Jimbo

  When the Sheriff put the cuffs on me, I had a moment of disbelief. I had shot that big fucking cat in self-defense, but that didn't change the fact that I was under arrest and being put into the back of a squad car. I could see the disappointment in Rachel's face, but at the same time I knew it was a bit of an act, so she could totally milk it for sympathy. David was sure to be embarrassed by what was going on, and that would turn things to my girl's advantage. Rachel didn't need anyone to fight her battles for her, but I did it just because it made me feel good and like a man. But Josh wasn't there either, so it's not like she would be outnumbered. If anything, being arrested by the sheriff only even the odds. As we were leaving the camp grounds and getting back onto the roads, the Sheriff could see my thoughts were elsewhere.

  "You alright, son?" the sheriff asked from the front seat.

  "I'll be fine, Sir." I replied, "I'm not fond of leaving my partner on her own, but she's tough and can take care of herself. It's one of the things I like about her."

  "Sounds like a keeper in my books," The sheriff replied, "But none of this Sir, bullshit. You can call me Bill."

  "Well, Bill." I said, taking advantage of the break in decorum, "Did you need to be such a ball buster here? I mean it was self defense."

  "Like I said before," Bill recalled, "I don't pick the laws to enforce. If you have a good reason, take it up with the judge."

  "That's not what I meant," I replied, "You could have just taken away my gun and issued a summons and I could have surrendered at a later time or appeared for court. Did the arrest seem really necessary?"

  "Fraid so, son." Bill answered, "You fired off a gun in a public park ground. I can't let people do that in my town, so it was necessary."

  "Fair enough," I said, as it was clear to understand.

  "I appreciate your understanding," Bill continued, "Most city folks seem to not appreciate the key to fair law enforcement is to make no exceptions. We have to remain consistent for order."

  "I get it," I repeated, "Your job is tough and thankless, just like mine."

  "I noticed the make of the gun," Bill said, "How long did you serve?"

  "I still do," I answered, "I'm still active with the reserves."

  "Good for you," Bill complimented, "I'll make sure this is well taken care of. I used to serve as well so I respect how important a man's sidearm is."

  "Thank you," I said, relaxing into the seat as well as I could.

  It took the Sheriff about ten more minutes to drive us back to the station, and then he pulled into a sweet parking space which I am sure was reserved for him. He pulled me out of the pack and slowly walked me into the station. The deputy that was at the desk seemed rather surprised that the sheriff was returning with someone in shackles. I doubt they had many arrests considering how slow and calm things are in this hick town.

  "Hey Sheriff," The deputy called out, "What's this guy in for?"

  "Two counts, Nate." Bill said as he escorted me to the desk. "Book him for discharging of a firearm, and for killing an endangered animal."

  "Oh, okay." Nate replied, "I'll get right to it, boss."

Bill handed me off to his slow, yet loyal worker bee and immediately processed me for the two charges the Sheriff asked for. It was straight out of a television show, as I was fingerprinted, had mug shots taken, and asked basic questions before being escorted to a cell. There were only give cells in the back room and all of them were empty. That meant I was going to be their only occupant that night barring any crime waves.

  "What time is check out?" I asked Nate as her started to walk me to the back room. "What's the WiFi password?"

  "Give it a rest, smartass!" Bill called out, "It may not be the four seasons but I'm willing to bet that cot is going to be a lot more comfy than the ground would have been where your tent was in the camp grounds."

  "Touche, Sheriff." I called back, as he was clearly right about that.

  Nate tossed me into what looked like the cleanest cell, and slammed the door behind me. I watched as the deputy left without a word and was stuck in there for at least the time being. It wasn't a small cell and could hold at least three our four rather comfortably if necessary. Yet it was all mine so I picked a cot and stretched out on it. I had no contact with my jailers until close to a half hour later when Bill came strolling into the back.

  "I'm heading out to grab supper for myself and Nate," he informed me, "I assume the food cooking when I arrived was your supper and you haven't eaten yet?"

  "You assumed correctly, Sheriff." I confirmed.

  "Do you have any allergies I should be aware of?" Bill asked, "Or if you're a vegan?"

  "No allergies, and I eat meat like a man." I informed him, "You seem like a reasonable guy, I'll take whatever you're having."

  "Alright, sounds good." Bill said, "Nate's going out to get some grub right now. We'll eat in about thirty. That okay?"

  "Sounds fine," I said, "Thank you, Sir."

  I watched as the sheriff gave a big huff before walking out of the room, sounding like a man who was like a classic care. Still looked decent for his age, but the mileage was a tad high and the engine light was probably going off. I laid back down on the cot and closed my eyes, trying to pretend this was a hotel, and room service was just ordered. Well, compared to roughing it out at the campsite, this was a lot more like a hotel. At least I didn't have to worry about rain or the elements. I did notice some clouds in the distance, so I hope the campers are not poured on too much. Not like I cared that much anyway, as I was sure they'd all have a better time with out the bitter, sarcastic man around. I sighed deeply and remembered that Josh was still at the cabin, and relaxing while everyone was out. At least I had food coming, but knowing my luck that big sheriff was probably going to have a salad. Based on the Bill's expanding waistline, I was betting on getting a greasy cheeseburger and fries.