Chapter 3

Jim looked around at his partners, then back at the Sheriff, his eyes twinkling just as much as his gold tooth did when he smiled. "Well Sheriff, me and my partners here are from Blackwater, and we was hopin' to find one of our wanted criminals in these parts. It's been many years now, possibly a couple of decades, but the name's popped up again and I thought we'd go a huntin'. How does that sound like Sheriff?" Jim asked staring into the Sheriff's shallow eyes.

"I might help you fellas. Depends who you're huntin' though"

"Well Sheriff, we're looking for Jack Marston. Maybe you've heard've him? Father used to be John Marston, the man who shot down six innocent officials of Blackwater at his home barn before they put 'im six-feet under. All ancient history I suppose, but I figure you were around to see that...weren't you Jack?" Jim said with another chuckle as he looked the Sheriff dead in the eye. The Sheriff looked back at him, no expression across his face except that of a slight irritation. The bar was silent now, the patrons watching closely, the pianist having stopped playing and Kate looking pretty as ever as she stood at the back of the bar.

"Now what are you suggestin' exactly Mister Ross? That I'm this Jack Marston that you've been lookin' for? Why, where on earth would you get such an idea as that?" Sheriff said emotionless, unamused. His hands were on his rifle now. "You boys better answer me, and don't start no trouble. All I've ever been is the sheriff of this town, longer than you folks have been workin' in those damn uniforms of yours. Why would a man such as this Marston fellow, ever be a protector of the people if all he ever did was kill? And why would you Blackwater royals assume that this fella was me?"

"Because Sheriff. You got his eyes" Jim stared coldly at Sheriff "The eyes of a man who's seen enough dead bodies to fill up an entire cemetery". Everybody moved uncomfortably, The seven men in white suits, facing off against an old man with a Winchester.

"If you boys weren't government I would've had you shot by now for such accusations. But because you are government, I'll give you one chance to get out of this town for good and to never come back. Ever. And if you do, I swear by the good Lord and the good people of this town, I will have my way with you. And it will not be a pretty sight" Sheriff stated as he rose from his stool, cocking his Winchester and pointing it at the door. "Leave".

The men got up, Jim still staring at the Sheriff. "All right Jack. We're goin'. Have it your way. But before this season has passed, you will be on your knees at the department in Blackwater. You can count on that Jack" Jim growled as he followed his partners through the saloon towards the door.

"I ain't Jack, and you better believe that. Never was no Jack here, but if there was, I sure as hell wouldn't turn 'im over to the likes of you pigs" Sheriff watched the men climb onto their horses, Billy holding his shotgun at the ready as they mounted and started to trot. "Now get goin' and remember what I said. You're dead if you come back".