Another Day, Another Case

Zirona released her hold on his shirt. Ronnie quickly stepped back and adjusted the collar of his shirt. He resisted the urge to let out of sigh of relief then and there. He looked back at her with a charming smile and said, “Glad you can see reason.”

She didn’t look impressed. “You better hurry with the information before I change my mind.”

“Just give me a moment.”

Ronnie reached into his pocket and pulled out a slip of paper. “These should direct you to the spot where I hid my stash. The starting point is north of the town. When you reach a tree that’s been struck by lightning, start following the directions.”

Zirona took it and looked down at it skeptically. “You’d better hope I find something worthwhile. Because if I don’t, well… I’ll make you regret the day you were born.”

“Duly noted,” he replied.

She turned around and left the alley without saying another word. Ronnie waited until he was sure she was gone before he slumped against the building’s wall and started taking deep, steady breaths.

“Danm, that was a close one,” he said to himself. “Hate to lose a good haul, but I just need a little more time.”

The raccoon walked out of the alley and continued on the way to the sheriff’s office. This time, he made sure to keep an eye out for anyone who could be hiding in the shadows.

“Oh, you must be Ricardo. Texas told me she hired someone else to help. Pleased to meet you. My name is April.”

The cheery voice of a friendly looking fox greeted him as he entered the office. It was a bit difficult to tell since she was sitting at a desk, but she seemed to be shorter than him. Most of her fur was a bright, vibrant orange except for her snout and the front side of her body which was a clean white. Her hair was a fierce red and around shoulder length, fashioned into a ponytail. She wore a long-sleeved grey shirt with a black pin-striped vest. The top few buttons were popped open, nearly letting her hefty white breast spill out of her clothing. Her rear wasn’t as substantial as her breasts, but it was still sizable. The rest of her outfit consisted of a pair of blue jeans and gray boots. Like Texas, her eyes were a sunny shade of yellow. Unlike the sheriff, her eyes were friendly and bright whereas Texas’ were weary and sharp.

“Good to meet you. I’ve heard another person was working here. It’s good to finally put a face to the name,” Ronnie said with a wide smile.

“You know, part of me thought it would just be me and Texas forever, but it’s good to have another pair of hands helping out. Now, as the deputy, I’m the second in command. I mostly handle the paperwork, but I’m in charge when she’s away. Like now. She’s working on a case right now. Before we go on, I’d like to say that you’ve been doing a great job so far. I have a feeling you’ll fit right in.”

“Thanks. I’m just doing what I can,” he replied with a tip of his hat.

“Great. Now let me just get your next assignment,” she said as she began to look through a stack of papers on her desk. “I had it right here just a minute ago- ha! There it is.” She held up a paper to him. “You’ve proven yourself to be dependable so far, so here’s your first case. Nothing big, so I’m sure you can handle it.”

Ronnie took the paper and read it over. He was sure he would be able to make quick work of whatever assignment he was given, whatever it was.