'Til Death Do Us Part - Part 10

Buck watched as Roger finished paying for the bag of giant blueberry marshmallows.

“I bet I can stuff more in my mouth than you,” Roger said.

“I'm stuffed Roger,” Buck said, patting his belly. He felt like his stomach was on the verge of bursting. “I don't think I can handle another contest.”

Roger shrugged and popped a marshmallow into his mouth. Buck looked around for Shirley Sue. He was surprised she hadn't caught up to them yet. As he was scanning the crowd, he saw her standing in front of Sarah talking.

“Hey Roger, looks like yer girlfriend has arrived!” Buck teased.

Roger, whose cheeks were stuffed like a chipmunk's, turned a vibrant red hue. Buck laughed as Roger mumbled something inarticulate through the mouthful.

Buck laughed. “Come on, let's go say hi.”

Buck dragged Roger, who was frantically trying to chew and swallow the mass of marshmallows, over to Sarah.

“Hey Sarah!” Buck called.

The trio turned to face Buck and Roger.

“Oh, hey Buck and Roger-,” Sarah said, her face twisting into a smile. She burst out laughing. Officer Brady and Shirley Sue followed suit upon seeing Roger's face.

Roger managed to choke down the mound of marshmallow. “Hi Sarah.” He held out the bag. “Marshmallow anyone?”

“We don't have time for that right now,” Sarah said, her face returning to its previously stoic form. “You know the body they found in the hotel?”

Buck nodded.

“He was Patty's fiancée. That's not all. One of Chester's police officers has gone AWOL,” Sarah said. “They really need another hand out here. Brady needs to stay and keep an eye on the festival. Since you've got the truck Buck, it makes sense if you and Shirley Sue go and visit Patty. Keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Meanwhile, Roger and I can head on over to Johnsons' house. Hopefully he's there and we can get him out patrolling again. One of the shop owners said they saw him take off with a woman, probably his wife, so there's a good chance he's just blowing off a little steam.”

The five split into their respective groups and said their goodbyes.

“Hang on a sec,” Shirley Sue said to Buck. “I need to use the little girl's room.”

Buck watched as Shirley Sue made her way to the restroom. As soon as she was out of sight, he hurried away, disappearing into the sea of vendors.