The tale Sheriff Reynold shared with Sam and Flat began nearly twenty years earlier. Back then, he was even more of a stud- and with both arms intact, it was hard not to take in just how much he looked like a well-constructed conglomerate of youthful muscles with legs.

In those days, Reynold was still merely the deputy of Fox Den; the sheriff was Gabriel Ghortfash, a chiseled and rugged older gentleman who did a poor job hiding the fact that he had less-than-wholesome intentions for his young subordinate. On that fateful day, Ghortfash was in good spirits- not because it had been relatively crime -free, but because Reynold has received an unfortunate letter from his beloved fiancee back in Ohio.

"I can't believe Norma has broken off our engagement," bemoaned Reynold, turning the paper over in his hands to check for any extra words on the back. Surely it was a joke. He had relocated to Colorado to take this deputy position out west with her understanding once he was established she would move out and they would marry. How could she now want to abandon their long decided plan?

"Women!" huffed Ghortfash with annoyance, though his facial expression did not hide his satisfaction. "This is why I steer clear of them all together, Rexy. Nothing but cruel and manipulative creatures who delight in breaking men's hearts."

"I don't understand. She wrote just last month to say how happy she was to be seeing me soon. I had been saving so much of my paychecks each week, setting enough aside enough in funds to almost start building a house..." continued Reynold, "I was going to surprise her when she came out. I had it all planned- the house was to look just like a house in our hometown of Gilboa. She always talked of wanting to live in that house one day, and here in Fox Den she was going to be able to make that dream a reality..."

"Forget her, Rexy. Obviously you're just too much of a man for her." Ghortfash paused a moment to take in his companion's body. "And WHAT a man you are. Really, it's her loss if she's decided to end things."

"What on Earth could have made her want to leave me? What did I do- no, what didn't I do for her to feel this way?"

"Rexy, look, what's done is done," Ghortfash rested his hand sympathetically on Reynold's knee. Well, a bit higher up on his thigh than actual knee, but Reynold paid no mind to it. "She's left you. She's made her decision, and whether or not you like it, that troublesome woman wanted out of your life. But I'm here for you. I won't abandon you like she has."

"Yes, I... appreciate your friendship, Gabe," sighed Reynold, "and your mentorship in the ways of law enforcement out here in this lawless part of the country. But I'm afraid this news from Norma not going to be easy for me."

"Oh, Rexy, I know, but if you'd put your trust in me I'd be happy to make things easier for you..." the sheriff's hand moved a little higher up his colleague's leg. This time Reynold took note, and diplomatically (but subtly) rotated away in his chair.

"And ending our engagement now? I just got that tattoo last week," he continued, rolling up the kong sleeve of his uniform's right arm. On his bulging, ripped bicep was the drawing of large black heart. The name 'Norma' inscribed in its center.

Ghortfash let out a disappointed gasp at the sight of the tattoo.

"Rexy! Why would you do that to your beautiful body?! That ink is permanent! Worse yet, obscuring your juicy arm muscles! And with that hateful woman's name!"

"I missed my dear Norma so!" replied Reynold, "She's been on my mind day and night with what I thought to be our nuptials approaching. I figured if I love her so much, then...then why not express it on my person for all the world to see? I was certain she loved me as much I love her. And that she'd be delighted to see this display of my love when she came out. But now...now she isn't coming..."

Tears began to swell up in the corners of the dreamboat deputy's deep eyes.

Ghortfash did not like to see his hunky helper in such a state of duress. "Oh, Rexy, come here. Let me give you a hug. I can make you feel better."

Ghortfash motioned with his hands for Reynold to come over. But Reynolds just sighed and rose to his feet.

"No, I...I need to get out of here. I need clear my head," he answered.

"I bet I could clear your head..."

"No, I...I thank you, Gabe. Really, I appreciate your compassion for me in this shocking and difficult time. But I want to be alone. I think...I think I may go to Simpson's. A drink may do me good."

"Ooo, Rexy, I could go with you. I know how...feisty you get when you have been drinking."

"No, thank you. I would like to drink alone. I have a lot to think about and would not make good company for you."

Ghortfash made a pouty face. "Well...if that's what you want, Rexy, I'll respect your wishes. For now. But promise me when you get back, if you're still feeling miserable, you'll give me a chance to make you feel better."

He knew no matter how much liquor Reynold consumed the young man would still be depressed. After all, Ghortfash had been hearing for days and days how excited Reynold was that his bride-to-be would presumably soon be arriving in Fox Den. This change of plans and the subsequent sorrow and vulnerability it has given the normally stoic Reynold seemed like the perfect opportunity the sheriff had been long waited for to get physically closer to the delicious-looking deputy.

Reynolds, already lost in his thoughts and not fully paying attention to what Ghortfash had said, casually waved his hand. "Yeah, okay. I...I just hope Simpson has a lot of beer on tap. I imagine I'm going to drink him out of a lot of it before the night is done with how low I'm feeling."

"Big boys have big appetites," coyly said Ghortfash, "not every man can handle that, but I assure you I can."

Reynold missed his sheriff's comments; with the break-up letter tucked into his back pocket, he left Ghortfash and took off towards the saloon. Over and over, his mind wrestled with this shattering news. Why Norma had ended their wedding plans? What had he done wrong?

Focused on his own inner world and problems, he walked quickly through the saloon doors and over to the bar counter with purpose. He did not notice the strange woman with dark eyes sitting in the back corner of the establishment, though she certainly had taken note of his ridiculously manly makeup as he walked by her table in his haste.

A dangerous smile crossed her blood-red lips.