So far, people seem to like the story. Many thanks to all who have purchased it. My wife appreciates it. As Kelly told the Grim Reaper, and my wife tells me, "Just remember, you earn it, I spend it." It's basically a direct line, Bookapy to PayPal to my checking account to my wife. I don't even have a checkbook!
For those curious, I wanted to try some different things with this story. First, the hero isn't a classic hero like Carl Buckman or the Grim Reaper. Not every reader likes this, but you can't say I didn't warn you. Second, I am not doing this in a strict sequence. I wanted to bounce around. So far, it seems to be working.
The number two in a sheriff's department usually goes by one of two terms, Undersheriff or Chief Deputy. There was a question on this. The Sheriff is an elected official. On an amusing note, when the police are making public statements or announcements, it is usually given to a senior officer, lieutenant or captain, maybe higher depending on the size of the department, acting as the press liaison. When a sheriff's department has to make a (good) announcement, it is always the sheriff, so his face is out in front of the voters!
I've had reports of a few tiny typos. I am fixing them, and at the end of the story I will upload a fixed version to bookapy and the other sites. If anybody who bought the story wants a corrected version, we can take care of it at that time. We'll figure something out.
On a totally different note, my son and his wife gave us a booze-of-the-month club membership for three months. They give you the ingredients for three fancy drinks each month, and you must buy the appropriate booze. This month was rum. Everything seems so much nicer when you have four ounces of rum inside you. Next month is gin. Should be interesting!