‘Nah, I doubt it sheriff, Missy Mai said he rode on out to the Blackwater railway camp to see if they got any work for him there. It’s a good few miles north of here, so I don't think he will be back. His wife seemed very grateful to have him out of the way.’
‘I bet she did,’ replied Bill. ‘Be sure to tell Gina that cake was mighty fine.’
Ken gave a husky laugh . ‘Well, I think I will leave you to tell her that yourself when you see her. Good way to start a conversation I’d say, anyway Sheriff, I got something for you, if you want it that is?’
‘Well, if it’s any part of your body I’m afraid I'll have to decline. I don’t do deputy’s.’ Bill said with a grin on his face.
‘You cheeky son of a bitch, I’m afraid this saloon door only swings one way. Though it’s been a good many years since it swung anywhere at all to tell the truth. Anyhow, stop makin' me feel like a lonely son of a bitch and follow me,' said Ken walking towards the door.
‘Okay Deputy, lead the way, ’ replied Bill.
Ken walked out onto the street and Bill followed feeling, he supposed, just a little excited, a feeling he hadn’t felt for quite a while.
They walked around the side of the sheriff’s office and towards the rear of the building, Bill was a few steps behind. Once at the rear of the building the two men walked up a long passage way and finally came to what looked like a barn.
‘This is intriguin'.’ Bill said, eyeing the big barn doors. ‘Don’t tell me, you have the States Ten most wanted men tied up in there?’
‘Now wouldn't that be somethin' I reckon I could retire and live like a happy ol' bugger for the rest of my days with that kind of bounty.’ Ken looked to the sky as he spoke as if imagining a life of peace and rest.
Bill didn't buy it though. He didn't think Ken was the sitting on his ass type, he needed to work, needed a reason to get up in the morning. Bill knew this because he was the same way and he recognised one of his own.
‘Nope,’ said Ken reaching for the doors. ‘What we got in here is an honest, law servin' good guy.’
He pulled the doors open. Bill stood for a moment wondering what it might be. The doors folded back to reveal a huge, white and black horse. It was the best looking horse that Bill had ever seen.
‘Wow!’ said Bill, ‘She's a real beauty.’ His hands on his hips as he stood, admiring.
‘Well, don’t let her hear you say that, as she is a he and yeah, he really is somethin' huh?’ Ken was patting the horses neck as he spoke.
The two men walked in and Ken stroked the horses face. ‘He belonged to Sheriff Watts. I reckon the sons of bitches who killed him would have stolen him for sure if he had been over at the house but the sheriff liked to keep him up here. Theres a young lad by the name of Cobb who looks after him for pocket change.’
‘So who does he belong to now?’ asked Bill, unable to take his eyes off the magnificent beast.
‘Well, he belongs to the sheriff and right now that sheriff is you, so he’s yours, ’ replied Ken, with a big smile on his red face.
‘What? Mine? I cant take him. Surely the old sheriff would have wanted you to have him?’ Bill said.
‘Don’t talk horse-shit Bill. The sheriff wouldn't have wanted anyone to have him. He loved this horse dearly but now Sheriff Watts doesn't really have an opinion so it’s up to me to decide where he goes. He is a sheriff’s horse, no doubt bout that. I saw the look on many a crooked son of a bitches face when the sheriff rode up on this stallion. When you saw this horse, you knew your chicken was well and truly roasted. Besides, you came in on a stage coach. So that means you ain’t got no horse and what the fuck kind of sheriff ain’t got no horse? Just imagine, you see a band of
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