“What?” I said, totally stymied.
“To be exact, I’m the local sheriff.” Chris smiled and finished with the fire.
“What, really?” I gaped.
“Yeah- well, didn’t I tell you that?”
“NO!! Man, I feel a lot safer now. I guess you were,like, trained in hostage situations, huh?”
Chris laughed. “Yes, Miss Ava. Now what do you say we get on home? Well, my home.” He smiled again, his wide face wrinkled and merry.

Half an hour later, we came into sight of a large ranch style home. I slipped off of Cirrus and Chris took his reigns. “I’ll take him down to the sheriff’s- my- office. We’ve got a stable there for the mounted unit in the next town- we call them if we need backup.”
“Ok,” I said, “I’ll go with you.” I started towards Cirrus.
“No, no, ” said Chris. “You go on inside. I bet you’re tired. I’m more used to being out all night.”
“Yeah, I bet you are.” I yawned. “Ok, see you soon Mr. Chris!”
He smiled again. I was beginning to really like him. “Just go inside and tell Eric I sent you. He’s my son. ”
“Ok.”