Homecoming (29 page)

“I think it’s feasible and if nobody talks, it should work. I don’t consider it at all immoral—it’s just…it’s just…”

Lilly leaned forward, concern etched on her strong features. “It’s what, honey?”

Federica blew out a breath. “Illegal.”

Norman, Jack, Wyatt and Lilly leaned back in their chairs and looked at one another. Jack laughed.

“Is
that
all?” the sheriff of Carson’s Bluff said, relieved. “I thought the problem was serious.”

Everyone had gone except Federica and Jack. The sun had come up and the room was bathed in a warm, golden glow. It was going to be another beautiful day in Carson’s Bluff.

“So,” Jack said softly. He cupped her face, caressing her cheekbones with his thumbs.

“So,” she said. “What’s next?”

“You tell me.” He bent to kiss her lightly. “It’s your call. Where do you want to go from here?”

“To tell the truth,” Federica said, watching his face carefully, “I don’t have all that much choice. I am now officially homeless, jobless and penniless. My apartment is owned by the company. When I quit, I lost it.”

“Jobless and homeless, maybe,” Jack said. “But certainly not penniless.”

“Not quite.” Federica stepped out of his arms, opened her fanny pack and took out her checkbook. She checked the stubs. “Mansion Enterprises didn’t really pay me much of a salary. I had a free apartment and a very generous expense account. I’ve got enough in the bank to last maybe a couple of months, not more.” She smiled up at him, her heart in her eyes. “Looks like you’re going to have to offer me a job. And a home.”

“Of course you’ll have a home with me—” Jack suddenly stopped. “Wait a minute.” He looked at her through narrowed eyes. “Don’t tell me you—”

“Yup.” Federica smiled smugly. “I bluffed.”

July 4th

Article in the Shelby Clarion

There were very special Fourth of July celebrations in Carson’s Bluff this year, which also marked the one-hundredth birthday of famous local son Horace Milton. An open-air ceremony in Morrison Square was held and attended by almost all the citizens. The town presented Mr. Milton with a plaque commemorating his one-hundredth birthday and Mr. Milton presented the town with the deed to “Harry’s Folly”, the mansion built by Harry Carson. In a routine check of archives, the town clerk, Lilly Langtry Sutter Wright, came across the last will and testament of Harry Carson, which had been lost for one-hundred-twenty-four years. Harry Carson had left his Folly, only half-completed by the time of his death, to the father of Mr. Milton, who thus inherited the building. In a generous gesture, Mr. Milton deeded the property to the township of Carson’s Bluff in perpetuity. The building will be restored by volunteers and will be run as a community center.

During the celebrations, Sheriff Jack Sutter announced his engagement to Miss Federica Henrietta Mansion, formerly of Mansion Enterprises.

Congratulations Horace, and congratulations Federica and Jack!

The End

Also by Elizabeth Jennings

Dying For Siena

Cerridwen, the Celtic goddess of wisdom, was the muse who brought inspiration to storytellers and those in the creative arts. Cerridwen Press encompasses the best and most innovative stories in all genres of today’s fiction. Visit our site and discover the newest titles by talented authors who still get inspired—much like the ancient storytellers did,
once upon a time
.

www.cerridwenpress.com