Welcome to Hemlock Falls

[Atrus]

'Police station' was a grand name for a big room cut in two by a wooden counter. At the counter, typing lazily on a computer keyboard, was a middle-aged man in the same uniform as the deputy that greeted them before.

Behind the man Rourke could clearly see the outlines of a cell, as well as a couple other doors, one marked with a bathroom sign. Another desk behind the counter was covered by a laptop, a tiny lamp, and several dossiers piled one over the other.

The man didn't seem to notice Rourke at first, then almost jumped on the spot as his eyes fell away from the monitor and onto the man. "Hey. You're new."

 

[The Dullahan]

Rourke regarding the man for a moment, subtley sizing him up. He nodded, "That I am." He paused, "Is the sheriff around, he helped my group out earlier." He raised the coffee, "Wanted to say thank you."

 

[Atrus]

The man seemed confused for a moment. "The sheriff? Didn't know he was in the count- Oh. You mean Billie! Yeah, he should be here soon. So you're part of that group of tourists that tried to start a fire in the woods? Yikes. You're lucky he found you. I'm Barry, by the way!"

The door chime behind them jingled. 'Billie' came inside, a sack slumped over his shoulder and a resigned look in his eye. "That would be officer Hummel and deputy Taliaferro. Seriously, Barry, stop encouraging people to use our first names. it's hard enough to be taken seriously as officers of the law around here."
Barry smirked. "You just called me Barry, deputy."
"Ugh. You know what I mean."

 

[The Dullahan]

Rourke nodded once at Barry, a thankful, friendly gesture, "Officer." He turned to face Billie, "Need a hand with that Deputy?" He nodded towards the sack he was carrying.

 

[Atrus]

"I'm good, but thanks." The deputy opened a section of the counter that acted as a small gate, crossed to the other side, then entered one of the side rooms to deposit his load.
That done, he returned to the office and gave Rourke a good look, eyes settling on the cup of coffee. "I see you got to town alright, and made yourself comfortable. Rosie treat you well?"

 

[The Dullahan]

Rourke nodded, "Yeah, we did. Roise was great. Good food, nice company." He paused and offered the cup of coffee to Billie, "I figure I'd bring you over a cup, to say thank you for your help."

 

[Atrus]

The deputy seemed actually surprised by the gesture, then smiled and scratched a spot on the back of his head. "Aw, geez, you didn't have to. Just doing my job an' all."
Barry smirked, apparently finding it fun to see the other officer embarrassed. “I’ll take that coffee if you don’t want it.”
Bille shot him back a look, but still smiling. “If you want free coffee, then you get your butt up on patrol at the crack of dawn next time.” The deputy accepted the cup from Rourke and took a good gulp. “So, have you decided your next move? The campsite or the motel?”

 

[The Dullahan]

Rourke shrugged off the thanks, "Least I could do. Job or no, much appreciated, deputy." Then gave him a respectful nod.

He paused considering the question, "I think it still up in the air. Some of the group wanted to stay in town a bit longer, have a good shower and the like, so it seems like we might stay the night." He paused, "Rosie was telling some of us about some sites in the area that might be worthwhile to see. I think a few of us are going to head up to the radio tower, sounded like an interesting bit of history."

 

[Atrus]

Billie nodded in assent. "There's a nice view from there. If you're going on foot, though, I'd advise you to stay at the Firs for the night. I’m not sure you’d have enough time to make it to the campsite before nightfall, and then you’d have to pitch up tents in the dark." His lips curled up in a smirk. “And you already went over your daily quota for getting lost in the dark and lighting fires when you shouldn’t.”

 

[The Dullahan]

Route nodded once, "Solid advice." He huffed a quiet sound that resembled something of a laugh at the latter. "Yes, sir. Fair enough. I wouldn't expect another pass on that particular offense." He paused, "thank you again for this assistance, deputy. We'll do our best to stay out of your hair from now on." He gave a friendly curt nod to Barry, "Officer."

And then if nothing else was said, Rourke would grab his gear and head back outside to see if the others waited for him or if he was going to play catch up.