The Perfect Crime

Chapter 8

The sheriff kneels down onto one leg as he slowly pulls out the fuzzy golden ring box. The patrons in the bar gasp, waiting anxiously for the bar maiden's reaction.

"Mary," the sheriff smiles brightly, his eyes overflowing with joy and happiness.

Mary stops what she's doing and her eyes go wide at the sight.

"Will you make me the happiest man in this bar and marry me?" He opens the ring box and pulls out the ring, holding it out towards her.

"...Sheriff..." Mary freezes, her heart pounds quickly in her chest and she becomes at a loss for words. Her eyes dart around the bar as all is silent, everyone waiting for her reply. Does she accept? Does she deny? Does she even love him?

Her eyes begin to pool with tears as a smile creeps upon her face, "yes." She nods her head and the sheriff rises from his kneeling position. "Yes. I will marry you."

"Really?" The sheriff's eyes widen before he rushes over to Mary and embraces her gently. "I love you Mary Roberts. I've waited so long to say that." He breathes before releasing his grip on her.

"I love you too, Johnny." Mary smiles softly towards the man, the sheriff smiles more as he gently grasps her hand and slides the ring upon her left ring finger.

"Now everyone will know that you are off limits," the sheriff lets out a light laugh before looking into the woman's eyes. "May I kiss you Mary?" He asks softly, holding her hands gently within his.

"Yes." Mary nods slowly, she closes her eyes as the sheriff gently presses his rough, manly lips against her soft, plush lips. Mary pulls away from the kiss and then goes back to working behind the counter, "I need to work now, but please take these to my brother when you go to interrogate him." She reaches under the counter and pulls out a little tray of assorted cookies. "I don't want him to get too stressed out, so these should calm him down if he gets too anxious." Mary curls the corners of her mouth into a small, slightly crooked smile; yet too innocent for the sheriff to notice the darkness hiding behind it.

"Of course." The sheriff gladly takes the tray before tipping his hat to the female. "I guess I'll see you later?"

"See you later, Sheriff." Mary waves as the man turns and leaves the bar, the people watching them clap as the sheriff walks away.

***

The sheriff re-enters the police station and walks over towards Bob.

"So, is he ready to talk yet? Or not quite?" The sheriff asks as he stands next to his partner of the office.

"You can try to talk with him again, but he hasn't asked to co-operate yet." Bob looks up at the sheriff and notices a smile on his face, "what's with you? Where did you get that?" He reaches his hand up and gently pokes the sheriff's face.

"I just proposed to Mary," the sheriff replies as he gently removes Bob's hand from his face.

"And...?" Bob leans in closer to the sheriff.

"And what?" The sheriff raises an eyebrow to the man as he smirks slightly, trying to keep Bob in suspense as long as possible.

"What did she say? Did she reject you? Or... did she say YES!?" Bob's eyes light up with excitement as he becomes anxious to know more.