wheelsy_sheriff | (no subject)

(no subject)

It's late Monday afternoon on to early evening when they make it back to town. The drive was fine, but while Bill hated to see their weekend and time together end, the closer they got to Wheelsy the more anxious he felt about being gone and checking in.

After unloading at the house, Bill leaves Kate to go stop in at the station. He's grateful when she doesn't seem to mind, and he promises not to be long.

When he enters the department he's surprised to find the front desk empty, and follows the sounds of conversation towards the back of the office.

"Hey, anyone workin' today or what?"

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"Oh yeah? Well you better believe I'll be tellin' him some of your classics, too."

With that ~~threat~~ promise Bill pats Dave on the back and heads back to the others.

Edited 2010-10-20 00:19 (UTC)

"That's just not nice," Dave says, trailing behind Bill. "And besides, you and me both know that the good stuff's all Rudy, anyway."

Hearing his name, Rudy turns as they approach; Kelly, Jason, and Nancy fall silent.

Rudy glances between Bill and Dave.

"What about me?"

"I was tellin' Dave it's a little early t'be replacin' you. Wanna wait an' see if Bradley here works out, first."

Focusing on Jason, Bill looks the man over again. Holding himself straight, Bill offers his hand.

"Welcome to the department. Sorry I wasn't here when you got in, but I'm sure Dave gave you a good intro."

Rudy swallows nervous laughter while Jason stands again, taking Bill's hand for a firm shake.

"Thank you, sir. I'm happy to be here. You've got yourself surrounded by good people, sheriff."

"Yeah, I do."

Bill nods and takes his hand back.

"Y'need anything settlin' in here in Wheelsy?"

"Don't think so, at least for the moment — I'm still unpackin', gettin' everything squared away."

He nods toward Dave, then Rudy.

"These two've already offered to give me a county tour later."

"Alright, just lemme know if you need anything. I'll be in tomorrow an' will make sure we're all set."

Turning to Dave, he gestures at Jason.

"If there's time tomorrow you can go ahead an' take him around. I'll probably be stuck here on the phone for most of the day."

Stifling a sigh, he looks at his watch, then at the group.

"Alright then, I guess I'll see y'all in the mornin'."

Dave nods, resisting the urge to scrub his face. He's tired -- the whole department is tired -- and his desk is still swamped in reports he should sign off on before the day's over.

Amid a chorus of see you tomorrows, he gives Bill a quick grin.

"Tell Kate I said hi, and to stop givin' Sarah those healthy recipes of hers."

"If I did that I'd have t'eat that stuff alone," Bill replies.

"Besides," he adds, "they ain't bad, an' you ain't tried nothin'. I was eatin' caviar this weekend."

He gives Dave a pointed look before starting for the door.

On the way out he points towards his desk.

"An' y'all better have my candy jar full 'fore I get in in the mornin'. Rudy."

Dave chuckles.

"Tell me about it tomorrow," he says, and turns to head to his desk and the pile of paperwork waiting.

Rudy freezes, the butterscotch disc in his hands half-open.

"Uh, yes, sir."

Rudy hunches in his chair, the yellow-orange candy wrapper crinkling between his fingers.

Half-smile quirking his lips, Jason arches an eyebrow in Dave's direction.

"Gonna finish that story about the badger?"

"He ain't," Bill calls before heading out the door.

Getting in the truck, he grips the wheel hard and shakes his head.

This is just what he needed, some cityboy big-shot coming in to help clean up his town.

Starting the truck, Bill glances at the station, then heads for home.

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