Chapter XVI - Haunting Love
... The door again opens as Tamba stoops to clear the entryway.
"Tamba, greetings!"
"Hello, Mis'tuh Sheriff Cleary."
Strangely, Daisy remains in the chair, staring at Tamba while wagging her tail. The four-legged creature appears intimidated by the towering man. Tamba, a gentle soul with animals, kneels to coax the apprehensive dog. Eventually, she warms, and another friendship is seeded ...
... "That's when I became really scared and cocked the hammer on my gun. As I sneaked closer to the door, my hands and knees were trembling. Finally, I got up enough nerve to peer through the iron bars and point my shaking pistol."
He takes a breath and pauses, raking jittery fingers through his hair. I glance at Tamba, who is listening intently. Never witnessing Rufus in this state, my skepticism ...
... Rufus, calm yourself, and take slow deep breaths."
"I'm all right," he tells me, trying to compose himself.
"Are you sure your senses were not afflicted from liquid spirits that evening?"
"The only liquid afflicting me was that of my wet trousers. Besides, I never drink alcohol, fearing the wrath of my wife."
"I know you to be a hard working honorable man, but this ...
