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Garrett tried not to take offense, but it was difficult.
“Quit poking at him, Odell.”
“Just don’t want him getting any ideas.” He gave Garrett another hard stare. “I’m a man. I know how they think. Woman alone.”
She shook her head in response but didn’t say more.
Holding on to his temper, Garrett asked, “Mr. Waters, would you mind being interviewed for my story?”
“Thought you were here to talk to Colt.”
“I am, but Ms. Lee said you and her grandfather founded Paradise. My readers might be interested in hearing a bit about that, as well.”
Odell grumbled for a moment before responding, “Ain’t saying yes. Ain’t saying no. Let’s see how you get along with folks first.”
Garrett’s eyes met Spring’s. Hers revealed nothing. “Okay, sir. I’ll ask again at another time.”
Odell turned to Spring. “How’d Ed’s foaling go?”
She replied softly, “Not well. Foal was stillborn.”
Odell’s blue eyes showed sympathy. “How’s the mare?”
“He may lose her, too.”
“Sad news. Was Colt there to help?”
“No. He was up at Rock Springs. Not sure if he’s back yet or not.”
Garrett had hoped to conduct his interview and promptly return home. He hadn’t considered medical emergencies, a blizzard, or snow-clogged roads. Also not considered was a woman he wanted to know more about, and an insulting old curmudgeon Garrett wished would put on his snowshoes and depart.
Odell asked Garrett, “Where’s home?”
Garrett told him.
“You ever been West before?”
“No.”
“Figured that. You losing your seat and all.”
Garrett shot him a look.
“Odell,” Spring cautioned.
“Good thing he won’t be staying,” the undaunted Odell continued. “Man can’t handle his horse should stick to those fancy back-East streetcars.”
“Are you always this rude?” Garrett asked, glaring.
“Depends.” But Odell was smiling. “Just wanted to see how long you’d let me poke at you, newspaper fella. Good to see it wasn’t long.”
Garrett wasn’t sure how to respond but was glad he’d passed the test.
Odell pushed back his chair and rose to his feet. “Thanks for breakfast.”
Garrett nodded. A glance Spring’s way showed a small smile above her raised coffee cup.
Spring walked Odell to the door. After returning and seeing the displeasure Garrett didn’t bother masking, she said, “Don’t mind Odell. He’s my godfather and likes to needle. The day my sister-in-law arrived from Arizona, she shot my brother. Odell teased her mercilessly.”
