Side Story #1 - Colt - Page 48

"In case you cannot already tell," said Richardson, "Nick over here has his reservations about this whole thing. Don't let his dour words dampen your mood. It's a good offer, if you're willing to hear us out."

"Why are you asking me, of all people?" said Colt.

Richardson smirked and looked across his peers. "See that? He's not asking us who we are to be hiring someone for a job like this. The man already knows." He looked at Colt again, smiling fully now. "You've done your research, haven't you?"

Colt did his best not to scowl. That had been an amateurish mistake. Bah.

"That's good," said Richardson, gesturing broadly with both hands. "We want someone who is thorough. Someone who thinks."

"And someone who is discreet," added Davinworth.

Colt had an inkling of what the answer to his next question might be, but he decided to ask it, anyawy. "How do you know I'm discreet?"

"Because somehow, you managed to move into our humble little town without my knowing about it," said Davinworth. "That's not a feat that can be accomplished clumsily."

A bit full of himself, wasn't he? They probably all were when it came to their respective areas of expertise. "Still doesn't explain why you're asking me and not someone else. You barely know anything about me."

"Well, admittedly," said Richardson, "our options are a bit limited on that count. Yes, there are private detectives in the capital, as well as a few security firms that would no doubt be happy to take our money, but Lagoroc has its own... larger problems that we would care to avoid."

"The capital is full of its prying eyes and nosy people," said Cree. "It is best to assume that anyone we might hire out of there would be compromised."

Compromised how, Colt wondered? Could they be referring to the Muetts? Or the government, maybe?

"And of course, the police in Lagoroc are proving themselves quite unreliable in this matter," said Richardson. "In a perfect world, they would have cracked this case already and put the matter to rest, but to say that they are dragging their feet is an understatement."

"They're probably compromised, too," added Cree. "Red tape, corruption, incompetence--any or all of those problems could be present. And maybe more."

"You, on the other hand," said Davinworth, "seem like a truly independent man. And not on very many people's radar, either. Perhaps it's worth giving you a shot, at least. See how things go."

Colt wasn't feeling terribly convinced. Was this all just some big game to these assholes? What did they hope to gain from this investigation, exactly? He considered asking, but he doubted he would get a straight answer--and worse, he felt like it might provoke these motherfuckers in some way.

"You are free to refuse," said Fred Millerman.

And that was all he said. As flatly as could be.

"In that case, I think I'll be exercising that freedom," said Colt. And he began turning the stroller around.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," said Richardson. "You haven't even heard our offer, yet."

Colt stopped but didn't say anything. He half-turned back toward the men, just waiting.

"A thousand marcks," said Richardson. "All you need do is bring us the name of the murderer with proof--or at least compelling evidence of their guilt."

"Laughable," said Colt, and he started walking. It was shame that he wouldn't be getting those free supplies from Kevin, but oh well.

"Alright, two thousand," said Richardson.

Colt just kept walking. He could hear them following.

"Three."

"No."

"Five," said Davinworth.

"Still not interested."

"Ten thousand," said Nicholas Cree.

Colt stopped.

Ten fucking thousand marcks? And from Cree, too? He'd seemed like he was against it.

Maybe that wasn't much money to these guys, but still. It wasn't nothing. And he fully intended to keep investigating, anyway. Wouldn't hurt to get something extra out of it.

But money was an interesting motivator in this case. It hadn't escaped Colt's notice that these guys had yet to mention the missing money that those two Muett thugs had been looking for. The money that had previously been in Janet's and possibly Rex's possession.

So did these old bastards just not know about it? That was possible.

Or was that their real motive in this? If the missing money was sizable enough, then yeah, ten thousand might be a worthwhile investment.

Whatever their game here was, Colt's paranoid instincts didn't like it. No amount of money was worth getting himself and his kids tangled up on the spider web that these guys had made.

Before he could tell them no another time, however, Davinworth spoke up with again.

"Perhaps you would be more interested in a proper job. A long-term, steady paycheck? And not beholden to any of us here? A position like that did become available, recently, did it not?"

"You're not referring to--" tried Fred.

"As a matter of fact, I am."

What were they even talking about?

"I think Sheriff Thompson would have a nice ring to it, don't you?" said Davinworth.

Colt turned away from them again and blinked a few times. Was this guy insane?

Richardson chimed in now, too. "Ah, of course. Orden does need a new lawman, after all. Perhaps you would be a good fit, Mr. Thompson. And if you are at all hoping to integrate into our little community, then there may be no more perfect job than that."

Colt could still hardly believe what he was hearing. These fuckers were either desperate for any help they could find, or this was just some kind of twisted form of entertainment for them. He wished he could tell which it was.

Hmm. On second thought, maybe leaning into this bullshit a little would help him learn more about the situation here--as well as the larger situation around Orden as a whole.

"...The job of sheriff is normally chosen by vote, isn't it?" said Colt.

"That it is," said Davinworth. "And with our backing, your chances of winning would go up tremendously. If you are interested, that is."

"It wouldn't be a guarantee, of course," said Richardson. "The voting process is a sacred institution. But we would be good friends to have if you decided to run."