Author's Note: I know this whole story is a far-fetched concept at best, but I hope you like it. Whether you love it or hate it, please review!
THE HOUSE OF TIME
CHAPTER FIVE---THE SHERIFF
"Well, what have we here?"
Cinder cringed as she recognized the woman. Her voice matched the one that had screamed at the girl who'd tried to help her escape. Her face matched the one she'd first seen on the wall of the diner. In fact, she had that same look of evil about her.
The man who'd caught Cinder still held her tightly. He spoke to the woman. "I found her, Miss. She was lurking about, behind the barn."
The woman stepped out of the doorway and onto her porch, coming closer to Cinder. "Do you realize this is private property? I could have you arrested. In fact, I think I shall..."
Cinder's heart began to race. She had to do something! She couldn't afford to get arrested; it would cause too many problems. She already had enough of those. She had to think quickly...
"No! Wait!" she cried.
The woman looked at her expectantly.
"I didn't mean to intrude. I was simply passing through the region..."
The woman made an ugly noise, much like a snort. "I've no doubt. That's why you were hiding behind my barn. If you'd been left alone a moment longer, I'm sure something would have gone missing by tomorrow."
"I wouldn't have taken anything. I swear!"
"Silence!" The woman was seething with rage.
Perhaps Cinder hadn't taken the most tactful course of action to argue her point...
"Garrett," the woman called Cinder's captor. "Take her down to the sheriff's office."
Garrett nodded. "Right away, Mrs. Stepp."
Cinder was stunned and frightened. Garrett dragged her toward a horse and buggy. He forced her onto it. As a warning, he told her, "Don't get any ideas about running again, do you hear?"
The question obviously didn't require a response, and Cinder didn't give one.
Down the street they went. They headed toward a fountain located in the center of a grassy field. As Cinder looked around, she recognized the yellow library she had photographed only a few hours before.
Garrett stopped the horses and allowed them to have a quick drink at the fountain before moving on. Their final destination was a white house with a large sign reading "Sheriff" above the entrance.
Garrett helped her down and guided her to the front door. He knocked exactly three times. A few minutes later, a man appeared at the door. His appearance could best be described as disheveled. He didn't look too happy about being disturbed, but his face seemed kindly enough.
"Well, what is it, Garrett?"
"I'm sorry Sheriff Stevens to bother you like this, but I found this girl sneaking about the barn. Mrs. Stepp said to bring her to you."
The sheriff gave a small smile. "She did, did she? Well, come on in, the both of you. Let's discuss this inside."
Cinder was pushed inside, into the light. Both men stared at her. She almost asked, "What?" Then, she realized what they were looking at... her clothes.
The sheriff was the first to acknowledge them. "That is a very... interesting choice of apparel."
How was she going to explain them?
"Uh... yes... well, I made these for comfort. I was planning on traveling extensively and did not want to be slowed down by petticoats and the like."
"I see..." responded the sheriff, though neither man quite believed nor understood her story. "In any case, what exactly were you doing on the Stepp property?"
She tried to think quickly. "As I said, I have been traveling quite a bit. I was simply looking for a place to rest a while before I was on my way."
"Were you planning on staying the night?"
"Certainly not there," she answered quite honestly.
"Well," concluded the sheriff, "I don't see any grounds upon which to make an arrest."
Cinder sighed a breath of relief.
"I will, however, have to make a note of this incident. What is your name, dear?"
"Cinder Ella Mathews."
"Well, Miss Cinder Ella, make sure I don't hear from you anytime soon. Other than that, you are free to go on with your journey."
Now what was she supposed to do?
"I do wonder, sheriff, if I could not be of any help in this town. Now that my journey has been delayed anyway, I see no reason to hurry my departure."
The sheriff paused to think. "If a job is what you're looking for, I believe Mr. Brooks is looking for some one to help him. He's the town doctor, you see."
"Doctor?"
"Yes. Lives right next door, in the pretty yellow house. You can't miss it."
I'm sorry this chapter's so short, but I wanted to post something before I leave. I'll be gone for two weeks, which means I won't be able to post anything during that time. (Sorry!) Hopefully, you'll all enjoy this chapter (even though it's probably the worst one so far), and I'll try to make it up to you as soon as possible.
Tiger Lily21- Thanks for reading! I hope to hear from you again soon!
Losa- As always, thanks for the help and support. Did I make the character distinctions better this time? I'm still working on it!
Phillippa of the Phoenix- Thank you so much for still reading! Your reviews mean so much to me!
Do I have to say it? Please review!