Minding the Hoosegow

[Kevin Gravis]

A man with scruffy blonde hair snored away behind a desk in the Sheriff's station, face obscured by the brim of his hat.

"Got dang banditos... gimme back mah fish..." he mumbled between snores.

[Tommy More]

*BAM* the door slammed open.

"Sheriff?"

[Kevin Gravis]

The young sheriff snapped awake.

"What? Is it bandits again? It's always bandits..." he mumbled groggily as he looked over.

"Wait what... who in blazes are you?"

[Tommy More]

"Deputy More, straight off the train, sir!"

[Kevin Gravis]

"You're the new Deputy?" he snorted.

[Tommy More]

"I am."

[Kevin Gravis]

"You even gone through the mill kid?" asked the Sheriff who was quite clearly no older.

[Tommy More]

"I can handle myself, if that's what you're asking."

[Kevin Gravis]

"The last six deputies all said the same thing."

[Tommy More]

"Lucky number seven."

[Kevin Gravis]

"And what makes you so unique?"

[Tommy More]

"Beg yer pardon?"

[Kevin Gravis]

"The others are all either goners or ran off with their tails between their legs. What makes you think a clean-cut city-boy can make it out here?"

[Tommy More]

"What makes you think he can't?" Tom shot back.

[Kevin Gravis]

"You look like one of them by the book types and things round here... they ain't exactly... according to Hoyle."

[Tommy More]

"I think I know a thing or two about law, Sheriff. You worry about your lonesome."

[Kevin Gravis]

He walked over, chuckling, "Rule one about Show Low; forget everything you think you know about law enforcement."

[Tommy More]

"Beggin' yer pardon, sheriff?"

[Kevin Gravis]

"They don't educate ya on the muties back east. Don''t even twig the concept."

[Tommy More]

"I dunno, sheriff, seems like they're just like'n any OTHER outlaws..."

[Kevin Gravis]

"Just like any other..." he groaned. "You just proved my point."

"But yer here now, so..." he sighed, extending his hand for a shake, "...welcome to Show Low."

I reckon he's gone in a week.

[Tommy More]

"Glad to be here, sheriff.'

[Kevin Gravis]

"Well then... you got that ol' guv'ment paperwork with ya? Gotta be double sure you ain't no bunko artist."

[Tommy More]

"You wound me, sheriff," he said, taking out the required paper.

[Kevin Gravis]

He took it and skimmed it over.

"'I's dotted, 'T's crossed, signature an illegible squiggle... looks about right."

"Welcome aboard Tom. I can call ya Tom right?"

[Tommy More]

"Sher can, sheriff."

[Kevin Gravis]

"Good!" he smiled.

"Now let's get you better acquainted with our humble burg, shall we?"

[Tommy More]

"After you, sheriff."