before two sheriff’s deputies emerge
Where were they before?
Probably reading the updated rules and regulations regarding agitated people. Or perhaps on the phone trying to get a crisis-outreach counselor to the scene.
Or: “What do you think Frank, should we arrest this guy?”
“I don’t know Bob, the last ten guys we arrested were out the next day - so what’s the point? If he stabs somebody then we can talk about it more.”
“before two sheriff’s deputies emerge
Where were they before?”
Only minutes away.