready.”

  “But who―? No! Not Sally! It couldn’t be!” Sarah was too stunned to believe Bobby's sister would ever do such a thing.

  “Sally would have access to the tray,” Amos said quietly. “I’m sorry. I know she’s a friend of yours.”

  “I guess we’re going to Millie’s.”

  “Yes. Though I’d be willing to bet she didn’t go back.”