Bud sat on his front porch rocking back and forth in a rocking chair sipping his coffee as the sun was just coming up over the hills. This was Bud's favorite time of the day. The world was still just waking up, the house was quiet, he had his coffee and his dog, and he had a few moments alone with God. Bud would confess each and everything that he did wrong or allowed to happen. Bud kept telling himself that the ends justified the means, and besides no major crimes were being committed under his watch. 

Every time at this day Bud dreamed of that one special day. That one day his parents would be gone and he would then be able to take care of things once and for all. His parent's farm would be bought out by Burt Nelson at First County for a sweetheart of a price, and he would then take care of his "untimely demise." With the insurance money from the state, the money in his private account that Beth-Ellen would be told how to access in his will, and with a sizable amount of the money from his parent's farm Beth-Ellen and the kids would be well taken care of. They could leave and start all over again. Bud would have enough to quietly slip away and start all over again on his terms. He would also leave a note for his deputies. Bud had taken note of everything he saw in the Underworld in his county, and his last note would tell his deputies how to take everybody down once and for all. Bud came off as the easy going and charming sheriff, but Bud was cool and calculating. He knew each and every person's weak spot and he vowed that when he left Bud was going to make sure they all went down. The county would have a clean slate and law and order would a fighting chance once again. 

Bud took a sizable drink out of his coffee and came back to reality. He patted his dog Buford on the head and said, [color=39b54a]"I guess it's about time for me to head on, ain't it boy?" [/color]Buford let out a snort and Bud said, [color=39b54a]"Go on and take care of your business." [/color]The dog left the porch and went into the yard as Bud stood up and stretched out. Once he stretched Bud said, "[color=39b54a]Guide me this day Lord, and forgive me I pray. Watch over the family and thank you Jesus for being with me. Amen."  [/color]

Buford trotted back up to the porch and Bud patted him on the head and said, "[color=39b54a]When I go pal I'm gonna miss you[/color]." Bud opened the door and Buford walked into the house. He climbed up to his favorite spot on the couch and laid down. Bud winked at him and walked down the hall to his bedroom. There he saw his wife Beth-Ellen sound asleep. She was just as beautiful as the day he first saw her over 25 years ago. Her flowing blonde hair over her white night gown was one of the most beautiful sights Bud had ever seen, and no matter how times he saw it  Bud was always amazed by it. He stood in the doorway and just studied Beth-Ellen for a moment. Bud knew he had committed a lot of sins in his time on Earth, and he was not worthy of being called Sheriff. However, with his family he knew that he got one thing right in his life. He never cheated on her and never raised his hands to her or the children. That was what Bud saw as his saving grace in life.

Bud walked over to Beth-Ellen. Gently brushing back her hair he gave her a peck on the cheek and said, [color=39b54a]"I love you darling.[/color]" Sleepily she replied, "I love you too Able. Be safe out there today." Bud smiled and replied, "[color=39b54a]I will. I'm gonna stop over at Celia's and grab a plate of pancakes and bacon. Talk to you later my love."[/color] Beth-Ellen settled back into the bed as Bud turned to go. 

As he headed out the door Bud saw Eddie open his door. Eddie walked out dressed in his swimsuit and a tank top. Bud looked at him and asked with sarcasm, [color=39b54a]"Visiting shut-ins for the church?[/color]"

Eddie replied, "Heading up to Dixon's lake with Tyler, Larry, Luke, Bo, Burt and a few others. Just hanging out one last time before practice starts next week. I told mama about it last night just before you got home." 

Bud nodded and said, "[color=39b54a]Yeah she mentioned it before I got into bed. You've earned it. Yard looks good and your room is decent enough.[/color]"

Bud started to leave, but then he stopped. He turned back to Eddie and asked, "[color=39b54a]One of the others wouldn't happen to be Elaine Dowser?"[/color] 

Eddie moved his eyes around and his mouth slowly dropped open. Bud walked over to him and Eddie finally looked at him. Bud nodded, put his hand on his shoulder, and smiled at Eddie. He said, [color=39b54a]"Be careful out there boy."[/color] Eddie smiled back at him with relief and said, "I will sir." 

Bud gave him a wink and walked out to his police cruiser. He started it up and heard the sweet sounds of the King himself Elvis Presley singing "Burning Love." Bud nodded and said, "[color=39b54a]No doubt that man is gonna live forever.[/color]" With that Bud drove off into town.