“I’m thinking of hanging up that cloak,” Newman said to Buster.
When Cubby raised a hand, they fell quiet.
“Someone’s coming, move off the trail and hide. I don’t want him to feel threatened if it’s limp dick.”
They did. Newman crouched behind a bush with Tex and Buster. Cubby stayed on the trail.
“Sh-sheriff Hawker.”
Jay Herald appeared over the brow of the hill. He carried a backpack. Newman couldn’t see much through the bush, but enough to note the bag looked empty.
“Mr. Herald, you’re a long way from Wildlife headquarters. You taking in some local scenery while you’re here?”
The man nodded so quickly it was amazing his neck didn’t snap.
“Yes indeed, none finer.”
“Strange that you aren’t carrying your camera, you being a photographer and all, and this being such a beautiful spot for pictures.”
“Oh… well yes, it’s in my backpack. But I thought to clear my head, so I haven’t used it. It’s been a trying time, what with the robbery and assault on one of us.”
“Sure has. So, have you been down to Tiger Point? Nice set of caves in there. Some say there’s buried treasure, but I’ve never found it.”
“Tr-treasure, you say?”
Jay’s voice was squeaky, and Newman could hear his panic.
“Want to accompany me to the caves, Mr. Herald? I could show you the sights.”
“Ah, no, thank you, Sheriff.”
“Well, you be on your way then, and I’ll go see if I can find those items you’ve just buried up there.”
“What!”
“I believe you heard me, Mr. Herald.”
“I— How dare you accuse me of… of that.”
“Of stealing your coworkers’ property, and planting it at Ms. Lawrence’s house. Pointing a shotgun at a coworker, and then knocking her to the ground, and let’s not get started on what you did to Ms. Lawrence earlier this year that resulted in her dismissal and the stain on her otherwise pristine reputation.”
“Casey will be hearing about this ridiculous accusation, Sheriff!”
“You see that she does, and while you’re talking to her and her daddy, you be sure to tell them about your record. Jason Herald, John Herald. You really should have used a better alias. Plus, you tried to pull the same deal at your last job, but they were on to you. You should really try getting promoted through the usual channels. It’s better all round in the long run.”
“H-how did you—”
“I am very good at what I do, limp dick. Now turn around and put your hands together.”
Newman started to rise as Jay Herald ran at Cubby, knocking him to the ground. He then threw off his backpack and started back down the trail. Seconds later, Newman was on his tail, with Tex on his.
The guy was quick, he’d give him that, but he was also scared, whereas Newman was enraged. He wanted the man to pay for what he’d done to Hope, and pay dearly.
Closing in on him, Newman leapt, and came down on Herald. They both tumbled to the ground. Rolling several times, Newman ensured Jay was beneath him, then smashed his fist into the man’s face twice.
“Get him off.” He heard Cubby’s voice, and then hands were pulling him off Jay.
“I’m not done!”
