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There were a few ways to describe the town of Kepler; small, homey, clean. It was a little settlement-turned-township that barely had enough people to deserve the name. Nestled at the base of the Appalachian Mountains it was more of a stopover between two larger mining towns than anything else. But with skies that were almost always blue and with the miles of green forest all around it sure was a pretty sight. Every night the sun set behind the mountains and campfires could be see dotting the horizon.The main road consisted of a few shops, a few saloons, and some other storefronts that were just an excuse to put more buildings up around the square. Kepler had all the things you needed for small-town living, and the residents were grateful for that. More than a few had ended up there after losing everything, be it their savings at a gambling hall, their family on the trail west, you name any God given trial and Kepler had someone who’d suffered through it. Despite, or perhaps because of, its hardships the town was relatively quiet and safe. Sure, there was the occasional rowdiness from a few local boys who fancied themselves outlaws, but even then, they only commit petty crimes and were let out of jail in a few days.With the gambling halls in the mining towns on either side of Kepler, bout a day’s ride east or west, most people who stopped spent a bit of money. Drinkin’ to either celebrate winnings or drown out the sorrows of a loss. New people came and went so often it wasn’t too big a commotion when one of them decided to stay a little longer, more than a few of Kepler’s longtime residents had been guests who’d fallen in love with the place or the people. It was the kind of place people could see themselves building a life. There was an old joke that once you moved to Kepler you set roots between the trees.That had been true for the first few families that had settled in Kepler, that took it from a campground to a township. One of them had been the Newtons, way back in the day. A few generations back the family had helped establish the town and Richard Newton had been the first mayor. Nowadays the family matriarch helped serve on the town’s council and her son, Duck, was the sheriff of the territory.In a town like Kepler it sometimes seemed like there was hardly reason for a sheriff. But Duck took his job seriously, makin’ his rounds with his trusty gun, Beacon, at his hip and his deputy, Juno Devine, by his side. Though whether she was a help, or a hindrance really depended on her mood.“Duck you know you look like a peacock struttin’ around like that, right?” She teased, gesturing to his getup.He looked down at his outfit, a long coat over a vest and neatly pressed shirt, his dark pants tucked into shined leather boots, “I don’t look like a peacock. I look respectable. It’s election day, Juno. I’ve gotta look the part.”“Yer runnin’ basically unopposed, Duck.” She laughed, slapping him on the back, “And the whole territory loves you, who on earth wouldn’t vote for you? You don’t need those fancy digs.”“You know I only wear ‘em for special events. Rest of the time I’m just plain ole’ Duck.”Juno rolled her eyes and stopped him in front of the general store, “I know I know, but you’re getting’ worked up for nothin’. Everyone’s gonna pick you because even if you weren’t the only reasonable choice you’re the right one. No one cares about this town or county as much as you do, no one cares about these people as much as you. It’s gonna be just fine.”“It’s not like I’m nervous.” He laughed, “I just think it’s right to look nice on an election day.”“And it’s a good excuse to catch the eye of every woman in town.” She slapped his shoulder and grinned, “Gonna go see if Leo’s got news before we head down the trail?”“More like gossip.” He snorted, “But yeah, I’ve gotta make a run to collect taxes from Amnesty and swing by a coupla the smaller farms and such. And, come to think of it, I’d rather have you here keeping things under control.”“You mean keepin’ Miss Annie’s teens from harrasin’ Ned down at the museum? Don’t know what they have against it.”“He’s tryna drum up business in a town that doesn’t want it, people are happy bein’ left to their peace. I s’pose I understand that. But he’s a friend. Just keep an eye out, would ya?”“Can do, Sheriff.” Juno laughed, turning away as Duck headed into the general store.Duck arrived at Amnesty Lodge just as the sun was setting, he pulled his horse to a stop outside the gate.“Woah there, Sunday.” he grinned, guiding her to the stables and climbing off her, grabbing his saddlebags and her saddle before showing her into a stall, “Gonna spend the night here, sound good? I’ll come see ya before I turn in.” He pet her nose and gave her a soft kiss before she settled in.Bags slung over his shoulder he walked towards the lobby, pausing as he noticed a wagon, painted with bright, bold letters:
Dr. Harris Bonkers and the Mysterious Lady FlameEyebrow raised he pushed in the doors to the lobby, putting down the saddle and grinning as he made eye contact with Barclay across the desk.“Evenin’ Barclay, seems like y’all have got a full house. Travelin’ show comin’ through?”“Huh? Oh, you’re talkin’ bout the wagon.” He laughed, pulling out the book for Duck to sign, “Yeah she’s been here a little while. I think Mama’s tryin’ to get her to stay and be a permanent part of Amnesty.”“Dr. Harris Bonkers is a woman?” Duck asked, signing in and handing over the cash for a night’s stay, “Or do you mean the Lady Flame?”“She- well you’ll meet her at supper and understand. I’m technically talkin’ about Lady Flame. But yeah, we’re pretty full up. Only one room left after yours. What brings ya by anyway?”“Comin’ to collect taxes from y’all and a few farms in the area. Got two more to hit in the morning and then I’ll get to go back to Kepler and find out the results of the election.”“Fer Sheriff? Duck you know you’ve got that.” Barclay laughed, “Is that why you look like it’s your weddin’ day then?”“Ya know Barclay I’ve gotten a lotta flack from you an’ Juno but ole Misses Corlett said I looked very handsome.”“Well Misses Corlett may be half-blind, but I guess she’s a right to her opinion.”Duck rolled his eyes, “Gonna tell me which room I’m in?”“Or you could just knock and see which ones are empty.”“I don’t deserve this.” Duck laughed as Barclay rounded the counter to grab the saddle and show Duck up.“I’ll have supper ready reasonably soon, and Mama will be around then so she can give ya the papers that you need.”“Thank you kindly, Barclay. I appreciate it.”“It’s my job, ain’t it?” He chuckled, leaning against the doorframe, “Before I head down any news from-” He was interrupted by the ringing of a bell downstairs, “Huh- guess that last room is gonna be full then. Lemme go see who that is. We can catch up at supper.”He left Duck alone and the sheriff took a moment to sit and appreciate the weight off his feet, “Maybe I’m getting’ old.” He laughed, stretching and laying back for a bit. Wouldn’t do well to take a nap, suppertime was comin’ up. He decided to set out his nightclothes, use the bathroom, and then head down to see Sunday and make sure she was being fed.A few minutes later he was outside again, he’d gone through the back so as not to disturb Barclay and the new guest and went around to the stables. There was Sunday, eating happily and in the stall next to her was a black stallion with a braided mane.“Well ain’t you a beauty.” Duck whistled, admiring the horse.“I was just thinking the same thing.” Came a voice from behind Duck, he turned and there was a well-dressed gentleman with a bowler hat, “Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you, name’s Stern.” He offered Duck a hand, “You must be Sheriff Newton, pleasure to meet you.”“Stern. Like the bounty hunter? This handsome guy yours?” Duck asked, taking the other man’s hand and giving it a good shake“One and the same. But no, I sure do wish. I’ve got the chestnut a few stalls over.”“Well what brings ya out to our neck of the woods?”Stern grinned, “Came here tracking a lead, headed into Kepler next and then further west. If I hit the border, I’ll turn right around until I find him.” He seemed to have forgotten to let go of Duck’s hand, his gaze distant as he looked up towards the mountains.“Uh, find, who, exactly?” Duck asked, freeing his hand with a concerned expression, he’d heard a lot of stories about Stern. He was like a man possessed when he went after a bounty. Reckless, unstopping. He always caught his man, but sometimes it came at a price, and Duck didn’t want that price to be the safety of any innocent in his territory.“Well Mothman of course.” Stern laughed, “Biggest bounty I’ve seen on this side of the plains that’s for sure.”“You’re lookin’ for…. Mothman. That old tale used to keep kids from wandering off in the woods?”Stern caught Duck’s expression and laughed, “Oh no no no. I’m looking for a swindler, a gambling man using the same name. He’s always hanging around halls in shady areas, and he’s stolen more than he’s won a few times. I’m just tryin’ to bring him to justice.”“Ah, well- I guess I do recall hearing a story or two like that, but I thought it had more just been gamblers justifying their losses than anything else.”“Oh no, I assure you, he’s real, I’ve even caught a glimpse of him.” Stern’s eyes narrowed, “Just a glimpse though, he could be any man you come across.”Duck took a step back, “Right well, I’ll uh, keep that in mind then, Stern.” Right as Stern was going to say something else there was the sound of a bell being rung from the back porch and Duck sighed with relief, “Well that sounds like supper, s’pose we should wash up.”Stern glanced at the porch again and then back at Duck, “I s’pose you’re right.”Back inside Duck suddenly found himself pulled in for a hug, “Hi Mama.” He mumbled, returning the hug with a grin.“How are you doin’, Duck? How’s your mother?” Mama asked, pulling back so she could look at him, “You all dressed up for the elections today?”“You’re the first person who’s understood all day.” He laughed, “I’m doin’ well. Ma and Janey are swell, workin’ hard to keep Kepler runnin’.”“Well I imagine you all are. I’ve got an envelope with official nonsense things for you but that’s for the mornin’, tonight you’re my nephew here visiting.” She ushered him to sit at the table, “We’re full up tonight, had to bring down extra chairs and everything. Seems you’ve met Stern, that over there’s the mysterious Lady Flame. But I just call her Aubrey.” Across the table a young, dark skinned woman waved. She wore a long-sleeved shirt, button up and her hair was tied up in a pompadour. She’d taken off a pair of gloves and set them next to her plate and peeking up over the edge of the table from her lap was a set of long rabbit ears.“Hi there. Say hello to the sheriff Doctor Bonkers.” She chided the rabbit softly, pulling him up so he was visible to Duck.“It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss Flame. And uh, Doctor Bonkers.” Duck laughed, a little perplexed but not pushing it further.Mama introduced him to the guests all along the table and then frowned at the empty seat next to Aubrey, “Well she checked in late, I’m sure she’ll be down soon.”“Last guest, Mama?”“Yup. Sweet girl, delicate thing, you’ll like her.”“Do I hear you talkin’ about me, Mama?” came a voice from the doorway, and Duck turned his head to look, “I was checkin’ on Midnight is all. What’ve I missed?”“Nothin’ yet, just introducing everyone to the sheriff.”Leaning against the doorframe was the most breathtaking woman Duck had ever seen. She was taller than he was and wore a buttoned waistcoat over a long-sleeved blouse that was tucked into a pair of close-cut riding pants. Over those she wore a tall set of dusty boots. She had white, curly hair with dark roots pulled back in a low ponytail and a set of red, round glasses in gold colored frames obscured her eyes. She smiled when he looked at her and for a moment it felt as if the world had stopped.Duck stood, a slightly dopey grin on his face as he moved to tip his hat before realizing he wasn’t wearing it, “Name’s uh, well my name’s Duck Newton, miss. Just Duck is fine though, if that’s what you prefer.”The woman flushed a little as she offered him her hand, “Indrid Cold.” She hummed, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sheriff- ah Duck.”“It’s a nickname.” He explained, taking her hand and shaking it, catching her bemused expression, “I know it’s silly but it’s mine. Chose it myself too- it’s a bit of a long story I guess. I’m uh- well yeah I’m the sheriff round here just came down to uh, to visit Mama a bit and pick up some official stuff and- Well this boring you don’t wanna listen to me babble on like a creek in the springtime.”“Oh- oh no it’s not- I think it’s charming, actually.”That had Duck speechless and he realized he was still holding her hand, “Don’t reckon anyone’s ever thought that before.” He mumbled, letting her hand go but not moving away, “Indrid is a pretty name I’ve gotta say.”Behind them Mama raised an eyebrow and made eye contact with Barclay who shrugged before clearing his throat, breaking the spell between Duck and Indrid.“Supper.” He grinned as Duck flushed a deep red, pulling out Indrid’s chair for her before settling back into his own.“My apologies, Barclay, you know I’m always eager to eat whatever you’ve cooked.”Aubrey grinned at Indrid as she sat and struck up conversation while Barclay served dinner. Through the rest of the meal Duck kept up polite conversation, catching Mama and Barclay up on the happenings in town and in turn listening to their stories about what was happening in this neck of the woods. And even though he was listening he would occasionally catch himself looking over at Indrid, and almost as if she had the thought at the same time as he did, she would turn and smile at him. By the end of the meal he could feel that his cheeks were still warm. It felt like he’d hardly spoken to her, but he could already tell, he was smitten with Indrid Cold.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
After dinner the night was warm, most of the crew moved themselves outside to watch The Lady Flame and Dr. Harris Bonkers do their thing. Indrid found herself at the back of the crowd, standing not too far from Duck and she admired the cowboy out of the corner of her eye.Contemplating her options, she watched futures wash over her, the fact that he liked her was fairly obvious. Duck Newton was not the kind of man who could lie about things and every time he looked away or thought about saying something, she saw the possibility and grinned. Was flirting with him worth the risk? Watching Aubrey, one eyebrow raised she leaned over to Duck and whispered softly.“She’s very convincing, must be real magic.” Grinning as she watched him flush a deep red before he spoke.“Nah I reckon it’s gotta be a trick, ain’t such a thing as magic.”“Oh? Not a believer?”“Not in this sorta magic.” He gestured to Aubrey setting her hat on fire, only to reveal it unharmed once the flames had died down, “I don’t know the mechanism but it’s not magic. It’s still a good show though, she’s really got a way of capturing an audience. Do you believe?”Indrid hummed, “I do.” She said simply, knowing that she was just building an air of mystery, “When you’ve seen the things I have and been where I’ve been you learn to believe a great many things.”“Reckon I might just need to expand my mind.” Duck chuckled as Aubrey started her final trick, building a large cloud of steam, “I ain’t ever left the territory besides once on some federal business.”“Maybe I’ll find time to share some of my stories with you.” Indrid grinned, suddenly stepping to the side and leaving a gap between them.Duck turned to her confused as suddenly Aubrey stepped between them and the steam cleared, “Folks? I’m back here.”The crowd turned, cheering as she bowed with Dr. Harris Bonkers on her shoulders.“Thank you! Thank you! You’re all too kind!”Indrid laughed, reaching to put some money in the wooden box where Aubrey had collected ticket fees, “It was an amazing show, Lady Flame. I’m honored to witness it.”“Glad you could make it, Miss Cold.” She winked as people started to disperse, heading inside or to the stables or to wander the grounds, “Though I noticed your attention wasn’t on the show the whole time. You seemed to be real invested in your conversation with the sheriff.”“Oh. Was I?” Indrid hummed, feigning ignorance as she reached over to scratch Dr. Bonkers between the ears, “I didn’t think so.”“A good magician can read her audience, Indrid. And I read a lot of somethin’ comin’ from you two. Some romance, maybe?”It was Indrid’s turn to blush as she tilted her head slightly to look at Duck, who’d been roped into a conversation with Stern, “Doesn’t matter much, does it? He’ll be leavin’ tomorrow mornin’.”“Seems like more reason to talk to him now.” Aubrey glanced over at him, “At least save him from Stern. He’s awful to talk to. Just goin’ on and on about the Mothman.”“Mothman.” Indrid said at the same time, a chill running down her spine, “Between us? I don’t like Stern one bit.”“I don’t think anyone does.” Aubrey laughed, “But that’s neither here nor there.”Indrid looked over at him again and made eye contact with him over Stern’s shoulder and he gave her an almost pleading look. She laughed and turned to Aubrey, “I’ll talk to you later, I’m going to go rescue him.”“That’s how ya do it.” Aubrey turned away from Indrid, “Good luck!”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
As the sun set, Duck and Indrid kept talking, walking circles around the property. When she noticed the moon rising she stopped, looking back over to the Lodge.
“I wanted to get a quick evening ride with Midnight before it gets too dark. He’s used to our long travels so a little jaunt in the evening helps him sleep I think.”
Duck followed her gaze and offered his arm, “Well I’m happy to escort you back- and on that ride if you like.”
Putting a hand to her cheek Indrid took his arm as they walked back together, “Oh no I’d never ask you to do that- between how late it’s gettin’ and Midnight’s habit of making everything a race. I’m sure you want to head to bed.” She paused and twitched her skirt, “If you’d escort me to my room so I could change I’d appreciate it though.”
Cheeks flushing a light pink, “Ah well of course I can do that for ya, Miss Cold.”
“Please call me Indrid.” She giggled, “Unless you want me to only call you Sheriff Newton.”
“Oh no- I only get that name when I’m in trouble.” He laughed, “Say uh Miss- Indrid- how long will you be stayin?”
“I’m not sure.” She hummed, “I want to explore the area a bit. I only just arrived today and we don’t have a particular destination in mind. I wouldn’t mind setting camp for a while.” She smiled, her eyes glittering behind the red lenses of her glasses.
Duck felt his heart skip a beat, “Well I’d be happy to be your personal guide as long as you’re here.”
They got to the lodge, just beating the last rays of the setting sun to the doorstep. Duck held the door for Indrid and as they headed up the stairs Stern was headed down, dressed in full riding gear.
“Evening Sheriff, Miss Cold.”
“Good evening, Stern. Headed out? At this hour?” Duck raised an eyebrow and Indrid hid a little smile behind her hand.
“Heading out to the gambling halls. I’m the certain Mothman is going to strike soon and I plan on nabbing him as soon as I see him.”
“Well I wish you the best of luck.” Indrid said, hiking up her skirt and continuing up the stairs. She stopped at the top and took a deep breath, “I’m so sorry for that Duck- I don’t mean to be harsh.”
“You’re alright darlin’. Some people don’t like bounty huntin’.” He glanced down the stairs to make sure Stern was gone, “Or certain bounty
hunters
. I know it’s just his trade but something about him just puts me off and- hey what’s that look for?”
Indrid was smiling, her glasses lowered a bit, “You called me darling, it was the last thing I expected but it’s nice.” Face suddenly warm, Duck started to speak before she put a hand to his cheek, “I don’t mind Duck. Like I said, it’s nice. I’ll see you in the morning?”
Without waiting for an answer she stepped into her room and shut the door behind her with a thud. Stumbling to his room Duck sat on the bed and willed his heart to slow down.
“Never met a woman quite like that.” He hummed, touching his cheek where she’d put her hand and wishing he’d said a little more instead of gasping like a dry fish.
“Tomorrow.” He resolved, “There’s plenty of time tomorrow.” With that he got into bed and soon was fast asleep.
Across the hall Indrid leaned against the door, eyes distant as they flicked through futures and considered their plan of action for that night. As they changed they let their mind wander to the handsome sheriff and the futures in front of their eyes shifted too.
“Nope. No not tonight.” They shook their head, “Tonight’s for work.” Throwing a light dress over the all black ensemble they had changed into Indrid stepped back into the hall as quietly as they could and headed down the stairs.
The only one in the lobby was Barclay who was absorbed in the dime novel in his hands. Smiling and tipping her hat, Indrid went out to the stalls and guided Midnight out.
“Gonna be a good night, boy.” Hopping on they started at a walk, increasing to a steady trot once they were far enough from the lodge. Silently they guided Midnight to a quiet clearing and hopped off of him, humming as they leaned forward to kiss his nose.
“You be good while I’m gone. I’ll come find you.” The horse lipped a bit back and they laughed,shedding the dress to reveal their black breeches and shirt. They tucked the dress into Midnight’s saddle bag and pulled out the fringed, black leather jacket. Carefully he slipped it on, making sure not to catch any of the glass beads that decorated the surface. He tucked up his hair into his hat and pulled out a pair of smoky black glasses, swapping out the red and leaving them in the saddle bag.
“Be good.” He said again to the horse, going off at a dash before flying up into the air. Had anyone been watching they would have seen this fairly dapper man seem to elongate, fluffy feather like structures sprouting from his skin as he started flying up into the sky- arms suddenly large and almost angelic wings.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The gambling hall was smoky and dim, no different than the dozens of other halls that Stern had stalked the Mothman through. It felt like he’d been just at the edge of Mothman a hundred times- he set out the biggest prizes, bribed the other players into losing on purpose to set bait. Still, the most he had ever seen of the man was the shine on the beads of his famed jacket.
Tonight felt lucky- more than lucky tonight felt like everything would finally fall into place.
And maybe he was right, after all it didn’t take too long for the whispering to start as a few folks came in and talked about the shiny new button of a man who had been strolling down the road. That was when Stern knew, and he considered, as he had before, running out on his horse and yanking the Mothman up by his collar. But every time it was like the man vanished into mist- a cowboy with no horse but he somehow still dissipated into the darkness.
“He’s a ghost-” Stern heard one of the folks tell the barkeep, “That’s why he can’t be caught. He comes in to punish gambling men, takes their money and poof, fades away like a shadow after sunset.”
“Ghosts can’t gamble you old coot.” Another patron laughed from beside him, “Besides what would a ghost
do
with that money? Not a damn thing.”
“You’d like to tell me why there’s stories going back to my grandfather’s days then? ‘Bout a gambler with dead black eyes who never lost a jackpot.”
“Hogwash and stories.” The younger cowpoke laughed as they shook their head, “But since it’s a good story I’ll get ya yer next drink, how’s that old timer?”
“Fine by me.”
Stern had been listening a little too hard to their conversation and Indrid was well aware. He sidestepped the crowd and sat down at a table, hat pulled low.
A few low stakes games and a few well timed losses had Indrid set to play in a game with
very
high stakes but before he could even be dealt in a future swept in front of his eyes.
Stern came up behind him and held his pistol to the back of Indrid’s neck.
“A lot of men want to see you pay, Mothman.”
As the cards made their way across the table Indrid was suddenly gone, an excuse to visit the latrine and suddenly he was gone. As his glass beads flashed in the flickering candlelight a frustrated shriek escaped Stern.
“You get back here!”
Indrid laughed, who would even listen to such a command? He dipped and dodged the few hands that tried to reach out and stop him and soon he was out in the cold evening air- from there it wasn’t terribly hard to climb up top of the stables and lay flat to wait.
Stern came out, yelling and hollering, gun brandished as he went to grab his horse. Indrid hummed with amusement and flicked through a few visions behind their glasses. As soon as Stern was riding- seemingly out into the middle of nowhere- Indrid stood, got a running start and jumped. Wings sprouting once again he made sure that he was
just
out of Stern’s line of sight as they flew back to where they’d left midnight, pockets still jingling with the coin and jewels they’d won.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The woods flew by as Indrid twisted and turned, diving into a clearing where Midnight was grazing peacefully.
“How are you, my dear?” He cooed, stroking his mane with a smile, “Big win tonight. Let’s get back to the Lodge before Stern, yeah? Don’t want him catching on about his mystery man.”
Quickly they changed out of the coat and put on their overdress and red glasses.
“Let’s go-” She hopped on to Midnight with ease and settled onto the saddle. In minutes Midnight was riding at full speed and Indrid was laughing as she let her hair loose from her hat and felt the wind caressing her cheeks.
The closer they got to the Lodge the more specific the visions in front of her became and she slowed Midnight, lingering on one, Duck Newton looking out his window as she rode up.
“Romantic but ah, not quite the attention we need, huh boy?” She brought Midnight to a gentle walk as she watched the woods around them get thinner, “Still not
too
to late. Maybe if he’s still awake…” She trailed off, biting her lip as she considered and let the possible futures filter in front of her eyes.
However good tonight may be was not worth how bad it
could
be. She took pride in her ability to keep herself distanced from the people around her, friendly enough to not be suspicious but far enough that no one wondered about her late night trips or her uncanny abilities. But that didn’t mean she was infallible, she’d had brushes in the past and didn’t want to risk another one, especially with Stern so close.
“You’d think he’d give up after all these months, don’t you?” She asked Midnight as they took the long way around the Lodge, avoiding Duck’s window entirely as she brought him into the stables. She rearranged the things in the saddle bag, traveling clothes and rations sitting on top and anything illicit set further down. She knew Barclay would have no problem helping her get rid of the jewels, she’d just need to find a good time to ask him.
Just as she was finishing she heard hoofbeats and a vision of a
very
upset Stern washed over her. No risks, she ducked down, hiding in the back of Midnight’s stall as Stern galloped up, cursing and mumbling angrily as he tacked his horse and settled him into the stall. He sighed and wandered past the stalls, pausing outside of Midnight’s as Indrid held her breath in the back corner.
“Hey there beauty.” He said softly, offering his hand to Midnight, “Probably woulda been able to catch him if I had you, huh? I can tell you’re mighty fast and strong.” He stroked the horse’s nose as Indrid rolled her eyes, resisting the urge to shake her head, “Maybe I’ll make an offer to your mama. Surely she wouldn’t mind parting with you.”
Indrid waited until Stern had headed back inside to stand up and hug Midnight, “Never. I could never part with you, baby boy. That man is
truly
out of his mind.” She huffed and kissed his nose before sneaking out, pausing outside of the front door. Once she was certain that Stern had gone up to his room she flitted in quickly and closed the door as quietly as possible.
At the desk Barclay sat with the same novel he’d had earlier, “Evening, Miss Cold. How was your late ride?” He asked, eyebrows raised as he looked her over.
Looking down Indrid realized she was covered in straw and dust and she kicked off her boots, holding them in one hand, “It was fine, thank you. I’m tired now but perhaps in the morning we can talk?”
“If you’re amenable to washing breakfast dishes.” Barclay chuckled as Indrid huffed.
“I am. Always will be. Goodnight, Barclay.”
“Goodnight, Indrid. Sleep well if you can.”
“Oh I will.” She hummed, creeping up the stairs and avoiding the steps that creaked as she headed into her room. Changing quickly she put on her nightclothes and then took out a flask, taking a gulp and sighing as she relaxed against the pillows.
“God damn stupid handsome sheriff.” She mumbled, eyes slipping closed as she let the visions of a peaceful night soothe her to sleep.