Page 34 of Flick

Beth nodded. “Yep, I’m already packed.”

Winnie walked up. “Umm, a quick call with our sisters, then you can go. It seems things aren’t running so smoothly at Bluff Creek,” Winnie said, smiling.

“We’ll go call my sisters and plan on leaving in half an hour,” Beth said.

Flick kissed her cheek and nodded. He wondered what was going wrong at Bluff Creek.

Beth followed Winnie back to the room Winnie and Bear were staying in. Once they’d settled into the comfy chairs, Winnie called Remi and then put her phone on speaker.

“Is she there?” Remi asked.

“I’m here. What’s wrong?” Beth asked. She couldn’t imagine what would have them needing to speak to her immediately.

“So why the friggin’ hell is everyone pissed off this weekend at the gun range? It’s like everyone is in a bad mood,” Remi said.

Beth scrunched her nose and was glad Remi couldn’t see her. She’d completely forgotten all the little special things she did. She’d just gone on assignment and hadn’t gotten backups. Guess they relied on her a little more than she’d thought.

“I deliver apple cider donuts from the diner every Saturday along with four dozen chocolate chip cookies for the afternoon.”

“Every week?” Sarah asked.

“When I’m in town. If I’m gone, I usually set the diner delivery for the donuts and leave extra cookies for Ellie in my freezer. I’m surprised Ellie didn’t go check, though,” Beth replied.

Ellie is in Dodge City this weekend helping with a special event. Dex and Cannon are running the range.

“Well, they are adults. Why didn’t they order the donuts themselves when they weren’t there?” Beth asked.

Laughter through the phone had Beth staring at Winnie. What was so funny?

“Umm, that would be my husband telling Dex that the donuts always appear on Saturdays and they should wait. What’s really funny is they’ve been waiting each Saturday you’ve been gone for the donuts to magically appear,” Jesse said, snickering.

“Men are so stupid sometimes,” Winnie said.

“So let me run down the list because I’m guessing our issues are all the little things Beth has been doing behind the scenes as special things. The shelter the next county over called and said they are running low on supplies,” Remi said.

“Oh, I usually grab some stuff when I visit the big box stores in Wichita. I didn’t go before we left,” Beth replied.

“I have a note regarding cupcakes for the recreation center’s kids’ summer programs?” Sarah asked.

“The cupcakes are made and in my freezer but need to be thawed and then frosted. I forgot I hadn’t notified anyone,” Beth said.

“Umm, the assisted living facility in Coldwater mentioned they were out of craft supplies,” Jesse stated.

“I usually find new crafts, then order all the supplies and make a sheet with directions. I should have received a box with all the supplies. The direction sheets are laminated and in a file on my desk marked with the facility’s name. I guess I let some things slip through the cracks. I really thought we’d be done and back before the crafts were needed,” Beth said.

“Beth, do you pay for this all yourself? You’re doing so much, and we’d be happy to help,” Remi said.

“I do, but I really don’t have that much to spend my money on. I pay for stuff for the dogs, and I buy books. Most of my clothes fall under surveillance. Plus, I like helping people. Umm, if we’re not back by the end of June, somebody will need to take delivery of the chickens I bought for the Macon’s farm. They’re wanting to expand, so I ordered and paid for their new flock,” Beth said.

Winnie stood up and grasped Beth’s arms, pulling her in for a hug.

“You’re amazing, and I want to help do some of this stuff,” Winnie said.

“Ditto. I may have kids, but I love all the things you’re involved with and don’t want you doing it all alone,” Jesse said.

“I’d love to have you involved. There are just so many little things needed to let people know they’re special, and it’s so easy to do these little things,” Beth said.

“They’re not little to the people you’re doing them for. I know you’re busy, but if you have a list, we can help,” Remi replied.

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