Wednesday Briefs: The Sheriff #56 (13.4)

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.

This night seems almost like a dream to Dustin, one he wishes never to wake from. Roy asked him to move in, and to work with him. What better way to celebrate than by making love. Come and join them 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 #56 (13.4)

This had been one hell of a night. A regular rollercoaster ride for Dustin, who’d thought he was going to lose not only his job, but Roy as well. But now not only did he have a new job, as Roy’s deputy, but he and Roy were going to live together. Just thinking about sharing a home with the older man made him happy. Roy made him happy. And he intended to make sure he treated Roy right. He’d work hard, do his share of work around the house. Maybe, with a little time, he could see about taking classes online, to go along with his new-found career.

Yes, things were definitely looking up, and Dustin couldn’t be happier.

When they reached home—Dustin kept repeating the word to himself, like a mantra, as though it made disappear if he didn’t—Roy pulled his truck into his driveway, next to the police cruiser.

“We can pick up your car tomorrow,” Roy said, as they headed into the house. “Better off to have it here than leave it in the parking lot there. We can pick up your stuff at the same time.”

“Sounds like a good idea,” Dustin agreed.

Roy pushed open the door, and flipped a switch on the wall just inside the entrance as they walked in. “I figured I’d show you around the town tomorrow,  and our patrol area. Then we can go to Pete’s place and check out the new office. Let Melvyn know you’re gonna work with me and see what paperwork he wants you to fill out to make it official.”

That all sounded wonderful to Dustin. “Sounds like a full day,” he said, his heart thumping at the thought of spending so much time with Roy and not anything to do with Jordan.

“Yeah, true,” Roy said. “It’s late, too. Maybe we should get some sleep—”

Dustin didn’t let him finish his sentence, smashing their lips together as he pressed himself against Roy. He paused just long enough to say, “Oh hell no,” before he went back to ravishing the sheriff’s mouth. Roy responded immediately, winding his arms around Dustin. This would be their first night together in their mutual home. Dustin sure as hell didn’t want to waste time sleeping.

He kissed Roy all the way into the bedroom. Reaching between them, he felt Roy’s bulge, and if he’d had any doubts Roy wanted to make love to him, those were instantly dispelled. Suddenly, Roy lifted Dustin into his strong arms and gently tossed him onto the bed.

Dustin pulled back long enough to say, impishly, “Maybe you need your beauty sleep, Sheriff, is that it?”

Roy chuckled. “That’ll be the day, boy. I can keep up with you any day of the week. Now, let’s get these clothes off, so I can show you what I mean.”

Dustin was certainly all for that. He impatiently toed off his shoes and let them drop to the floor, while Roy was busy with his boots. Socks could stay, who cared about those. Roy’s hands were already at his waist, unbuckling and removing his belt. He mirrored Roy’s actions and loosened his belt.

“Lift your ass,” Roy said as he pulled Dustin’s pants down his legs and off, onto the floor. He got up from the bed long enough to send his own trousers after them, then followed that with his shirt. Dustin pulled his own shirt over his head and added it to the growing pile. He’d gone commando, perhaps hopefully, but that was certainly a convenient move now. He noticed Roy wore none either.

Great minds think alike.

Roy took up his position over Dustin, and now they were both naked and able to rub together as much as they like. Dustin loved how quickly Roy had become accustomed to his body, even though he wasn’t a woman. He would have bet before that wasn’t possible. Guess that only proved that it wasn’t the parts that mattered, it was the heart behind them.

And his heart was very full of Roy.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

Jon Keys

Nephy Hart

Michael Mandrake

Carol Pedroso

Wednesday Briefs: The Sheriff #55 (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.

Jordan is safely in custody, so what next? Do Roy and Dustin start the next chapter in their lives or do they go their separate ways? Find out in this week's chapter of The Sheriff. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's going on with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

The Sheriff #55 (13.3)

They decided to go back later to get Dustin’s stuff. Right now, they had more urgent needs to take care of, now that Jordan was safely out of the way. Hopefully, forever.  Now they were going home. Together.

Dustin still couldn’t believe Roy had actually asked him to move in with him. No one had ever done that before, other than his cousin Denver. And that wasn’t comparable, not at all. Things were looking up for Dustin, no doubt about it.

All the way back to Burnham, Dustin caressed Roy’s strong thigh, loving the feel of the lawman’s trousers against his hand and dreaming of feeling him naked on top of him again. Roy’s declaration kept ringing in his ears. “I think I’ve fallen in love with you.” If this was a dream, Dustin never wanted to wake up.

“Sounds like Harlan would like you to join his department,” Roy said. “I think he was really impressed with how you did handling this case. ‘Course, that’d be a long commute, back to Tucker Falls, wouldn’t it?”

“Yeah, it would be,” Dustin agreed. The next moment, his heart plunged. Shit, what had he been thinking? He couldn’t afford such a long commute for any job, much less that shitty one. So how was he going to pay Roy his share of rent and utilities and food? He must have been a fool to think things were finally going to work out for him. Always something, wasn’t there?

He fell silent, and his hand stilled, as he stared glumly out the front windshield, not actually seeing anything of the scenery they passed. He doubted he’d have a job at the computer store either, once they found out about what almost happened, and his part in it. He’d be judged on his association with Jordan, no doubt, and that would be that.

It had been a nice dream while it lasted.

“What’s the matter?” Roy asked.

Dustin swallowed the lump in his throat that threatened to choke him. “Nothing,” he said, although he didn’t sound at all convincing, even to himself.

Roy didn’t reply immediately. They drove a few miles in silence. Then, suddenly, Roy pulled off onto the side of the road, and put the truck into park.

“Something wrong?” Dustin asked. “We got a flat or something?” He hadn’t felt anything or heard anything. Didn’t mean it hadn’t happened.

“You tell me,” Roy said.

Dustin tried to turn away but Roy stopped him. He pressed one hand against Dustin’s cheek, locking eyes with him.

“Look, you’re not committed to moving in with me. If you’ve changed your mind, just say so. I won’t be mad.”

Oh God, why was Roy always so nice to him? “It’s not that, not that at all,” Dustin tried to reassure him. “I do want to live with you, I swear it.”

“But…?”

“But I doubt I have a job any more. Plus like you said, that’s a long commute. And if I’m not working, how can I pay my share of the bills?” He didn’t want to leech off of Roy, he wanted to be equal with him, as much as he could. It wouldn’t be fair to expect Roy to support him.

“What about going to work for Harlan? That has to pay better than the computer store,” Roy suggested.

Dustin wasn’t sure how to reply to that, but finally decided that he needed to be honest with Roy in all things. “I’d rather work with you,” he blurted out.

Roy began to smile, although Dustin had no idea why he should look so happy.

“Did you forget what the mayor said about me getting a deputy? I was kind of hoping that would be you. It would only be part time at first, but it’s a start. I just thought you’d rather work in Tucker Falls. It’s a bigger department and all.”

“I don’t care, I’d rather be your part time deputy than his full time,” Dustin said sincerely. “I just don’t think that’ll be good enough to carry my weight with bills and such…”

“Don’t you worry about that,” Roy said. “I told you. I’m not looking for a roommate. I want us to live together. There’s a difference. We’ll figure out the bills. What’s important is being together, spending time together. That’s selfishness on my part. If you aren’t working an hour away, then we’ll see each other more often. Especially if you’re working with me. What do you think?”

“I think you’re an amazing man, is what I think. If it’s okay with your mayor, I’d love to be your deputy.”

Roy kissed him softly. “Then that’s what we’ll do,” he said. He started the truck once more and got back on the highway.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

Jon Keys

Nephy Hart

Michael Mandrake

Wednesday Briefs: The Sheriff #54 (13.2)

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.

It looks like things have just gotten better for Roy and Dustin, what with Jordan being caught and taken off to jail. But what does this mean? Are they over now? See what's happening 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!

The Sheriff #54 (13.2)

The ordeal was finally over. Jordan and his little friends were safely locked up where they couldn’t hurt anyone, particularly Dustin. Harlan had assured Roy that bail would be set high, once he made his report to the judge. With his accomplices already having rolled on their friend in order to reduce their own sentences, Jordan would be going away for quite some time.

They’d driven to the police department to see if Harlan needed them for anything. Jordan didn’t look quite so self-assured now. In fact, the pretty boy looked downright scared, as the reality of what he was facing hit him. He sat beside a deputy’s desk, handcuffed, while the deputy typed up arrest papers. As Dustin and Roy walked past, on the way to Harlan’s office, Jordan cleared his throat, as if he had something to say to Dustin.

“Hey, Dusty…”

 Roy tensed, but Dustin didn’t even look Jordan’s way, and the moment passed.

They made their reports to Harlan who then them to go home, get some rest, he’d call them if he needed them. Roy was more than happy to do just that. They headed outside. Dustin pulled out his phone and called Denver to let him know it was safe for him to go back to the apartment if he wanted. Now, only one question remained. Roy didn’t want to ask, but he felt compelled to do so, now that the immediate threat was over.

“Would you like… do you want me to drop you off at your place?” He thought he managed to keep his voice fairly level, not betraying any of the turmoil his question raised inside him. He didn’t want Dustin to go, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to try to force him into anything he didn’t want to do, either. It was completely up to him.

When Dustin didn’t answer immediately, Roy raised his eyes to meet his, gripped by a feeling of apprehension.

“You mean instead of going to Rye’s place, with Denver?” Dustin said, almost like he was trying to feel Roy out or something.

“I mean instead of coming home with me,” Roy said bluntly.

“I want to be with you, Roy,” Dustin said without hesitation. “As long as you’ll have me.”

Roy circled Dustin in his arms and kissed him softly. “What if I said forever?” he asked.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean I’d like you to move in with me. Permanently. “

The look in Dustin’s eyes was incredulous. “Sheriff Landry, are you asking me to live with you? Seriously?”

“Seriously,” Roy affirmed. “As long as you want to stay. Or until you get tired of me. But I want to get something straight first.”

Dustin took a deep breath. “Okay, what’s that?”

“I’m not looking for a roommate. I want to share my life with you, Dustin. I want to be with you.” He gently stroked Dustin’s cheek, locking eyes with him. “This isn’t just about sex, although that’s great. I enjoy your company, I like talking to you. I think you’re a great guy, and I think I’ve fallen in love with you. If that all sounds good to you, then I hope you’ll accept my offer and move in.”

Roy wasn’t sure what Dustin’s reaction would be. He’d heard Dustin’s heartfelt confession earlier, just hadn’t had a chance to respond. This was his response. But if Dustin didn’t want him exclusively… well, then no hard feelings, he would be moving on.

As all these thoughts churned through Roy’s mind, Dustin solved the question by wrapping his arms around Roy and pressing their lips together. When they finally came up for air, Dustin said, “There’s nothing in the world I’d rather do than be with you, Roy.” He rubbed himself against Roy. There was no mistaking what he wanted…the same thing Roy did.

“Then let’s go home,” Roy said, his voice husky with emotion and desire.

to be continued

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

Cia Nordwell

Jon Keys

Carol Pedroso

Michael Mandrake

Wednesday Briefs: The Sheriff #53 (13.1)

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.

The chase  continues,with Roy and Dustin against Jordan. Who will come out on top? Read this week's chapter of The Sheriff and see what's going on! Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they're up to. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

The Sheriff #53 (13.1)

The parking lot of the old Hamilton factory was completely empty, the building long vacant. The owners had packed up years ago and left town. A forlorn For Sale sign was staked into the ground, giving the name of a local realtor. A few of the windows were broken, probably by kids with nothing better to do than test their skills at rock throwing.

Which made this an ideal location for dealing with Jordan, once and for all.

Now, how to diffuse the situation so that no one got hurt. Roy decided to draw on his knowledge of human nature, garnered over many years as a private investigator and then lawman. To calculate what that asshole might do.

“Dustin, do you trust me?” he asked as he spun the wheel, turning into the large parking lot.

“Absolutely,” Dustin replied, without hesitation.

“What I’m gonna do might be kindof a Hail Mary, but I think it will work. Just hold on tight, okay?”

“You got it, Roy.”

Roy gunned the accelerator. The truck flew across the lot, jumping and jolting from bumps and potholes that hadn’t been tended since the business had left town. It was a damn bumpy ride, but Roy figured Jordan’s car might not fare as well as his more rugged truck.

And there he was, right on cue. Roy watched as Jordan entered the parking lot, a few car lengths behind them. The trouble was, Roy was running out of lot. He’d be on the side street that ran beside the factory in just seconds. Time to put his plan into action. Take the bull by the horns and meet it head on, so to speak.

At the last possible second, he spun the wheel. The truck did a one-eighty and was now facing in directly toward Jordan.

Please let me be right. He knew he wouldn’t get a second chance. He stepped on the gas.

* * * *

Dustin tightened his grip on Roy with one hand, the other between his legs, holding tight to the edge of the seat. He trusted Roy with all his heart. Even in the middle of this dangerous game of chicken he was playing with Jordan. Roy was obviously counting on the fact that Jordan was basically a coward, and would back down before the vehicles collided.

Dustin’s heart was racing as Roy accelerated toward Jordan’s car. The seconds seemed infinitely slow and much too fast at the same time. The truck and the car were on a collision course—one or the other had to give.

“I love you, Roy,” he said, although he couldn’t be sure his voice could be heard above that the engine. Roy made no response, but Dustin hadn’t expected one.

Jordan was growing closer, and closer, and just when Dustin thought this was it,  they would surely smash into one another, Jordan swerved out of the way. Roy slammed on the brakes and spun the truck once more, back the way they’d come. Jordan must have lost control of his car. He must have fishtailed and was struggling to regain mastery of his vehicle.

Roy quickly braked and pulled out his pistol, aiming out the window. Surely he didn’t intend to shoot Jordan, Dustin wondered. Maybe it was just a precaution. The next thing he knew Roy had fired two shots in rapid succession, and the rear end of Jordan’s car sagged.

“Stay here,” Roy ordered, as he slid out of the cab.

“Not happening,” Dustin muttered as he climbed out after his lover.

“Come out with your hands up,” Roy commanded Jordan, who was still futilely spinning his wheels.

Suddenly the darkness of the night with broken by flash lights, as three police cars converged on the scene. Dustin breathed a sigh of relief. Jordan wasn’t dumb enough to initiate a shoot-out when the odds were so clearly against him.

As Dustin watched, Jordan exited the vehicle, hands held high. He walked toward them, smirking. As if he wasn’t in a world of trouble. What did he have to be so cocky about?

The three police cars came to a halt, effectively blocking Jordan’s exit, should he try to escape in flat-tired vehicle. The deputies got out of their vehicles, guns drawn and aimed toward Jordan, even as Sheriff Sinclair approached.

“You two think you’re so smart, don’t you?” Jordan taunted them. “This is nothing. You got nothing on me. I’ll get a slap on the wrist and be back on the streets in no time. And then we’ll settle this score, Dustin. You’ll see.”

“Shut up,” Sheriff Sinclair said. He grabbed Dustin’s hands and cuffed them behind his back. “Let me tell you something first.” He proceeded to read Jordan his rights, but Jordan only rolled his eyes and yawned, as if he was bored.

“So you like little boys, do you?” Jordan’s words were clearly aimed at Roy, who never even flinched. “This one’s a punk, but I guess he’s adequate in the sack.”

Without warning, Sinclair delivered a blow to his gut which doubled him over. “Sorry, my hand slipped,” he apologized. “You did get those rights, didn’t you?”

Jordan made no immediate reply. Roy slid his arm around Dustin protectively. “You watch that smart mouth of yours,” he warned Jordan. “Where you’re going, that’ll get you in trouble. When it’s not busy being used for other purposes.”

Jordan raised his head, not quite so cocky now, glaring at both Dustin and Roy. But before he could say anything, Sheriff Sinclair spoke. “By the way, your accomplices already gave you up. You’re not going to see the light of day for a long time.” He motioned to a deputy. “Take him in, I’ll be right behind you. Go ahead and book him.”

As a cursing Jordan was led away, the Sheriff turned toward them. “You guys okay?”

“Never better,” Roy said, as Dustin held onto him for dear life.

to be continued

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

Cia Nordwell

Jon Keys

Carol Pedroso

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

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