Free Wanted: A Family by Janet Dean Page A

he’d come to expect. He removed his hat and gave a friendly nod.
    Small-town scrutiny was a far cry from what he’d experienced in prison. The warden, guards, convicts serving time appraised each new inmate. All formed judgments, putting a man into one of two slots—troublemaker or target. Troublemakers got respect. Targets got contempt. That first day, Jake learned he’d have to wear a tough-guy persona to survive.
    Better remember that welcoming smiles didn’t mean these folks wouldn’t probe into his past. A past he wanted to forget. But couldn’t. No, shouldn’t. That past taught him a valuable lesson. Never trust anyone. Even those he felt close to.
    Especially those he felt close to.
    “Hiya, handsome.” The waitress, a crisp apron tied around her waist, approached the counter. “
    “Hi, Jessie.”
    A dazzling smile lit her pixie face. “A gal likes to be remembered. What can I get ya?”
    He laid his hat on the stool beside him. “Coffee, black.”
    She grabbed a cup with one hand, the pot with the other and poured mid air, never spilling a drop. “Heard you’re working at Callie’s.”
    “Word travels fast.” Jake took a sip, strong and hot. Not as pungent as Mrs. Mitchell’s, but good. “Thanks for the suggestion.”
    “Plenty wrong with that old mansion to keep a man busy for months.” She poured a cup for herself then sidled closer. “I hope this means you’re staying.”
    “My plans are indefinite.”
    She chortled. “Isn’t that always the way with you good-looking types?”
    Jessie’s interest was obvious, even to him, a man who avoided connections. She was cute, but lacked the gentle refinement of Mrs. Mitchell.
    Why was he thinking about either of them? He had no intention of getting entangled with anyone. No right to consider it, especially with the attractive young widow. He had no idea about what made a family. No idea how to create one. Even if he trusted a woman enough to consider settling down.
    Conversation resumed in the café, permitting Jake to pursue his objective. “You get lots of people passing through?”
    “No such luck. Life would be more exciting if we did.” She leaned a hip against the counter. “You’re the first stranger to come into town in ages.”
    “Have you lived here long?”
    “All my life.” She leaned toward him. “So tell me, is it true that Elise Langley’s staying with Callie?”
    Here was the opening he needed. Surely Jessie had heardthe local gossip, even back twenty-four years. “Yes. I reckon a young lady in her fix is a rare occurrence in Peaceful.”
    “Not as rare as you’d think. Most get married before word gets out, but folks can count.” She smirked. “And usually do, if you get my drift.”
    “Yes, ma’am, I do.” He took a sip of coffee. “You keep up with the news.”
    “I hear things. Most folks have a skeleton or two in their cupboard.”
    Jake would choose his words with care. Anything he said to this woman wouldn’t stop there. “A distant relative of mine may have lived here once, years ago. I don’t know exactly where.”
    She stirred sugar into her coffee. “What’s the name?”
    “That’s the catch. I don’t recall. Just remember someone saying the woman lived here. The town name stuck.”
    She chuckled. “Reckon it would. Well, if you remember her name, ask that neighbor of Callie’s, Mildred Uland. She’s the town’s oldest resident and never forgets a thing.” She fiddled with her hair. “Or even better, come in and talk to me.”
    Ignoring the not-so-subtle message, Jake took another sip of coffee. Jessie sighed and took a step back.
    The waitress made a good point. Mrs. Mitchell’s neighbor would know all the secrets in this town. “I’ve met Mrs. Uland. She appears to be a good friend of Mrs. Mitchell.”
    “Callie attracts friends like pollen does bees. And she needs every one. Can’t imagine your husband dying then discovering you’re expecting.” Jessie picked up the pot.