Sheriff Johnson turned red and called to his deputy to quiet the Judge.
“You shut him up, or I will,” the Sheriff called to his deputy. “I need a minute, James,” he said, stepping outside.
“Were you coming to find me, sir?” asked Jason when the Sheriff exited the jailhouse.
“No, not exactly. I’ll have James back out in just a few.”
* * * *
“James,” he said, walking back inside, “did you know about the election results?”
“I heard it just yesterday from Judge Lowry. Before then, I had no idea.”
“Who else do you think knows? His secretary, I’ll bet,” stated the Sheriff.
“I don’t know of anybody else who does, except maybe Mr. Grimes. But he left town, never to return. Right?”
“You know better than that, James.”
“Yeah, I guess I do,” replied James.
“Bring Ken back to the office,” Sheriff Johnson told a deputy. “I want him to meet our new mayor…
“Ken, this is our new mayor, James VanFleet.”
“Hello again, sir,” said Ken, shaking James’ hand.
“You know each other?” asked the Sheriff.
“Yes, the city council had one meeting with him and the deputy mayor right before... Well, you know.”
“Oh, I forgot about that,” the Sheriff admitted.
“Anyway, James, I’m sure you already heard about the jump he’ll do on Saturday over the courthouse.”
“I did hear something about that,” replied James.
“He’s also been working on something else that I won’t go into right now, but I think you will like it. You’ll see it on Saturday. So, my point is, assuming Ken here doesn’t fall off the roof or completely miss the landing, there is a good chance that he will be joining my team. He fixes things, is a good way to put it. Isn’t that right?”
“Yes, sir. Whatever you need fixing, I’m your guy.”
“He’s loyal from what I can tell so far, and that’s exactly what I need right now,” the Sheriff said, once Ken had left the room. “Are you, James?”
James paused, being careful of his next words. He was glad Jason was outside.
He rubbed his scruffy chin with his hand and nodded his head. “Sheriff, I am loyal to this town and its citizens. I always have been, even when I was technically outside the city limits.”
“Okay, that’s good enough for now,” he replied, patting James on the shoulder.
“I’d better check on Jason,” said James, “unless we have more to discuss.”
“Not today. I would see what you thought I should do with the Judge, but I remember you don’t particularly have the stomach for that. Thanks for coming in, James. We’ll see you on Saturday for the exhibition. Don’t be late.”
* * * *
James rolled out of the jailhouse with his head feeling heavy, like every time after meeting here.
“What happened?” asked Jason. “Are we all good?”
“I’m not sure we’re all good, but we showed our faces and that’s enough for now. They have a surprise for me on Saturday, I guess.”
“I’ve got to make a quick stop downtown,” Jason blurted out, “before breakfast!”
“All right,” replied James, not asking why.
“Be right back,” Jason told him, ducking into the hardware store.
“I haven’t seen you in a week, son,” said a scruffier, somehow slower Cal.
“I know. It’s been busy is all. The chair—is it done?”
“Nah,” he said, laughing. “It’s going to be another two or three weeks, near as I can tell. Plus, I’m over budget now, so tell the Judge I’m going to need more coins to continue.”
“We had a deal,” said Jason. “Judge Lowry and I both gave you money, and the other guy is nearly done with his chair.”
“Well, he’s a jailbird. Got nothin’ else to do all day. I’ve got other things I’m responsible for, and most of ’em are higher on my priority list than this here chair. I’m clocking out by noon today, and if you want me to continue, I’ll need six more silvers.”
“Six? I don’t have that many,” said Jason.
“Judge Lowry does, so pass on the message.”
Jason put his hand up to his face and walked out before saying something he wouldn’t be able to take back.
* * * *
“Everything all right?” asked James. “Anything I should know?”
“I was just trying to do something good, and it seems harder to do nowadays.”
“You’re right about that, but it’s still always worth a try. Let’s get some breakfast, Jason.”
“We’re Shakin’ Our Bacon for a Limited Time” read the sign on Weston’s Grill and Tavern storefront.
“I hope that means sausage, too,” remarked Jason.
“You found some pork, I see,” James said to the restaurant owner.
“Sure did, Mayor, at least for now. I’m glad to see you’re up and running...well, I mean…”
“I know what you mean, and it’s good to get out of the house,” replied James. “Now tell me about your specials this morning.”
* * * *
Breakfast was the real deal, and Candice, Carla and Jenna each had six pieces of bacon. Little Billy was full after his head-sized biscuit and four slices of bacon.
“Oh, and before I forget,” said the owner, “your family, all of you, have a reservation here Saturday night after the festivities, compliments of Sheriff Johnson. It’s been pre-paid, so please show up and help support our restaurant. It’s steak night, so don’t be late.”
“All right! We’ll be here! Thank you,” replied James.
* * * *
Meanwhile, back at the jail, the Sheriff was interested to speak with Ken. “It’s Thursday, Ken. I hope the chair is done.”
“It is, sir. Care to
