Interview with Roy Landry (The Sheriff)

 

I haven’t done any interviews lately, especially those that require travel, but today I’m going to the small town of Burnham, Texas to talk to the sheriff there. No, not because of any trouble or anything, but because his book just came out, and I thought people should meet him.

Roy Landry is the Sheriff of Burnham. He’s agreed to meet me at Milly’s Diner. Why am I not surprised? Neither am I surprised to see he’s not alone. But that’s okay too. I like these other guys too. I know them all. By others, I mean Lee, Marshall, and Dustin.

I walk into the diner and make a beeline for their table. All four men stand as I approach, and Lee pulls out a chair for me. Milly comes to the table and greets me with a big smile. “Coffee all around?” she asks and everyone readily agrees. She returns quickly with a pot of hot java and assorted creamers and tells us she’ll come back when we’re ready to order.

“Good morning, guys,” I greet them. “How did I know you would all be here?”

Lee clears his throat and Marshall snickers. “I told Roy you wanted to talk to him, but he insisted.”

I give Roy a knowing glance, even as Dustin says, “Told you so.” Roy turns red and everyone laughs.

“Oh hush you,” he tells Dustin, which produces more laughter.

“I’m happy to see all of you,” I insist. “It’s not often I get to talk to such handsome gentlemen.”

Now Marshall and Dustin blush, and Roy and Lee chuckle.

“And how are you doing today?” Lee asks me.

I take a sip of blessed coffee, letting the warmth steal through me, and smile. “I’m doing great. It’s always a pleasure to visit with you guys.”

 I turn my attention to Roy.  “Sorry, Sheriff, if you thought having them here would keep me from asking you questions.”

Roy looks me straight in the eyes and replies, “I know better than that, don’t I? Doesn’t mean I’ll answer all those questions, though. Know what I mean?”

I know exactly what he means, and so do Lee and Marshall, although Dustin has no clue. But there are some things Dustin doesn’t need to know and I’m good with that, and so are the rest of them. Some secrets are better left… secret.

“How long have you been sheriff here?” I ask.

Roy tilts his head, thinking. “Well, when I came here, Marshall was what… thirteen?” He looks to Lee for confirmation.

“That sounds right,” Lee confirms. “He’s twenty-one now.”

“So I guess about eight years now.”

“Were you a sheriff somewhere else before Burnham?” I ask.

Roy shakes his head. “Nope, first time. Before this, I was a PI. I did some work for Lee, that’s how we met. Then ended up moving here when Lee and Marshall did and just fell in love with the place. When the Mayor asked if I’d be the sheriff I said yes.”

“Burnham is lucky to have him,” Lee says. “Roy is the best.”

Marshall agrees, and all three men exchange warm glances. It’s obvious how much they care for one another, and I feel my eyes start to tear up. I try to be inconspicuous as I dab at them, but they catch me anyway. They all smile, and Lee hands me a handkerchief.

“Always the gentlemen,” I say. “Thanks, Lee.”

“That’s him all over,” Marshall comments. “Except when he’s being ornery.”

Lee raises his eyebrows. Now Dustin and Roy snicker, while Marshall sticks out his tongue. “You know it’s true. I don’t hear you denying it.”

“I’ll show you ornery when we get home,” Lee warns him.

“Promises, promises,” Marshall counters.

Gosh, we are so getting off topic here, but I find it easy to be distracted around them. Much as I’d love to be a fly on that wall and see what happens, I know that’s not going to happen, so I won’t even ask. Back to business.

“So, I hear there’s been some problems over in Tucker Falls. Isn’t that so, Roy?”

“Yes, ma’am, that’s true.”

I interrupt. “Please don’t call me ma’am.”

“Yes, ma—“ He catches himself just in time. “Sorry. The sheriff there is a friend of mine, and he asked me to look into what’s going on.”

“I think that’s great. Don’t you, Dustin?”

Suddenly Dustin won’t look me in the eye, and I have to wonder what is going on with him, with them?

“Lee and Marshall just got married.” Roy deftly changes the subject. Why is he being so considerate of Dustin? I didn’t think they knew each other that well.

“I know, congratulations to you both.” I give the newlyweds a smile.

Lee raises Marshall’s hand to his lips and kisses it before saying, “Thank you.”

Marshall’s eyes are fastened on Lee as he repeats,” Thank you. Best thing that ever happened to me.”

I can’t help but feel a warmth at seeing the happiness they radiate. I glance at Roy, and he seems both happy and… what…. Envious, maybe? Like he wishes he had what they have?

“Roy, you seeing anyone these days?” I ask.

“Nothing serious.” He suddenly busies himself with the menu. Like he doesn’t have the damn thing memorized. Just then Milly comes back and takes our orders, and I decide to leave it for now. I’m sure Roy is capable of finding some young lady who’d be more than happy to go out with him. Probably not in Burnham. But there’s always Tucker Falls.

We’ll just have to see, I guess. I decide to relax and enjoy the company. Sorry, that’s all the information for today. If you want to know more, read The Sheriff. It’s out now.

 

Blurb:

Roy wouldn’t give up being the sheriff of the small town of Burnham, Texas for anything. Maybe the circumstances surrounding his being there weren’t the best, but all’s well that ends well. He couldn’t ask for better friends than Lee and Marshall. And the people of Burnham have been nothing less than welcoming, offering him the position of sheriff after he decided to stop being a PI and settle there with his friends. Even so, sometimes he wishes he could have what Lee and Marshall have. Does such love even exist for him? Right now that just doesn’t seem to be in the cards, as none of his dates ever seem to lead in the right direction. Good thing he has his job to hold onto.

Dustin Johnson hasn’t had an easy life, bounced around between family members since he was young. He first met Marshall in a bar in Tucker Falls, coming to his rescue when he was almost assaulted by a disgruntled would-be suitor, and became infatuated with him. Not taking no for an answer, he kept pursuing him, colliding with Marshall’s partner Lee on more than one occasion. But that’s all done now. He realizes he’s made some mistakes, and he wants to turn over a new life. Beginning with a more permanent living arrangement with his cousin Denver and a job at the computer store. What he really would like to do is work in law enforcement. But Sheriff Roy Landry barely gives him the time of day. What’s a guy to do?

Just when Dustin thinks he’s found the man of his dreams, he learns just how bad a judge of character he really is. He runs to Roy for help, and Roy promises to help him do what is right. Will Roy become the white knight Dustin needs, assuming he doesn’t get killed in the process?

Sometimes love is where you least expect to find it. But if you keep an open mind and heart, you might just find what you’re looking for. 

Excerpt:

Roy Landry raised his bottle of beer in a silent toast to the two men—his two best friends—who had just departed the wedding reception being held for them in Roy’s home. But that was traditional, wasn’t it? The newlyweds were always the first to leave. At least that was the case in Roy’s experience, and he’d been to a few weddings over the years.

Although he was beyond happy for the newlyweds, he was also jealous of them. He envied Marshall and Lee and what they had. He’d never met such a loving, devoted couple in his entire life.  And he’d never seen two people fight so hard to be together. Maybe their relationship was unorthodox in the eyes of the rest of the world, but to him they were perfect for one another. And he was happy to have become a part of their lives, even if the circumstances of their meeting were less than stellar. And he was proud to have been instrumental in their reunion after a horrific five year separation.

Hopefully, they’d have nothing but smooth sailing ahead of them now, to make up for some of that unwarranted turbulence. And hopefully Lee’s ex would never show her face in Burnham again. After her last reception, Roy rather doubted she would.

 “So you’re a minister, are you?”

A voice broke into his thoughts, drawing Roy back to the present. Dustin Johnson stood beside him, long neck in hand.  Dustin’s cousin Denver was a friend of theirs, part of a small group who liked to hang out at a place called Partners, in nearby Tucker Falls. Dustin had helped Marshall out of a difficult situation at Partners—got him away from a pushy jackass who didn’t know how to accept no for an answer and was willing to inflict pain to get his point across. Roy was grateful to Dustin for that. But according to Marshall and Lee, he had the ability to be a real pain in the ass, too, and Lee’d had to put him in his place more than once about his unwanted attentions to Marshall.

Knowing Lee, Dustin should consider himself lucky he only got a talking-to.

All in all, Roy trusted the boy about as far as he could throw him.

“Something like that,” Roy replied evasively. He didn’t think it was any of Dustin’s business one way or another. No, the ceremony he’d performed wasn’t legal, but there was no way anyone would allow that for Marshall and Lee, so Roy had done the best he could, and none the wiser who didn’t already know the truth. Which didn’t include Dustin, or even Denver. Theirs was not a secret to be told lightly, and Roy would never betray their faith in him by telling anyone what he knew.

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Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #57 (13.3)

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. 

Chan thinks things might be looking up when Evan proposes taking the kids to the park to play. See what's going on with them in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Super Trooper #57 (13.3)

The park was within walking distance of the house. Chan had gone there with his family many times, and had often taken his siblings there on his own as well. Used primarily by children from nearby neighborhoods, it was filled with  everything a child could hope for in a playground—swings and seesaws, equipment to climb on, a merry-go-round, and even small playhouses for sitting inside quietly with a book. Benches for the parents, of course.  Shady trees dotted the park, inhabited by friendly squirrels whose antics were often amusing, and whose broad leaves provided relief from the sometimes harsh Texas sun. And of course picnic tables and bbq pits for those who enjoyed eating outdoors.

There had never been any trouble at the park. Chan knew his parents trusted Laksha enough to take her brother and sister there to play under her supervision. Kamal and his friends frequently played there after school and on weekends. Altogether a familiar place. One Chan hoped would provide a much-needed feeling of familiarity.

How much he loved Evan for having made the suggestion.

 The kids readily agreed to the plan, of course. Although Chan thought they could have been more appreciative of Evan, since it was his idea. Laksha did say thank you, but Kamal acted as though it was his right, but Chan let it pass rather than spoil a day which held so much promise.

While the children got ready, Evan made a trip to a nearby deli and brought back an assortment of sandwiches and chips and bottled water. Chan’s mother had always discouraged them from drinking coke, as Texans referred to any brand of soda. He was more than happy to follow her direction in this as in anything else. He knew she would have wanted it that way.

Once they reached the park, Kamal spotted some of his friends and immediately became immersed in a game of tag.

Chan started to ask Laksha if she wanted to join them, but one glance told him she was not interested. Naturally not. She was four years older than the boys, and not given to the physical pursuits they frequently enjoyed.

Even Madhu seemed happy to be there. She obviously had her favorite spots in the park, tugging at Laksha’s hand just as she opened her book. “Want to swing,” Madhu said.

“We’ll take her,” Chan quickly volunteered. He glanced at Evan, who nodded his approval, to Chan’s relief.  Reaching for Madhu, he swept her up into his arms.

“Okay,” Laksha agreed, immersing herself in her book. Something about genetics, he noticed. He was always amazed at how advanced she was for her age. Sometimes he forgot she was only eleven.

Besides a full-sized set, the park contained swings that were designed with younger children in mind, and that is where they directed their steps. Such a beautiful day. He couldn’t have asked for nicer weather. Not a cloud in the sky, a gentle breeze. Life was good.

He carefully set his sister into one of the swings, making sure she was carefully locked in place before he began to push her. She squealed with joy and kicked her feet.

 The swing beside her was occupied by a small boy, who was being pushed by his mother. She turned toward Chan and smiled.  “You have a beautiful daughter,” she said.

“Sister,” Chan replied. “And thank you. Your son is very handsome.” The mother beamed at him in return.

Chan and Evan took turns pushing Madhu until she decided she was done. Chan released her from the swing and she immediately began to run off. Not that she could get far on her fat baby legs. Apparently she just wanted to stretch them. They easily strolled behind her in her wake as she zigzagged about the park on a random course.

Chan noticed that Evan hovered like a worried mother hen, and the sight warmed his heart. Maybe everyone was adjusting to the new situation and all would be well. He certainly hoped so.

Just then, he noticed Madhu stumble on something. She fell face first into the soft grass with an indignant wail. Evan was at her side in an instant. He reached for her, but she wouldn’t let him pick her up, struggling against his efforts. She reached out for Chan instead.

“Chan!” she cried insistently until he took her into his arms and cradled her, after making sure she wasn’t injured, just shaken up.

He glanced at Evan, not sure what to say to soften her rejection. He thought he saw pain reflected in Evan’s eyes and his heart went out to him. “She’s just used to me,” he said. “It’s nothing against you. She was just scared.”

But he wasn’t sure Evan believed that any more than he did. Chan stifled a sigh, as they headed back toward the picnic table they had staked out earlier, where Laksha sat.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

J Ray Lamb

 

Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #11 (2.7)

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.

The fun continues with Chan and Evan. See what's going on with these two sexy guys in this week's chapter of Super Trooper! Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Super Trooper #11 (2.7)

Evan hadn’t expected that, to be honest. Chan’s mouth on his cock felt amazing, warm and inviting. He was not such a strict disciplinarian that he grew angry if a man deviated from what he was told to do. In fact, Evan appreciated that Chan chose to show some initiative. That meant he was into this as much as Evan was.

And what Chan did next took Evan by surprise. He began to hum around Evan’s cock. Evan had never had this done to him before. The musical murmurs against his flesh were creating vibrations that pulsed through him in waves. He’d never known a blow job could be this good.

But he had to be careful. Evan knew that if Chan continued at this pace, he wouldn’t be able to keep from coming. And if he did that, he’d never be able to do what they actually came there for. He tapped Chan’s leg and the other man stilled immediately.

“Move up here,” Evan directed him. “I want to taste you.”

As Chan moved up his body, Evan was able to get a better look into his eyes. Large mocha eyes with flecks of gold. Evan couldn’t remember when he’d seen such lovely eyes. And if one’s eyes were the mirror to the soul… He took advantage of Chan’s proximity to kiss him again. Chan’s lips were already kiss-swollen, which only served to inflame Evan’s desire more. He couldn’t remember ever wanting to kiss someone the way he wanted to continue kissing Chan.

He motioned to Chan to straddle his face. Now he could admire Chan’s cock, which was a little darker than his skin, and uncircumcised. Chan pulled back the foreskin, exposing the pink head beneath. Evan kissed it reverently before taking it into his mouth as Chan moved his hands to grasp the headboard.

Evan repositioned his own hands behind Chan, caressing his cheeks as he sucked on him. He liked the way Chan tasted, the velvety smoothness of his dick. Pausing to take a breath, he looked up at Chan. “Fuck my mouth as hard as you want,” he encouraged him, suspecting Chan was deliberately taking it easy. But he knew he could take it, and he wanted it.

Chan readjusted his position and began to thrust into Evan’s mouth with greater force. Chan wasn’t too long, but he had a good girth which was very satisfying. Evan squeezed his ass in encouragement, wanting every inch of Chan he could get.

He took one hand and reached for his cock, already wet with precum, and dampened two fingers. He intended to stretch Chan before he entered him. He had no idea what Chan’s past history with men was, and it didn’t really matter. Only the here and now.

He inserted the tip of one finger inside Chan’s pucker, felt the muscles resist for a moment before relaxing into his touch. Evan cautiously slid more of his finger inside. Chan quivered, momentarily losing the momentum of what he was doing to focus on what was being done to him.

“More, please,” he gasped.

Evan obliged him and added the second finger as Chan resumed his hard thrusts inside Evan’s mouth.  Chan’s channel was warm and tight. If he had any experience with other men, Evan didn’t think it was recent, although he didn’t think Chan was a virgin either. Of course, neither was Evan, although technically he might be, since he’d never taken anyone inside of him, he’d always topped.

Evan scissored his fingers inside of Chan, reaching for that special bundle of nerves which could set Chan’s world aflame. And when he found it and pressed it, he could feel Chan’s whole body tremble, heard his small cry of desire, just before he felt him begin to release.

Chan thrust a few more times before giving himself up to the pleasure of his orgasm, crying aloud as he came inside Evan’s mouth. Evan sucked and swallowed as fast as he could, his fingers still dancing inside of Chan. He took everything Chan had to give before he had to come up for air.

He wanted a closer view, wanted more kissed. Moving his fingers from inside Chan, he gently pulled him down until they were face to face. Chan’s eyes seemed lightly glazed, his lips upturned into a satisfied smile.

“You’re beautiful,” Evan whispered just before he devoured Chan’s lips with a hunger which was only growing the longer he was with Chan. “Are you ready for me?”

“Oh yes, I am ready,” Chan said. “Please…”

Nothing else needed to be said. Evan flipped their positions until he was on top. He knew he was not actually porn star length or anything but he was no slouch either, measuring a healthy seven and a half inches, not too slender but not too fat either.

He ached to be inside of Chan, longed to fill him. He took his cock in hand and nudged Chan’s opening slightly before he began to slide inside. Chan’s muscles gripped him tightly once he was fully sheathed, sending new paroxysms of pleasure coursing through Evan.  A perfect fit.  He paused to enjoy the sensation of being completely united with Chan for the first time. He hoped this would be just the first time of many.

to be continued