Angel's Rest(21)

“Yes, I know,” Celeste replied. “However, it’s reasonable to believe that it’s ore from the Silver Miracle mine, so it does have historical value. I’ll come up with an appropriate use for it, I suspect.”

Zach finished his coffee, and after a few minutes of small talk he took his leave. Nic attempted to take over the pan-washing chore, but Celeste brushed her away as she said, “That young man impresses me. He’s rather new to the area, too, isn’t he?”

“Yes. He got the job when Sheriff Adkins retired a little over a year ago.”

“I don’t see him around town very much.”

“He’s responsible for a pretty large territory. Eternity Springs doesn’t give him much business.” Nic grabbed a clean dish towel. “Although he has begun spending more time in Eternity the last month or so. I think he’s interested in Sarah.”

“Oh?”

“Yep. They’ve had dinner together a handful of times. She refuses to see them as dates, though. She says they’re simply casual meals between friends.”

“I see.” Celeste handed Nic a clean frying pan to dry. “Maybe if she continues to spend time with him, she’ll come to recognize what a catch he is.”

“She already knows he’s a catch, but that doesn’t matter. Gabe Callahan isn’t the only person toting around baggage in this town. Unfortunately, Sarah has carried hers so long that it’s grown to her skin.”

As Nic put the frying pan away, Celeste washed the last dirty dish. After handing it to Nic to dry, she suddenly snapped her damp fingers. “Oh dear. I just remembered that I have an appointment for a perm at ten. I can’t go to Eagle’s Way this morning. Shall we go this afternoon?”

“I’m sorry, I have clinic appointments this afternoon. I could go Friday morning.”

Celeste rinsed her hands beneath running water, gave a thoughtful hum, then said, “You know, I believe that timing and presentation will be crucial in gaining his agreement. He joined in to help last night, and that’s an important step for a man in his circumstances. Let’s not give him the opportunity to slip back into solitude. Why don’t you go on up now? You propose the plan, then I’ll follow up and close the deal. We’ll give him the proverbial one-two punch.”

Nic slowly shook her head. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Celeste.”

Celeste dried her hands, hung up the towel, and said, “Well, I am sure. I want you to take Archibald up the mountain with you and convince Gabe Callahan that he needs to come back down. It’s important for all of us. The man needs Eternity Springs, but we need him, too.”

Nic considered the idea as she finished drying the dishes and putting them away. “I do think this idea of yours is inspired, and I don’t mind going up there and making the pitch on your behalf. It’s a great excuse to get a peek at Eagle’s Way. The guys who worked on its construction still talk about how elaborate the house is. That said, it’s entirely possible that Gabe might not let me in, Celeste. The security around the place is said to be elaborate.”

“I’m not worried. If Archibald can get past the gate, I’m sure you can, too.”

She had a point. In fact, she had lots of points. This idea of hers was great and it could be huge for Eternity Springs. “All right, then. I’ll give it a shot.”

“Excellent. Now, I’d best get moving if I’m going to have time to stop by the house before my hair appointment. I’m almost afraid to go over there for fear that the destruction will be worse than it appeared in the darkness.”

“I had an idea about that last night. Although Cavanaugh House is outside the defined historic district, you might qualify for a development grant from the state if—”

“Money isn’t an issue,” Celeste interrupted, dismissing the subject with a wave of her hand. “Family funds.”

Nic wasn’t surprised. Despite being neglected for decades, Cavanaugh House had still carried a hefty price tag. “You never speak of your family.”

“I had a lovely family, but they’re all gone now. I am comfortable financially, so if the subject of fees comes up, tell Gabe I said to name his price. Perhaps that will seal the deal.”

Nic recalled the wad of cash he had shoved into her hand the day they met. “Gabe doesn’t strike me as being overly motivated by money.”

“Then find out what will motivate him and offer him that.”