This week, Jordan is forcing Dustin to help him case the computer store where he works, so he can rob it. Little does he know that Roy is keeping them under surveillance from outside. So why is he inside? Find out in this week's episode of The Sheriff. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!
“Hey Denver, how’s it going?” Roy strolled casually into the
computer store, as if he didn’t have a care in the world. He didn’t know what
had prompted him to throw caution to the winds and leave his truck when he was
supposed to be keeping an eye on Dustin from the outside. Nothing other than a
gut feeling that he needed to make himself visible, despite not being in
uniform. Was he really that concerned about Dustin? And if so, why?
“Pretty good,” Denver replied. “Must be my lucky day, both
you and Dustin showing up out of the blue.”
“Huh. Small world,” Roy commented before glancing toward
Dustin. “Hey Dustin,” he said with a nod. His glance skimmed over Jordan, as if
he didn’t matter. “Denver, I need you to show me something, if you would.”
“Sure thing, Roy, what are you looking for? Something for
you, or for the job?”
“Me,” Roy said. “Well, both actually. I was just wanting to
price a new computer. Step into the twenty-first century.” He realized as soon
as he said it that was a dumb thing to say. He just had to hope Denver wouldn’t
come out and ask him why the hell he’d come in to Tucker Falls for that when he
had Lee and Marshall right there in Burnham, who would put him together a
better system than anything most stores sold if he asked them to.
“C’mon then, let’s take a look. We have some nice models
down here.” He waved Roy down the nearest aisle. “Dustin, hang tight, willya? You’re not in a
hurry are you?”
Roy turned toward the two men. He couldn’t help but notice
the possessive arm Jordan kept about Dustin, and the obvious distaste which
Dustin could barely conceal.
“No, I’m good,” Dustin mumbled.
At that moment, the buzzer sounded, admitting another
customer, a young woman carrying a laptop case. She walked directly to the
front counter, not bothering to glance around. Obviously she knew why she was
there.
Denver glanced uncertainly at Roy. “Go on, take care of the
young lady. I’ll be fine.”
“Well, if you’re sure. Thanks, Roy.”
“Sure I’m sure. Dustin can help me, if I have any questions.
Right, Dustin?”
“Yeah, sure thing, Roy. “
Roy watched Dustin remove Jordan’s arm, as if it were
something distasteful to him. He made a beeline for the aisle Denver had
indicated, Roy close behind.
“I’ll just look around then,” Jordan volunteered, although
no one had asked him, and he sounded a little testy, to Roy.
“What size hard drive were you looking for,” Dustin asked,
pitching his voice to be heard all over the store before dropping it and
asking, “What the hell are you doing?”
Fair question, but not one Roy could really answer. Not
honestly, that is.
“Big enough,” he grunted noncommittally, then dropped his
own. “Everything okay?” Which was a question in itself, and not an answer, but
it’s what he had.
“Do I look okay?”
Dustin fairly hissed. “Now he wants me to go poking around in the backroom,
like I’m supposed to take inventory or something.”
Without thinking, Roy laid a calming hand on Dustin’s arm.
They stood in a frozen tableau, staring at one another without saying anything.
Roy stepped away first, clearing his throat uncomfortably, just as he got an
idea. “Do you have anything else?” he asked. “Maybe something you just got in?
I want to get the best I can, so I won’t have to do this again for a long
time.”
“I can check the inventory,” Denver said. He threw Roy a
grateful look, and Roy winked.
“If you don’t mind, thanks. I’ll just wander around while
you do. See what else I might need.” Which was nothing, but he wasn’t about to
admit to that.
“Yeah, sure, no problem. Shouldn’t take long.” He nodded to
Roy before heading toward the back of the store. Moving quickly, Roy took up a
vantage point from where he could see Jordan. He couldn’t help but notice
Jordan was focused intently on Dustin. Denver was deep in conversation with the
customer. Roy thought she was pretty, and Denver seemed interested in
everything she had to say.
Jordan turned his head, and their eyes met. Roy thought
there was a very cold, calculating look in the other man’s gaze. A shiver drew
down his spine. This guy might be more dangerous than he’d figured. All the
more reason to get Dustin away from him, and see him safely behind bars.
They stared at one another without speaking. You don’t frighten me, little man.
The moment was broken when Dustin returned from the store
room and headed toward Roy without a second look at Jordan. Roy couldn’t but
give Jordan a small smile of triumph before he turned his attention completely
toward Dustin.
“Nothing new,” Dustin said. “Sorry.”
“That’s okay. I wasn’t exactly wedded to the idea of getting
it right this minute anyway. I’ll look around some more. Thanks anyway,
Dustin.” He gave a tip of his hat to Roy, gave Jordan a quick glance, as if he
was sizing him up and then dismissing him. Heading toward the door, he called
out, “Catch you at Partners, Denver.”
“You got it, Roy,” Denver looked up long enough to say. “Go
and catch them bad guys.”
to be continued
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