Love on the Line - Deeanne Gist [58]
“From what I can surmise, every man in town lost money. I haven’t heard anything about Duane in particular, though.”
“Has Necker shown his face, yet?”
“No. A bunch of men finally went out about an hour ago to get him up at his place.” She shook her head. “Evidently he’s inconsolable.”
Luke leaned back. “Where are they taking him?”
“To Charlie’s Saloon.”
“A bit early for that, don’t you think?”
“Is there ever a good time?”
He ignored the question. “All’s forgiven, then?”
“Of course. How could anyone stay angry with Mr. Necker? He’s such a nice, likeable man, and it’s not like he missed his shots on purpose.”
Luke nodded. “Who are his closest friends, do you know?”
“I don’t. If he had a phone, I’d know exactly who he talked with the most. But he’s never subscribed.”
“Maybe I should go pay him a visit.”
“You may as well; you’re going to have to go out that direction anyway.”
He raised a brow. “What for?”
“Something’s wrong with the line north of town.” She indicated the switchboard with the wave of her hand. “Drops fifteen through twenty-five only work intermittently. Those are all on the new wire you strung to the north. That’s why I’ve been wondering where you were. Folks have been without full service since the tournament started.”
He returned to his notes. “I’ll go out there as soon as I finish this.”
Angling her head, she watched him scribble a note on a piece of paper. “Where have you been?”
“Trying to sell phone service.”
“Well, I’d appreciate it if you’d check in with me. Even Bettina didn’t know where you’d gotten off to.”
“Somebody’s coming.”
She blinked. “What?”
“Somebody’s coming up the walk.”
Removing her earpiece, she crossed to the screen door. Sure enough, Torie Cutler and Tarrah Montgomery approached with hatboxes. How did he do that? She hadn’t heard a thing.
Pushing open the screen, she waved them forward. “Good morning, girls.”
The sisters could have been twins, though they weren’t. Both had piles of lovely blond hair, brown eyes, and identical smiles.
“We made some hats for the contest,” Tarrah said, handing her box to Georgie.
“Oh, I’m so glad.” She propped their entries on top of the others, causing the stack to sway. She needed to move them into her bedroom before they toppled over.
“Look at all those,” Torie exclaimed. “And Maifest is still a month away.”
“I know. The competition is going to be fierce, I’m afraid.” Georgie smiled. “Can I offer you some coffee?”
“No, no.” Tarrah tugged on her gloves. “We’re on our way to the Reading Circle. We’re discussing Tempest and Sunshine, by Mrs. Mary J. Holmes.”
“Well, say hello to the group for me.”
“We will.” They hurried back the way they’d come, their suits the very latest in spring fashions.
Georgie envied them their ability to come and go at will. She’d never left her switchboard for more than a few minutes until Mr. Ottfried started his abominable Easter challenge. Since that time she’d shut the board down for three Plumage League meetings and two Junior Audubon sessions.
She’d received complaints about it, too. Her customers paid for service five days a week. Mr. Lockett from the livery had even requested a partial refund. And Mr. Ottfried, of course, had canceled his subscription completely.
A cardinal landed on her front porch railing, hopped three times, then flew off again. She strengthened her resolve. Even if she had to issue refunds out of her own money, it was the least she could do for her birds.
Turning, she began to transfer the hatboxes to her bedroom.
After two trips, Luke strode in, arms full. “Where do you want these?”
Too stunned to speak, she scrambled out of the way and pointed to the corner.
He skirted her bed, the boxes on top teetering.
Ding.
She hesitated. No one had ever been in here but her.
“Go on,” he said. “I’ve got them.”
Ding.
Suppressing a groan, she returned to the switchboard. “Hello, Central.