Wednesday Briefs: The Sheriff #25 (7.2)

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.

Last week, as you'll recall, Roy found a frightened Dustin at his door in the middle of the night and invited him in. Probably forgot he was naked at the time. What will happen now once Dustin realized it? Find out in this week's episode of The Sheriff. Don't forget to see what the other Briefers are up to. Their links follow my tale!  Enjoy!

The Sheriff #15 (7.2)

Dustin’s desire to hug Roy was just an impulse, but one which he obeyed without giving it any thought. Much the same way he lived most of his life. Act first, think later. He’d been so focused on explaining to Roy what he was doing at his house in the middle of the night that it somehow escaped his notice that the man had answered the door in his birthday suit.

A fact he was growing increasingly aware of now that he had his arms wrapped around him.

 Roy’s skin, beneath Dustin’s fingers, was surprisingly soft, and warm. He had an inexplicable desire to run his hands up and down Roy’s back, maybe head a little farther south, squeeze that generous ass.

Whoa, hold on there just a darn minute.

Dustin pulled back as if he’d been struck by an electric cattle prod. His heart was racing, and he knew without looking he had a growing hard-on.

This was so not good.

“Are you all right?” Roy asked, obviously concerned.

Well, Dustin couldn’t very well admit to the fact that Roy was making him horny. That would get him booted out the door sure as shit, not to mention he found it hard to believe himself. Okay, maybe not so hard to believe. The guy was attractive. He just never had a chance to be quite so up close and personal with him before since Roy tended to be standoffish where he was concerned. That probably went back to Roy’s relationship with Marshall and Lee, and the things they must have told the sheriff about Dustin back when he was behaving badly. And okay, he deserved that.

Damn, he hadn’t answered Roy, had he?

“Can I use your bathroom?” he asked. Way to avoid a question. “That way, right?” He waved down the hall where he half remembered it being when he was here at Marshall and Lee’s wedding, which followed immediately on the heels of their return from the cruise the four men had all taken. Not together. Separately, but on the same ship.

Damn he was rattled if he felt the need to explain that to himself.

Roy nodded and Dustin gratefully disappeared into the bathroom.

Once he got inside, he wasn’t sure if he needed to pee or be sick. He slowed his breathing down to a more normal rate, decided he wouldn’t have to throw up, did his business, and washed his hands. He took a quick peek into Roy’s bathroom mirror, examining his face carefully. Looked normal to him. Guess that would work. He dried his hands, turned off the light, and returned to the living room.

Roy had thrown on a pair of shorts while Dustin was gone.

Thank God.

Roy had brought out a pillow, blanket, and sheet, and was in the process of making the couch into a makeshift bed. He looked up at Dustin’s entrance.

“Sorry, I only have one bedroom,” he apologized.

“No worries. That’ll be fine. I’ve slept in worse places,” Dustin assured him. Bounced around as he’d been, sometimes he’d had to make due with a spot on the floor. Sleeping bag, if he was lucky. Slept outside more than once. Compared to those times, this looked luxurious. “I’m sorry to bother you in the middle of the night like this,” he apologized again, but Roy waved his apology aside.

“Don’t worry about it, just get some sleep.” He yawned widely as he spoke.

“Think Denver will be all right?” Dustin fretted.

“Yeah, he should be fine. That Jordan guy wasn’t even going to pick you up until ten, right?”

Dustin nodded.

“We’ll be up long before then, with a plan.”

Dustin felt better just hearing Roy say that. There was something very comforting about Roy’s presence. Too bad the lawman didn’t much care for him, but that was his own fault. He intended to behave and not make a nuisance of himself as much as possible. Maybe he could get on Roy’s good side, if he tried.

“If you need anything, you know where the kitchen is, and I’m right in there.” Roy waved toward the single bedroom. “See you in the morning.”

“Thanks again, Roy. See you in the morning.”

As Roy stumbled off toward his bed, Dustin couldn’t help but admire his fine ass.

To be continued

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

Cia Nordwell

Carol Pedroso

Wednesday Briefs: The Sheriff #24 (7.1)

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.

Last week, if you'll remember, Dustin found himself doing something rather illegal, having listened to what Jordan told him. And things are only getting worse. Find out where he ends up 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 #24 (7.1)

Middle of the night found Roy tossing and turning, sleep eluding him. He couldn’t find a comfortable position to save his life. Punching the pillow didn’t help either. Nothing felt right. Certainly nothing felt good.

Then, naturally, he had to take a piss. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, reached for his shorts, out of habit, then decided to hell with it. Not worth the trouble for the short trip down the hall.

Once he finished his business and washed his hands, he was heading back to bed to see what he could salvage of the night when he froze in place as he passed by the living room.

What was that?

His mind must be playing tricks on him, due to lack of sleep. He’d thought he heard someone knock at his door, but who the hell would be doing that at this time of night? Most of the residents of Burnham were long asleep, which was where he should be.

Dismissing the idea as a product of an overactive imagination, he started to move on, but then he heard it again. Yep, definitely knocking at his front door.

Damn, what if it was Lee or Marshall? What if something was wrong? He covered the short distance to the door in quick strides and threw it open, only to find neither Lee nor Marshall. Instead, Dustin stood there, hand upraised as if to knock again.

“Do you know what the fuck time it is?” he started to upbraid Dustin. Was he drunk or what? Then he noticed that Dustin was trembling. He glanced nervously around him as if he was afraid of being seen by someone. What the hell had this kid so spooked?

Without thinking, Roy grabbed hold of Dustin’s arm and yanked him inside nature coming. “Get in here.” Whatever the trouble was, he’d sort it out and send Dustin on his merry way. Not like he was sleeping, anyway. Before he closed the door, he glanced cautiously around, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

Great, now he’s got me doing it.

Roy turned from the door to find Dustin had seated himself on his couch. His head was bowed, and he seemed to be trying to pull himself together.

Dustin raised his blond head, his hazel eyes fixed on Roy. Roy had seen that sort of look before—desperation mingled with terror. “I’m sorry to wake you up in the middle of the night, but I didn’t know where else to go.”

“Are you in some kind of trouble?” Roy blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

“I’m an idiot is what I am. A certifiable major idiot. I deserve everything that’s coming to me, but Denver doesn’t. He’s been good to me, and he doesn’t deserve to be hurt. So I ran, but now I don’t know if that was the right thing to do.”

Nothing was making sense, but Roy could see genuine fear in Dustin’s eyes, hear it in his voice.  He took a seat beside him on the couch, laid a calming hand on his arm. “Slow down, you’re not making sense. How is Denver going to be hurt? Who’s threatening him? And what’s it got to do with you?”

“Jordan, that’s who.” As he spoke the name, Dustin winced, as if the very thought of this man pained him.

“Who’s that?” Roy was clueless.

“Guy I met at the computer store. We’ve been… dating… for a few weeks now. If that’s what you want to call it.”

“What do you want to call it?” Roy asked.

“I call it him seeing an opportunity and going for it. And me thinking with my dick, as usual.” Now he sounded bitter. He locked his gaze with Roy’s. “I’m sorry to be bringing all this to you, but he scared me, I admit it. Said he’d hurt Denver if I didn’t do what he wanted. And tonight… oh God… tonight.” Dustin gave a shudder and squeezed his eyes shut, as if he was trying to shut out the world. Or at least one particular part of it.

Roy moved his hand to Dustin’s back and began to rub soothing circles, trying to get him to calm down. “It’s all right, don’t be sorry,” he said in a voice that was calculated to help put Dustin at ease. 

“Tell me exactly what Jordan said and did. Is this the guy you were with in Partners not too long ago?”

“Yeah, that’s him.” Dustin took a deep cleansing breath and opened his eyes once more. He fell silent for a few moments, as if organizing his thoughts. “It all began one day at work,” he began.

Roy listened without comment as Dustin told about meeting Jordan, and how flattered he was when the sexy guy asked him out. About his two Cro Magnon pals, Rusty and Lenny. And about what he now realized was breaking and entering someone’s house. About Jordan’s threats, and his plans to rob the computer store.

Holy shit.

Roy gave a long low whistle. Suddenly things were starting to make sense. Particularly the robberies in Tucker Falls.

“Have you told any of this to Denver?” Roy asked.

“No, I’m sure he’s asleep. I honestly didn’t know what to do. I just thought about you, and then I found myself driving here, and I’m sorry, I’m being a pest—”

“You are not,” Roy said. “I’m glad you came. That’s what I’m here for. What time did you say he’s coming by to pick you up?”

“At ten,” Dustin said. “Should I go back there and wait for him… or… or I don’t know what…”

“No, that’s the last thing you should do,” Roy said. “Why don’t you just stay here tonight? What’s left of it, anyway. In the morning, we’ll figure something out.”

Before he realized what was happening, Dustin was hugging him as if never wanted to let go.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefs are up to!

Carol Pedroso

Cia Nordwell

Jon Keys

Sarah Hayes

Denise Wyant

Wednesday Briefs: The Sheriff #23 (6.5)

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.

Last week, Dustin was asked to help Jordan's friend Rusty with a little problem. Imagine Dustin's surprise when he found out it involved "breaking in" to someone's house! Things go from bad to worse this week. What will Dustin do? Find out in this week's chapter of The Sheriff. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they're up to! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

The Sheriff #23 (6.5)

Dustin felt sick to his stomach at the thought of what he’d so stupidly just done. Made himself an accomplice to a burglary, even if an unwitting one. Try explaining that to a judge. Everything was becoming all too clear to him now, especially what an idiot he’d been to believe someone like Jordan could be interested in someone like him. It hadn’t been him, it had been the computer store where he worked that had been the big attraction all along. If they’d run into each other anywhere else, Jordan would probably not have given Dustin the time of day. That’s what he got for thinking with his dick.

Had there been others before him? Was this a regular racket with these guys? No wonder Rusty and Lenny treated him like shit. They’d probably seen this scenario enacted before. And no wonder their employment seemed so sketchy. They were thieves, if not something worse.

Even as he thought this, he felt something in his spine stiffen. He wasn’t about to go along with helping these assclowns rob the very store where he worked. The store his cousin was kind enough to help him get a job at. Denver certainly didn’t deserve that. He’d been nothing but good to Dustin, gave him a chance when no one else would.  Gave him a place to live.

How could he betray the only family he had? He couldn’t.

Jordan let Rusty and Lenny out at their apartment building, then turned to Dustin. “Want to grab a bite to eat and go back to my place?”

Dustin didn’t think he could eat if he tried. Besides, he knew what else was included in that invitation, judging by what he’d said previously, and he honestly didn’t want to be with Jordan like that. Jordan might be sexy but he was poison. Dustin wasn’t sure he would ever want him again. But it didn’t seem very prudent to say so. Rusty had been carrying a weapon. It wouldn’t surprise him if Jordan did too. And he probably wasn’t afraid to use it.

“I’ve not feeling very well,” Dustin said, which wasn’t actually a lie. “Mind dropping me off instead? I’d rather not get sick in your car.”

“I’d rather you not get sick in it too,” Jordan said in a cold voice, devoid of any compassion for Dustin. He made no move to comfort him, or touch him in any way, for which Dustin was grateful, just drove. A few minutes later, they were in front of the building where he lived with Denver.

Dustin reached for the door handle, but froze at the sound of Jordan’s voice.

“I’ll pick you up in the morning,” Jordan said. “About ten. Make sure you’re ready and waiting for me.”

What the hell?

Dustin gave Jordan a confused look.

“We’re going to case that store of yours,” Jordan said. “I want to know everything about it, the sooner the better. I think that could turn out to be one of our better hauls.”

“I don’t think so.”

Dustin was surprised to realize those words had actually come out of his mouth. He had more backbone than he’d given himself credit for, at least when it came to Jordan.

Jordan’s smile was ice cold. He didn’t seem at all fazed by Dustin’s refusal. “I don’t think you understand. You’re my bitch, Dustin, and you’ll do what I tell you to do, for as long as I tell you to do it.”

“The hell I will!” Dustin blurted out. “What makes you think you can talk to me like that? Find another boyfriend. We’re through.”

Jordan threw his head back and began to laugh, a sound that Dustin found oddly disturbing. “Oh honey, you are naïve, if you think you’re my boyfriend.”  Calming down, he continued. “I will always be able to talk to you anyway I want. And you know why? Because if you don’t do as I say, your beloved cousin will pay the price. And you don’t even want to know what I can do to him, trust me. So be a good boy, get some sleep, and tomorrow be ready when I come for you. And furthermore, if I tell you I want to fuck you, then be prepared for that too. Assuming I even want to. Now go on. I’m done with you for tonight.”

Dustin stumbled out of the car in a daze and slammed the door shut behind him. He watched as Jordan peeled out of the lot. What the hell was he going to do now? He wasn’t about to help them break into the computer store, but at the same time, he wasn’t going to let them hurt Denver.

There seemed to be only one choice left. He had to hide. Get the hell out of Tucker Falls until he figured out something more permanent. But where? He didn’t know anyone.

He’d worry about that later. Right now, he needed to grab his clothes, get in his car and drive… and hope for the best.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Carol Pedroso

Cia Nordwell

Wednesday Briefs: The Sheriff #22 (6.4)

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.

Dustin finds himself doing a favor for Rusty, at Jordan's bequest, but is it all it seems to be? And how long will Dustin allow himself to be led around by the dick? Maybe some of the answers can be found in this week's chapter of The Sheriff. Don't forget to see what the other Briefers are up to! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

The Sheriff #22 (6.4)

Just when had he become so dick-whipped?

Against his own better judgment, Dustin accompanied Rusty into the darkened house, Jordan’s kiss still lingering on his lips.

“Why isn’t Lenny coming?” Dustin whispered as they crossed the wide lawn.

“’Cause,” was the only response he received.

Things only grew worse and worse. If this was a friend who’d arranged this, why not give Rusty the key? And if this was planned in advance, surely this friend would have told Rusty where to find what. But Rusty seemed to be playing everything by ear. The blind leading the blind.

Rusty had a small flashlight he shone about as they wandered through the large house. When Dustin accidentally bumped into a table he couldn’t see, the sound echoed around them. Rusty whirled on him, fist raised. “Not a sound!” he hissed.

Dustin was too startled to respond. What the hell, dude?

Rusty picked up random pieces here and there, piling them into Dustin’s arms. Dustin began to wonder if he was looking for items of value, or things that were portable. They crept up the stairs to the second floor, to what Dustin presumed was the master bedroom. Rusty hesitated outside the door for a moment, before taking a quick peek inside. Then he seemed to relax as he turned to Dustin and beckoned him inside.

“No one’s home,” he said in a more normal tone of voice.

I thought you already knew that? Dustin didn’t voice his concern. He felt awkward enough as it was, and voices in his head were screaming at him to get the hell out of there, this is so not right. Not for Jordan, not for anyone.

“We should go—” His protest died when he found himself staring down the barrel of a revolver Rusty had drawn on him.

“Shut up and keep still,” he told him. Dustin froze in place.

Keeping the gun trained on Dustin, Rusty approached the bed and yanked off the elegant bedding with one hand, down to the top sheet, sweeping everything else onto the floor. “Drop that stuff here,” he instructed, motioning toward the middle of the bed. Dustin did as he’d instructed.

“Now make a bundle of that. It’ll be easier to carry,” Rusty said. He began to rummage through a box on top of one of the dressers. “Ah, the good stuff.”

Dustin saw what he thought must be diamonds, reflecting what little light came through the bedroom windows. Rusty was stuffing everything into his pockets. When he was done, he threw the empty case on the floor, then opened a top drawer.

“Ooh, pretty,” he exclaimed.  He took something from the drawer and held it up to his nose, inhaling deeply. He withdrew more of them, burying his face in the fabric with undisguised delight. Only then did Dustin recognize them as women’s lacy panties.  Rusty stuffed the lingerie into his pockets as well, to Dustin’s disgust. Surely that had no resell value? What the hell was going on here?

“Grab that stuff and let’s scram,” Rusty said, waving the gun in what he probably considered a menacing manner. Dustin was more afraid the man who would shoot him accidentally than on purpose. Either way had to hurt, though. Feeling more than a little stupid, and anxious to get the hell out of here so he could proceed to forget this night, he did as Rusty ordered.

Wait ‘til Jordan finds out what’s going on.

They exited the house without incident. By now, Dustin was sure Rusty’s entire story was phony, so he was grateful that the homeowners didn’t suddenly show up. Or worse, the police. When they reached Jordan’s car, Lenny was standing there. He popped open the trunk and pointed toward it, a clear indicator of what Dustin needed to do with his bundle. Dustin dropped it inside, gladly, then turned to Rusty, who had put the gun out of sight once more.

“Motherfucker, don’t you ever draw on me again,” he warned him.

Rusty only laughed. “Get over yourself, kid,” he said.

The driver’s door opened, and Dustin saw Jordan silhouetted in the moonlight. “Hey guys, get in. Now.”

Rusty slammed the trunk lid shot, then gave Dustin a cheeky look. “You heard your master. Now move it.” Without waiting for a response, he got into the back seat, behind Lenny.

Dustin was beyond angry. He climbed in the car on the passenger side and turned an indignant face toward Jordan.

“Something wrong, babe?”

“I think I just helped Rusty rob this house, so yeah, something’s wrong!” Dustin blurted out. “I think he lied about the whole story he gave us. I don’t think he knows this homeowners at all, or any friends of theirs.”

If he expected Jordan to turn to Rusty and demand an explanation, Dustin was disappointed. In fact, Jordan didn’t seem very surprised at all at Dustin’s revelation. A sickening feeling crept into his stomach, as thoughts he didn’t want to have began to worm their way into his brain.

“We got some good stuff,” Rusty said from the back seat. “Want to go over it tonight or tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow’s time enough,” Jordan said. He slid his hand onto Dustin’s thigh, caressing it. “I have other things to do tonight.”

Was he serious?

The little voices were screaming Get out, now! And he fully intended to listen to them this time. But when he reached for the door handle, Jordan’s grip tightened.

“You’re not going anywhere, you’re one of us now, honey. “

“Like hell I am!” Dustin yelled.

“Tsk, tsk.” Jordan clicked his tongue. “No need to get so worked up. You’re an accomplice now. And with your help, we’re going to get into that nice computer store you work at.”

Dustin felt utterly sick to his stomach as he slumped back against the seat.

What had he gotten himself into now?

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Sarah Hayes

Carol Pedroso

Avery Dawes

Cia Nordwell

Wednesday Briefs: The Sheriff #21 (6.3)

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.

Last week, we saw Dustin get together again with Jordan and his buddies, but what is the purpose of this gathering? Find out more in this week's chapter of The Sheriff. Don't forget to check out the other Briefers, see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale!  Enjoy!

The Sheriff #21(6.3)

After a while, Dustin was beginning to wonder if Jordan’s big plan for tonight was to take the scenic tour of Tucker Falls. It certainly appeared that way, at least from his perspective. Jordan was driving randomly around town. He stopped occasionally, but only at some convenience store, and only to get more beer. Dustin was growing more and more frustrated at the way this evening was headed. He wanted to get rid of the two in the back seat and get down to other business. They didn’t seem to mind the extended drive. They were laughing and drinking, making stupid jokes that Dustin did his best to ignore, and they tossed the empties out the window without giving any thought as to who they might hit.

As the shadows of night began to blanket Tucker Falls, Jordan left the main drag and began to wind his way through various residential areas, staying away  now from the brightly lit business districts. Dustin began to think maybe he should just ask to go home, call it a night, and try again later. But every time he started to move away from Joran, Jordan’s palm would press against his crotch, and he’d begin to rub Dustin’s cock through the material of his pants, and Dustin would forget everything but the feel of Jordan, and his desire to be alone with him, and he would hold his tongue. Things had to get better, right?

Still, he couldn’t help but wonder what Rusty’s problem was, and what he needed Dustin for.  And when would they get to the part of the story where they solved the problem, so they could lose those two for the rest of the evening and have some real fun.

Dustin really began to wonder what was going on when they found themselves in one of the ritzier areas of Tucker Falls. The people who lived in these huge houses had some serious bucks. These were not people who worked menial jobs for a living, like Dustin or his cousin. Dustin had never been in any of these houses, never even met anyone who owned one. It seemed unlikely that any problem Rusty had was anything to do with people like the ones who lived here.

So he was surprised when Jordan turned down a quiet street which had only a few houses on it, and terminated in a cul-de-sac.

“Why are we stopping?” Dustin asked.

“Because we’re here,” was Jordan’s simple answer.

Dustin looked from Rusty, , who was grinning broadly in the back seat, to the large, dark house they sat in front of. What connection could there be between them? Not to mention, the placed showed no sign of life. Maybe the homeowners were in bed?

“Here’s the story,” Rusty began. Dustin turned to him, listening.

“You see, a friend of a friend owns this house, and him and his old lady, they’re getting a divorce.”

“And?” Dustin asked. What did this have to do with them?

“Well, the guy who owns the house is afraid she’s gonna sell some of his stuff on him, and since she’s out of the country right now, he asked if my friend knew someone who could get some of it for him.”

“Why doesn’t he get it himself if she’s not around?” Dustin asked, perplexed. Sounded easy enough.

“That’s where it gets a little shady,” Jordan smoothly interjected. “You see if she finds out her stuff is missing, she’ll have the law on him, you know? It has to look like a break-in.”

Dustin was aghast. “You intend to break into that man’s house? That’s fucking illegal.”

“Not with the homeowner’s permission.” Jordan’s hand was doing things to Dustin, and he had to struggle to keep up with the conversation when his urge was to moan loudly and bend over for Jordan.

“We won’t get caught, don’t worry,” Rusty assured him.

“Who’s we?” Dustin looked from Jordan to Rusty and back.

“That’s the little favor I need your help with.” Rusty grinned.

Oh hell no. “I don’t think—” Before he could say another word, Jordan’s mouth was pressed tightly against his, and he was rubbing against Dustin even harder. Dustin felt his resistance weakening. Especially when Jordan whispered into his ear, “Don’t worry about a thing, sweet thing. It’s a simple in and out, not much to it. Besides, she deserves it. She’s been screwing the gardener, the mailman, the next door neighbor… anybody and everybody. Just a little payback, you know?”

Somehow it didn’t seem so bad when Jordan put it like that.

to be continued

Now see what the other Briefers are up to!

Avery Dawes

Carol Pedroso

Cia Nordwell

Wednesday Briefs: The Sheriff #20 (6.2)

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.

Dustin is spending a lot of time with Jordan. Also with his two friends. But Dustin grins and bears it. So what's up with them tonight? Where are they going and why? Find out more in this week's chapter of The Sheriff. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they're up to! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

The Sheriff #20 (6.2)

Dustin signed his name to the check which covered his share of living expenses and left it on the kitchen table, where Denver would be sure to find it. A twinge of guilt pricked his conscience. He hadn’t seen much of his cousin lately, not even at work. They seemed to work completely different shifts, and whenever Dustin wasn’t working, he was with Jordan.

Damn, that man was fine. And he seemed to be smitten with Dustin, which was most gratifying after the rejection he’d received from Marshall. Not that he blamed Marshall or Lee for that. Not any more, anyway. But still, it was nice to have someone who made a point of letting you know he wanted to be with you. Even if they spent an awful lot of time with Jordan’s lunkhead friends. But the time they got to spend alone made up for that.

Then what was Dustin concerned about? Life was good, right?

Except sometimes, the things he heard between Jordan and Rusty and Lenny left him scratching his head, trying to puzzle out what they were talking about.

Dustin was growing more and more suspicious of Rusty’s sales job. For some reason, he seemed to work out of his trunk. Rusty said it cut down on overhead, which made sense in one way, but not another. Where did he keep his stock? And why did it seem to change all the time? A lot of electronics, various brands. Computer equipment. And cell phones.

But if he questioned Jordan about it, in private, Jordan just laughed. And then he’d kiss Dustin hard enough to drive any other thoughts from his brain, and then they’d end up in bed and the question would be shelved once more.

The insistent ring of the doorbell drew Dustin from his reverie. Surely Denver hadn’t lost his key?  He glanced through the small peephole in the door. Speak of the devil. Standing there were Rusty and Lenny, with no sign of Jordan. What did they want?

He opened the door slightly. He didn’t even like that they knew where he lived. That made him uncomfortable. Not like he and Jordan ever hung out here, but still, it was the principle of the thing.

“Hey, Dustin,” came Rusty’s cheery voice. “Open the door, man, it’s us.”

Like he didn’t know that already.

Still, he had no real reason not to, so he swung the door a little wider, albeit reluctantly. “What’s up, guys?” He scanned up and down the hallway. Still no sign of Jordan.

“Big guy’s downstairs.” Rusty supplied the missing information. “He sent us up to get you, didn’t he, Len?”

Len nodded his head vigorously. “He sure did.”

“He said to tell you he’s waiting in the car for you, and to wear something dark.”

Something dark? Dustin frowned. “Why?” These two weren’t making any sense.

“Yeah, something dark,” Lenny confirmed. “I think he has something special planned.” He gave Dustin a confidential wink that struck Dustin as being rather creepy.

Maybe they would be able to ditch these two, maybe that was Jordan’s plan. That would be nice.

“You should do that, then. He doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

Was that menace he heard in Rusty’s voice? Whatever it was, he didn’t like it.

“Yeah, fine,” Dustin said. “I’ll be down in a couple minutes. Meet you down there.” He closed the door before either man had time to reply.

Not wanting to keep Jordan waiting, he hurried to his bedroom, even as he wondered when he’d become such a teenage girl? But his libido reminded him that Jordan was damn hot, and he was totally in to Dustin, and so what if his friends were a little creepy?

He found a dark blue sweatshirt with long sleeves, in case it was cool, and a pair of black slacks. Just to be safe, even though the subject hadn’t come up, he exchanged his tennis shoes for a pair of dark brown boots.

As he locked the apartment door behind him, he was half afraid they’d be waiting for him, but there was no sign of the gruesome twosome, so Dustin hurried downstairs, and headed out to the parking lot. There was Jordan’s car, with Jordan behind the wheel. Rusty and Lenny were standing on either side of the car. At sight of him, they waved and then ducked into the back seat.

Dustin started to go around to the passenger side, when Jordan surprised him by getting out and beckoning to him. “Hey sexy,” he greeted Dustin just before he pulled him into a long, wet kiss which sent Dustin’s blood pressure skyrocketing. “You and me. It’s gonna be you and me tonight,” he murmured softly.

Now that sounded more like it. Dustin glanced into the backseat, where the two men were grinning broadly. What the hell’s so funny, he wondered.

“We’re going to drop them off.”

Dustin definitely liked the sound of that.

“But first, we’re going to help Rusty with a little problem.”

That sounded ominous. Before Dustin could think to protest, Jordan had his hand pressed against Dustin’s crotch, and thinking became non-existent.

“Let’s get this show underway, then,” Jordan said. He hadn’t closed the door when he got out to greet Dustin. He waved Dustin to climb inside, even as he repeated, “You and me, baby,” in a heated whisper.

Okay, for that, Dustin could put up with the presence of the two stooges.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Johayan

Cia Nordwell

Jon Keys

Wednesday Briefs: The Sheriff #19 (6.1)

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.

Last week, in The Sheriff, we saw Dustin and his new bf Jordan kicking it with a couple of Jordan's buddies. This week, we get to see what Roy's up to. Any movement in his love life? Find out in this week's chapter of The Sheriff! Don't forget to visit the other Briefers! Their links follow my tale!  Enjoy!

The Sheriff #19 (6.1)

Another blustery March day in Texas. The wind whipped at Roy’s hat like it had a personal vendetta against the sheriff. He clamped it to his head with one hand as he followed Lee and Marshall into a local steakhouse in Tucker Falls. The only saving grace as far as the weather was concerned was that the wind was coming up from the south, so it was fairly balmy. Roy knew he’d be wishing for these modest temperatures to return when the dog days of summer struck with a vengeance.

He’d talked his friends into meeting Denver for lunch, telling them they needed to take a break from work now and then. If he was going to be completely honest with himself, it wouldn’t hurt him any either. Roy had been keeping an eye out ever since the breakfast meeting with Harlan, but he hadn’t seen a thing. According to Harlan, the robberies were still going on, and not a damn lead to be had.

Between that particular bit of frustration, and his continuing failure in the romance department, Roy had to admit he needed this quick break with his friends.

Denver was waiting for them inside, at a booth near the front window, one which offered a great view of the parking lot. Lee waved Marshall into the booth and slid in beside him.

“Guess you’re stuck with me.” Denver grinned. “Can you get past me okay? Let me stand for ya.”

Roy shook his head. “No way. Just slide on over. My legs need more room than yours.”

Denver complied with a chuckle and a wink. “Just you wait till you get married. Then you won’t get a choice. You’ll end up wherever the little woman puts you.”

That produced laughter from Marshall and Lee as Roy took his place.

“Or the little man,” Marshall offered helpfully. Roy scowled at him.

“You got something against that idea?” Denver asked, but his question was interrupted by the arrival of the waitress, a chipper forty-something platinum blonde whose name tag read Tabatha.

She distributed menus then stood back and grinned. “Howdy y’all,” she greeted them. “Can I get y’all something to drink while you’re thinking what you want?”

They all opted for the house draft. “Be back in a tick,” she said, spun on her heel and headed in the direction of the service bar.

If Roy hoped the interrogation regarding his love life was over, thanks to the waitress’ timely intervention, he was sadly mistaken.

“Surely you’re not saying you’re too good to be with a man?” Denver continued. Roy couldn’t help but notice the twinkle in his eye, not to mention the snigger Marshall was doing his best to control, but failing sadly. As for Lee, while he wasn’t grinning, he had an all-too knowing look in his eye, like he knew something Roy didn’t know. There’d been times in the past when that look had led to an interesting development Roy hadn’t seen coming, especially when they’d been searching for the kidnapped Marshall. But not this time. This time Lee was completely coming out of left field, if that’s what he thought.

“I never said that,” Roy protested. “Fact is, I don’t remember saying anything at all, one way or another. You’re just a shit disturber, Denver.”

“Hey, that reminds me, where’s Dustin at? How’s he doing?” Marshall asked. Roy was grateful for the change in subject. He was curious to know the answer to that question to, but damned if he was going to bring it up first.

“Hell if I know.” Denver shrugged. “Haven’t seen much of him lately.”

Lee’s eyebrows arched. “You haven’t? Doesn’t he still live with you?”

“Yeah, I thought that was the whole idea of him moving to Tucker Falls,” Marshall said.

“He still lives there, sure. He’s just been busy lately. With his new boyfriend, I guess. I dunno. I just know he’s still working at the store, and he pays his share of the bills, and he isn’t in trouble. What more can I ask of him?”

“Well, that all sounds good then,” Lee said. “Would that boyfriend be the one we saw him with at Partners a while back?”

“I think so.” Denver nodded. Just then Tabatha returned with their beers, which she distributed in frosty glasses.

She took their order—four top sirloin steaks, in varying degrees of doneness. “Would y’all like fries with that?” They all agreed on fries and she promised to be back soon.

Once she’d gone, Denver cleared his throat and took a drink of the draft beer, before saying, “I’ve seen him pick Dustin up, but I haven’t exactly met him.”

“Oh? That seems a mite odd,” Lee said.

“Yeah, I agree, but Dustin’s old enough to know his own mind. If he wants to let some guy sit out in the drive and honk for him and have him running out the door like a schoolgirl on a hot date…” He shrugged and let the words lie where they fell. “Sometimes there’s a couple other guys with them, in the back seat. Didn’t get a good look at them, though.”

“That seems awful rude,” Marshall commented.

“I know, but like I said, he’s a grown man.”

Roy agreed with Marshall that such behavior was very rude. What had Dustin gotten himself into now, he wondered.

to be continued

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

Carol Pedroso

Cia Nordwell

Sarah Hayes

Avery Dawes