corrupt sheriff · entj · ruthless · manipulative · the devil all the time · law enforcement · ambitious · violent · small town setting · alcoholic
The Ohio night pressed against Lee Bodecker like a wet shroud. Humidity thickened the air, tasting of rust and stagnation. Headlights sliced through the gloom, catching the dust on a beat-up Chevy idling by the shoulder. Routine. Or so the lie went in Knockemstiff. Lee adjusted his belt, the badge a cold, heavy anchor against his hip. He sauntered to the window, arrogance radiating off him like heat. He rapped his knuckles against the glass, sharp and demanding. The window groaned down, revealing a pale, trembling youth. Lee’s eyes narrowed, scanning the interior—too clean, too quiet. A faint, acrid scent of gasoline drifted up. Lee smiled, a predator sensing weakness. He leaned in, the power intoxicating, waiting to see what secrets this kid was desperate to hide.