New Sheriff

After dealing with the scene, the two took the suspect back to the station.

As they entered the station, the suspect kept resisting.

— I didn't do anything! Get your hands off me, bitch!

— Yeah, sure, you're a model citizen. Want a prize? —Ethan replied, shoving him through the precinct lobby.

Siobhan grabbed the white man by the arm, pushed him forward, and slammed him firmly against the desk.

— Listen, you're accused of domestic violence. If you dare resist again, I swear to God I'll crush your balls with my bare hands —Siobhan warned, giving him a defiant look.

At that moment, a cough interrupted the tension. Ethan noticed several people watching them. Brock and Emmett were among the crowd, looking on with interest.

— You're the new police officer, Ethan Morgan, right? I'm Mayor Danny Kendall —said the man who introduced himself with a smile.

— Nice to meet you, Mr. Mayor —Ethan responded, feeling slightly embarrassed, pretending nothing had happened.

They shook hands. Mayor Kendall looked extremely young, and Ethan guessed he was about the same age as him.

After meeting the young mayor, Ethan turned his head to look at the man standing next to Kendall. He was wearing jeans, a blue shirt, and had a beard with short-cropped hair. His piercing eyes reflected a hint of caution.

— This is your new Sheriff, Lucas Hood. He will officially take office tomorrow. I brought him here so everyone could meet him before his first day —explained Kendall.

— Welcome to Banshee Town, Sheriff —Ethan greeted the new sheriff with a smile, though he knew this man wasn't Lucas Hood.

For now, there was no conflict of interest between them, and there was no need to reveal his true identity. Ethan knew exactly why this man was here: the real Sheriff Lucas Hood had been killed by a gang of criminals after a fight at Sugar's bar. The person in front of him had taken his identity to protect himself while seeking his own vengeance. But no one in this world is free of secrets. Knowing about the new Sheriff might bring advantages in the future.

After the introductions, Hood suggested that Brock show him around the precinct.

— Let's go, Brock —said Hood—I need to get familiar with the place.

Brock, with a serious expression, took Hood out. Since the death of the old Morgan, Brock had hoped to become Sergeant of the Banshee Town Police Department. Unexpectedly, the mayor had hired a police sergeant from Oregon. Although he had accepted the situation, he still felt somewhat disappointed at the missed opportunity.

Siobhan stayed at the station to handle the domestic abuse case. Ethan greeted Emmett and went out to continue his patrol.

After a long drive, they arrived at a remote corner. Ethan pulled out a cigarette and was about to light it when the radio buzzed again.

— Ethan, there's been a conflict at the sawmill. Are you nearby?

— Yeah, I'll be there soon —he replied, putting the cigarette back in his pocket with frustration. It seemed there would be no rest.

When he arrived at the lumber mill, he saw a familiar figure in a yellow coat. Cole Moody and a few others were facing off against Hood and Brock. Wooden planks were scattered across the ground near the carriage, and several Amish men in traditional hats and clothing stood uneasily nearby.

Ethan didn't stop the police car. He hit the accelerator, entered the scene forcefully, skidding to a halt right at the edge of the crowd.

— Cole, out on bail again? What tricks are you up to now? —Ethan asked, seeing Cole retreat in fear.

Before Cole could answer, the man in a plaid shirt next to him spat on the ground and glared at Ethan fiercely.

— Cole, is this the guy who put you in jail? —the man asked.

Ethan shut the car door and stepped forward, baton in hand.

— That's me. Got something to say? —Ethan challenged with a defiant grin.

Although his fighting skills were still developing, Ethan felt confident enough to handle a few thugs.

— Marcus, calm down. Take it one at a time and deal with this guy first —Cole said, holding Marcus back.

Hood raised his hand to stop Ethan.

— It's fine, Ethan. Let me handle this.

— All right, you're the Sheriff. Your call —Ethan responded, putting his baton away without further comment.

— What's going on? —Ethan asked, stepping closer to Brock.

Relieved to see Ethan, Brock explained quietly.

— You know, the Moody brothers are all in the furniture business. The Amish have had some trade disputes with them lately. The Sheriff and I were passing through when they started causing trouble.

As Brock explained, Cole glared at Hood arrogantly.

— Just started, huh? You sure it's okay if we have a little fun with you today?

Hood spread his hands.

— Don't worry. Nobody's going to give you trouble. Come on, didn't you just say you wanted to show me some hospitality?

— This isn't your business. Back off, cop —Cole repeated.

Before Cole could finish, Hood, growing impatient, kicked him to the ground. Marcus tried to attack from behind, but Hood dodged, and meanwhile, a man in a black shirt managed to hit Hood's thigh, making him stagger.

— Nice one, Dex! —Marcus shouted.

Surprised by the blow, Hood turned and struck Marcus in the neck with his knife. Marcus groaned and collapsed. Despite taking some hits, Hood quickly took control, taking down several attackers.

Cole, lying on the ground, grabbed a wooden stick and got up desperately, charging at Hood.

At that moment, a blonde man appeared and grabbed the stick from Cole's hand.

— Stop it, Cole. Three against one isn't enough? Now you need weapons too? —the man said firmly.

— Mr. Proctor, why are you here? —Cole asked, surprised.

Proctor snatched the stick and tried to hit him, but Cole ducked quickly. Proctor, seeing Cole's reaction, threw the stick to the ground.

— Mr. Proctor, we don't want any trouble. We'll leave —Cole said, asking for permission to go.

The other Moody brothers, seeing Proctor's dissatisfaction, decided to surrender as well and prepared to leave.

— Hold on. These people wasted their time with you and have a schedule to keep. Why don't you help them load their goods? —Proctor ordered, pointing at the wooden planks scattered near the carriage.

— Yes, sir, no problem —Cole replied, calling his brothers to pick up the planks.

Hood stood there, still stunned, as the fight fizzled out.

— This isn't over yet, you damn German hick —Cole muttered as he loaded the fallen goods into the old cart.

Proctor frowned at Cole but said nothing more. He turned to Hood.

— You must be the new Sheriff, Lucas Hood. Nice to meet you.

— I'm Lucas Hood. Who are you? —Hood asked.

— My name is Kai Proctor. I run a meat business in this town. If you get the chance, come by my place. I've got some good steaks —Proctor said, handing Hood a business card before walking away.

After the confrontation ended, Ethan and Brock said goodbye to Hood and left to continue their patrol.

When the day finally ended, Ethan felt the weight of it on his shoulders. The sun was setting as he drove back home, leaving Banshee Town behind. The road was quiet.

Upon arriving at his house, a small wooden cabin by the edge of a forest, Ethan turned off the car engine and walked to the wooden dock by the lake. He lit a cigarette, calmly watching the sunset. He told himself that no matter where life took him in the future, this place would always be his sanctuary as he breathed in the cool evening air.