The Orchard at the Edge of Town by Shirlee McCoy

name, just smiled that pretty smile of hers. “Like I said, I’m here about Jet. He wants to replace the siding on Rose’s house. I’m trying to decide if he’s the guy for the job. He gave me your name and the sheriff’s as references. I’ve already spoken with Cade. He seemed really enthusiastic about Jet’s work.”
    â€œI’m not surprised. Jet is a great kid. I’d recommend him to anyone.”
    â€œBeing a great kid is nice, Simon, but I’m more interested in the kind of work he does. I can give him some odd jobs that don’t require a high level of skill or I can let him hang new siding and replace the gingerbread trim on the porch. It just depends on the work he’s done here.” She’d gone from sweet smile to all business, and he wouldn’t have been surprised if she’d taken an iPad out of her purse and started taking notes.
    â€œHe replaced my roof two months ago. Replaced and reframed my windows. So far, no leaks,” he offered. “Took him about four days, and he cleaned up his mess when he finished. I’d say it would take longer to side the Shaffer place.”
    She nodded. “I’d say so. He hasn’t given me a time frame, and I didn’t ask, but if he works alone, we’re probably talking a few weeks.”
    â€œHe does most of the work alone, but he did have a guy helping with the roof. An older guy who works for a company in Spokane and does freelance work when he has time.”
    â€œHmm. I guess that means paying two for the job?”
    â€œNo. I paid a set fee and Jet paid his friend. No fuss or muss. No trouble. No complaints from the freelancer. If you hire Jet, you’re going to have to buy the supplies. He doesn’t have cash in hand to do that.” That hadn’t bothered Simon. He’d already purchased everything he needed to do the job. He just hadn’t had time to do it. With fall closing in and winter right around the corner, he’d needed to get the work done. Even if he’d been willing to wait, his hundred-year-old home hadn’t been.
    â€œThat’s not a problem. As long as he’s able to tell me what I need.”
    â€œHe gave me an itemized list along with reasonable prices for supplies. Want to take a look at the work he did?”
    â€œSure.” She stood, box in hand. “As long as I can bring the kittens in. Handsome keeps escaping the box, and I don’t want him to get run over.”
    â€œHandsome?” He opened the screen door, touched her shoulder to urge her in ahead of him. Got a quick swat from the ugly gray kitten as a thank-you.
    â€œThis guy.” She dragged the gray kitten off her shoulder and set him in the box. “He’s trouble.”
    â€œYou think you’re going to find him a home?”
    â€œSomeone will feel sorry for him and take him in. I hope.”
    â€œHope is nothing to hang your hat on,” he responded, smiling as she laughed.
    â€œI guess you’re right about that, but don’t worry. I have a plan B.”
    â€œYeah?”
    â€œIf no one will take him, I’ll bring him to the . . .”
    The girls barreled into the foyer, each of them carrying a bowl of water.
    â€œShelter,” Apricot finished.
    â€œNo!” Evie shouted. “You’re not taking them to the shelter! You can’t. Aunt Daisy says they kill animals there.”
    Apricot met Simon’s eyes, mouthed I’m sorry . Then smiled at Evie. “Don’t worry. I’m sure I’ll find them all good homes.”
    â€œIf you don’t, you have to keep them,” Evie insisted. “It’s the only right thing to do.”
    â€œNot if I don’t have time for them. That wouldn’t be fair to the kittens,” Apricot responded. “But, like I said, I’m sure I can find them all good homes.”
    â€œBut—”
    â€œThat’s enough, Evangeline,” he cut