Free Hannah Grace by Sharlene MacLaren Page B

stack books in their proper places and listened to Maggie's prattle. Then, in the stockroom at the back of the store, he unpacked cartons and arranged the merchandise on the shelves. Between customers, Hannah checked on him, finding him busy most times, except for when he found a box of toy soldiers and lined them up all around him on the floor. It occurred to her then how little he'd probably played recently, and she decided to give him the soldier set later.
    After some discussion, she and the sheriff had worked out an agreement of sorts. She would manage Jesse's care during the day, at least until Gabe could figure out where the boy belonged, and he would pick him up, either at her house or at the store, at the end of his workday. He balked, at first, but she convinced him that he needed help, a point he could hardly argue. They measured each other a while with narrowed gazes. "Didn't you just say he wasn't our responsibility?" he asked with quirked brow.
    "If you'll recall, I said he is ultimately your responsibility, but you can certainly make other arrangements for his care. I'm merely offering my services."
    He nodded. "Well, then, since he's my responsibility, I'll pay you.
    "You'll do no such thing, and if you try, I won't accept it,"
    An amused glint splashed through his eyes. "You are a bristly woman, slightly bullheaded, to boot,"
    She'd been called a lot of things, but never bristly and bullheaded. Determined and dedicated, perhaps, but not bristly. Bristly meant headstrong, but with Ralston, she was happy to settle back and let him make all the decisions. She couldn't imagine Ralston ever calling her bristly.

    It struck her that Gabriel Devlin had a way of bringing out a side she wasn't accustomed to seeing, and it rankled her, particularly since she'd only just met the man.
    "Mr. Devlin, I don't consider myself a difficult person." She forced a smile so as to appear unflappable. "But I suppose certain people can bring out the worst in folks."
    At that, he laughed outright. His was a most contagious laugh-one that forced her to purse her lips tightly to dodge a smile. "Now, look there, you're putting words in my mouth. Did I say you were difficult?" He leaned forward, caught her gaze, and folded his arms. "You are a handful, though, I'll grant you that. I would imagine you present quite a challenge for that doctor friend of yours."
    Now, how had he heard about her association with Ralston? "You are a meddlesome man, sir."
    His laughter slowed. "Why, Miss Kane, don't you know a sheriff's got to get his nose in where it doesn't belong sometimes?"
    She sniffed. "Well, not in my case, you don't."
    `And speaking of that doctor-Van Huff, is it?-I'm told I should take Jesse to see him for a checkup."
    Hannah had to admit it was a good idea. With his expertise, Ralston would certainly detect any physical ailments Jesse might have, particularly anything to prevent him from speaking. Still, the notion that Mr. Devlin might intentionally bring up her name in the course of the examination filled her with the jitters.
    "I'll be glad to take him to see Ralston," she stated.

    "I'd just as soon go with you."
    "But it's not necessary."
    "I'd like to hear firsthand if there's anything wrong with him,"
    She opened her mouth to argue, but he turned on his heel. "I'll start digging into Jesse's identity as soon as I get to my office," he said at the door, placing his hat securely on his head. "My father has some influence. I'll start by placing a telephone call to him. He might have a few leads or suggestions. Knowing Jesse's name is a huge bonus. Maybe by the time I pick him up tonight, I'll have some answers," He lowered his chin and tapped the brim of his cap in a farewell gesture, his sandy eyebrows barely showing from beneath it.
    He closed the door behind him, making the shade waggle in his wake, and Hannah stared after him, suddenly curious. What did he mean when he said that his father had influence? Just who was this