Sheriff ‘Tank’ Tanner Williams was a short, round man who made up for his lack of stature with his mouth and with his attitude. Before deciding to...throw his hat into the political ring, he had been a good sheriff, working hard right beside his deputies. Now he directed, he gave commands, he sat behind his desk and kept his nose out of anything that could possibly stain his reputation letting his men take the blame for him. Cops got dirty, it was part of being a cop. ‘Nicky!’ The greeting was. Soon Jenny arrived with a look of apprehension. "You wanted to see megrandma?" Jenny said."Yes I did. Alex here seems like a very nice young man. I am glad youFINALLY found the time to introduce him to me. Now when are you goingto introduce your friend Alexa to me?" Jenny happened to be taking a sipof her wine as her grandmother said this and did a spit take. The lookon her face was priceless. She obviously had no idea her grandmotherhad figured everything out. Grandma Mary just stood. She kissed me on the cheek and stepped back, holding both my hands.“Bethany, you’re positively beaming. You seem happy!”“I am. I was so nervous, but he was gentle and caring and loving. It was perfect, Steve. It was everything I needed. He’s everything I need.”“You seem like a new person!” I said happily.“I feel strange,” she said. “I mean, I’m happy, I really enjoyed it, but I feel strange because it wasn’t you.”I pulled her into my arms.“I know, Sweetheart. That’s OK. Next time, I don’t think. Will sighted down the barrel, the world beyond a shifting blur. He rolled onto his back, feeling every bone protest as it shifted and settled. But his arms somehow came up, and the dark blur came to be centered. Will blinked; his vision cleared somewhat.Randy was no longer bleeding, no longer hunched. He rolled his shoulders back, his chest broadening. "Go ahead," he growled, "see if it matters."Will pulled on the heavy trigger, and pulled, further... Something hard and fast swatted the gun.