“But who has it now? You? Be careful if it’s loaded.” Cora winks at Miss Newcomb, who grins behind the deputy’s back.
After he pays for the gum, Devin says with his face close to hers, “I hear Theo is in town for the revival. Keep an eye on that one.” Now he winks before turning toward the exit.
“Hmm.” Just as Cora decides to warn Merlina, who eats her lunch alone in the backroom, a family rushes to the counter. Cora rings up a stack of goods, ranging from toilet paper to winter gloves, and forgets about Theo.
“Figured I’d see you here. Always eating alone, eh?” Theo enters the store’s back door and sits in a kitchen chair near Merlina. “How are you, Merlina Rea?”
She sets her sandwich aside and wipes her mouth. “I’m all right. What are you doing here?”
“Be a lady and greet me kindly
