She hated beating rugs. There had been a time as a little girl when she couldn’t wait to help Mrs. Hall with her work, but even then beating rugs had been miserable. She couldn’t get it done fast enough. Grandma Em had walked downtown to the post office and to run errands. Christine worked desperately to get finished before she returned. Luke rushed into the livery stable. If he didn’t hurry, he would be late arriving at the hotel and lunch with the Chamberses. He tugged at his necktie and prayed for patience. Dressing up for the third day in a row was not his preference. A quick check with Jack about the leather harness to be ordered and he could be on his way. Jack was bent over a horse’s hoof. Luke was standing quietly waiting when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He looked up to see the sheriff beckoning to him and moving a few stalls away. Luke stopped beside the man and nearly spoke when the sheriff said in a quiet voice, “I’ve heard from the sheriff in Spooner. He’s a good man whose reputation precedes him, and I trust him.”
