A deputy's daily duties

April grunted as she slowly walked across the floor, muscles straining as her arms carried the large hay bale. With strained effort, she placed it in front of the stable and stood back up, stretching her back as she looked forward.

“Whew! There ya are, girl. A tasty snack for a loyal friend.” She said with a smile.

*Snort* The large, brown horse snorted as she bent down and began eating.

“Heh, yeah, ah guess you’d rather have Tex be here, but a sheriff’s got plenty to do, and ah was all too happy ease her duties.” April placed a hand on the horse’s neck and brushed its mane. “Must be quite somethin’, being her trusty steed against all sorts of criminals. Ah can’t wait to find someone like you. Right, Felicity?”

*Snort* Again, Felicity snorted as she continued her meal, ignoring the deputy’s words.

“Good talk.” She sighed. Stepping away, April made her way out of the barn.

She had to shield her eyes as the sun greeted her as she stepped out. It was another bright, blazing day in Gold Springs. Barely a cloud in the sky, it was hardly noon yet! The deputy fanned herself as the image of a nice, cold drink came to her mind.

“Silver Spurs, here ah come.”

Leaving the small barn stable behind her, made her way toward the nicer saloon in town. The taste of Frank’s signature iced tea brought a smile to her lips as she reached the main street. Lost in her thoughts, she failed to her surroundings until she bumped into something.

“Oof!” She grunted as she stepped back. “Oh, sorry ‘bout that. Ah didn’t see-”

“Well now, da day’s just startin’, and already, a grand sight is before me now.” A voice spoke.

The deputy looked up to see the green eyes of the town’s newest resident. Rory stood before her, cane in one hand and that always present grin on his face. He was missing his vest and his shirt sleeves were rolled up to the shoulders.

“G’mornin’, Ms. Briggs. How are ye?” He asked, grinning at her.

A light flush came to her face in embarrassment before she quickly composed and straightened herself.

“G’mornin’ to you too, Mr. Gilligan. How are you today?” She spoke.

“Just grand, lass. I’m after breakfast and I be passin’ da time till da train arrives. In fact, I just came from talkin’ with da holy father.” He spoke. Turning around, he raised his hand and waved.

Following his gaze across the dirt road, April saw Father Elijah wave back before the old Bighorn Sheep went back into the town’s church.

“A right nice fella, he is. It is true what others say: Age brings both experience and wisdom.”

“Yeah, Father Elijah’s been here longer than most. He’s seen a lot and still is one of the good ones in this town.” The deputy said with a small smile. She then looked at Rory. “Ah didn’t take you for being a man of faith.”

“Not necessarily, but me mother always said to respect those of da cloth. But mostly, to respect those who truly honor da cloth.”

The deputy nods, understanding those words. She remembers reading how some members of the church took advantage of their position. This is one of the reasons she was happily proven wrong when she met the elderly sheep. She opened her mouth to respond-

*GRRROOOAAANNN*

-only to quickly shut it, a massive blush covering her face. Arms wrapping around her grumbling stomach, she turned on her heel in embarrassment. The chuckle from behind her didn’t help.

“Ah, here I am, runnin’ me mouth whilst a hungry lass be bakin’ in da sun.” She heard shuffling and looked to see Rory giving an elaborate bow. “A thousand pardons, Ms. Briggs. How’s about I make it up for ye?”

April turned around and raised her hands. “Oh no, ah wouldn’t want to trouble you-”

“Nonsense, no trouble given.” He responded quickly, looking up at her with a big smile. “It be me pleasure. Not only helping the law of da town but a chance to chat with a beor such as yeself.”

Blush returning in full ****, the deputy had to fan herself to cool down. She remembered what the word meant from yesterday. Texas had subtly warned her not to be sucked in by the artist’s flirtations. She glanced back down, seeing that bright smile and his deep green eyes. The light almost makes them shimmer like jewels. She could get lost in his gaze if she didn’t shake her head to focus.

‘Calm down, April. You're blushin’ more than a girl on her first crush! You’re a grown woman, you can handle a bit of flitrtin’ from another fox… with a cute accent… and beautiful, green eyes… and is a passionate artist… and has that handsome gr-STOP IT!’

“Ye alright there, Ms. Briggs?”

The voice shocked the deputy out of her internal debate as she blinked and looked at a concerned-looking Mr. Gilligan. Adding on another layer of embarrassment, April shook her head and quickly composed herself.

“Yes, ah’m fine.” She quickly expressed. “Ah appreciate the offer but ah still have some duties to finish. Can’t have Sheriff Texas thinkin’ ah’m slackin’ off.”

Rory nodded his head. “Rightly so. But surely, Ms. Stanton would understand ye takin’ a break from da sun? She wouldn’t much like knowin’ her deputy worked herself near **** in da heat, now would she?”

“No.” She muttered, glancing down.

“Yer a dedicated lass, Miss. Briggs. Nothin’ else, let me buy ye a drink. Somethin’ cold wettin’ yer whistle will do ye wonders."