Deputy Taggart Faraday escorted Tim Jamieson into the Fairlee County Sheriff’s Department, where Tim met dispatcher Veronica “Ronnie” Gibson. Faraday asked for identification, and Tim provided his driver’s license and an expired Sarasota Police ID, which subtly changed the deputies’ attitudes toward him.

Ronnie Gibson confirmed Tim was not a county resident, and Tim said he could be if he got the Night Knocker job. Faraday explained the position’s hiring was up to Sheriff John Ashworth, noted the low pay, and mentioned the small size of the department—seven staff, two part-time—with the sheriff currently out on patrol and likely unavailable until the next day.

Gibson explained the vacancy: the previous Night Knocker, Ed Whitlock, had retired to Georgia and developed ALS, which both deputies called a tough break. They discussed local lodging, joking about the motel’s quality, and Gibson advised Tim to check for bedbugs.

When Gibson asked why Tim left Sarasota PD, Tim said he would discuss that only with the sheriff if granted an interview. After another look between them, Faraday instructed Gibson to give Tim an application, welcomed him to DuPray, and departed.

Tim sat with the application on a clipboard, set his duffel at his feet, and began filling it out, reflecting ironically on the prospect of becoming a Night Knocker.