What do you have? Over plates of eggs and bacon, Ethan struck up a conversation with Frank Miller, the owner of Miller's Construction, who occupied the next booth. The weathered contractor was initially reserved, but opened up when Ethan mentioned his background in restoration carpentry. "Could use a hand with the Robinson job," Miller admitted after hearing about Ethan's experience. Old Victorian downtown.
Owner wants original style crown molding replaced where water damage hit. Not many craftsmen left who know how to match 100-year-old profiles. I can do that, Ethan said, trying to contain his eagerness. I've got the tools and experience. Miller nodded slowly.
Pays fair. Cash weekly. Be at the corner of Maple and Fourth tomorrow, 7 sharp. He drained his coffee cup and stood. Good luck with the Blackwell place.
That house has beaten better men than both of us. As the contractor left, Sheriff Davis slid into the vacated seat. Saw you talking with Frank. Good man, fair employer. Did he hire you?
Ethan nodded. Starting tomorrow. Smart move. Davis approved. This town respects men who work with their hands.
Show them you're willing to contribute, they'll accept you faster. He lowered his voice. Also smart to have legitimate business in town gives you a reason to be asking questions without raising eyebrows. Noah, who had been studying a local history book Martha had lent him, looked up. What kind of questions?
Davis glanced around before answering. About Thomas Blackwell, about what really happened at the mill? About why Reed wants that property so badly? He fixed Ethan with a meaningful look. Found anything interesting in that old house yet?
Ethan hesitated, then reached into his pocket and showed Davis the ornate key. The sheriff examined it carefully, his expression giving nothing away. "Interesting craftsmanship," he commented, returning it. "Seen anything like this before? " "No, and it doesn't fit any lock in the house that we found. " Davis nodded thoughtfully. "Some keys aren't meant for doors, Brooks.
Sometimes they're meant for people. " He stood and put on his hat. Be careful who you show that to. Not everyone in Riverdale remembers Thomas Blackwell kindly. After breakfast, they stopped at the county records office, a small brick building adjacent to the courthouse. The clerk, initially skeptical of their request to view property records for the Blackwell estate, became more helpful when Ethan produced the inheritance paperwork.