Getting to Know You

3Gun was waiting by the hotel's front door 

A puzzled frown on his face he wore 

as Aaron arrived from the fourth floor

'Morning, Sheriff, been waiting long?" 

'Nope. I rise with the sun and the rooster's song. 

Tell me, are there many stayin' on your floor?' 

'Couldn't say, saw a maid. Another lady, but her face was in shade. 

You're on two, if I'm not mistaken. 

You may be thinking of making a trade?' 

3gun waved the question off, 

'Thought we'd grab some breakfast first, 

then you can satisfy a thirst.' 

'You drink this early in the day!' 

'Nope, just want to hear what you have to say.'

Gynn served breakfast, Aaron's larger in size 

She stuck out her tongue as 3Gun's rolled eyes 

'This is really good.' 

'Best in the county. The owner made her livin' at bounty. 

 Worked for me than married the mayor, 

bore him twins now a deputy no more.'

Aaron chewed thoughtfully then said, 'You had questions.' 

'The folks in this town are pretty tight-knit. 

Strangers don't often make a good fit.' 3Gun waited. 

'Am I not welcome? Is that what you've stated?' 

'Just sayin', think hard about what you anticipated. 

We know all about Harriet and the troubles she had.'

'Well, I experienced some firsthand, 

so I fully understand. 

And Sheriff, I appreciate your protective stance, 

I'm just hopeful of a second chance.' 

3Gun nodded, called for Gyn, 

paid the bill, and watched her grin 

as she thanked Aaron for coming in. 

His eyes rolled again.

'So, I promised a meet with our town's newspaper lady, 

Miss Caroline Grace, but just CG to her face.' 

'Seems this town has a lot of women in business. Library, cafe, newspaper, hotel.' 

'School, and livery too. They hold a lot of sway, truth to tell.' 

'I can see why Harriet must love it here . . . women's rights.'

'We don't distinguish much,' 3Gun smiled, ' saves fights.'

'Here we are,' 3Gun pointed, while Aaron took stock He read the sign, Gold Pillars, taking in the lemon trees, and the large double hammock.'

That where she takes a break for an afternoon snooze?' 

'Occasionally. Truth is, she's the source of most of the news.' 

Aaron stared, his face befuddled attention 3Gun opened the door and called, 'Hey, Muffin!'