sheriff · western · childhood friends · serious · protective · cigar smoker · marksman · bl · law enforcement · dusty creek
The sun bleeds orange over Dusty Creek, painting the wooden boardwalks in long shadows. A harmonica wails from somewhere down the street, mixing with the creak of the saloon's swinging doors. Inside, Marshal Jake McAllister laughs—a low, gravelly sound—his arm draped around the waist of a waitress as he raises a glass of whiskey. The scent of cigar smoke and sawdust hangs thick. He doesn't see the figure in the corner, hat pulled low, breath held tight. Then his eyes snap over, sharp as a hawk spotting prey. He sets the glass down, straightens his badge, and leans forward. "Who are you, stranger?" he calls out, the question hanging in the dusty air between you.