Misty smiled at the cat’s ability to relax so completely no matter what was going on around her. Not a bad trait to acquire.
She walked back to the counter where Hedy helped a woman while two men waited for service. She stroked the smooth contours of the bluebird while she watched the transaction. Maybe when these customers were gone she’d get a chance to chat with Hedy.
“Merry Christmas.” Hedy handed a green shopping bag to the woman who hurriedly walked away.
Hedy gave Misty a quick smile and a nod before she focused on the two men. “Bert. And Bert Two. What brings you into Adelia’s Delights? Shopping for the fairer sex?”
Both men guffawed with deep, booming voices while they held their cowboy hats in their hands.
Misty went on alert. Could this be the Bert whose building had burned down earlier? Surely there couldn’t be two men with the same name in the community, so he must be. What a perfect opportunity to observe him.
“Howdy, Hedy. Just wanted to stop by and let you know I’m back in town.”
“Glad to hear it.” Hedy motioned behind them. “I’d like you to meet Misty Reynolds. She helped with the house fire today. Misty, this is the owner, Bert Holloway. And his son, Bert Two.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Misty said. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“You have my profound thanks for your kind help,” Bert said as he turned to face her, holding out his hand.
Misty gave him a quick handshake as she looked him over. For some reason, she’d expected him to look rough around the edges. Instead, he was a tall, good-looking guy wearing a Western-cut suit with a bolo tie and expensive ostrich cowboy boots. He had thick, dark hair streaked with silver and tanned skin that suggested he spent much of his life outdoors. His son was a chip off the old block in looks and attire.
“Yes, thanks.” Bert Two held out his hand, too.
She meant to give his hand a quick shake, but he caught her fingers and held tight as he smiled down at her.
“You’re a lovely addition to our town. Hope you’re gonna be here for some time,” Bert Two said.
“Not long. I’m just enjoying a quick getaway.” She returned his smile as she tugged her hand away. After everything she’d heard, she had no reason to trust these two men. Yet gossip didn’t necessarily equate with truth, so she’d withhold judgment.
“Dad came back as soon as he heard the news,” Bert Two said.
“Place went up fast,” Hedy explained. “There wasn’t anything Bert could’ve done even if he’d been here.”
Bert shook his head, looking downcast. “I’ve been targeted, because the hits just keep on coming.”
“There’ll be an investigation,” Hedy said with sympathy.
“For all the good it’ll do.” Bert turned a sad gaze on Misty. “Somebody’s awful clever or somebody doesn’t care to do his job.”
“That’s the truth of it,” Bert Two agreed.
“Now you two don’t need to get down on our fire or police or the county sheriff. They’re doing their best.” Hedy gripped the arms of her wheelchair as she leaned toward them.
“If so, why don’t they go after the dad-burn reprobate that’s got it in for me?” Bert asked with a plaintive tone in his voice.
“You don’t know that to be a fact,” Hedy said.
“Yes, I do,” Bert insisted. “I’m not gonna name names in front of a stranger to our community. I’ve told the authorities the name of the culprit, but do they arrest him?”
“No,” Bert Two said.
“Do they have proof?” Hedy asked.
“The proof is in the pudding,” Bert said with finality.
“Bad blood doesn’t necessarily mean somebody’s out to hurt you.” Hedy glanced at Misty and shook her head. “But maybe they’ll find evidence this time.”
“Good luck with that.” Bert Two glanced around at the group. “What’ll be left after all that fire, smoke, water, and folks tromping over the place? Not much, I’ll wager.”
“Volunteers tried to save your building.” Misty defended those who’d gone to so much time and effort to save Bert’s property. She wanted to hear more gratitude from these two men.
“Guess I don’t sound like it, but I’m mighty appreciative of all their many efforts.” Bert turned his hat round and round in his big hands. “I’m frustrated as all get-out.”
“And that’s the truth,” Bert Two added.
“It’s a shame,” Hedy said. “But maybe this’ll end it.”
“I sure do hope so,” Bert agreed.
Hedy gestured toward Misty’s bluebird. “You want me to wrap that up for you?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Here I am jawing when you’ve got business to conduct,” Bert said. “Thanks for listening. I needed to get that off my chest.”
“He’s been stewing about it,” Bert Two explained.
“I can understand.” Hedy took the bluebird from Misty.
“We’ll be going now,” Bert said. “If you hear anything that’ll help catch the culprit, you’ll let us know, won’t you?”
“Sure will.” Hedy glanced up. “You have as good a day as you can, now.”
Bert Two turned toward Misty. “If you don’t mind my asking, where are you staying in town?”