The sound was running through our ears as I grabbed my rife and leapt from the bed. I slammed through the door and had my gun trained on the two men that were facing off on the terrace.
'I'm gonna spread your brains over the planks if you don't give me my fucking money.' The one with his back to me said venomously,
'Shut up you cock-sucking bastard, I don't got no money for you.' The other said, spitting at his opponent.
'Hows about we all step off each other.' I said, shocking the men,
'Who're you?' The first man asked, lowering his pistol, looking like a schoolboy that had been caught doing something against the rules.
'Me? Well, I'm the sheriff, and if you two whore-lovin' sons of bitches don't step outta my town in the next 5 seconds there's gonna be two sets of brains on the planks while I'm downstairs enjoying good ol' American hospitality, you hear?'
'Uh… Yes sir, sorry sir.' They scrambled over each other to get away.
'That was amazing!' A teenager that had been lurking around by the outside stairs ran up to me and began shaking my hand excitedly, 'Golly sir, you gotta be the best sheriff I ever saw! Wow!'
'Alrighty, calm down kiddo, you're up pretty late aren't cha?' I inquired,
'Well, I find it's easier to steal at night so- Damn! You're the sheriff!' He got onto his knees, 'Please don't arrest me sir! It's the only way I can get by since my pa died!' I sensed an opportunity, and said,
'Well son, it just so happens that I came into possession of a deed to some land just out of town, and to pay off your debts to… Society, you'll have to come with me to tend to it, do a good job and you won't get sent down.' I intended to pay the boy, who before thanking me what seemed like hundreds of times and introducing himself and Samson Candlewick, ran off in the direction of the livery.
'So, planning on getting up and leaving without me huh?' I turned around and saw my wife leaning in the doorframe, holding her bump and looking haggard,' Think cause I'm a woman I can't handle the land huh?'
'We've already had this discussion, you're coming with me to Silent Stead, but it's 4am and I'm going to bed.' I stalked past her and got in between the sheets and was snoring within minutes.
When I woke up the sun was filtering in through the window, lighting up the room. I sat up and saw Cathy reading the tattered copy of the Bible that was in the bedside drawer, which I thought was strange considering she was never particularly religious.
'Good you're up.' She said, slamming it shut and placing it on the side, 'Some boy named Samson has been checking in every ten minutes, but whenever I ask him what he wants he says his business is with the sheriff. What did you do?' She asked me and eyed me suspiciously when I was laughed. Suddenly, Samson burst into the room, panting and trying to speak.
'What is it kiddo?' I said, leaning forward.
'Those men from last night Mr sheriff sir! They brought a gang back to town, they're looking for you!'