{ Chapter 22: In Town} [Part 1]

Hello again, miss; the clerk said when he caught sight of Naomi and Jess. How can I help you today, miss?; asked the clerk. I was wondering sir, are there any jobs to be had in town

for a young woman?; Naomi asked. None that I know of at the moment, miss?; the clerk hesitated. What is your right name, ma'am?; the clerk asked. It's Miss McGary, Naomi McGary; she

replied. Well, Miss McGary, began the clerk again; the only place that's hiring right now is the saloon; he said. But I don't think that's the kind of work you want, is it, Miss McGary?;

the clerk asked. You're correct about that, sir; Naomi replied. My mother did'nt live as long as I would've liked, but she raised me to be a lady, not a saloon girl; Naomi said honestly.

And that's perfectly alright, Miss McGary; the clerk replied. As soon as I have word about something more suitable, I'll send you word, Miss McGary; the clerk said helpfully. That would

be appreciated, sir; Naomi said gratefully. Is there anything else I can do for you today, Jess?; the clerk asked. Not at the moment, thanks; Jess replied. If there's nothing you need, Naomi, I guess

we'll be going; Jess said. No, there's nothing at the moment, Jess; Naomi said as they turned to leave. Would you mind if we were to stop in at the marshal's office for a minute, Naomi?; Jess asked

when they'd left the general store. Oh no, Jess, I don't mind at all; Naomi replied. Up you go, Naomi; Jess said, offering her his hand. Thank you, Jess; Naomi said as she climbed up on the

buckboard. Be careful of your arm, Jess; Naomi said as Jess climbed up. I know, Naomi; Jess replied. Do you think Sheriff Cory is there, Jess?; Naomi asked. I don't know, Naomi, but I guess we'll

find out; Jess replied as they pulled up outside the marshal's office. Mort!; Jess called as they came through the front door. Mort, are you there!; Jess called again. Back here, Jess; Mort answered.

Looks like we caught you; Jess remarked at the sight of Mort with apron on and broom in hand. What have you been gettin' up to, Mort?; Jess asked teasingly. Oh, just a little house-

keeping, Jess; Mort replied. Oh hello, Naomi; Mort said when he saw her. Excuse the mess, I've been doing a little cleaning around here; Mort said. It's perfectly alright, Sheriff Cory; Naomi said

smiling. Don't you think it's about time you called me Mort?; he asked. After all, any friend of Jess's is a friend of mine; Mort added. I think I can do that; Naomi replied. How are you settling

in out there, Naomi?; Mort asked. Very well, thank you; Naomi replied. In fact, it's starting to feel like home; Naomi said smiling. That's good, Naomi; Mort replied. And how are you doing, Jess?;

Mort asked. I'm doing pretty good, Mort; Jess replied. In fact, the doc says I'm almost healed up; Jess added. That's good to hear, Jess; Mort said warmly. We've missed you around here; he added.

How are things out at the ranch, Jess?; Mort asked. They're going pretty good, Mort; Jess replied. I can't wait to be back working on the place; Jess said. I know what you mean, Jess; Mort

said knowingly. How are things here in town, Mort?; Jess asked. They've been pretty quiet so far, Jess; Mort replied. I guess you have'nt had any more trouble with what's left of the

Buckner Gang; Jess remarked. Thankfully no, Jess; Mort said. And I hope there won't be any; Mort added. Me too, Mort; Jess said. I had my fill of those no goods; Jess added. Same here, Jess;

Mort replied. Well, we should be getting back and you should be getting this house-keeping out of your hair; Jess said. Okay Jess, see ya later; Mort said. You take good care of him now, Naomi;

Mort said as he reached for the broom again. Oh I will, Mort; Naomi said as they left. Don't you worry; she added, smiling at Jess. Naomi takes good care of me, Mort; Jess said as

they left the building.