“And why did you leave the service?”
“My Pa took ill. I came home to help my family on our farm.”
“And how long have you been a deputy?”
“Two years now, sir. I still help out on the farm when I’m needed, but my brother and his wife run it now.”
“Do you like your job?”
A proud smile crossed the man’s face. “I do. Plan to stay at it for a long time.”
“Good to know.” He gave a quick nod then focused his attention on the third man sitting before him. Before he could ask a question, the man rose from his chair and reached across the desk, extending his hand, grasping his in a firm grip. “Nate Hyler. Been a deputy for ten years now. I like my job, too.” And then he laughed, a big braying sound that was more donkey than human.
Amused by the tall, lanky man’s congenial attitude, as well as his unusual laugh, Devlin let out a laugh of his own. “Nice to meet you, Nate.”
The door banged open just then and slammed against the opposite wall, startling them all, as a young, dark-haired man half carried, half dragged an older man into the office. Everyone sprang to their feet, except Nate and Merrill, who were already standing. Sherm dropped his hand to the holster around his hips, which Devlin had expected as that seemed to be his defensive way. Others stood at attention, assessing the situationbefore making a move. Merrill took a step closer to him, as if to protect him, and again, Devlin liked what he saw, despite being surprised himself. His deputies were fast and prepared, more so than he himself was at this moment.
“Sorry I’m late! Found Mr. Somner sleeping on a bench in the town square.” The newcomer laughed though he was a little breathless and wrinkled his nose as he dragged the man inside the building. “Smelled him before I saw him. He must have drunk himself silly last night. Maybe someone oughta tell Connor to stop servin’ him when he can’t walk straight no more.”
Merrill stepped forward, as did Nate, and helped the young man deliver Mr. Somner to one of the jail cells, as if this was a frequent occurrence. Perhaps it was. Devlin recalled Merrill saying something about it yesterday.
Mr. Somner didn’t resist at all. In fact, he was laughing, complimenting the deputies on how solicitous they were, slurring his words and promising they’d all go to heaven when it was their time for being so nice. They eased the man gently to the cot in the cell. “Go to sleep,” Merrill ordered then grabbed a thin blanket from a shelf and spread it out over the man, showing that he’d definitely done this more than once.
“’Night, boys,” the man mumbled, then, like a switch had been turned off, he fell asleep. In moments, his delicate little snores filled the small space.
Devlin watched it all with something akin to amusement. All the years he’d spent in Albuquerque, he’d never seen anything quite like it. Yes, there was drunkenness in Albuquerque, but his deputies hadn’t quite been so solicitous.
“And now you’ve met Fred Somner,” Merrill chuckled. “As you can see, completely harmless even if he is definitely in his cups.” He extended his arm and placed it around the deputy’s shoulder. “And this is Tomas Medrano.”
Tomas stepped forward and extended his hand. “You must be Marshal Goodrich. A pleasure, sir.”
“Nice to meet you, Tomas. Please, pour yourself a cup of coffee and have a seat. I think you’ve earned it.” Devlin smiled in greeting, his gaze sweeping over the young man,
Tomas did as he was asked, disappearing into the kitchen and returning with a cup of the steaming coffee. He pulled up a chair and slumped into it.
“Tell me about yourself.”
“Me?”
“Yes. We were all getting to know each other when you came in with Mr. Somner.”
Tomas smiled. “What would you like to know?”
“Anything you’d like to tell me.” Devlin liked this young man. Not only did his dark eyes miss nothing, but there was a calmness to him, aserenityas it were, despite having to drag a very drunk, mostly incoherent man into the office.
“Well, I grew up in Serenity. My folks ownDos CorazonesRanch just north of here. I’ve been a deputy for four years. I’m married to a wonderful woman—Cordelia, and we have two children who are the light of my life.” Tomas used his thumb to gesture toward the jail cell. “Welcome to Serenity, Marshal.”
Devlin smiled. “Thank you. I’m happy to be here.” He studied each of the men before him, clearing his throat after a moment. “I should probably tell you all a little about myself. I run a tight ship, but that doesn’t mean I can’t or won’t be accommodating. Tell me what you need. If it’s time off, let me know and we’ll make arrangements. If you think we need more help, tell me that, too. If you have a problem with the way I run things, talk to me. I will listen.” He took a sip of coffee.
“I will not be changing anything—for the time being, if ever. I see no reason to do so as Deputy Shotton assures me things are going well as they are, so your schedules will remain the same.The main thing, gentlemen, is that the people who live and work in this town are safe. It’s our job to protect them and we will do it to the best of our ability. Any questions?”
No one said a word but there were a few head shakes, which pleased him. They looked like good men who knew their jobs though he would keep an eye on Sherm. The young man’s penchant for reaching for his gun gave him pause. Though all lawmen wore guns, he was of the opinion it shouldn’t have to be used as a first resort. Much can be accomplished by speaking gently but firmly, and an unpleasant situation could turn out well if the right approach were used.
“Good. You’re all dismissed then, except for Merrill and Rafael. However, I expect you back for your regular shift.” He glanced at Nate, his night-time deputy, who’d stayed after his shift ended. “Get some sleep.”
The men shuffled out of the building, talking amongst themselves. If there was any negativity, he didn’t hear it and none of his deputies showed that they were upset with his introduction in any way. Devlin finished the coffee in his cup, pleased with what he had accomplished so far.
“Well done, Boss,” Merrill said as he grabbed his hat from his desk. He didn’t put it on. Instead, he held it in his hands, his fingers caressing the brim.
