Tim Jamieson is ushered into the office of Sheriff John Ashworth, a friendly but keen observer with a professional background highlighted by an FBI National Academy certificate. Sheriff John asks why Tim left the Sarasota Police Department and why he is in DuPray, prompting Tim to decide on full honesty.

Tim recounts that he resigned under pressure after an incident at the Westfield Mall. While off duty but in uniform to buy shoes, a woman alerted Tim to a teenager waving a gun at the movie theater. Tim found a roughly fourteen-year-old drunk or high, kicking another boy and brandishing what might have been a gun. With onlookers filming, Tim fired a warning shot at the ceiling to stop the assault.

The bullet hit a hanging light, which fell and struck a bystander who had been filming, causing a concussion and alleged lasting symptoms. The supposed gun dropped, revealing itself as a plastic squirt gun. The department was sued, and Tim faced a reckless discharge finding.

Tim also admits he had two drinks beforehand at Beachcombers and blew 0.06 on a breath test—under the legal limit but serious given he had fired his weapon. Sheriff John summarizes the poor optics and bad luck, says he believes the story but will verify it with Sarasota PD, and engages Tim on his current drifting state and dependability.

Tim explains he is divorced with no children, inspired by a grandfather who was a night knocker, and wants a change of scene. He promises to give notice if he leaves and says he can supplement the low pay with other work. Sheriff John schedules a follow-up for ten the next morning after he checks Tim’s background.

As they part, Sheriff John suggests lodging at the DuPray Motel and dinner at Bev’s, advises asking for a good room, and jokes about checking for bedbugs—advice Tim notes he has already heard. Tim heads out to stay the night and await the decision.