Snippet #2029592

(Alex "The Sentinel" Johnstone played by GM Luv-is-a-Bug)

Alex looked from one face to the other, doing his best to keep his cool. Jenny had her big puppy dog eyes turned on him, and here was Hass looking mad enough to swallow a horn toad backwards. Jethro, ever reasonable, sat quietly by, his eyes fixed on the marshal. The Sentinel passed a hand over his tired face, trying to remember the day when the quiet little mining town had gone to hell. When had shootings and robbery become the norm? And where were his deputies- the squeaky clean young men marching around, ready to risk their lives for glory or honor, or whatever it was that brought people out West these days? Nowhere. It was just him and the sheriff, and they couldn't save the town between the two of them. It was all he could do to clean up the messes he stumbled upon, never mind being able to prevent them.

And now this. He took a long breath, thoughtfully resettling his Stetson on his head before beginning his speech. He started with Jenny, sighing as he turned to her pleading face. "Now Jenny, I know you're looking to help, but it ain't no use to nobody for you to go shooting people in the street. If you have a problem, you're to report it to me or the sheriff, understand? I realize you're sorry, but it ain't proper for me to let you walk on this one. I'm afraid you're gonna have to come down to the jail with me."

"And as for you," he said, turning his attention to Hass, "there's no way I can authorize that kind of action; I don't care what he's done. You're entitled to justice, Hass, and the town'll be sure you get it, but it won't be with a man-hunt across the state. Soon as I get Jenny and that bandit I dragged in to jail, I'll ride out myself. As for the guns...well, that's up to Blackburn. It's his business, and his decision. But if I hear you've been hunting this fellow, you'll be sorry. You're not the only one with friends in high places. And another thing-"

He started to remind Hass of the last time he'd messed with Splitcreek's law, but the soft, sweet voice of Bonnie reached his ears. He turned to the school teacher, his face going red as she informed him of Kate's escape. "Aw hell," he muttered, turning on his heel and stalking back towards his mount. "Looks like I'll be heading out sooner than planned, Hass!" he called over his shoulder, his annoyance evident.

Swinging into Gale's saddle, he spurred the horse forward and headed out of town, the tail of his duster flapping behind him. It seemed the fun was only just beginning.