Free Southern Spice (Southern Desires Series Book 1) by Jeannette Winters Page B

I would love to have you all come back.”
    “Well, now you’re talking. I know you have several boxes that were delivered to Sheriff Bullard’s office this morning. Derrick has already left, and it looked like he was empty-handed, so why don’t I bring them to you?”
    Sissie really was the eyes and ears of Honeywell. That scared Casey a bit, but right now she didn’t mind being on the receiving end of the information. She just had to remember to watch her words if she was within earshot. She was supposed to keep a low profile when on an assignment. With Sissie hovering around, it might prove difficult.
    Casey couldn’t help but feel disappointed. Not only did Derrick not bother to ask her if she needed anything, he couldn’t even bring her the delivered packages. When he returned, she had every intention of calling him out on that. Common courtesy doesn’t seem to run through his veins, but someone has to tell him how damn rude he is. Might as well be me.
    Then she thought better. Her words had gotten her in trouble a time or two already. Maybe it was time to play a different hand. Smiling to herself she said, “Sissie, there’s still so much information I need to provide y’all and enough leftover food here that would only go to waste. If you’re willing to bring me everything that was delivered, I think we can make this a very productive day for both of us.”
    “Of course, I’ll bring that over to you right away.”
    Casey remembered a few more items she truly wished she had on hand. Not that it would help her with her job, but in this sun and heat they were a necessity. “May I add a few things to the list?”
    “Of course.”
    “Thank you. How about some deodorant and lip balm? I lost all my personal belongings as well in the storm.”
    Sissie chuckled. “You got it, hon. I’ll bring you some face cream too, as I know I wouldn’t want to be without mine.
    “If it’s not too much trouble, can you ask around and see if anyone else is available to umm . . . to review yesterday’s presentation? It’s so much more convenient for me than setting everything up in town.” Of course, I’ve never been in town to know that for sure, but it’s close enough to the truth to almost be the truth.
    “Oh, I can rustle up them folks faster than you can get bucked off a wild bronco.”
    She heard Sissie laughing as the phone disconnected. The woman was interesting, to say the least; never had she meet anyone quite so happy all the time. It was like her positive energy was contagious. If I knew you better, I would’ve asked for some panties too. But looks like another commando day.
    Casey found herself looking forward to everyone coming over again. It reminded her of home. She grew up in a neighborhood where everyone knew each other. No one had a cookout just for the members of their house. It was more like a block party going on. There was music, and everyone brought something to eat and drink. The policy had always been the more the merrier. Why not apply it to the way she worked? Oh yeah. I know why. Because JT said to keep it business. No personal ties. Don’t get emotionally attached. God, he must think we are heartless robots.
    Her knee was feeling better but far from normal. The wise thing to do would be to sit and keep it elevated. Of course, she just invited the town over so she’d best get things prepared. It would serve Derrick right if I waited for him to return and asked him to rearrange everything for me.
    Casey decided it was best to do it herself so the people would feel welcome. Who knew what Derrick would do? Probably put the chairs in the barn instead of the living room. She limped her way through the kitchen and out the side door to where she found chairs yesterday. If her knee felt better, she could take several at a time. Instead, she only took one folding chair and headed back inside.
    “What ya doing there, Miss Casey?”
    She turned around and saw McLean on his horse not far from