"I think we all should show Deputy Larkin our appreciation with a round of applause. Last night she risked her life climbing down a precipitous cliff in total darkness in an effort to save Billy Langstrom. Unfortunately, in spite of her life saving efforts, the young man had already perished. Ms. Larkin injured her knee in doing so, though thankfully, not too seriously. I'm mighty glad to see her back on duty after only a half day off! A truly heroic effort!" Dean joined the applause while Lydia Larkin looked embarrassed. Then, Fitzgerald added, "I understand Mr. Dean was in the area, too, though I don't as yet know why. He left the scene of the accident before he gave me a statement. I intend to remedy that later today." There followed a buzz in the crowd.

Lydia Larkin moved a step forward. She tentatively raised her hand. "I. . .I took Mr. Dean's statement last night." Fitzgerald glared at her. "I just haven't had time to type up my notes." She limped a few steps forward. "He was just passing by-long after the accident happened." She added, "He was very helpful."

There was more movement in the back of the room as Fred O'Connor entered, followed by a contingent of his followers. Claudia called for order as Fred's friends chatted with a pair of women in the last row, no doubt bringing the new arrivals up to speed. "We have time for one last question-directed to Mr. Dean. Mr. Fitzgerald used up his time discussing his deputy.

Mrs. Worthington raised her hand. "Mr. Dean, would you please discuss the circumstances of your injury in the line of duty?"

Dean was pleased with the opportunity. "Getting shot isn't something I'm proud of, but I can assure my opponent, regardless of the body part hit, there isn't anything funny about it. No, I wasn't running away-there was a scramble. We were on a drug bust and someone tipped off the bad guys. Bullets started flying in all directions and I was hit. Don't vote for me out of sympathy. Vote for me because I love this town and think I can do a good job as sheriff."

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While it was a nice ending, Dean didn't kid himself that he'd won the confrontation. Fred patted him on the back and apologized on behalf of his friends who spent the afternoon in the court house attending Fred's jury session. The combatants left the room together, with Fitzgerald not even acknowledging Dean's presence. Lydia Larkin, hero of the day, scooted out before the gavel fell.

Dean swung by the Beaumont Hotel and dropped off Jennifer Radisson's camera, not unhappy to be rid of the reminder of the prior evening. He left it at the desk, as he wasn't up to the small talk a personal delivery would entail. Then he thought, Screw the diet, and stopped for a six-pack of Fat Tire on his way back to Bird Song.




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