Cynthia suggested an outdoor barbeque for dinner and Dean began preparations in the late afternoon. Fred returned to the courthouse, museum, and library for further research. His jury duty was scheduled for the next day, although he gave no further indication of concern since Martha's bones were occupying his interest. As Dean was firing up his grill, Cynthia handed him the portable phone. It was Jake Weller telephoning long distance from California.
"Hi, sheriff," Weller said in greeting.
"Hi, yourself. But you're a bit premature. The election is weeks off. What are you doing wasting a dime calling from the coast?" Dean moved into the shade and closer to the building for better reception.
"I'm bored. How's the election coming?"
"Fine. I can hardly wait to get elected so I can get rid of those two winners you hired before you bailed out."
Weller laughed. "I see you've met Lydia. I already know what you think of Seymour."
"Seymour?"
"That's Fitzgerald's first name. He hates it. Thought you might like to know that. And I didn't hire him. Some powers to be thought that seeing as I'm not standing for reelection, they might as well get the office in shape for the new guy. Being as some folks think I screwed it up over the past ten years."
"They forced you out?"
"Let's say it was suggested that Fitzgerald come over and give me a helping hand. I didn't much want to work with the prick and I had a bunch of vacation time, so I took it. No one complained."
"What's the story on sweet Lydia?" Dean explained how she'd stopped him for speeding.
"That's Lydia! She comes on a bit strong, but she's from good people. Grew up in Ouray as a kid. When Murf, my deputy, left, I saw her application come through and signed her on. She worked as a guard at Cañon City and then as a cop up in Grand Junction. The word is Miss Larkin's one hot lady-used to be married, but likes variety too much to do it again. She's got legs that-"
"Yeah," Dean said. "I've seen 'em."
They chatted further about general matters-mutual friends, and from Weller, some advice on campaigning. Dean considered mentioning Martha's discovery of bones but decided not trespass on Jake Weller's vacation. Instead he asked when the sheriff was returning.
"In time to cast my vote! Kiss a bunch of old ladies for me," Weller said as he hung up. Dean looked up to see just such an opportunity present itself.
Fred O'Connor, with three silver-haired lady friends in tow, clustered around the backyard picnic table. All seemed to be talking at the same time. Dean was introduced-as the new sheriff- while Fred winked and the ladies laughed and clapped. Cynthia emerged with a tray of drinks and Dean was surprised that beer was the beverage of choice. The three were north of sixty and involved with Fred's research activities. Dean had trouble remembering who was who but all were of like mind in their affection for the old man who turned up the charm meter a notch or two.