The sheriff tossed a small object down on the desk. It was a shiny badge like the one pinned to his own shirt. Early stared at it for a long time. He had never envisioned himself as a peace officer, not even once. "Look, you've been out of work for a while, Mr. Early. Maybe you won't mind earning a few dollars. You handle yourself well in a fight, but you're smart enough to know it's best to settle things without fighting. There's no one else I respect more or would choose to have by my side in tough situations." A voice from behind Early startled him: "He'll take the job." The sheriff laughed. "Thank you, Mrs. Early. All right, Tom, I know you're too smart to fight with Jane. Let's settle this matter now. Take the badge."