Tom Skeller - The Good Deputy

By John J. Law

"Them stupid prohibition puritans, can't even let good men drink their alcohol in peace! It's a crying shame, I tell you! Can't you do nothing about it, Deputy?" the bounty hunter asked.

"I'm just the deputy of town, Bounty Hunter. I don't make the rules, I just enforce them. I'm not even the head law enforcer round here. That's Sheriff Woode's job.

"If you ask me, Sheriff Woode's a mite too puritanical for his own good. Men like us should be able to drink when and where we can."

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.C. Hulsey Books
• Release date: Dec 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215853276

Book preview

One: Prohibition

The bounty hunter rode his horse leisurely towards the saloon. When he arrived in front of it, he tied his horse to one of the posts of the establishment. There was a water box beside where he tied the horse, and the animal immediately started gulping some water. Both man and beast were relieved to be able to take these few moments of respite.

When the bounty hunter moved towards the saloon, there were several people around the place and all of them looked to him with much disdain.

You better make the most of your time here, mister! This place is gonna be shut down tomorrow thanks to the Prohibition movement!

Yeah, and for good reason! We don't want none of that booze and vice that this place brings to our little town!

The people taunted the bounty hunter as he made his way inside the saloon. He could have easily made an issue of it and answered them back, but he did not. He wasn't in the mood to get into a senseless argument with anyone. He fully knew what they were talking about. He was a regular of this place, the Lighting in a Bottle saloon. The bounty hunter liked to go here when he could to savor their good whiskey, play some cards or get madam of the night. He was also good with the place's owner Amanda Payton, a feisty red head who had made her own way in a place like this.

When he swung open the saloon's revolving doors, it was Amanda who saw him first and smiled at him. She waved him in, immediately.

Look who rode into my humble establishment! One of my best customers! she said.

Flattery will get you everywhere, Amanda. Get me some of the good stuff. I need to rest and lay my hat here awhile. he said.

You're always welcome here, Bounty Hunter. But you do know the unfortunate fate of my saloon by now, right? Amanda said.

The bounty hunter nodded and spoke with a heavy heart. How would I not? The townspeople outside just reminded me an' anyone who goes inside your place.

Tell me about it, Bounty Hunter.

The bounty hunter turned and saw a familiar figure. A young man entered the saloon and he had a badge tacked on his shirt. It was clear to all that he was a lawman.

Howdy Deputy Skeller. How's everyone's favorite deputy doing?

Deputy Skeller smiled at the bounty hunter. I'm doing fine. The sheriff still hasn't shown up for work, but I figure he'll be here in a while. I might as well, hang around here at the saloon while I'm waiting for him. After all, it is going to be the last day of this place today.

Ain't that a shame! Take a seat here, an' let's play some chess? What do think? the bounty hunter said.

The bounty hunter sat in front of the saloon's