Headed For A Fall

St. Valentine

Jacob's spurs seemed so out of place against the oppulant carpet as he strode into the Mayor's office. The man sat before him behind the mahogany desk rose at his approach, his face welcoming as he smiled broadly.

They shook hands, Jason allowing a friendly half smile in return.

"Well my boy we've done it! This little town is well on the way to becoming a thriving metropolis!" The Mayor laughed as he took his seat, motioning impatiently for Jason to sit as well.

He did, shifting himself so his gunbelt didn't rub the supple leather of the chair. "What's all this Ted?"

"Why the school teacher has accepted our posting! We are well on the way to becoming a proper city! First a doctor, then a bank and finally a teacher. Yes sir we are absolutely flourishing!" Ted crowed his face shining with happiness.

"That's swell Ted, any word on if the committee approved those two extra deputy positions I requested?"

Ted's smile dimmed, "They authorized one deputy salary in addition to the two you have, and Mr. Boone down at the general store donated two Henry repeating rifles to the Sheriff's Office.

"Well Ted if y'all want the rustlers to stop you're gonna have to give me more people."

"That's why I called you here today, we plan to raise additional funds at a Valentine's dance down at the saloon. We hope to auction off some pies and dances with the pretty young women of the town."

Jason frowned, "Ted that sounds an awful lot like a slave auction."

"No no, it's all in good fun. Which is why I've got to send you down to the train depot to pick up the new school teacher, she is to be our guest of honor!"

"That's a three day journey!" Valentine's day is only five days away." Jason protested.

The Mayor waved his hand dismissively. "You can make it in one the way you ride, then take your time on the return trip. I'm assured our young lady is a capable horsewomen. Anyway, you really must be getting ready to leave soon the train is set to arrive at three tomorrow."

Jason stood shoving his cowboy hat down roughly on his head. "Ted you really got to stop ordering me about like a damned errand boy. I'm here to enforce the law not greet guests and fetch parcels."

Ted gave an exasperated sigh, "How else am I supposed to keep the young lady safe if not to send the decorated veteran and sheriff of our town to escort her personally to her new home?" He slid a letter across the desk. "Here are the details, do try to be welcoming."

Jacob snatched up the letter as he stood. He strode from the room without a backward glance, shutting the office door a bit harder than he'd meant to.