Closing the File - A Red Dead Redemption Fan Fiction

The clock ticked by in the offices of Blackwater Police Station, drowned out by the clacking of Archer Fordham’s typewriter. He exchanged brief glances with Edgar Ross, who sat on the opposite desk and cleaned his Browning automatic.

The rumble of footsteps made him pause, followed by a knock on the door.
“Those will be the Marshals,” Ross stood up and re-assembled the Browning, “On your feet, Fordham. There’s work to be done.”
“Sir?”
“It seems that our old friend, Mr Marston, is in possession of cattle bearing the brand of the Macfarlane Ranch.”
“I heard that rumour too,” Fordham remained seated, “I looked into it. Mr Macfarlane had gifted the cattle to Mr Marston. His daughter even admitted to driving them a portion of the way.”
“Was there a bill of sale?” Ross leaned over Fordham’s desk.
Fordham took a deep breath.
“No, sir. I did not see any paperwork. Since Macfarlane’s story was supported by his daughter and the foreman – one Amos Thorpe – I didn’t feel the need to ask.”
“That’s probably for the better,” Ross picked up his bowler hat from the nearby stand, “We’re riding over to Beecher’s hope to serve the warrant. Captain Jackson and his men are already en route.”

Fordham stood up.
“With all due respect, sir, I don’t agree with your plan.”
“Excuse me?”
“Marston has done as we asked. Williamson and Van der Linde are both dead, and Escuella is awaiting execution at Sisika State Penitientiary. All thanks to his help.”
“Fordham, you need to be careful of who you idolise,” Ross pointed at him, “Now get your horse saddled and ready to leave. Marston is a dangerous man and has clearly abused our trust. I intend to close the Van der Linde case file today.”
“No. I’m not going to stab this man in the back, sir.”
Ross twitched.
“You disappoint me. Very well. Agent Fordham, you’re confined to administrative duties until further notice. Additionally, I’ll be informing Washington of your gross insubordination today, and pushing for disciplinary action. Now, perhaps you can make yourself useful and find any case files on the other known associates of the Van der Linde Gang.”
“I did that a while back, sir. Charles Smith and Sadie Adler are out of our jurisdiction. Besides which, they don’t have anything we could use to ensure their co-operation in the same way as Marston. Anyone else was of little value or too well-established to be of any use or interest.”
“That’s irrelevant now. Just have those files on my desk by the time I get back.”
“Yes, sir.”

Fordham watched Ross leave. He reached into his draw and produced the bulky file marked “Van der Linde”. He reached into his jacket for his cigarettes, pulling out a book of matches. In a brief moment, he glanced between the matches and the file.
“Case closed,” He scooped them both up and left the office.