(no subject)

[24hourpardypeople]

It's a slow day today, and Bill and Dave are taking it a bit easy. Sitting on a fence post at the feed lot, they're snacking on M&Ms and handling one of the few crimes reported today.

"We outta just take him in, Bill. He's never gonna do it," Dave comments, shaking his head.

Comments

[smalltowndeputy]

Rudy speaks up again, impatient for attention.

"Hey, guess what."

[24hourpardypeople]

"Chicken-butt," Dave answers.

[smalltowndeputy]

"No," Rudy replies, snickering. "You ain't never gonna guess."

[24hourpardypeople]

Dave turns over his shoulder to give Rudy a slightly exasperated look.

"Why would we guess then, if we ain't ever gonna get it?"

[smalltowndeputy]

Rudy looks put out.

"'Cause it's fun."

[wheelsy_sheriff]

"Pete!" Bill calls out after glancing at his watch. "Y'got five minutes!"

[smalltowndeputy]

Rudy looks at Pete, who picks up the pace, then persists with Dave and Bill.

"I'll give you a hint; it's got t'do with my family."

[24hourpardypeople]

"They finally found the band of monkeys that lost you," Dave jokes.

[smalltowndeputy]

Rudy looks affronted.

"No."

[wheelsy_sheriff]

"You're in love with your half-sister Bertha," Bill puts in, laughing when Pete makes a dive and misses.

[smalltowndeputy]

"No."

[24hourpardypeople]

"Your half-sister Bertha is in love with you?" Dave guesses.

[smalltowndeputy]

"NO, c'mon you guys!" Rudy pulls himself up, starting to bristle.

[24hourpardypeople]

Bradley reaches out and puts his hand on Rudy's shoulder, admonishing Dave and Bill good naturedly.

"Hey now, ease up. Just tell 'em, Rudy."

[smalltowndeputy]

Rudy is worked up and nearly flustered, but calms down after Bradley backs him.

Giving Jason a nod, Rudy announces his news.

"My cousin Skinner is comin' back t'Wheelsy."

[24hourpardypeople]

Dave and Bill both sober in an instant, exchanging looks before turning to Rudy.

"He is?" Dave asks, his surprise more wary than anything.

[wheelsy_sheriff]

"When'd he get out?" Bill asks, fixing his eyes on Rudy.

[smalltowndeputy]

Rudy frowns, clearly expecting a different reaction.

"He's been out nearly a year now, an' doin' real well for himself in Columbia," Rudy answers, putting as strong a tone to his words as he can.

[24hourpardypeople]

Bradley turns a confused look on the three of them.

"Somethin' wrong?"

[smalltowndeputy]

"No," Rudy replies defensively before Bill or Dave can say anything.

[24hourpardypeople]

"We'll see," Dave says, apology and reluctance in his voice and the look he gives to Rudy.

[wheelsy_sheriff]

"He stayin' with you?" Bill asks, giving Rudy a serious look.

[smalltowndeputy]

Rudy loses some of his staunch under Bill's gaze, and wavers.

"Just for a couple days."

[24hourpardypeople]

"Rudy," Dave groans.

[smalltowndeputy]

"Just 'til he gets settled."

Rudy says it like he's repeating a promise he was given.

[wheelsy_sheriff]

Bill and Dave each shake their heads.

"You watch him," Bill cautions. "He gets into any trouble, or gives you any, you let us know."

[smalltowndeputy]

Rudy frowns, looking down at his lap.

"Alright."

"I got 'im!" Pete crows, hanging onto a wildly flapping chicken.

[wheelsy_sheriff]

"It's about damn time," Bill mutters, bending low to slip between the cross bars on the fence, and straightening up on the other side.

[24hourpardypeople]

Dave hops down from his perch to join Bill; the two of them helping Pete take care of the bird.

"It'll be alright," Bradley assures Rudy as they head back to the car. "It's nice that you got your cousin coming home."

[smalltowndeputy]

"I think so," Rudy says, working up a smile. "I think it's gonna be great."