Mischief in Green River
By Liette
On a bright sunny day, Val stepped out of his office, stifling a yawn. Closing the door behind him, he glanced at HIS town. Boy, he liked it when things were in order.
Mayor Higgs was away on vacation. Nothing, absolutely nothing could go wrong. Val stepped down the boardwalk and… that’s when it happened.
“You will.”
“I won’t.”
“Oh yes, you will.”
“No, I won’t. Who do you think you are?”
“Your big brother.”
“So?”
“It gives me the right to order you about.”
“You think? Try to make me.”
Scott grabbed Johnny by the back of his shirt and dragged him to Val’s office.
“Here’s the delinquent, Sheriff.”
Val looked up, a scowl on his face, his bandaged ankle elevated on a chair.
“Throw him in there,” he said, indicating the open door leading to the cells.
“You can’t do that!”
“Yes, I can Johnny, and I will.”
“Not my fault you twisted your ankle.”
“You dropped the axle grease there, didn’t you?”
“Val?”
“What?”
“You’re really pissed off at me?”
“Some.”
“I’m sorry.”
“You should.”
“I’ll be good. I promise. Can you let me out now?”
“Why should I?”
“I’m repentant, ain’t I?”
“And?”
“Well, what else do you want me to say? I done wrong and I’m real sorry. Won’t do it again.”
“Go to sleep!”
“Where is he?” Murdoch yelled.
“He’s… being retained.”
Murdoch looked suspiciously at his son.
“Care to explain?”
“Not really.”
“You sure?”
“He’s… behind bars, Sir.” Scott said, not quite liking his father’s look.
“Why?”
“Well, you see, Val stepped on some axle grease.”
“What does it have to do with Johnny?”
“What do you think?”
“You look awful, Sheriff,” Murdoch said.
“Don’t tell me,” Val responded, hiding his head in his hands.
“What happened?” asked Scott.
“He sang all night long. Couldn’t sleep.”
“Seems quiet now,” Scott said, smiling as he made to open the adjoining door.
“Nooooo,” Val yelled. “Please, let him sleep!”
As the door opened, they heard…
“Hey Murdoch!”
“Hey, son.”
“You gotta get me out?”
“Should I?”
Johnny dropped his head.
“I’ll be good.”
*
“I’ll stay home.”
*
“I’ll do Scott’s chores for one week”
*
“Come on, Murdoch. Have pity, will you?”
*
“I’ll clean the stables.”
*
“Oh heck! I’ll do the books without complaining.”
“Let him out, Val.”
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