Lindsay
Schopfer

By Lindsay Schopfer

Keltin entered the courier’s office to the jingling sound of the bell above the door. Mr. Jastin, the business’ owner, glanced up from a ledger he was totaling.

“Ah, Mr. Moore,” said the sand-and-grey haired man as he adjusted his wire-frame spectacles. “Is it sending out or picking up today?”

“Sending out. I need ten jeva sent to Maplewood,” said Keltin, removing the appropriate bank notes from his pocket.

“Of course,” said the store clerk, taking the jeva notes from Keltin. “This wouldn’t be part of the bounty Mayor Cumbly posted, would it?”

“The same. Just in time too. My rent was coming due this week.”

Jastin 'tsked' as he filled out the money order. “I’ve said it before, Son. I’ll be the first to hire you for the courier line. I can’t think of a better shot or a clearer head to guard the moneybox on the Jackson stagecoach. It’s leaving in the morning, and you can make it a one-way trip if you’re going anywhere.”

Keltin smiled and shook his head. “If I can’t find another bounty in time for next month’s rent I may take you up on that, but I’d like to stay off that buckboard if I can. Too much jostling and noise for me.”

Jastin sighed dramatically and handed Keltin his receipt. “Have it your own way, but you know where to come if you ever need the work.”

Keltin nodded and bid the shop owner a fair evening before stepping back out onto the street. Dusk was falling and the lantern lights were beginning to glow in the small town of Gamperton. The tinkling sound of a piano drifted out into the street outside the Azure, one of the seedier dancehalls. Keltin quickly walked past the already crowded establishment and turned a corner on South Hampton Street. At last, he reached the welcome glow of Mrs. Galloway’s stately boarding house. He let himself in through the front gate and opened the stout mahogany door.

“It’s me, Mrs. Galloway,” he called to the kitchen.

“Keltin?”

Mrs. Galloway stepped into the entryway, her face as red as her hair from working over a hot stove.

“There’s a man in the parlor to see you.”