Wednesday Briefs: The Sheriff #52 (12.4)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

After dropping off Denver with Rye, Dustin and Roy find themselves in a difficult situation - it looks like Jordan is hot on their trail, and he's probably pissed. Can they get out of this without getting hurt? Find out what's going on in this week's chapter of The Sheriff. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they've been up to. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

The Sheriff #52 (12.4)

At first, Roy hadn’t thought anything of there being a car behind them. To be safe, he kept an eye on it. The vehicle never turned off, maintaining a steady distance between them. Roy decided to test a sudden apprehension and switched lanes. The other car did the same. And when Roy moved back to his original lane, so did the strange vehicle.

He felt Dustin’s hand on his leg tremble slightly. He started to tell him not to worry, but his common sense said they should be worried. If this was Jordan, as he feared, there was no telling what he might do.

“Do you think it’s Jordan?” Dustin asked. Roy was glad to note that he didn’t sound frightened, that was a good sign. He needed Dustin to keep control of his wits at all times. Roy glanced into the rearview mirror again. He noted that the other car was closing the distance between them, coming up fast. Good thing traffic was sparse at this time of night. Even so, they needed to find some place less dangerous than a moving vehicle for the showdown he suspected was coming.

“I think  so,” Roy said grimly. “Brace yourself. Hold on tight.” He felt Dustin’s hand dig into his leg, even as his body grew taut. The lights were getting closer now. If he didn’t take evasive action, they’d be rammed.

Roy watched the rapidly approaching lights, timing his action until the very last second. He spun the wheel  hard to the right, tires screeching in protest. The truck leaned precariously for a moment before righting itself once again.

Roy glanced behind them. If he’d had any doubts that this was Jordan, those were removed when he saw the car duplicate his maneuver, following them onto the side road. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, tossing it to Dustin.

“Dial 9-1-1, tell them you’re a deputy and they need to patch you in to the sheriff right now.”

“I’m not a deputy—”

“You are now. I hereby deputize you. Now make that call!”

Roy only half listened to Dustin’s frantic phone call, intent on staying two steps ahead of the asshole behind him. He knew this guy was pissed, but was he armed? That was the big question. Roy didn’t want to find out the answer the hard way. Which meant he had to lead Jordan as far away from other people as possible. Good thing he knew Tucker Falls like the back of his hand.

“I have Sheriff Sinclair on the line,” Dustin said. “On speaker.”

“Good thinking,” he praised Dustin. “Harlan, can you hear me?”

“Loud and clear, Roy. What’s the situation?”

“I have that asshole Jordan behind me. I think he’s been following us for a while. I’m going to play cat and mouse with him until we get away from most everyone else.”

“Copy that.  What’s your twenty?”

“Heading west on Jackson, toward Brewer. Then I’m going to head north on Brewer. Back toward the old Hamilton factory. Want to meet us there?”

“You got it, Roy. On my way.” The phone went silent.

“That place is shut down, isn’t it?” Dustin asked.

“Exactly,” Roy said as he made a hard turn onto Brewer. They passed fewer and fewer houses. Roy knew this part of town was more industrial, and mostly vacant now. Especially at this time of night.  For a moment, he thought maybe he was wrong. The road behind them was pitch black and empty. But then a pair of headlights broke the darkness, and he knew that was Jordan.

And he knew he’d do whatever it took to bring him in and keep Dustin safe.

to be continued

Now go visit the other Briefers and see what's up!

Cia Nordwell

Jon Keys

Wednesday Briefs: The Sheriff #51 (12.3)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

So now Dustin is safe from harm,, thanks to Roy... or is he? Dustin can't help but wonder where Jordan is, and what will he do when he realizes what Dustin has done. See what's happening with Dustin and Roy in this week's chapter of The Sheriff. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they are up to. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

The Sheriff #51 (12.3)

Dustin sat so close to Roy that their legs touched intimately. Roy’s presence was comforting, after the harrowing events of the evening. The way he’d come charging in to the computer store, like a white knight to the rescue… well, that made Dustin’s heart beat faster every time he thought about it. And now here they were, together, along with Denver, eating slingers and having a good time.

Dustin had let Roy explain about Jordan, and what he had tried to force him into doing, afraid his cousin would blame him for being stupid. But Denver never spoke a single word of criticism. In fact, he was completely supportive, to Dustin’s relief.

“Too bad you didn’t catch him,” Denver commented, echoing Dustin’s own thoughts.

That was the only fly in the ointment, that Jordan was still out there somewhere. There was no telling what he would do once his minions failed to show up with the stolen goods. Maybe he already knew. What if the gruesome twosome called him for their one phone call?

The thought kept nagging at him. Why hadn’t Jordan shown up, why wasn’t he waiting for them in the car? Hadn’t that been the plan?

As if he could read Dustin’s mind, Roy said, “You know what? I don’t think you should go home tonight, Denver. Not while he’s out there. God knows what he might do. Come back to the house with us, why don’t you?”

Us. He said us. A simple word, so why did it make Dustin feel so giddy? Because Roy was talking about them like they were a couple, and he was being open about them now.  All Dustin’s fears that Roy would walk away were disappearing, as he basked in the glow of Roy’s protective warmth.

“I don’t know,” Denver waffled. “I don’t think you two need me being a third wheel and interrupting your honeymoon.”

Dustin had just taken a bite of chili and burger and almost choked at his cousin’s words. Roy only laughed. But then he sobered again.

“He knows where you live. It’s just a precaution. I don’t want to see you get hurt. Either one of you.”

“I appreciate that, Roy, but that’s a long drive from Burnham, and I have to work tomorrow night. I’ll just hang out with Rye, he won’t mind.”

Roy looked unhappy. “He knows where you work too, Denver. I’ll talk to Harlan and we’ll make sure the store has extra protection. I understand that you need to work, but if I were you, I’d consider taking a day or two off, just to be safe.”

“Roy’s right,” Dustin added. “You don’t know Jordan. He’s not only crazy, he’s violent. He wouldn’t think anything of hurting either one of us.”

“Then I hope they catch him soon.” Denver raised his glass and finished off what beer was left. “Man can’t live his whole life being afraid. Especially not of an asshole.”

“You’re very right,” Roy agreed. He slung his arm around Dustin’s shoulders. The warmth of his touch was comforting. “At the same time, it doesn’t hurt to take precautions. This asshole is unpredictable. And he thinks the world revolves around him.”

“Isn’t that the truth?” Dustin laid one hand lightly on Roy’s thigh

“Can I get you folks anything else?” Their perky waitress had returned, coffee pot in hand, chipper smile in place.

“Just the check,” Roy said before he turned to Denver. “While I take care of that, why don’t you call Rye and make sure he’s okay with you staying there. Otherwise you can come with us.”

“You don’t have to get the check,” Denver began, but after a quick glance at Roy, he backed down, and Dustin snickered. “Not going to argue, no need for that. Thanks. I’ll catch you next time.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket and walked outside as he placed the call.

By the time Roy paid for their meals, and they walked out the door of the diner, Denver was just finishing up.

“He said to come on over, he’s not doing anything. Is it okay if I tell him what’s going on, or would you rather I wouldn’t?”

“Go ahead, that’s cool. You can even tell him about me and Dustin. I know that’s what you’re really aching to jaw about.” Roy grinned as he twined his fingers inside Dustin’s. Dustin couldn’t help but smile too.

“You know it,” Denver said. “I don’t get a chance to spill such juicy gossip often. And this one’s a doozy. No offense,” he quickly added.

“None taken,” Roy said. Dustin just shook his head, but he wasn’t angry. In fact, he was secretly thrilled that their relationship would be out in the open with their friends now.

They followed Denver to Rye’s house, for good measure, watching until he was inside.

“Let’s go home,” Roy said. “It’s been a long night.” He leaned down and kissed Dustin softly, then headed back toward the outer road that led to the highway.

Dustin felt himself growing sleepy. Just as he started to nod off, he was awakened when Roy moved his arm away and angled the rearview mirror toward himself, glancing in it.

“What’s up?” Dustin asked sleepily.

“I think we’re being followed,” Roy said.

Oh shit.

to be continued

Now go visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them.

Cia Nordwell

Carol Pedroso

Jon Keys

Wednesday Briefs: The Sheriff #50 (12.2)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Things were looking grim for Dustin and Denver until Roy rode to the rescue in last week's chapter of The Sheriff. See how he deals with the situation of Rusty and Lenny, and everyone wonders where Jordan is. Is Dustin going to be in danger after this? Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they've been up to. Their links follow my tale. Enjoy!

The Sheriff #50 (12.2)

Roy was prepared to carry through with his threat, if necessary, in order to protect Dustin and Denver—his lover and his friend. But luckily it didn’t come to that. When push came to shove, the thin man proved himself to be all bark and no bite as he hastily threw his gun onto the floor with a clatter and raised his hands high, in the universal symbol of surrender.

“Now you,” Roy said to his accomplice as he drew closer to the pair.

The heavier man whimpered, “I don’t have a gun. I swear it. I’m only supposed to carry the merchandise. That’s all. Ask Rusty if you don’t believe me.”

“Shuddup, Lenny, you dope,” Rusty snarled.

Roy decided to check Lenny’s statement for himself. A quick pat down showed the man wasn’t lying.

Keeping a wary eye on the pair, Roy hurried to where Dustin and his cousin were getting up from the floor.

“You okay?” he asked Dustin, sliding his arm around him and pulling him close.

“Yeah, Roy, I’m just fine, thanks to you.”

“Well, I’ll be damned.” Denver grinned at the two of them. “How long has this been going on?”

“First things first,” Roy said, never batting an eye. “Then we’ll tell you all about it.”

At just that moment, Harlan and a couple of his deputies swarmed through the back door, guns raised. Seeing the situation under control, they holstered their weapons.

“This all of them?” Harlan asked.

 “There’s one more,” Roy said, keeping Dustin anchored to him with his arm as he turned to face the sheriff. “That Jordan asshole. He didn’t come in with them, and I didn’t see him in the car when I passed it by on my way in.”

“Shit,” Harlan swore. “I thought he was supposed to be here?” He looked to Dustin for corroboration.

“I thought so too. He said he would be.  I’m sure Rusty and Lenny know where he is, though. They’re his stooges.”

“I don’t know nothing,” Rusty quickly said. “And neither does Lenny.”

Roy snorted. “Tell me something I don’t know.

”

Rusty scowled but made no reply. By this time, he and Lenny had already been securely cuffed, hands behind their backs.

“I’ll take these two back to the jail and put out on APB on Lambourne. I’ll send a car to his address, just on the off chance he might be there.”

“You won’t catch Jordan,” Lenny boasted. “He’s too smart for you guys.”

“He’s not smart, you’re just dumb,” Dustin said.

“At least I’m not sleeping with him,” Lenny shot back. The deputy slapped him upside his head and he fell silent.

“Go on, take those two peckerheads in,” Harlan said. “I’ll be right behind you.”  He turned his attention to Dustin and Denver. “They didn’t hurt you, did they?”

“No, they never got that far,” Denver said. “Thanks to you and Roy here. You sure saved our bacon.”

“Thank Roy and Dustin. They’re the ones who helped put this together,” Harlan said. “Well, I gotta get going. Roy, I’ll be in touch. I’ll see what I can get out of those two. Assuming they don’t lawyer up. I don’t think they have the brains to do that, but you never know.”

“Okay, catch you later, Harlan.”

“Dustin, if you like, we can talk about you joining the department.” Harlan winked, then turned and headed out the back of the store.

“Somebody better tell me what’s going on and damn quickly,” Denver said. He put his hands on his hips and looked from Dustin to Roy expectantly.

“Tell you what,” Roy said, “you lock up the store, and then we’ll go grab a drink or something, and tell you everything. That okay with you, Dustin?”

“Sounds great to me. What about you, cuz?”

“Yeah, let me finish writing out the night deposit and I’ll be ready.” He headed toward the back office, leaving Roy and Dustin alone. No sooner had he closed the door to the office, than Roy had his lips pressed against Dustin’s, holding him tight, as if he intended to never let him go again.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers have been up to:

Cia Nordwell

Carol Pedroso

Jon Keys

Wednesday Briefs: The Sheriff #49 (12.1)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

It seems to Dustin that things aren't going as planned. Why is Rusty waving a gun around? And where the hell is Jordan? Will they make it out of here alive? See what happens in this week's chapter of The Sheriff. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they are up to. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

The Sheriff #49 (12.1)

What the hell was going on here? This wasn’t supposed to happen this way. And where was that asshole Jordan?

Rusty pushed Dustin ahead of him, into the store, Lenny following, like the lemming he was.

“What the hell do you guys want?” Denver asked defiantly. “You have no business being in here. Get out before we call the cops.”

“Yeah, right,” Rusty scoffed. “You and what army?” He waved the gun in the air, as if to emphasize the point that he was in control of the situation. “Now, here’s what I want you guys to do…”

Dustin watched his cousin worriedly. Please don’t let him do anything rash. Although he had a sinking feeling about the situation, he could be wrong. This might not be what he thought it was. Considering it was these two idiots, the lack of a mask might just go to show how stupid they really were.

Denver took a step toward the two men. Rusty aimed the pistol directly at him, and he froze in place.

“That’s better.” Rusty chuckled.

“Now, let me tell you what you’re gonna do,” he continued, his attention focused on Denver.  “We’re going to go into the back room and I’m going to tell you what to put in my car.” Here he turned toward Dustin. “And you go get that game Jordan wanted. He said you’d know which one. Then come help us load the car.”

Dustin could hardly bear to look at his cousin. He saw a look of disbelief there, as well as dismay.

“Tell me this isn’t what it looks like, Dustin,” Denver said.

Dustin couldn’t exactly blurt out the truth, that Roy and the sheriff’s department of Tucker Falls was waiting to ambush these guys. But he could give him a little bit of it, maybe take away the hurt he saw.

“This wasn’t my idea." He glared at Rusty, who only laughed again.

“The only idea this guy has is sucking Jordan’s cock.”

Dustin winced. “Not with someone else’s mouth,” he said.

“That’s not that guy who was in here before, is it?” Denver frowned. “I thought you said you were through with him?”

“I am. Forever,” Dustin said.

Denver moved closer to Dustin, eyeing Rusty and Lenny. Dustin wanted to jump Rusty and wrestle that gun away from him. He had a feeling Lenny wasn’t armed. But he didn’t want to chance Denver getting hurt.

“You’re such an asshole,” he said to Rusty. “I bet you don’t even know how to shoot that thing. You’re just bluffing.”

As if to prove him wrong, Rusty aimed the gun toward a row of shelves and fired. The bullet clanged loudly as it ricocheted off the metal. Luckily, it didn’t bounce back toward them.

A small smile crept onto Dustin’s face. He’d hoped Rusty would be stupid enough to shoot, praying he wouldn’t aim it at anyone. That would be a signal to Roy, though, and he knew damn well what would happen.

“What are you grinning about?” Rusty asked. “Nothing funny here.”

“Just you two,” Dustin countered.

“Keep it up, laughing boy. Keep it up. Jordan said if you gave us any trouble, I could hurt you. Maybe even kill you. I’ll tell him you wouldn’t cooperate after all.” Rusty’s grin was decidedly unpleasant. “You fucked up when you dropped him for your new boyfriend. Jordan likes to call the shots, not the other way around.”

Dustin started to tell him how little he cared, just as he heard the creak of the back door. If he was correct, that had to be Roy, if not the sheriff’s department too.

“Where is Jordan?” Dustin asked. “Was he too scared to come?”

“He’s waiting for us,” Rusty said. “Told us we could handle this.”

“Is that because he knew you were going to be caught? Nice boss you have.”

“Watch your mouth,” Lenny warned him. “Shut up about Jordan.”

“Not like I want to talk about that little asshole anyway,” Dustin countered. “And I do mean little.” 

He wiggled his little finger in the air and laughed.

Just as an enraged Rusty drew his gun, Dustin threw himself sideways, throwing both himself and Denver to the floor. He protected Denver with his own body and waited. He could hear the flick of the hammer being drawn back and braced himself for impact.

Just then the most beautiful voice in the world yelled, “Put the gun down, asshole. We have this building surrounded. It’s all over.”

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

Carol Pedroso

Nephy Hart