Carter stared at him, making no effort to hide his incredulity. That lasted only a few seconds. The sheriff threw back his head and laughed hard enough to startle the horses.
Laurel settled Abby and reached for Artemis’s reins to reassure the mare.
Carter got hold of himself long enough to apologize to Laurel and took out a handkerchief to dab at his eyes. He was still shaking his head and occasionally snorting as he walked away.
Call watched him cross the street and only went for his horse when Carter had disappeared into his office.
“What was that about?” Laurel asked as Call took up the reins.
Call shrugged. “Your sheriff finds me amusing.”
“Maybe I would, too, if you’d tell me.”
“I doubt it. I doubt you’d believe me.”
“Call. Don’t do that.”
He said nothing until they were out of town and Laurel didn’t press. He was glad of that, and it was what decided him to tell her. “I informed Carter that my name would be on the ballot opposite his in the next election.”
“Ah. Well, I’d vote for you. If I could vote, that is.”
“Maybe you’ll feel different when I tell you that the sheriff is sweet on you.”
“I can’t vote for him either, so I don’t know that it’s important. And what made you say it anyway? There are some suspicions you need to keep to yourself.”
“Not a suspicion. A fact. He asked me if I was calling on you, and he definitely left me with the impression that he’d like to.”
“He did? That’s disturbing.”
“Why? You told me you considered him as a candidate to take to your bed if I didn’t accept your offer.”
Laurel waved a hand dismissively. “Forget about that.”
Call’s eyebrows climbed his forehead. “Really? You think I can do that?”
“Why not? I have. Or I would if you didn’t bring it up.”
“How did this become my fault?”
“That’s rhetorical, isn’t it? I mean you don’t expect me to answer.”
He had, but in light of her question decided against it. “I told him that I wasn’t calling on you, so you should beprepared for flowers and maybe an invitation to walk in the moonlight.”
“I doubt it. He’s had plenty of time before now to express an interest and he never has.”
“Maybe because he didn’t think there was competition and he had plenty of time to pursue you.”
Laurel made a face. “But you told him there is no competition. You’renotcalling on me.”
“I told him. I didn’t say he believed me.”
“I’ll worry about it if he shows up at my front door and not a moment before. What else did you talk about? I know that conversation wasn’t just about me.”
Call went over it with her. “I didn’t mention the money.”
“I wouldn’t have either. Did you ask him if he owned a Springfield rifle?”
“No. It wasn’t the right time. I’ll find some excuse to visit the jail and look around.”
