"It's wonderful. How did you manage to do this?" he asked, grinning like a kid.
"I tracked down the manufacturer. They keep all their molds of official award buckles. After I explained the situation, they were very happy to oblige." She handed him a business envelope.
"More?"
"Maybe."
Inside was an offer from the county manager asking him to serve as the sheriff until a special election could be held. The contract would pay Kerney a nice chunk of money.
"Is this for real?" he asked.
"You bet it is," Karen replied.
"And you get additional fringe benefits to go with it."
Kerney turned over the letter. It was blank.
"Such as?"
"For one, free housing. You can stay at Jim's place."
"Molly and Jim know about this?"
"As do my parents and Jim's. It was a group decision."
Kerney smiled broadly and stuck the letter into his shirt pocket.
"I'll see the county manager in the morning. What else?"
Karen smiled shyly.
"Dating privileges. Can you two-step with that knee?"
"I can."
"Can you hold a decent, intelligent conversation with a woman in a bar over drinks?"
"It's been known to happen."
"And eat an occasional home-cooked gourmet meal?"
"I believe so."
"Need I say more?" She held out her hand.
"Are there any more benefits?" Kerney asked as he took her hand in his.
"It all depends on how you define the term," Karen answered, pulling him closer.