Free Sins of the Father by Robert J. Thomas

Mark Steele explain all about the situation that he and the town was in. She had to make three trips to bring out all the food. “I’m sure glad you are here, Marshal Reedy. Mark here is going to need all the help he can get, but I’m not sure the three of you will be enough.”
“Between me and my deputies and the sheriff and his two deputies, that gives us six experienced lawmen, and all six are good gun handlers. I think we’ll be okay and if not, we can send for more help.”
“I’ll be praying for all of you,” Pattie said, as she headed back to the kitchen. They all dug in like starving animals.
“Sheriff, I gather she doesn’t seem to think we can handle it,” said Reedy.
“It won’t be easy. I’m hoping that U.S. marshal’s badge you’re wearing will be enough to slow Rance Madden down a little. By the way, what made you pin a badge back on again?”
“Reedy thought about it for a minute. “I suppose I kind of got tired of the bounty hunting business and not having a steady pay. Hell, that young friend of yours, Jess Williams, pretty much put some of us out of business.”
“Yeah, and I hear he’s still at it. Tough little hombre and not afraid of anything,” replied Steele.
“He needs to watch himself, though; I keep waiting for a wanted poster on him to come across my desk. I sure don’t want to have to go after that boy.”
“Why do you say that?” Steele asked.
“Well, he sure comes close to breaking the law sometimes. He shot Deeke Moore in the middle of the street when he was un-armed. On another occasion, he forced Randolph Jackson into a gunfight even though Jackson wanted to walk away. I mean, they all asked for trouble and he didn’t start any of it, but he’s coming closer and closer to crossing that line, if you know what I mean.”
“I think the thing that counts is that he hasn’t shot anyone who didn’t deserve to die,” replied Steele.
“I think that’s the only reason no one has sworn a warrant out on him yet. Well, let’s go and have a little talk with this Rance Madden fellow,” said Reedy. “Fine cooking,” he hollered to the kitchen as they left Jed’s Saloon.
They walked over to Sheriff Steele’s office and Rance Madden, who had been lying on the hard bed, sat up on the bed. Buck was sitting in a chair in the corner; Tex was doing rounds around town. Frank Reedy walked up to the cell.
“You must be Mr. Rance Madden?” asked Reedy.
“That’s right. Are you here to let me the hell out of here? Steele had no reason to lock me up, I didn’t break any laws, and he’s the one who should be behind these bars. “
“Shut the hell up and listen to me Madden, because I’m only going to say it once. I’m a U.S. marshal and I’m here to help the sheriff keep the peace here. I’ve heard all about your little war with Henry Thornton and I don’t particularly give two shits about your problem with water. I know the law and it’s on Thornton’s side. He was here first and you knew the water situation before you bought your spread and if you didn’t, that’s your fault, not Henry Thornton’s. Now, I’m letting you out of jail, but if you continue with the dispute you started, you are going to have the full weight of the U.S. marshal’s office rain down on you like hellfire. Do I make myself clear on the matter?”
Rance Madden was madder than hell but he stood up and looked over at Steele. “I’m not making any promises to any of you. Now let me out of here before I get me a lawyer and sue the Sheriff.”
Steele unlocked the cell door and handed Madden all of his stuff along with his gun and holster. “Consider yourself warned, for the last time, Madden.”
“Kiss my ass, Sheriff,” replied Madden, as he stormed out of the jail and headed for the livery.
Reedy looked at Steele. “I got a hunch we’re going to see that hunk of trouble again.”
“Yeah, he won’t stop. It’s just not within his nature to do so. We better get ready because I think