Prime Catch by Ilona Fridl

after the breakfast crowd had departed. The cooks in the back were busily getting ready for lunch in about an hour. Amos and Sarah took one of the tables on the far side.
    Millie hurried over. “You two are here before everything is finished.”
    Amos shook his head. “All I want is a ham on rye.”
    Millie glanced at Sarah. “And you?”
    “Do you have the chicken noodle soup?”
    “Yes. Coming right up.”
    When the items were delivered to the table with a cup of Millie’s finest coffee for each, Amos put a hand on Millie’s arm. “I need to ask you a few questions.”
    “Shoot.”
    “A couple of weeks ago, Bobby Cusnoo said he was here with a man named Ray Robertson. Now you know most of the people who come in here regularly. Do you know a Mr. Robertson?”
    Millie pressed her lips together and tapped her pencil on her pad. “No. But I did see Bobby with a man I didn’t know. He looked familiar to me, though. I don’t think his name was Ray.”
    “If you remember his name, let me know.”
    “Sure thing, Sheriff.” She gave them their bills and went back to the counter.
    Sarah stirred her soup. “Do you think Bobby is the one who killed Thornton?”
    “If he didn’t, I’d lay a million smackers that he knows who did. Possibly the one he was in here with the day before.”
    After lunch, they headed back to the office, where they found Sam with an amused look on his face. “Sarah, you received a delivery while you two were out.” He pointed to a long cardboard box on her desk.
    She had a puzzled look, while Amos’ suspicions peaked. Sarah opened the box and gasped. “A dozen red roses?” She glanced at the card and colored as she quickly put it back and closed the box.
    Amos pointed at it. “Who in Sam Hill is that from?”
    Sarah shook her head. “I’d rather not say. Please, don’t ask.”
    “But, why―?”
    “I don’t know why it came here. It’s personal.”
    Anger threatened to spout, but Amos bit his tongue. “I’ll be in my office.” He banged the door a little harder than he intended to. When did she start seeing someone? He hit the desk with his fist, then pulled back. What right do I have, butting into her private life? I feel like a green-eyed jackass. His fingers drummed on the ink blotter. Amos, you’d better keep your feelings to yourself.
    ****
    Sarah trimmed the stems of the roses as she carefully put them in the vase on the table in the parlor. Do I really want to see George again? He was the one who broke my heart. She hadn’t let any man in her life since then, although feelings for Amos came unbidden often. I know my mother despairs that her daughter is a hopeless spinster.
    The late evening sun made patterns on the floor of the room. Split by the lace curtains flowing back and forth with the sea breeze, the rays had a life of their own. A turn of the doorbell stopped her train of thought.
    As she opened the door, George stood in front of her, hat in hand. “Good evening, Sarah. May I come in?”
    She took a step back and relieved him of his hat and coat. “Come. Thank you for the roses. That was very thoughtful.” As he entered the house, she waved her hand toward the parlor. “Have a seat. I’ll get some tea.”
    He grasped her hand and pulled her to him. “You mean a lot to me. I want to show you how much.”
    A small streak of anger colored her mood. “You could have done that six years ago.”
    “How many times do I have to apologize?”
    “Until you understand what you did to me.” She disengaged her hand and went into the kitchen. Why do I keep seeing him? Maybe I need the attention of a man. Putting a serving tray together, she went back into the parlor.
    George stood in front of her family picture, taken nine years ago at a clan gathering. He turned as she entered the room. “That was the year I first saw you. Do you remember?”
    She set the tray on the table and poured the tea. “Yes, I do.” She sat on the couch.
    He strolled over and sat