Runson
Oh, Sheriff! I’m so sorry, I can’t pour you [your coffee]
Sheriff
Runson, how long you been working here?
Sheriff
Don’t make me repeat myself, boy. How long you been working here?
Sheriff
Eighteen months. That’s a good while, Runson. Reckon you must be very good at your job to last that long.
Runson
I suppose. What’s all this about?
Sheriff
If you want to make nineteen, you better start telling me whenever Colette comes in here.
Runson
I told you she came in like you asked.
Sheriff
You didn’t tell me what she was buying.
Runson
[PAUSE] She asked me not to say.
Sheriff
You know why the Good Lord gave you long ears? It’s so you could hear me good. Hear me good right now.
Sheriff
You listen to me. I tell you to do something, and you do it. That’s how it works in this swamp. You hearing this?
Sheriff
Good. And you better learn quick to stop looking up that mare’s dress. I don’t care how blue your worthless nuts get. You’re a mule. You got a place in this world, and you better keep it.
Runson
That ain’t fair, sheriff.
Sheriff
I didn’t write that rule, Runson. You got a problem with it, take it up with who took away your chance to have a foal. But while you’re down here, you keep it in your trousers. You hear me, boy? Ain’t no mare in my swamp wants a filthy hybrid like you soiling her.
Sheriff
Good. [PAUSE] Now I’ve been standing here a solid minute and still got no mug in my hand. You gonna fix that?
Runson
[LONG PAUSE] Yes, sir. Right away.