Darlena: Bounty Hunter Material

Then Darlena came to town, hung the sheriff in the town square, and called for the mayor. She entered the saloon, removed her coat, and took a seat. A bartender went to his feet to serve Darlena a frosty fountain mug with foam bubbling over the top.

The mayor, Jimmy, burst through the bar doors. Darlena lifted her mug. “This is where I get paid, boys.” She took a long sip. The patrons chuckled-some louder than others.

“Goddammit, Darlena,” Jimmy said, resting his hands on his hips.

“Well, hello to you too, Mayor.”

“Who was it this time?” Jimmy sighed.

Darlena finished her beer and set the mug on the head of the oak table. “The sheriff.” She wiped her mouth.

Jimmy screwed up his face.

“You look surprised.”

He brought his hand to his chest. “The feds wanted Big John?”

“Yeah, and it took a woman to find him.”

The bartender smoothed a white rag across the table and flung it over his shoulder. “She’s right, you know?”

“Who asked you, Eddie?” the mayor said.

A group of regulars chuckled.

“Fine,” Eddie said.

“Back bounty hunting, huh?” He gave Darlena a once-over. “Did your old man need help again? I thought he had an uncle of yours helping him.”

“Look,” she said, “before the sheriff, well, former sheriff, moved here, he led a chapter of the Klan.”

“You’re kidding.” Darlena shook her head halfway. “He wasn’t a good guy.” Jimmy spat tobacco into a Pepsi can.

Darlena reached into her jacket pocket. She unfolded a warrant and handed it to Jimmy.

He pulled his glasses out of his pocket. “I don’t understand,” he said, turning the page over.

“What don’t you understand?”

“Well, here it says there are two…,” Jimmy stretched out the last three words, and his eyes bugged. Darlena presented a pistol. “The other warrant is for you,” she said. Darlena shot the mayor. Applause erupted after a silence.

“How much do I owe you, kid?” Eddie said.

“The usual, Uncle Eddie.”

By Andy Cooper

From: United States

X: AC0040