The Ruth Valley Missing by Amber West Read Free Book Online

affairs, but in my brief time in the town, I knew that being considered
part of the community was important. This did sound like a good opportunity to
make up for my previous first impression. Plus, a rummage sale promised
interesting photographic opportunities, and maybe even a new lamp.
    “That sounds fun. I’ll
definitely be there.”
    “You can ride with me
if you like. It’s a nice stroll during the day, but the evenings are getting a
bit cold for it.”
    “Thanks.” I felt a
moment of awkwardness, wondering if I had simply accepted a ride or a date.
Since asking for clarification would have been more awkward, I ignored it. “So,
you’ve been the sheriff here for very long?”
    “Seven years.”
    “You know, the lack of
crime is one of the reasons I wanted to move here. Do I have you to thank for
that?”
    “Nah. Well, maybe a
little. The town, as you may have noticed, is very close knit. Everyone looks
out for each other. I’m just here for the occasional moments when the rules
need extra enforcing, like someone hunting without a permit. Or a cat gets
stuck in a tree.”
    “Isn’t that the fire
department’s job?” I joked.
    “We have a volunteer
fire department, so they aren’t exactly on duty much of the time. I don’t mind,
though.”
    “Sounds like you like
it.”
    “Who wouldn’t?”
    “What do you do when
you aren’t being the town enforcer?”
    “Oh, you know, the usual
out here. Hunt, fish, read. Speaking of which, have you seen the bookstore in
town? Great little place.” He paused and leaned forward, “As a matter of fact,
they are looking for someone to help out there, if you are looking for work.”
    I hadn’t given much
thought to work yet. I knew that I would be fine without work for a while, but
not working at all might draw more questions about my finances than I wanted,
so a part time job might be just the thing. Plus, I couldn’t imagine a book
store in this town keeping me super busy.
    “I’ll have to go check
it out.”
    “Just tell them I sent
you.”
    I finished sipping my
tea, when the grandfather clock began to chime. Jack stood up, so I followed
his lead.
    “Well, I hate to be rude,
but you better be going. People around this town will talk if they hear you
were up at my place past nine.”
    I couldn’t imagine how
anyone would know that I was here, as set back as the house was from the road,
but I didn’t want to offend, and the thought of curling up with a book before
bed did sound nice.
    “Oh, right. Thanks for
the tea and everything.”
    “Of course, James.
What are neighbors for?”
    In my apartment in the
city, they were for ignoring as much as possible, or for yelling at through a paper
thin wall. I liked the idea of them being good for tea and conversation.

Chapter 12
    I walked into the
quiet church, the late afternoon sun casting light through the stained glass
onto the pews below. It was a gothic style cathedral, reminding me of St.
Patrick’s in New York, only smaller and, I would imagine, not nearly as old. I
was hoping someone would be around to give my application to, but brought my
camera in hopes of exploring a bit.
    “Hello?” I called, but
found only silence.  
    No sense in wasting
great light, I thought, as I pulled my camera out of its bag. I wandered
around, snapping photos of the windows, and spots in the church where the
colored light danced on wooden pews. As I snapped my way to the front, I
noticed an archway with steps leading down. I followed them slowly, as the
lights in the stairway weren’t the brightest. At the bottom of the stairs in
the darkness was a door. I peeked through a small window to see a hallway on
the other side.  
    “Jameson?”
    I whipped around to
see Father Mike standing behind me. Why did everyone in this town have to sneak
up behind me?
    “You scared the...” I
paused, taking in my surroundings before continuing, “life out of me.”
    “We definitely don’t
want that.”
    I felt a shiver as