Interesting to say the least

The afternoon sun was blazing down as the sheriff and the artist made their way out of the saloon. April followed right behind them, blushing a bit due to Rory’s usual teasing. Texas rolled her eyes but kept silent as the three made their way toward Emerald Horizons. Along the way, the Irish fox ideally twirled his cane and recounted his tale in the bar.

“You ain’t serious?” Texas questioned.

“I swear on me mom, I’d never lie.” Rory said.

“Let me understand: You went into Annabelle’s saloon, introduced yourself, flirted with her, dealt with Carson Longhorn and half the place mockin’ you, Knock said bull out cold, stared down the gun barrel of his pissed off brother unfazed, challenged him to a drinkin’ contest, where you’d be their month-long whippin’ boy if you lost, and then proceeded to drink him and half the place that wanted a go under the table.” She flatly spoke, recounting the entire string of events that happened.

Rory stopped and spun on his heel. Both sheriff and deputy stopped as the artist looked at them with an ever-present smile. “Ms. Stanton, I take it you don’t believe me tale.”

“Cause ah don’t!” She countered. “Ah buy you flirtin’ with Annabelle, hell you were doin’ that leavin’. What ah don’t buy is you easily knockin’ Carson out and outdrinkin’ Bill and half the saloon!”

“What can I say, there’s some muscle on dis frame.” He brought up his arm and flexed it. “Plus, pride was on da line. Him for his brother, me for heritage. We Irish are known for da art of da drink.”

He chuckled as Texas rolled her eyes, shaking her head. April stared with wide eyes of disbelief. She didn’t fully believe it either, but she saw the inside of The Crushed Weasel through the window outside, and, well, the state of the place spoke for itself.

“Weren’t you scared you’d lose?” She finally spoke.

Rory looked at her and smiled. “Appreciate da concern, Ms. Briggs. Worry not, I never make deals I wasn’t sure about.”

“You were that cocky, huh?” Texas said.

“I prefer confidant.” He responded, holding up a finger. “Besides, I was hardly da only winner in there.”

“What do you mean?” April asked.

“Not sure when, but I think after da third fella, another bet started. Basically, about whether I won or lost. Dat rat was da only one on me side. And I think he’s just grand now.”

The Irish fox pointed ahead, and the two girls followed the finger, looking behind them. Sure enough, the rat from before rushed out of the saloon, quickly looking left and right before running off, money piled up in his arms and a large, giddy smile on his face.

“Goes without sayin’, but he be sittin’ pretty for a while.” He commented. Turning once again, he walked a few more paces before stopping. “Ah, here we be, home again.”

The two girls looked back to see themselves standing in front of Emerald Horizons, the fox on the sign almost staring down at them. Rory went up the three steps, walked towards the door, and unlocked it. Opening it he gestured for the two to follow as he stepped inside. Texas followed in step and April was close behind her.

Getting her first real look at the place, Texas took it in. A tad cold, the stone walls made the place look like a cave. Pictures and paintings were placed about while a counter was placed near the back of the store. Rory walked behind the counter, placed his satchel and cane on wall hooks, and turned to look at them.

“Here be me humble gallery, sheriff. What do ye think?” He spoke, gesturing all around.

“It’s…somethin’.” She responded, glancing left and right. “Can’t help feelin’ closed in.”

“Most feel dat way da first visit, given time, ye get comfortable. Plus, it reminds me of home.” He explained.

Texas nodded as she looked around again. She was never really into art, but the items did look interesting. April was engrossed in looking around with a bit more enthusiasm. She remembered her promise from earlier, but she still couldn’t help the nagging feeling in the back of her mind.

“Ye don’t trust me, do ye sheriff?” The voice caused the weasel to look towards the counter. The Irish fox leaned on it, elbows on top with his head perched on tented hands. “I can tell. Da eyes tell da truth, and yer’s be like an open book.”

Texas huffed slightly as she crossed her arms.

“A girl can’t help but be cautious, now, can she?” She retorted. April stopped her looking and worriedly looked at her partner.

“Dat be true, but it be more than dat. Ye’ve had dis look in ye since seein’ me. I be no muppet (fool), sheriff. Ye be thinkin’ I be schemin’ somethin’.” He calmly stated.

Texas narrowed her eyes and marched up to the counter. April watched carefully and cautiously as the two stared at each other. No words were spoken as brown eyes looked at deep green ones. The small building tension ended as the sheriff let out a small sigh as her arms dropped.

“No offense, Mr. Gilligan. But it’s kinda hard trustin’ new folk in this town. ‘Specially if they’re acquainted with mayor Vivian.”

Rory looked at the sheriff before a smile graced his face as he stood up. “I understand yer concern. I heard about da town’s reputation and how ye fair against da ruffians here. So, a new face showin’ up, ye be right cautious. As for me and Vivi, it be nothin’ but business between us.”

‘Vivi? Ugh.’ “Is that so?” She questioned. April now stood right next to her.

“She was lookin’ for some random artist for boostin’ up her town’s rep and I needed a new experience. So, we reached an agreement and now, here I be.” He explained. Cocking his head, his smile became a smirk. “And I must say, it’s had quite da benefits so far.”

“How so?”

“Firstly, da beautiful environment just grand for art.” He spoke. Then the small smirk turned into a grin. “And secondly, all the lovely beors I see every day.”

“Beors?” April asked.

“What we Irish call very pretty girls.” He replied, grinning even bigger.

April blushed brightly, looking away while trying to hide it with her hat. Texas could only shake her head at the flirting artist.

‘Cocky and hornier than a rabbit in heat. Ah best keep an eye on April for her own sake.’ Her thoughts told her.

“But hey, actions speak louder. So, I’ve an idea.” He holds his arms out in gesture. “I be havin’ somethin’ here tomorrow evenin’. Only me customers know, and ye can join as well.”

“Really?” April asked, curious.

Texas narrowed her eyes slightly. “What kind of somethin’?”