Phin snorted, "Blame me? I'm just trying to see that the owner gets his money and wallet back, that's all. Besides, why would Deputy Wentworth want to arrest me? On what charge? There'll be no trouble with this. Someone dropped it off and I'm giving it to the law to take care of. Much better than the bank I think."

Tully nodded, still a bit skeptical, but she trusted that the newsman knew what he was doing, and that he had a good standing in town, so he was likely safe from accusations. 

"Now, about the idea of you stopping by in the mornings, I think that I can afford to have you in in the mornings for say a dollar, maybe two a week to tidy up around here. And since having Tommy here is only after school and weekends I could really use your help. That is, if you like."

It took a moment for Tully to reply -- she'd learned early to look at things from all angles, to assess if there was any trick or deception, to make sure she had a good idea what all was expected.  But she liked Mr. Phineas, he seemed a sincere man, and genuine.

Finally, she relaxed and nodded, a small smile flickering over her face.  "Yes, sir, reckon I could do that."  And maybe learn more of her letters, since she would be surrounded by them here.  Miss' Bridget, Jemima and Arabeller had given her a start on that, and she understood the advantages that knowing her letters would give her.  "'Specially if there's coffee!"

Tully knew well who was up late at night, and who was coming and going at all hours, after all, she skulked around in the dark on a regular basis.  And she knew now where to go should there be another terror like the one that had come after her and Bridget, although she prayed she'd never need that information.

When Phineas asked if he could ask her something personal, Tully shrugged.  "Reckon.  If it's how I come ta be here, that ain't much.  Papa owned a mercantile in Silver City, in Nevada, a real big place, an' Mama was a respected dressmaker, they were th' best Ma an' Pa a gal could wish for, give me everythin' I could ever need..."  She smiled, wistfully.  "Mama would sing me ta sleep an' Pa played th' fiddle..."

Falling silent, she shook her head and hastily wiped away tears.  The tale had been told so many times that she often believed it herself, or at least didn't want to admit it was all lies.  But now, it just wasn't right.

"Don't know my ma, nor my pa.  Was a foundlin', an' sent ta a school fer 'waywards children', only I don't know what that is, an' run off when I was ten or so, after my only friend died."  Shrugging, she pulled her emotions in and stowed them safely, putting on her mantle of indifference again.  "Made my own way, one way or another, an' come here..."

Having spent the morning with Mrs. Evans, the pastor's wife, Sarah made her way back to the Union building.  She didn't mind that her job entailed getting the latest community news that her editor was reluctant in pursuing.  He was more interested in the big stories and that was understandable since those sorts of stories were the newspaper's main objective.  The stories she got were the ones that help with sales on a slow news day and she was glad that they did.  Kalispell wasn't a thriving metropolis but it had enough news to keep a newspaper like the Union going.

When she got back, she looked in the window as she went pass it to get to the front door.  She could see that her employer was not alone, which in itself wasn't a surprise...it was the more he was with.  Not knowing what to make of it, Sarah made her way in.

@Flip @Bongo

As the door opened, Tully tensed, ready to bolt, but there wouldn't be a chance, as the newcomer stood between her and escape.  But at least the young woman had a friendly smile, and didn't seem at all threatening...and Mr. McVay knew her, and even introduced her.

"Good ta meet ya," Tully muttered, as that was the polite thing to do, and she was trapped.  She did manage a smile and a nod, and to stay in the chair, gradually relaxing, although still remaining wary.

"Good morning," Sarah answered, not quite knowing what to make of the situation. It was quite unlike Phinn McVay to take a special interest in any of the young ladies in town. Maybe he was feeling a bit sorry for the girl and that is why he gave her a job.  She certainly looked like she needed it.

A job? Well, that was very nice of you Mister McVay," Sarah said sincerely, "I hope that Miss Nevada finds working here an enjoyable experience as I do."

She paused for moment, before turning to Tully, "Perhaps, when you've here long enough you could help serve customers on the mornings when we are busier than usual. What do you think, Mister McVay?"

@Flip @Bongo

"Serve customers?"  Now that caught Tully's interest, not that she wanted anything to do with people beyond what was necessary.  "But...this ain't no cafe or nothin'...ain't no tables nor food...is there a kitchen?"  She looked around, then back to Sarah.  "Do ya bring in cakes or somethin', ta go with th' coffee?  Ain't that what they do at th' Lickskillet?"

Well, she knew that businesses weren't restricted to one per town, but still, she was a little surprised to find out that Mr. McVay apparently had a cafe, too.

"I'd rather clean dishes or mop th' floor, if that ain't a problem...me an' people don't get on too good."