Free Enforcing Home by A. American Page A

that bunch of shit heads will probably be sniffin’ around,” Sarge said.
    “We got this,” Jamie replied.
    Sarge smiled at her, “I know you do.” Looking back at Ian, he said, “the guys are going to be doing roving patrols around the back door and a few other places.”
    Ian nodded. “Yeah, we’re in contact with them; they’re staying in touch on the radio.”
    Sarge nodded, “Good enough.”
    Ian looked up at me with one eye squinted. “You know how to run that thing?”
    I patted the SAW; “I’m sure I’ll figure it out.”
    Pointing at the muzzle, Jamie said, “Keep that pointed at the bad guys.”
    “I tried.” I swiveled the weapon over the roof of the truck, “but it won’t go down far enough to get to Sarge.”
    Jamie laughed. I thought I was out of his reach, until that the ball on the top of that damn walking stick hit me in the thigh. Luckily for me, it just off the mark the old man was aiming for. “You point a gun at me in a dream, and you better wake up and apologize,” Sarge barked.
    I ducked down. “I’m sorry,” then acted like I was thinking, “sorry, sorry, sorry.”
    Thad erupted in laughter, then added, “Me too, I’m sorry.”
    Everyone caught on and before long it was one continuous chorus of sorry bombarding the old man between the laughter from all directions. Sarge looked around, “Keep it up you bunch of smart asses; keep it up.” He paused for a moment, then added, “you can kiss my ass!” Stomping on the gas, the truck lurched forward. I was laughing so hard I had to catch myself. Thad slapped my leg, and I could hear him still chuckling.
    We rode down to the little store and Sarge wheeled into the parking lot. Business was picking up and there were a number of people set up offering an assortment of things for trade. When Sarge stopped, I climbed out and slung my carbine, heading straight to one of the tables. It was filled with jars of honey and candles of assorted diameters.
    “Hey Mario, Shelly; good to see you guys,” I said, extending my hand. Mario gripped it and smiled.
    “Good to see you too,” he replied with a firm shake.
    Shelly came around the table and gave me a hug. “It’s good to see you too.”
    The rest of the guys came up, and I introduced everyone. Thad picked up one of the jars on the table, “That’s some fine looking honey.”
    “Yeah, Mario runs D&J Apiary, a pretty big operation back in the day,” I said.
    “Still is,” Shelly replied with a smile.
    “I guess so; your staff wasn’t much affected by all this,” Sarge said.
    “We lost a bunch, only because we couldn’t get to them; but we’ve still got quite a bit,” Mario answered.
    “How’s business?” Danny asked.
    “Good, we’ve got plenty to trade,” Mario replied.
    “We’ll take some,” Sarge said, sliding four jars across the table.
    “You guys can have them; it’s good to see Morgan, and to meet you fellas,” Mario said.
    Sarge reached into his pocket; “I appreciate it, but we’ll pay.” He held out a silver eagle, “this be enough?”
    Mario smiled, “If you insist,” he said as he took the coin.
    Sarge smiled, “I do. Thank you for the trade; this’ll be a real nice treat for everyone.”
    Mario pocketed the coin, then reached out and tapped the star on my chest. “What’s that all about; I see you guys are all wearing them.”
    “Eh, I was kind of made a Sheriff,” I replied.
    “Made?” Mario asked.
    I waved him off, “It’s a long story.”
    “Why aren’t you guys wearing one?” Shelly asked Sarge.
    “Cause we’re not part of it. We’re still in the Army, so we can’t be civilian law enforcement,” He stabbed a thumb in my direction, “I work for him.”
    Thad laughed and I snorted, “Yeah, fat chance.”
    “Are you really a Sheriff?” Shelly asked.
    “As real as they get now-a-days; why you need something?” I asked.
    Shelly looked at Mario, “Well, maybe. I was going to handle it; but if you’re the law,” he