Chapter 3

Chapter Three:

Transcription of conversation between Sheriff McLeon, Sheriff Hardin and Richard Malone within the Rollinsville Jailhouse. Summer 1896.

PM: I appreciate it if you know what I have specifically done wrong, Sheriff. 

SH: Nothing can be-

SM: Hardin, if you would allow me, please?

Hardin goes quiet.

SM: I apologize if this man seems to be in your case. We’ve been hearing reports all over the valley that something has been… affecting your circus performances.

PM: I have heard of no such thing until now. Last night's performance brought in most of the workers and their bosses came from Miner’s Folly today. We even brought out our beloved clowns to-

SM: Mister Post, if I may interrupt, we have heard accounts that something may have involved your performers last night. We found a couple, Mrs. And Mr. Deluca were shot and stabbed in multiple places. The only thing we found were two tickets to your show.

PM: I remember every face that comes into my circus and I did not see them, sheriff. 

SH: Oh for god’s sake, McLeon. He’s playing an act right in front of you, can’t you see?! The same thing happened back in Lawson!

McLeon kicks his chair away from the table and looks straight at Hardin.

SM: I don’t damn well care what you saw in your disgusting backwater town, I rule the law over here! The only reason why I haven’t kicked you out yet is because the Statesman expressed to keep you alive for other projects he has. 

The room goes silent. McLeon sits back down as Hardin hangs his head.

SM: Just continuing filing the paperwork up and getting the gravedigger to do his damn job. 

Hardin leaves through the door behind the table.

SM: I apologize that you had to see that. 

PM: It’s not a problem, Sheriff. 

SM: Listen, I’ve been to your shows and I agree that whatever happened didn’t involve you. I will let you off with a warning, but make sure to keep an eye on any customers that seem like they will do illwill to the fine folks around here. Got that?

PM: Loud and Clear. By the way, have you been feeling sick as of late?

SM: I mean, my wife keeps nagging at me, but that’s about it. 

Malone reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small bottle full of dark liquid. Pushes it over towards McLeon.

PM: Bradbury's End-All-B-Gone. If you have as little as a headache or as bad as gangrene, this will cure it all. Just a tablespoon will do.

SM: I’ll keep that in mind.