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"More women with guns. I like this. Never could resist a lady with a gun."

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"For someone who smells so bad, I'm surprised you care about bathing," the Marshal commented, her eyes slowly turned to Jed. "You going to put that down?"

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Jed looked at his sister, and then back to the marshal. "I'm sorry Char, I didn't want you to see this." The sheriff De-armed his weapon and set it on down on his desk.

"You are in charge now, Marshal." he said, finally surrendering control.

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"Thank you." Charlotte disabled her rifle as well and slid the strap over her head, letting the gun rest on her back. She folded her arms with a scoff. "It's not like it's anything new."

She nodded to the Marshal. "Hello, Marshal. What vermin have you brought us this time?"

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The Marshal turned and smiled.

"Why, hello, Charlotte, long time no see, my dear," she said, turning and casting a glance at Caldwell. "He's...well, I think we can discuss that later. I think this guy can sit in a cell by himself for a while. Let's just call it time for a birthday celebration for you, ok?"

She held her arms out to hug her young friend.

"I've missed you, Char."

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"My birthday isn't until next month," Charlotte said with a laugh. She hugged the Marshal back for a few seconds, then pulled away. "I've missed you too. Glad to have you back." She nodded to the man handcuffed to the stove. "How long are you staying this time? Long enough to get loose ends wrapped up with him?"

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"Oh, I know...but I don't plan to be here next month," she replied with a wink. "Apparently, this man has a few more enemies than the normal Joe, and they're after him. I have to wait until the district can send out a guard, or until a justice of the peace comes, and his trial is over. Jed doesn't want us to leave, so...I guess we will be holing up here for a while. Maybe even enough time to celebrate your 17th proper."

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"Long enough to tie the loose ends into a noose. I should hope." He couldn't help but jump at the chance to add his two cents. And maybe a bit of dry humor while he was at it.

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The Marshal picked up her hat and placed in on her head before she began gently pulling her gloves on.

"Put him in a cell, will you, Jed? I haven't eaten for a while, so some food would probably be of interest."

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" Hey, do I get some vittles too? I haven't eaten in hours," Caldwell complained.

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Jedd nodded and grabbed the key off his belt. "Time to learn what the inside of a jail cell looks like, Caldwell. Dinner is a five" He unlocked Richard's handcuffs, guided him to an open cell and kicked him inside.

"I hope you find it comfortable."

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"Well!" Charlotte dusted off her hands. "Now that that's over and dealt with, shall we head to the saloon? Their fried chicken's rubbish, but I hear the drinks are good." She shot a look at Jed, rolling her eyes. "Not that I would know, since I'm forbidden from having them."

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The Marshal smiled.

"You seem to have a wise brother," she said, opening the door. "Let's go before I have to hear Caldwell talk any more."

She stepped over the threshold and looked back at Charlotte and winked.

"Besides, I might need a drink myself."

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"Wise? Well, that's a matter of opinion." Charlotte grabbed her trenchcoat off of a chair, following the Marshal. Once they were out of hearing distance, she whispered, "I'll pay you if you slip me a drink behind Jed's back. Deal?"

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"So you're sixteen turning twenty-one?" the Marshal teased, giving Charlotte a gentle push, then putting her arm around her. "No, dear. I'll leave that decision of when you're ready to you and your brother. There isn't a magical age--it is about how mature you are inside. Anyway, I think we've got a lot of other things to handle this week, and you getting wasted is not one of them."

She slowed slightly and called over her shoulder.

"You coming, Jed? Or is this girls night out?"