The sheriff encounters a mysterious stranger

In a town known far and wide for its rampant crime, things were uncharacteristically calm that day. The most she had to deal with noise complaints, horse hitching violations, and the occasional drunken beggar. It was certainly a welcomed change from the constant change from the stream of criminals she normally dealt with. With things being relatively peaceful, Texas decided to take a moment to relax with a drink or two at the local tavern.

She smiled as she walked inside and was greeted with cheers by the patrons within. She answered back with a polite tip of her hat before making her way to the counter where the elk bartender stood. He glanced down at her with a smirk as he wiped off the countertop.

"Well well, the hero of Gold Springs finally graces us with her presence. Must be a slow day, huh?" he asked knowingly. By the time Texas had entered his establishment he had already pulled out a bottle of top shelf whiskey for her.

"Ya know ah woulda visit ya if it weren't fer all the scum walkin' the streets" Texas said sheepishly. She went to fish out a few coins as he poured her a shot but he waved her off when she tried handing it to him. Her hard work wasn't always appreciated by the towns people, but she was always welcomed in his establishment, especially after she'd dealt with some thugs with had "allegedly" been paid by Annabelle to intimidate him into shutting it down.

"Just joshin' ya, sheriff. It's nice to have things nice and quiet here for once"

Texas nodded. She couldn't remember the last time everything had been so... normal. Now that she thought about it, the last few days had seen a lull in criminal activity. Her last hard fought battle had been with the mayor of Gold Springs herself, Vivian. After a tense and exciting wagon chase, Texas had caused her wagon to tilt over, sending her careening into a nearby barn. Texas was quick to check on her but by the time she had stopped her wagon, the lynx had somehow made a hasty escape leaving no trace of her presence... well, almost no trace. Texas had noticed that one of the feeding troths was half full, with its contents spilt over the sides and a trail leading out the entrance.

Texas grinned at the memory. She cursed herself for not being there to witness Vivian's slop covered body crawling out of the troth. As amusing as that mental image was, she knew that the mayor wouldn't take such treatment lying down. The sudden dip in crime was merely the calm before the storm and it was only a matter of time before she was back seeking vengeance. For the time being however, Texas would simply enjoy the peace afforded to her.

"Got somethin' on your mind, love?"

Texas blinked and looked to the seat next to her where an unfamiliar face now sat. She had been so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't notice the dingo walking up to the counter. She eyed him from head to toe, her nose curling as she suddenly noticed the slight musk radiating off of his fur. He was a large fellow, standing at least foot over her with his massive rear nearly spilling over the seat. She could tell that he wasn't from her neck of the woods by his apparel: a dirty brown vest, filthy blue jeans, dark brown chaps, and a hat with gator teeth circling its crown. He looked at her with a toothy grin, revealing his gold plated teeth.

"Nothin' but tha usual" Texas answered back as she sipped from her glass. She had been around long enough to pick up on the vibes of others and something told her that this stranger was nothing but trouble.

"Oh, I feel ya. I haven't been 'ere long but me gut tells me that this place ain't nothin' but trouble. Course when yer in my line o' work, it's a blessin' in disguise. Always somethin' to keep ya busy" he said before tapping the counter summon the bartender. The elk walked up, though he was rather pensive at the sight of the stranger. Like Texas, he somehow didn't see him walking into his establishment.

"Be a mate and gimme the strongest thing ya got, on the rocks" the dingo said as he placed a sack of coins onto the counter. The elk nodded silently, shooting a concerned look to Texas before walking off. The weasel didn't appear all that unsettled, her face remaining stoic as she continued to sip away at her drink.

"What exactly is yer line'a work?" Texas asked curiously. The dingo let out a hardy laugh in response.

"That's a bit personal, dontcha think? We ain't even met proper and yer already askin me about how I make my money" he said before swiveling his chair to turn face her. Texas raised a brow at his large gut and the large golden codpiece between his legs. "Now if you'n me were an item-"

"Texas Stanton. Ah'm the law round these parts" Texas interrupted sharply. The dingo blinked and raised his hands sheepishly.

"No need to be so up ye'self, love. Just tryin' to make conversation" he said as he slowly held his hand out to her. "Folks call me Joe. 'Jolly' Joe Cottonwood"

Texas looked down at his large calloused hands, her eyes narrowing for a moment before she reached forward and shook it. Joe's grip was surprisingly loose despite his intimidating size. Her display of trust brought a smile to his face as he leaned onto the counter and grabbed the drink waiting for him and downed it, ice and all. Texas couldn't help but be slightly impressed though the feeling didn't last as he let loose a rancid belch into the air.

"Ya never answered mah question. What do ya do fer a livin'?"

"Aw come on. I can't go around gabbin at every sheila I met, no matter how much a stunner they are" Joe answered as he scratched his gut. Texas stared at him for a moment before calmly taking another sip of her drink.

"Ya might as well come out an' say it. Ah know a hitman when ah see one"

Almost immediately, the affable atmosphere of the bar dissipated with the patrons casting fearful looks at the two sitting at the counter. Joe's smile never waned but his expression had become a bit more tense.

"If ye don't mind me askin', what gave me away?"

"It's written all over ya. Yer hands are rough, yer footsteps are quiet, and ya kept one of yer hands where ah can't see it, meanin yer always ready for a fight"

Joe stared blankly at the weasel before tilting his head back with uproarious laughter. His face was no longer tense as he looked at her with admiration.

"Sexy AND skilled? Hot damn, I hit the jackpot!" he said with a toothy grin. Texas scoffed at his attempts at flattery as she swiveled her chair to stand up.

"How much did she pay ya?" she asked, stretching her back slightly.

"Now now, love. I told ya, I can't go around running my mouth like that" the dingo said as he leaned back against the counter. "All you gotta know is that that someone wants you dead. I don't very much take to hurtin' ladies, 'specially foxes like you" he said with a lecherous smirk. "That said, I gots a reputation to maintain. If I went around cancelling every contract given to me, I'd never be able to make ends meet. Nothin' personal, love"

"Whatever you say, loverboy. Let's jus' get this done n' over with" Texas said as she rested a hand on her gun holster. Joe blinked and shook his head.

"Why the hostility? We just met, may as well unwind a bit before we get down to business" he said before turning to face the bartender who had slinked off to the end of the counter. "Oi! Let's have a coldie for everyone 'ere on me!"

His offer succeeded in raising the spirits of the patrons as he let out a loud cheer. Texas couldn't help but be slightly put off by his friendly demeanor though. It was certainly disarming but it made her think of Smiling Jacks and how she would be sugary and sweet even as she was having the sheriff brutalized. He appeared to be genuine though there was no telling how much of it was an act. The dingo grinned as he slammed a large mug in front of her, the liquor threatening to spill from the top.

"Come on, don't be such a drag! Live a little!" he invited.