Wednesday, February 21, 2018

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

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