Hugo 'Chief' Slade

That was a big ask after half of his farm was on the loose these days but one issue at a time.

"I think its rather insulting that you down here deem that I need a payment schedule. I could just pay the set amount and be done with it. Why is it always a dragged out thing with you people." Chief and his family had money. They had a lot of money but they really didn't spend it on legal bills - especially when they were on the market to buy more land themselves but he didn't really want to fall into some dragged out payment plan. "You know that shit is a scam to keep people down. You know charge them and then keep them paying so they stay at this low ass state and can never crawl their way out."

Letting out a long huff again he looked across to his old friend. "Is that it then mate? This really could have also come in the mail then or does it make you feel good that you got me down here Max and really stuck it to me." His brow raised. "I'll be sure to send my regards to that blonde chick with salon. She will be alright."

He let Chief rant his conspiracy theories, not bothering to point out that Court fines didn't come with interest so it was intended to be kind. This wasn't a car payment that he was covering after all. But either way, it wasn't Maximus's office and it was out of his hands. He couldn't change it and he wasn't interested in arguing for it. It was simply yet another fact of this case.

It was the last things Chief said that had Maximus's eyes going flat and cold.

"You were called in so that you couldn't claim not to know about the restrictions when you broke them. This was me being fair. But we both know you only think something is fair when it goes your way so we'll call it a draw. But you do not talk to Georgette. You do not go near the salon, you do not go near her, and you do not send her any messages. She's got enough to deal with without dealing with your attitude."

Opportunistic. Stubborn. Self serving.

“Well then I guess we have wasted both of our time then huh.” In a moment where he knew he should have humbled under the lens held up to him - he just couldn’t. It was clear everyone thought they were better than him now more than ever.

“I’ll be sure to get my payments in line.” Chief stood up steadily. “You won’t catch me behind the wheel either mate.” The smirk on his face was o my being field by the smugness he had left. That was all he had left really.

Feet shuffling towards the door he looked back to his old friend. You don’t got to protect the blonde from me mate. She’ll get her compensation. I’m not the big bad wolf alright.” What did Maximus think he was going to do…harass her.

“I’m sure you’ll be keeping an eye uh huh.”

Chief didn’t even look back and limped out the interview room.

This was not the first time he had crashed into something. It had been state side and in Montana - which had its own set of rules and careless repercussions but it was not his fratirnaties responsibility to pay for anything - it was his own insurance and his own funds. So he was going to push back on that - even if it was the mayor.

"I do have insurance through Town Hall when it comes to my work rig and on the job incdentals but Sir you do understand that Hidden Canyon Ranch is an operating cattle ranch and farm with our own insurance." His town was condecending but at this point he was annoyed. This raindbow schmuck really knew nothing about it. "My team will get the bills settled and ensure my rates don't go up. So please I'd prefer if we don't cross the lines between personal and professional."

The conversation did move to the topic of his actual job thankfully but it sounded like again this man was nothing like Hades. Was was he skirting around the topic. "So sir are you saying that you want me to go to rehab or something? Like I have an issue? I made a mistake and it won't happen again." Chief looked across the desk in disgust. "Is this the expectation of anyone who has a mishap? I feel like you are judging me for my mistakes and not remembering who I am or what I do for this town."

It wasn't related to a magical disaster so very likely it would still come down to Chief dealing with it, but it was worth mentioning because of the gravity of that accident; it could have easily been much worse than it was.

The other man's words were tinting the air with a swampy green hue, frustration bubbling through him and streaked heavily with flares of brighter red like a warning light flashing. Isaac didn't know him well enough to know exactly how the colors pertained to him but some things were a bit more universal and easy enough to read.

"I'm not judging you, and I'm sorry if it comes off that way; I have every bit of sympathy if there are things that are going on in your life that aren't easy," Isaac sighed, "but unfortunately you work for Town Hall, which means you represent a part of this town that people do have high expectations of. I know at times in the past that representation has involved a lot of mistakes, not by you but by other people; I'm not trying to make an example of you but my expectations are higher, yes. Not just of you but everyone who works here, myself included; and I would be doing a terrible job if I didn't do that."

But it didn't mean he didn't struggle with it; Isaac wished there was some happy medium where repercussions didn't have to feel so large over what really might have been a one time issue. "I assure you I don't want to remove you from that job; and that's why I want to give you every opportunity to avoid it."

But Isaac couldn't back down on that, he wasn't going to; he wanted to help the man but Chief bristled at the notion of responsibly for what he'd done.

"You did make a choice to get in your truck knowing you'd been drinking and were speeding across town, you damaged a building and you injured people; it might have been a mistake but it was one that could have ended very badly for several people, yourself included." He kept his tone even, not wanting to stir Chef's anger more, it was likely a lost cause but he tried anyway to keep the conversation steady rather than accusatory. "So yes, Mr. Slade; that's going to require more than just some community service to show you're working to resolve why you made that choice; be that rehab, therapy or whatever other outlet is going to help you the most. Like I said; if you need help finding those outlets we can do that, I'll look into it myself if you want. I'm not condemning you for a mistake; believe me, I want to help you in this situation as much as I do everyone involved. But at this point, yes, keeping your job is going to mostly depend on you making an effort here."

That’s all he heard - that he needed to fix this and the only way was being sent away.

After everything he had done.

Wincing Chief stood up as quickly as he could.

“Sir I think you are mistaken. I will take care of my legal obligations and I’ll reach out to the victims myself if I need to but I don’t see it written anywhere in this towns by laws that I am required to do any of that!”

Truthfully Chief didn’t know if it was written anywhere or not. Going on the hunch that it wasn’t he just rode that train through the argument. This all felt pointed and like he was being singled out. No matter how many times Mayor Morey said there was no judgement - there had to be.

“I will be extending my leave of absence through the end of the week. I will see that my secretary forwards all my calls so I can attend to them from the house.” Chief narrowed his eyes at his boss. This man didn’t scare him - this other man was weak and he knew it.

“I will ensure my legal representation follows up with your office about what I am required to do. I think you are due for a lesson in what the Game Warden does around here and what my father and grand father before him provided. My mistake can be handled privately and quite frankly unless you have proof that my one indiscretion is a pattern it’s insanity that you’re holding it against me this much.”

Chief did have an issue and he knew this was the first time he had actually been caught.

“I’ll see myself out sir.” With that Chief limped his way to the door and didn’t look back.

Chief did not respect the new mayor. Not in the slightest.

There was land that was for sale right next to his but that was all his. Bullseye was good lad but he couldn’t let him get his hands on the Fox Creek land.

“Horses though. Now that I can really help with. I’ve got two brood mares fouling soon. Plus on top of that I’ve got three more geldings I’m looking to rehome.” He shrugged a bit. “Possibly.” Chief laugher. “I only have so much barn space and if the fouls turn out to be filly’s I might want to keep both!”

Any horses or foals Chief would want to sell would interest him, but obviously he wanted to get a wide range of horses for his herd. But picking up some from Chief would again be a good point to start. "That sounds great. Whenever they have their li'l ones, you let me know if you wanna part wit' any, an' we can take it from there."

Bullseye was very glad he had met up with Chief, but he did not want to take up too much of his time. "I 'preciate all th' info, but I know you got duties t' get on wit'. An' I gotta get this boy on back t' th' stables." The horse below him huffed, and he chuckled. "Yeah, yeah, we'll get you some apples too, jus' like I promised." Smiling at Chief, he gave him a wave before turning the horse around. "See you 'round, then!"

Chief knew what he did and he wasn’t going apologize for it. That wasn’t going to fix it. Saying sorry to this laundry list of people wasn’t going to take any of it back so why…would he do it.

Sure he was sorry.

So when he arrived back at town hall he didn’t even stop by his office. There was probably a stack of papers in his inbox and roughly a few people snooping around to see him back. To hell with them. The mayors office was his first stop. Get it over with. A crocodile tear maybe. Offer some community service and maybe a donation.

Chief knew how to lead this conversation. Plus Issac Morey? A bit of a push over.

Cane propping him up as he was led to the door he made his way into the office. Nodding with a remorseful smile peeking out from under his cap. It wasn’t long before he found his seat.

“Sir thank you for seeing my on my frost day back.” He leaned back in the chair. “I don’t remember you on my visitors list while I was in the hospital.”

And that afternoon he had one more thing on the list; one that he was looking forward to the least because I knew the conversation wasn't going to be a pleasant one. Not that you could tell by the way Chief strolled in, but maybe that was a good thing. Maybe the other man would be open to talking about the problem at hand and the fact that his actions couldn't go without attention given his job.

"Hello," he greeted him from behind the desk Isaac was starting to feel like he just lived at during the afternoons, "I'm afraid not; I'm lucky if I get to see my own house by the evening." He chuckled, a bit apologetic, yes, because that was just his nature.

"I'm glad to see you on your feet though; I hope your recovery is going well." It wasn't the sort of placating niceties he knew sometimes felt disingenuous, Chief had caused some problems but he didn't really like to see anyone struggling. "And I'm sorry to have to have this conversation while you're still recovering, but I don't think the timing would have been good regardless, so I do appreciate you coming in now rather than leaving this unresolved for longer."

The small talk was also graining.

"I mean whatever this conversation is I suggest we just have it sir." Chief stayed slouched in the chair across from his formal boss. "I am sure due to my situation I have some repercussions here at the office." That would be the only thing that made since; plus Boomer and him has been placing bets on what the punishment would be. A slap on the wrist was unlikely but Chief was not expecting to be fired - that would be insane.

"I have prepared to make a formal appology but was waiting to take your lead since sir." That was a sugar coated lie but might as well lead with that.

"I'm not in touch with Ms. De Vil on how she wants to pursue any claims over her injuries but at the very least your insurance is connected with your job so we'll have to see how moving forward with repairs to the shoppe goes." He had some hope Cruella had calmed some but that seemed unlikely.

"As for you job though; for the time being we're have to review what that means. And part of that will be getting involved with some community service," Isaac continued, "part of it will also be showing that you're making an effort to deal with it whatever it was that caused this accident if you want to continue. Not just for your sake but because you did injure people and you did extensive damage; we can help you find resources if you need them."

This was not the first time he had crashed into something. It had been state side and in Montana - which had its own set of rules and careless repercussions but it was not his fratirnaties responsibility to pay for anything - it was his own insurance and his own funds. So he was going to push back on that - even if it was the mayor.

"I do have insurance through Town Hall when it comes to my work rig and on the job incdentals but Sir you do understand that Hidden Canyon Ranch is an operating cattle ranch and farm with our own insurance." His town was condecending but at this point he was annoyed. This raindbow schmuck really knew nothing about it. "My team will get the bills settled and ensure my rates don't go up. So please I'd prefer if we don't cross the lines between personal and professional."

The conversation did move to the topic of his actual job thankfully but it sounded like again this man was nothing like Hades. Was was he skirting around the topic. "So sir are you saying that you want me to go to rehab or something? Like I have an issue? I made a mistake and it won't happen again." Chief looked across the desk in disgust. "Is this the expectation of anyone who has a mishap? I feel like you are judging me for my mistakes and not remembering who I am or what I do for this town."

Chief knew what he did and he wasn’t going apologize for it. That wasn’t going to fix it. Saying sorry to this laundry list of people wasn’t going to take any of it back so why…would he do it.

Sure he was sorry.

So when he arrived back at town hall he didn’t even stop by his office. There was probably a stack of papers in his inbox and roughly a few people snooping around to see him back. To hell with them. The mayors office was his first stop. Get it over with. A crocodile tear maybe. Offer some community service and maybe a donation.

Chief knew how to lead this conversation. Plus Issac Morey? A bit of a push over.

Cane propping him up as he was led to the door he made his way into the office. Nodding with a remorseful smile peeking out from under his cap. It wasn’t long before he found his seat.

“Sir thank you for seeing my on my frost day back.” He leaned back in the chair. “I don’t remember you on my visitors list while I was in the hospital.”

And that afternoon he had one more thing on the list; one that he was looking forward to the least because I knew the conversation wasn't going to be a pleasant one. Not that you could tell by the way Chief strolled in, but maybe that was a good thing. Maybe the other man would be open to talking about the problem at hand and the fact that his actions couldn't go without attention given his job.

"Hello," he greeted him from behind the desk Isaac was starting to feel like he just lived at during the afternoons, "I'm afraid not; I'm lucky if I get to see my own house by the evening." He chuckled, a bit apologetic, yes, because that was just his nature.

"I'm glad to see you on your feet though; I hope your recovery is going well." It wasn't the sort of placating niceties he knew sometimes felt disingenuous, Chief had caused some problems but he didn't really like to see anyone struggling. "And I'm sorry to have to have this conversation while you're still recovering, but I don't think the timing would have been good regardless, so I do appreciate you coming in now rather than leaving this unresolved for longer."

The small talk was also graining.

"I mean whatever this conversation is I suggest we just have it sir." Chief stayed slouched in the chair across from his formal boss. "I am sure due to my situation I have some repercussions here at the office." That would be the only thing that made since; plus Boomer and him has been placing bets on what the punishment would be. A slap on the wrist was unlikely but Chief was not expecting to be fired - that would be insane.

"I have prepared to make a formal appology but was waiting to take your lead since sir." That was a sugar coated lie but might as well lead with that.

Yet he felt like pressing buttons.

“Well if I can’t drive then how the hell you suggest I get around then?” Chief narrowed his eyes and smiled a thin lipped grin. “You and your group of officers won’t come chasing after me if I ride Scout to and from town the .” His brow slowly raised. “Sober of course.”

That wasn’t a total promise but he had been laying off all alcohol since the accident. It made him feel like hell with all his meds and recovery.

“As for the fines and whatever else do you have a list then? Of what I owe or do I need to run around town and figure it oh myself.” Which the whole him running around made more sense but he didn’t want to do that. Might as well make the police work while you’ve got them.

Of course, if he did have an issue while riding Scout, he would lose even that. The SPD wouldn't come chasing after him, but they would be watching. Closely.

"The court has mailed the list of fines to your home along with a payment schedule, and they have retained a copy. If you are unable to pay or fall behind, that will be a matter for the court to handle and articulate next steps." It meant prison was unlikely, but there could be other penalties. Either way, it wasn't his problem to solve. That was an insurance and legal matter.

That was a big ask after half of his farm was on the loose these days but one issue at a time.

"I think its rather insulting that you down here deem that I need a payment schedule. I could just pay the set amount and be done with it. Why is it always a dragged out thing with you people." Chief and his family had money. They had a lot of money but they really didn't spend it on legal bills - especially when they were on the market to buy more land themselves but he didn't really want to fall into some dragged out payment plan. "You know that shit is a scam to keep people down. You know charge them and then keep them paying so they stay at this low ass state and can never crawl their way out."

Letting out a long huff again he looked across to his old friend. "Is that it then mate? This really could have also come in the mail then or does it make you feel good that you got me down here Max and really stuck it to me." His brow raised. "I'll be sure to send my regards to that blonde chick with salon. She will be alright."

Chief knew what had happened. Hell he wasn’t blacked out. The accident took a lot out of him but sitting in the hospital for two months. The news papers and social media scrolls told him he had done some damage.

Chief Slade really was the problem here.

“Nah if you’re just gonna lay it all out like that then mate I don’t think I need my guy here.” Knowing his team they already knew what was happening anyways. Probably half the missed calls on his phone were from Rodger and the team begging to be present for this.

“I don’t give much care to what I’m being hit with. It’s inevitable. Just let me know what I owe. Money? Time? I’ll wear that cute little monitor on my ankle if you need mate.”

It meant Maximus was the fool for holding onto a friendship he shouldn't have. He thought he'd learned better.

"At this point in time, the court has determined that you will lose your license. If you get behind the wheel of any vehicle, it will be a felony and you will go to prison."

"In addition you will be financially responsible for both the damages to Hello Gorgeous as well as Main Street. While rehab is not required at this time, it is strongly encouraged. If you accept rehab, that will work in place of the mandatory probation and drug testing."

Yet he felt like pressing buttons.

“Well if I can’t drive then how the hell you suggest I get around then?” Chief narrowed his eyes and smiled a thin lipped grin. “You and your group of officers won’t come chasing after me if I ride Scout to and from town the .” His brow slowly raised. “Sober of course.”

That wasn’t a total promise but he had been laying off all alcohol since the accident. It made him feel like hell with all his meds and recovery.

“As for the fines and whatever else do you have a list then? Of what I owe or do I need to run around town and figure it oh myself.” Which the whole him running around made more sense but he didn’t want to do that. Might as well make the police work while you’ve got them.

The correction alone boiled Chiefs flood. A snarl left his quickly as his eyes rolled. So what he was a doctor what did we need to use such formalities in a place like this. What was Tod and the Tweeds trying to rub that in their faces. A doctor amongst farmers.

“I see you have uh- mentioned other properties in the area.” Rodger continued as he picked up a folder labeled plot maps. “I am interested in seeing what zoning you went over and what you used to average the price.”

Chief knew that their property along was worth a few million and the Fox Creek/Tweed land was smaller but even that price was steep. Plus they owed them.

“If the house which to my understanding has no structural updates to it may need repairs. The property is worth nothing over £560,000.” Rodger pulled out a paper clipped stack of paper and set them in the middle of the table.

That price though was too high. That pissed Chief off. His eyes now watching Rodger with such disdain he could have burned through his skin with that laser focus. Slamming his fist in the table he sucked at the back of his teeth.

“That was not the price we agreed on Rod-ger.”

Tod sat up slightly. He didn't appreciate the outward sign of aggression. There was no need for that sort of thing when they were negotiating. Tod was happy to sell the house for a bit less than what they'd decided to start with.

That was why they had started high.

"Oh, I--"

Tod put a hand on Poppy's forearm to stop her talking.

"If you need a minute to discuss your strategy with your team, that's fine," Tod said, his voice even. "But please refrain from aggression. We are here to negotiate a price. If you want to low ball us, fine, but intimidation is not going to work."

Tod needed to get rid of his grandmother's land, but he wasn't going to give it to someone just because they were frightening. Which, for the record, Chief was. Tod knew he was capable of violence, if his drunk driving episode had been any indication.

“What I need is business to be handled as discussed.”

Chief had zero interest in giving the Tweed team no matter the doctors name any respect or pleasantries. Still it was clear that Tod didn’t do any research about their families legacies or the loss of Elizabeth.

Even a mention of the families tension would show some respect towards him and his.

His tone shifted directions as his eyes stayed fixed on poor Rodger.

“The property I not worth half that. It’s owed to the Slade family and I am not going to let the lost pup of the Tweeds dangle it infront of me. We offer a grand and I’ll even throw in an extra 20 grand to demolish the home.”

It was a low ball but it was what felt appropriate.

The silence that followed was quickly snapped like a whip.

The gentleman at the center of the Slade side in a dark blue dress coat cleared his throat. Joshua Morningstar was the head of the Slade team - a man of few words but respected the client and their legacy. What he didn’t respect was Hugo.

“That’s e-fucking-nough.” He said standing. “Hugo we will remove you from this title if you don’t get your shit together.” Joshua looked across to Poppy and Doctor Mitchell.

“Excuse me for my language Ms. Poppy - I would be happy to continue the merger of both estates once the room is cleared.”

Chief slammed the table again with his fist now standing with a wobble.

“You’re not going to fucking talk to me like that. This land is mine and his land.” Point across to Tod - “might as well be mine too! Their family abused it for centuries…”

“Rodger please call the sheriff - Hugo needs an escort home.” Joshua stood firm.

Chief gripped his cane and looked over to Tod. “We could’ve avoided all this shit if you would’ve just given me the damn land!” A few steps took him around the table. “Good luck cutting the deal without the son!”

Chief slammed his body into the door and left the room.

As the room settled Joshua cleared his throat again - “I have power of attorney of the property in case of emergencies and I can assure you the Slade estate is interested in cutting a deal.” His voice kept steady still. “With loss in faith of the son we are hoping to shift wonder ship to a family friend until Amos himself returns from his travels. Shall we have a recess? And reconvene?”

“Hugo Chief Slade.”

Chief said it flatly letting his tongue flap around his mouth like he had a lozenge to suck on. This really could have been a simple passing of the charges and kept him on his way.

Lazily he spoke again. “So you think I need a lawyer then mate or are we going to make this simple and easy…”

"In this moment, you will be charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, property damage, 2 counts of vehicular assault, and 6 counts of aggravated injury." It sounded almost small and simple that way, even though he knew it was anything but.

"Anything to add?"

Chief knew what had happened. Hell he wasn’t blacked out. The accident took a lot out of him but sitting in the hospital for two months. The news papers and social media scrolls told him he had done some damage.

Chief Slade really was the problem here.

“Nah if you’re just gonna lay it all out like that then mate I don’t think I need my guy here.” Knowing his team they already knew what was happening anyways. Probably half the missed calls on his phone were from Rodger and the team begging to be present for this.

“I don’t give much care to what I’m being hit with. It’s inevitable. Just let me know what I owe. Money? Time? I’ll wear that cute little monitor on my ankle if you need mate.”

A signal to open the flood gates.

Clearing his throat the stout portly gentleman at the far end stood. His thinning black hair was slicked back like a thin layer hoping to protect the growing bald latch. The Elmer Fudd essence some would say was endearing.

“Poppy a pleasure. My name is Rodger Floberg.”He bowed his head toward the opposition. “We as a team are hoping to keep this transaction short and sweet. It is under our impression that Mr. Mitchell is eager to sell the property. I can assure you and your client that the Slade team is ready to take it off your hands.”

Chief didn’t give much attention to Tod or his cluster of players. Rodger knew what he wanted here.

“So could you please lead off with the expectations so we can offer our deal. It’s only right you take the lead for us to counter.”

Tod's jaw rippled a little, though he didn't say anything. The incorrect address felt targeted. He didn't know if it was, but considering that Poppy had literally just referred to him as Doctor, he couldn't imagine that they didn't know.

Though, if that was some kind of--intimidation tactic, Tod refused to allow it to bother him. At least, to let it show. He stayed silent, folding his hands in front of him and forcing his shoulders to relax. He still didn't understand all the hostility, but even if Tod's family had done something to Chief's...Tod hadn't.

"Doctor Mitchell," Poppy repeated as she shuffled around a few papers and pulled out their initial offer they'd written up, "would like to sell for 750,000 pounds. This is a reasonable price compared to similar properties in the area that are currently for sale or have been recently purchased."

Tod offered Poppy a small smile and a nod of thanks.

The correction alone boiled Chiefs flood. A snarl left his quickly as his eyes rolled. So what he was a doctor what did we need to use such formalities in a place like this. What was Tod and the Tweeds trying to rub that in their faces. A doctor amongst farmers.

“I see you have uh- mentioned other properties in the area.” Rodger continued as he picked up a folder labeled plot maps. “I am interested in seeing what zoning you went over and what you used to average the price.”

Chief knew that their property along was worth a few million and the Fox Creek/Tweed land was smaller but even that price was steep. Plus they owed them.

“If the house which to my understanding has no structural updates to it may need repairs. The property is worth nothing over £560,000.” Rodger pulled out a paper clipped stack of paper and set them in the middle of the table.

That price though was too high. That pissed Chief off. His eyes now watching Rodger with such disdain he could have burned through his skin with that laser focus. Slamming his fist in the table he sucked at the back of his teeth.

“That was not the price we agreed on Rod-ger.”