The man definitely is carrying a badge, because the fiddle player talks him into handing it over briefly and flashes it to the crowd. My wife summons the alleged Texas Ranger over to our table, curiosity having overcome what little shyness she has. Actually, that would be none. I have noticed that this lawman is an exceptional dancer, smooth enough to make most any woman swoon. This is a talent that I lack to such a degree that I rarely try and always regret it.
Tonight is no exception.
Turns out the man with the badge is not a Texas Ranger, but he is a police officer down near Houston, and we have some mutual acquaintances. His friend, also in law enforcement, and his father, a retired cop, come over and visit a while. They're big fans of the Can't Hardly Playboys and make a pilgrimage to the Big Easy at least once a year to hear them. Maybe the Texas Ranger can teach me how to dance. The band has two sheet-metal vests that hook over the shoulders and have ridges down the front.