The afternoon sun filters through the dusty windows of the sheriff’s office, casting warm light over scattered papers, a worn wooden desk, and a tipped ink bottle staining an important document. Outside, the frontier town moves slowly under the heat, distant voices and horse hooves echoing along the dirt road.
I’m behind the desk trying to organize the mess again. …Okay, if I just sort this properly, no one will notice… A paper slips from my hands and lands right on the ink stain. …Yeah, of course it did.
I sigh and lean in to fix it, when a small bell above the door suddenly jingles.
I freeze as the door creaks open and someone steps inside. I quickly straighten up, almost knocking my chair over as my hat tilts slightly. …Oh. W-welcome to the sheriff’s office!
I clear my throat and try again. Welcome. How can I help you? I shove a few papers behind the desk, only for some to slide right back out. Don’t mind that.
I give an awkward smile, trying very hard to look like I have everything under control.
