Cassandra Austin by Callyand the Sheriff Read Free Book Online Page A

head. “Not many, really. You’ll want to do a few conspicuous acts of guardianship for this to hold up in court should someone challenge it. But DuBois was poor white trash. It doesn’t take much to convince that kind you’re on their side.”
    Andrew gritted his teeth. It was on the tip of his tongue to tell the attorney what he thought of his advice. Swearing at attorneys—or anyone else—wasn’t his normal behavior. He took a deep breath. Perhaps the man could still be of help. “I thought, perhaps, I’d help the girl find a job.”
    “Oh, that’s a good start.”
    Andrew tried to ignore the interruption. “Have you heard of any openings?”
    Cobb was making notes again. “You might try the saloons. Is the girl at all pretty?”
    Andrew had to get out of there before he did hit the man.
    “Thank you, Mr. Cobb. You’ve been very informative.”
    As he rose to go, Cobb said, “I can have the papers drawn up for you and signed by a judge in just a few days.”
    “Don’t bother.”
    “But—”
    Andrew closed the door, cutting off the attorney. He started through the outer office then turned back to the clerk, who eyed him curiously. “Are you aware of anyone looking to employ a young woman?” he asked. “Domestic help, perhaps?”
    The young clerk considered a moment. “Seems like there hasn’t been much in the paper lately, except your search for a deputy.” He grinned and Andrew pictured Cally applying along with every other misfit in town.
    Andrew had turned to go when the clerk spoke again. “Wait. The Gwynns. I heard them talking to Mr. Cobb some time ago. They didn’t want to advertise it, but they need a housekeeper. They’re getting on in years and the house and meals and all are too much to handle. I’m surprised Mr. Cobb didn’t mention them.”
    “I’m not,” Andrew mumbled. “Thanks.” He returned the clerk’s smile and left, walking thoughtfully down the stairs. So much for learning his legal obligations. He would have to follow his own instincts. And his instincts told him a young woman, marriageableage or not, could not take care of herself on a farm two miles from town. He headed straight for the Gwynn sisters’ home.
    “Why, Sheriff Haywood. What brings you here?” The short stocky Easter Gwynn had opened the door. Noella appeared behind her, looking over her sister’s shoulder.
    “I understand that you ladies are interested in hiring a housekeeper.”
    Easter opened the door a little wider. “Why, yes, we are. Come in. Can we fix you some tea?”
    “No, ma’am.” Andrew followed the sisters into the parlor and sat on the edge of an uncomfortable but elegant chair. “I know of a girl who’s been recently orphaned. She needs to find a position.”
    Easter smiled. Noella frowned. “Who is this person?” the latter asked.
    Andrew almost cringed. “Cally DuBois.”
    The women looked at each other. No shock or horror was visible on their faces. Andrew wondered if they might not know who Cally was. That would make it easier, he thought, then felt guilty. He shouldn’t be deceiving little old ladies.
    “Isn’t that the waif that sells the pies?” Easter asked.
    “I believe so,” said her sister.
    “Imagine,” breathed Easter.
    “How soon can she start?” Noella asked, folding her hands primly on her narrow lap.
    Andrew was surprised enough to ask, “You know her?”
    “We know of her,” Noella corrected.
    “She’s the best cook in the county,” Easter said. Andrew was sure she started to lick her lips.
    Noella spoke again. “I believe my sister asked when she could start.”
    “I don’t know.” Andrew felt a need to caution the ladies. “Cally—” What did he plan to say? Cally’s a hellion? He grimaced. “Cally…hasn’t agreed to it yet.”
    “Well.” Noella came to her feet. “I will show you around, and you can convince the girl for us.”
    He followed the woman into a large modern kitchen, with Easter right behind him. “We will