We were indeed finally slowing down and I could see buildings ahead instead of more pasture on both sides of the road.
“Welcome to town.”
Town was a street, just one street apparently, but to be fair, I did count… two restaurants, a small grocery, and a nail/hair salon in addition to the hardware store/feed shop Ruth pulled the truck into. And there were people out and about, the first I’d seen in weeks other than those on the ranch.
But it also made me slink down in the truck. This was exactly the kind of place I had not wanted to land for just this reason.
“Sheesh, what’s the population of this town?” I asked, trying to keep my voice light.
Ruth laughed. “You noticed we don’t even have a stoplight, did you? I don’t know, probably about three hundred give or take.”
My heart sank. This was the sort of place where everyone knew everyone. If Jeff ever sniffed me out and came through, all he had to do was flash my picture and all fingers would point to the new girl, number three hundred and one. Dammit, I never should have agreed to come into town.
Ruth shoved open her door.
“Maybe I’ll just stay here,” I said.
She frowned. “Don’t be silly. I know we’re hicks, but we don’t bite. Besides, I’ll need help with the feed.”
Dammit, she had me there. I nodded and tried not to let the panic show on my face as I hopped down out of the truck.
Suddenly I really wished I had my old hoodie. Though maybe that would make me look even more out of place. My flannel and jeans were probably the best camouflage. Plus, any photo Jeff had was of the old Penelope. Fully made up, dressed to the nines, glossy blonde hair.
Besides, Jeff wasn’t going to find me. I’d covered my tracks. I’d switched buses so many times, been so careful…
I took a deep breath and slouched as I walked with Ruth into the hardware store that looked like it had seen better days. Penelope Chambers had perfect posture. Charlie slouched.
The little bell rung as we stepped through the door.
“Hey, Ruth,” said an aging man who had to be in his 70’s. He stepped out from behind the counter and grinned at Ruth. “What can I do ya for today, Ruthie?”
A big grin spread across Ruth’s face. “Heya, Sam. How’s Gracie doing? She feeling better after that stomach bug?”
Sam nodded. “You know nothing’s gonna keep my Gracie down for long. She’s getting all excited about planting spring roses.”
Ruth smiled. “Just have her give me a call if she needs any help. You know I always love digging in the dirt with her.”
“I’ll do that.” Sam seemed very pleased by the offer. Then his face got serious. “How you doing out on that ranch? I heard the new owners showed up. They treating you well?”
Ruth laughed. “You gonna come chase them off if they weren’t?”
Sam looked completely serious as he moved back to the counter, reached underneath the counter and pulled up the hilt of a shotgun. “Don’t think I wouldn’t. Ain’t nobody gonna hurt our little missy. Especially no outsiders.”
“Dear Lord, Sam, put that thing away.” But Ruth was laughing, she didn’t seem alarmed at seeing the weapon. My heart was pounding. Holy crap, I’d always heard that everyone in Texas was packing, but I was alarmed to find out how true it was.
“Everything’s fine. No need to call out the militia just yet. They seem like good guys. We’re making it work.”
Sam didn’t seem so sure and he kept one eyebrow cocked. “Well, you just call me if that changes.”
Ruth shook her head and rolled her eyes. “I’m not the little girl Gracie used to babysit anymore. You don’t have to worry about me so much. I can take care of myself just fine.”
Sam grumbled something under his breath, but Ruth was already moving on.
“Sam, let me introduce you to Charlie. She’s a new hire out at the ranch.”
I waved. “Nice to meet you.”
Sam turned his friendly smile on me. “Lovely to meet you, Miss Charlie. What brings you to our neck of the woods?”
“Oh,” I laughed nervously and waved a hand.
Ruth came to my rescue. “Not much time to chat today, I’m afraid, Sam. I’m here to pick up some cake for the cows, and some sheetrock if you’ve got any in. If not, we’ll need to put some on order. The brothers who are managing the ranch are finally fixing up the bunkhouse.”
A beep sounded from Ruth’s pocket and she pulled out her phone. Her eyebrows went up. “And as many fence posts as you’ve got, apparently.”
“Something wrong?” Sam asked, obviously noting her expression like I had.
Ruth frowned but shook her head as she quickly typed a text message back and then shoved it back in her pocket. “I’m sure it’s nothing. They’ve just been having trouble with the fencing. So, what do ya got for me?”