Clay screwed his mouth to one side as he considered this. “Maybe he doesn’t know. But do you want to risk him being wrong?”
“Ten inches?” Roen asked skeptically. “He actually said ten inches?”
“Hannah?”
Hannah laid her book in her lap. “He said either side of ten inches.”
“That’s right,” said Clay. “Either side of ten inches.”
Roen dropped his head against the rocker’s back rail and groaned softly. “That’s that, then.”
“You could start interviewing local men for the jobs you’re going to have,” said Lily.
“Won’t the storm keep them away?”
“Not if you conduct the interviews at the Songbird. Word will get out and a blizzard wouldn’t keep them away.”
“This storm that’s coming isn’t a blizzard?” No one responded to his question directly. What they did was share laughter at his expense, which Roen decided was its own kind of answer and one that he appreciated more as soon as he joined in.
•••
Martin Cabot knew what he was going to do when he saw Deputy Springer was once again accompanying Fedora to the boardinghouse. The opportunity presented itself the following morning when his daily visit to the drugstore to purchase a copy of theRockycoincided with Amanda Springer’s weekly visit to purchase her particular blend of teas. He doubted the steadily falling snow would prevent her from getting out, and he was gratified to see that he was right. The only other place she visited with predictable regularity was the butcher shop, which Martin had learned she owned. The difficulty there was that he had no reason to be in the shop and his presence would have been met with suspicion, if not immediately, then soon afterward.
He waited until she had finished paying for her tea before he approached the counter to pay for the newspaper. When she turned away, she bumped into him.
“Pardon me,” she said and made to sidestep him.
Martin sidestepped in the same direction. “Pardon me,” he said. They lurched toward each other once more and then Martin stood his ground so she could proceed. His smile was a tad embarrassed. “Idoapologize.”
“No need. I believe I began this dance.”
He tipped his bowler. “It’s Mrs. Springer, isn’t it?”
“Why, yes.” She regarded him more keenly. She was a dark-haired angular woman with a sharp chin and sharper eyes. Her brown eyes softened marginally as she continued to stare. “Oh, we’ve met before, haven’t we? I’m sorry, I don’t recall your name.”
“Cabot. Martin Cabot.”
“Of course, Mr. Cabot. It’s been a while. I had no idea you were still in town.”
“I had not expected to be in residence this long. My business, well, it continues to have its challenges.”
“Just so.”
“Yes, you would know, wouldn’t you? The butcher shop. That’s yours.”
“It is indeed.” As little as two years ago, there would have been a measure of pride in her voice. She was still proud of her ownership, but she could say it matter-of-factly. “And what is your business? I don’t believe you ever said.”
“I didn’t because I can’t say. I suppose that’s the very nature of my business.”
“Then it must have something to do with the railroad. Every rail man who’s come through Frost Falls keeps his own counsel.” She paused, considering what she’d just said.“Every man except Mr. Shepard. He called for a town meeting and laid out Northeast Rail’s plans for everyone in attendance.”
“Clever that. You must wonder what he’s keeping up his sleeve.” He gave her a moment to think about that and then moved the conversation to where he wanted it to go. “Deputy Springer is your son, isn’t he?” When she nodded, he went on. “I’ve observed that he is diligent in the performance of his duties. That has not often been my experience with the law in towns like Frost Falls. There is a lot of swagger and very little attention to duty. I imagine you’re proud of him.”
“I am. Some days, though, I am more worried than proud.”
Martin nodded empathetically. “Understandable. The fact that he escorts the China girl home every night must give you pause. He puts himself between her and the vicious threats against her. All very brave of him.”
“He is brave,” she said. “But you’re mistaken. Mr. Butterworth accompanies her from the hotel to Mrs. Brady’s.”
