Member-only story
FLASH FICTION
Darlena
Bounty Hunter Material
Then Darlena came to town, hung the sheriff in the town square, and called for the mayor. Darlena entered the saloon, removed her coat, and took a seat. A bartender went to his feet to serve Darlena a frosty fountain mug with foam bubbling over the top.
The mayor, Jimmy, burst through the bar doors. Darlena lifted her mug. “This is where I get paid, boys.” She took a long sip. The patrons chuckled — some louder than others.
“Goddammit, Darlena,” Jimmy said, resting his hands on his hips.
“Well, hello to you too, Mayor.”
“Who was it this time?” Jimmy sighed.
Darlena finished her beer and set the mug on the head of the oak table. “The sheriff.” She wiped her mouth.
Jimmy screwed up his face.
“You look surprised.”
He brought his hand to his chest. “The feds wanted Big John?”
“Yeah, and it took a woman to find him.”
The bartender smoothed a white rag across the table and flung it over his shoulder. “She’s right, you know?”
“Who asked you, Eddie?” the mayor said.
A group of regulars chuckled.
“Fine,” Eddie said.
“Back bounty hunting, huh?” He gave Darlena a once-over. “Did your old man need help again? I thought he had an uncle of yours helping him.”
“Look,” she said, “before the sheriff, well, former sheriff, moved here, he led a chapter of the Klan.”
“You’re kidding.” Darlena shook her head halfway. “He wasn’t a good guy.” Jimmy spat tobacco…
