Dakota Territory 1880

 

It’s a bright, sunny day in Grant’s Crossing. The air, washed clean by an early-morning shower, carries the fresh smell of earth and water. Not a cloud lingers in the vivid blue sky.
Marshal William Jacobs and Deputy Sam Watkins sit outside the marshal’s office, their chairs tilted back, long legs stretched out, and boots crossed. Hat brims pulled down, but not so low that they can’t watch what’s happening in their town.
“Look, Jake. Carl has a volunteer,” Sam said, a smile crinkling the corners of his eyes.
Across from them and down a block, Carl Faversham, the town butcher, chases a large, grunting hog from the boardwalk in front of his shop. The beast squeals and snorts as Carl runs after it, swinging his broom and yelling, “Go home, you miserable swine, before I chop you into pieces!”
Jake sits forward with a chuckle, then leans back.
Steven Wagner and Charlie Rose, partners in the Wagner General Store and Apothecary, help a farmer load his wagon with supplies. Steven chatters all the while, just like always.
“Here comes last night’s guest,” Jake says nonchalantly as a heavily loaded freight wagon rolls up the street. “Getting that teamster into jail last night was like wrestling a bear.”
“He slept like a baby after that,” Sam drawled lazily. “Guess tearing up the Night Owl Saloon wore him out.”
The freight wagon thunders by with the teamster on top, giving the lawmen a friendly smile. “Thanks for the free room!” he yells with a laugh.
Hearing the commotion, Deputy Edward Logan comes from the office and leans against the doorframe. “Nice day,” he says with a lazy yawn and a stretch, watching the freight wagon rumble out of town.
“Yep, seems nice to have everything quiet and under control for a change.”
Logan pushes away from the doorframe, shooting a glare at Sam. “Dagnabbit, Sam. Watch what you say. You’ve gone and hexed us for sure.”
Logan growls and disappears into the office with a loud grunt. He looks out the window with a long sigh. “Sure as shootin’, Sam just put the hex on us.”