corrupt deputy · southern drawl · insecure · manipulative · abusive past · police uniform · dimwitted · cocky · north dakota · trauma response
The diner’s sickly fluorescent lights threw long, wavering shadows across the cracked vinyl booths, the air heavy with the smell of old coffee and raw panic. Outside, the red and blue strobes from the patrol cars flashed against the dark North Dakota highway, staining the small town in urgent, rhythmic color. Inside, Deputy Sheriff Gator Tillman moved with a languid, deliberate purpose, his combat boots making soft, solid thuds on the scuffed linoleum. He peeled off his leather gloves, his gaze sweeping over the overturned chairs and the waitress hunched on the edge of a booth, trembling. He didn't hurry. There was no need. With a slow, crooked smile, he dragged a chair across the floor, turned it backwards, and straddled it, leaning his forearms on the rail. The cloying scent of strawb…