With a rousing tune from the Dodge Citizen Band, Doc and the other organizers declared the fair open as he cut the ribbon. A hearty cheer went up from the crowd around the platform. The committee members shook hands and patted each other on the shoulders as they slowly left the platform.
Stores and shops up and down Front Street were taking advantage of the influx of people by having sales and it looked like business was brisk.
Madam Zelda made her way through the crowds and watched with great interest what the people were doing. Doc spotted the mystery woman and nudged Jonas on the elbow, "You know you should go an see her," he said with a hint of humour in his voice.
"Now Doc, why would I want to do a thing like that?" Jonas questioned the doctor.
"She might figure out where that black could came from that you seem to have over you," Doc stated in a friendly manner.
"You know I don't believe in that stuff," Jonas huffed.
Doc nodded, "I know. It was just a suggestion. I shouldn't be joking," he offered.
Jonas pursed his lips in thought as he watched the woman. There was something about her, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
"What are you doing?" Doc then asked the store owner who seemed transfixed with Zelda. "I thought you didn't want anything to do with her," he added.
Jonas looked over to the doctor, "Uh," he sputtered.
Doc pointed through the crowd, "You're staring at her!" he exclaimed.
Jonas blinked a few times, "I need to go back to the store," he quickly said as he turned and left, leaving the doctor standing amongst the throng of people. Doc swiped his hand across his moustache and watched the store owner as he wove his way out of sight. Doc then turned and watched Zelda for a few seconds, "What is wrong with Jonas?" he asked himself as he too turned away. Madam Zelda turned and looked at the doctor and a slow smiled curved her red lips.
Doc made his way to the boardwalk and searched the crowd for the store owner. He wore a puzzled look on his face. Matt noticed the doctor looking around and wondered what he was doing. The marshal walked over to the doctor, "You okay, Doc?" he questioned.
Doc looked at Matt and drew his right hand across his moustache, "I am, but I'm not so sure about Jonas," the doctor retorted.
Matt hooked his thumbs over his gun belt, "How so?" he asked.
"The strangest thing happened," Doc stated. "We were looking around and then we saw Madam Zelda and I jokingly said he should go and see her," he continued. "He looked at the woman as if he'd seen a ghost and just left," Doc ticked his head as he pulled slightly on his right ear lobe.
"Maybe he's had a bad dealing with people like Madam Zelda," Matt suggested.
Doc paused and then nodded, "You could be right, Matt. I'll stop in to see him later," the doctor said before walking down the street.
Matt shook his head at his friend, "I recall telling you not to get Jonas to see Madam Zelda," he said to no one in particular. The marshal turned and noted that the Madam was watching from across the street. Now curiosity got the best of him. Matt made his way through the crowd and stopped near Zelda, "Welcome to Dodge," he smiled.
"Thank you, Marshal," Zelda took a quick look at this badge.
"What brings you here," Matt had to ask.
"The fair brought me here. I read the poster and it told me to come. People here need me," Zelda said in a soothing tone.
There was something about Zelda liked, but also something didn't trust. "People here are still recovering from a tornado we had a while back. I wouldn't want to run you out of town for giving them false hope," Matt warned.
"I give people what they want," Zelda said calmly. "What they take away from that is not my business," she added before she turned and walked away. Matt stood pondering what she said. His eyes narrowed as he watched he turn a corner and disappear.
Louie Pheeters finally caught up with the town doctor as he walked along Front Street, "Hank and I'll be judging the cattle tomorrow in the morning," he informed Doc.
"That's fine, Louie. I'll make sure that Jonas brings over the ribbons and prizes later today," Doc smiled.
"We hope to do the other livestock tomorrow afternoon," Pheeters added.
"Good," Doc ticked his head. "Looks like both of you have everything in order then," he said.
"I think we do," Louie said with pride.
"I'll have to find out when Ma wants to look at the pies, because you'll need to be there too," Doc pointed out.
"You're right," Louie said as his voice trailed off as the thought about all the delicious pies that would be waiting. He wet his lips in anticipation. "Pies..."
Doc smiled, "I'll talk to you later, Louie," the doctor said as he left Pheeters with images of pies in his head. Doc stepped down off the boardwalk and cross the street to Jonas' general store. Business appeared to be bustling as patrons were leaving with arms full and smiles on their faces. Doc wove his way into the store and watched for a moment before he stepped closer to Jonas, "Business looks good," he stated the obvious.
"Oh, hi Doc," the store owner said over his silver-rimmed glasses. "At this rate I'll be out of stock by next week!" he half laughed.
"How's your hand?" the doctor asked.
Jonas looked down at his hand, "To be honest, it hurts like hell," he said as he flexed it.
"Maybe I should wrap it," Doc said as he looked at the store owner's hand from where he stood.
"I'll see you one I close up the store," Jonas sighed. "I guess this ends my pie making for this fair," he stared down at his swollen hand.
Doc felt sorry for the store owner. Indeed back in his mind he'd with that Jonas would see Madam Zelda to get him out of this streak of bad luck. "I'll be in my office," the doctor said as he patted Jonas on the shoulder and left the store. Doc stood out front and then turned to look back into the building; there had to be something he could do.
