Wow. Intense.

    This was a pretty amazing story.  I loved the beginning, with its first
person narrative.  After that, it was an extremely intense and dark episode,
with a good plot and plenty of suspense.   I found the contrast between the
grimness of the events with the joyfulness of the Christmas Season
fascinating.  I'll have more specific comments after everyone has had a
chance to read it.  Thanks Christine!!

    --John  jfddoc@...

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Pit Bull Awareness, STOP BSL!!!" <outlawyears@...>
Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 9:34 AM
To: <CurtisWellsRPG@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [CurtisWellsRPG] Finally!

> Ok ALl I had every intention of posting thsi Tuesday night after Cub
> Scouts, however I had to take an unexpected trip to the Emerceny Room.
> Jesse fell on the sidewalk and had a pretty good gash on his temple. He
> had to get stitches and so we spent most of the night in there. Then I
> just wasn't home yesterday to get it up. But I am posting it right now. I
> appologize for the delay in posting it. Thi sis diferent from what we have
> done, a littl elonger than normal. BUt since it's a season finale I think
> it' sok. I hope it was at least worth the wait. I guess we'll see what you
> guys think soon enough.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

Saturday, December 30, 1882

***

She sat there drinking watching me. I sat there in the Ambrosia with an
untouched drink, trying to blend in, and watching HER. I was pretty sure she
knew I was one of the killers. My fight with Robert left bruises on my face. She
didn't believe how I got them. I'm not sure the Deputy even believed me. But he
had no proof. I must say she's smarter than I thought, of course demons weren't
completely stupid. They were cunning when they needed to be. She thinks she's
going to kill me, except we are going to kill her.

***

Mike Donovan sat in Mosby's office. "I don't know Mr. Mosby. It doesn't make
sense. I saw Michael one day with a black eye and fat lip. The next day I saw
him and it was gone as though it never happened. Nobody can heal that fast. So
how did he do it?"

"Stage makeup perhaps."

Mike shook his head. "No, I saw him up close it was real."

"Can you put him in jail without real proof."

"I could charge him with something I'm sure, but no judge will find him guilty
without some proof. Amanda even said she saw him at the time Robert was
attacked." Mike and Mosby were silent for a moment.

"Wait, Amanda?" Mosby asked.

"Yeah, she said she saw him that night except he didn't have the bruises at the
time."

"I thought he was staying at the Celtic?"

"No..." Mike replied.

"I saw him go up to a room when I was eating in there the other day." Mosby
replied.

Mike was confused for a moment as he thought. He then suddenly sat up straight
his eyes grew wide. "Brothers..."

Mosby seemed to understand where Mike was going with this. "You mean, like
twins?"

"Exactly, that would make sense as far as the bruises and why the killings were
different."

"Cris..." Mosby said.

"What about her?"

"She's hell bent on killing him..." Mosby fell silent.

"I saw them both down stairs before I came up here. They seemed to be watching
each other."

"She's next." Mike looked at Mosby oddly. "She's filled with enough wrath to
last a lifetime. She's probably the next victim..."

Before he could finish his thought Mike was up from his seat and out the door.
Mosby following behind him. They looked over the banister as they went down the
stairs. "They're gone." Mike said.

Mosby went over to Carson. "Where is she? Where did Cris go?"

"She left."

"How long ago?" Mike asked.

Carson shrugged his shoulders. "About 10, 15 minutes ago."

"Did she leave with anyone or follow anyone?" Mosby asked with worry in his
voice.

"She left after some guy did. He ordered a drink, never touched it."

Mosby and Mike quickly went out the doors and followed footsteps headed towards
the livery..

***

It was dusk when Micahel left the Ambrosia and headed for the livery. Course by
this time most folks had gone home. People were afraid and made sure they were
in their homes early. He headed for the livery and Cris followed not far behind.
Cris stepped into the dark livery, it was difficult to see. Her gun was drawn,
she was ready to shoot and ask questions later.

He stepped out behind her from a stall. "You looking for me?" Gabe said simply.

Cris turned to see him standing there. From behind Cris felt a rope go around
her neck. She dropped her gun as her hands went to the rope to try and pull it
free. Michael pulled from behind dragging her to the ground as she struggled to
breath and break free.

Gabe came forward and gaged Cris. He helped his brother Michael pull Cris out
back to the corral fence. Cris was soon on her knees with her back to a post.
Michael tied the rope around her neck to a post as Gabe grabbed Cris' arm
pulling it straight and tying her wrist to the fence. He got the other side and
tied it as well.

Michael then stood next to Gabe looking down at Cris. "Hello Satan." Mike said
with a smile.

Cris's eyes grew as she looked at them, twins.

Gabe chuckled. "Did you really think you could kill us, or him rather?" He said
referring to Michael.

"If it's any consolation and with any luck you'll soon be reunited
with....Robert is it? Unless of course by a miracle he pulls through. Except God
doesn't have mercy on demons." Gabe said to Cris.

Michael pulled out a knife, Gabe looked at him. " He has a thing with knives, he
always has. I prefer to be a little cleaner in destroying demons."

Cris made muffled remarks under her gag as she tried to pull herself free. Gabe
tore open Cris' jacket and shirt. Michael walked up to her and carefully placed
the knife on a precise location and the blade pushed through Cris' camisole.
Cris moaned in pain as she felt it press through her skin and then he pulled it
back out.

"Michael is very precise. He has learned over the years, just the right spots so
you won't die right away. Instead you'll bleed to death. A just death for a
killer such as yourself."

Michael then placed the knife onto another spot and pressed the blade through.
Cris moaned out in pain again. " I could just slit your neck, but you'd die too
fast. We want you to suffer Satan as you have made others suffer." Michael
added.

Michael pulled out the knife, then went and slit one of Cris' wrists, making a
cross on it, then he went and slit the other the same way. Her white camisole
was now mostly red, and the blood from her wrists splattered against the white
snow. Michael stood in front of her and began to carve a W into her chest. Cris
moaned in pain, her teeth bitting hard onto the gag in her mouth,  as she felt
the knife make the first line of the W. He began the next line of the W as a
bang rang out, Michael soon felt pressure in his skull. The knife fell from his
hand as he slowly tried to turn to his brother, before falling to the ground
dead.

"Michael!" Gabe yelled out as he went to his brothers side.

Mosby ran to Cris' side as he put his smoking gun into his holster. Mosby held
Cris face in his hands as he wiped away tears from her cheeks. Mosby than began
to untie Cris.

Donovan ran towards one of the Reapers his gun drawn. He held a gun to Gabe's
head. "Don't move."

Gabe never looked up from his brother. "He killed him." Gabe said in a sad and
shaky voice. "HE will protect us."

"Who?" Donovan asked thinking perhaps there was a third killer.

Gabe looked up. "God." He said simply with tears in his eyes.

"God? I don't know your God, but my God doesn't ask me to kill innocent people."

"Innocent? They were far from innocent." Gabe replied.

"Perhaps, but it's not your place to judge. For all have sinned and come short
the glory of God. Even you and your brother."

Donovan took his prisoner and headed for the jail.

Cris smiled slightly at Mosby. "You got him." She whispered in a weak voice.
Michael had done his job and she had indeed lost plenty of blood.

"Yeah." Mosby said as he smiled at her. He picked her up and headed for Cleese's
office. Mosby hoped he'd still be in his office.

***

Mosby had left Cris in the hands of Doc Cleese, Cleese stitched her up and
bandaged her. She now slept in his office. She was safe, the town of Curtis
Wells was now safe. Mosby headed to the Sheriff's office. He walked in and found
Mike Donovan sitting at Austin's desk.

Donovan looked at Mosby as he walked in. "How is she?"

"Alive, she lost a lot of blood."

Donovan nodded. "I figured. He hasn't hardly stopped talking since I put him in
there. Trying to explain their point of view and why they killed the way they
did." Donovan was silent for a moment. "It's quite disturbing."

Mosby looked at the killer then back to Donovan. "I wanted to thank you. For
finding these monsters. The town can rest easy tonight."

Donovan stood up. " I'm just sorry I couldn't have saved more people. Five are
dead and two may not make it."

"You did what you were able to do and you did it well." Mosby replied with pure
worry and upset in his voice.

"I'm sure they both will pull through." Donovan replied trying to consol Mosby.

Mosby nodded as he walked to a window to look out. "Yeah..." He turned back to
Donovan. "Have you taken care of the other one yet?"

"No, I was about to head down there to get the body."

"I can stay here with him if you'd like." Mosby replied.

"Are you sure? Perhaps one of your men would rather be in here."

"No, I'm sure. I'll be ok." Mosby replied.

Donovan sighed not sure if he should leave him here with Gabe. "Ok. I won't be
long." Donovan put his jacket and his hat on, then headed out the door to
collect the dead body of Michael Noble.

Mosby turned to the killer and walked over to the cell. He looked at the Reaper.
"So, I'm sure you regret coming to this town, the town where you WILL die."

Mike stood up from the cot. "Regret? I have no regrets. Well I do have a few, I
regret not finishing off Robert or Cris, but I don't regret what I did. I'd,
we'd do it again. We've rid this country for years from demons, always having to
continue to hunt them down when they return. We've saved towns from hell. So no
I don't regret what I've done. As for my brother I will see him in heaven."

Mosby's face grew red with anger as Gabe continued to talk. "Then say hello to
him, when you see him in hell." Mosby replied before shooting Gabe in the head.

***

Donovan was barely across the street when a bang rang out from the Sheriff's
office. He turned and headed back to the Sheriff's office knowing full well what
he would find there.

***

Sunday, December 31, 1882

***

Clay sat in Robert's room. Robert lay sleeping in a bed, still not having woken
up. Cris now laid in the next room. She too was still sleeping from her ordeal.
He wasn't sure if they both would make it. Cleese said they both needed time to
tell. So Clay wanted them close just in case. He wanted to be sure to be there
for both of them.

Clay looked at Robert's pale face. He had to make it, Mosby couldn't even fathom
another day without Robert. Robert had been there for him through the good and
the horrible. After all these years Robert was finally happy and he could lose
it all any moment. Clay sighed, a man couldn't ask for a better friend than
Robert. Clay would do whatever he had to, to make sure he survives this.

***

The town of Curtis Wells was up and moving about. They were free the killer, or
killers were found and dead. Mike Donovan stood over the graves of the Noble
brothers. Michael and Gabriel, named after angels. God's angels. Mike looked at
the heaps of dirt on the ground in the cemetery on the hill. Michael had
confessed to him about the killings, not just these but others they had done.
Donovan felt the brothers truly believed they were servants of God, doing what
they believed HE had asked them to do.

These two brothers purposely given these names and raised in a family who taught
them to kill. To do "God's will." But now they were dead, God Himself would now
judge them. Curtis Wells and other towns like it were now safe, at least from
these two. It was ironic to Donovan, seven deadly sins had been slain over the
past ten days. The brothers showed great pride in their work and the wrath they
put upon people. Now they were paying for sins they cast on others. The Noble
brothers truly reaped what they sowed. Donovan turned and left the graves, he
was more than happy for this to be over with and he hoped he'd never have to
experience another atrocity like this in his lifetime.

***

The End

Thursday, December 28, 1882

***

Pride, oh how Lucifer has set himself up this time. It has been a while since I
saw a man so caught up in himself. Clay Mosby proud as a peacock! He thinks he
owns this town, but he's wrong. The people do, they wouldn't miss him, no they'd
probably thank me for getting rid of him. This small town probably had a future
once, before Clay Mosby came to town, before Lucifer took control. He is the
true heart of this town. When I destroy him, it will change so much. This town
may have a chance to survive.

It only took me one day to find Lucifer in this town. Clay Mosby was the first
on my list and now it's his turn to die.

***

Clay was up in his office as The Reaper waited down below. Usually Clay would go
lock up before he went to sleep. Except tonight Robert told Clay he'd do it. He
wanted to go see Cris anyways and Clay wouldn't have to make another trip down
the stairs.

Robert left the office and headed down the stairs. Stopping to put out lamp on
the wall of the stairwell. Robert then continued down the stairs. He was nearly
to the door when,  "Lucifer." He heard in an unfamiliar voice from behind.

Robert began to turn around as he felt something go over his head making the
room go dark. The Reaper had placed a bag over Roberts head, but Robert fell
backward onto the Reaper. They both crashed into a table.

Mosby had heard the crash and wondered what was going on. "Robert?" He yelled
from his desk.

Robert fought off the his attacker and was able to get the bag off his head.

"You're not Clay." The Reaper said upset as he backed off Robert for a moment.

Robert got himself up and jumped at the Reaper. They swung at each other leaving
bruises, both once again falling into another table.

Mosby once again heard the noise going on downstairs. "Robert?" He yelled again
as he got up from his desk to go check it out. He got to the hallway as he heard
Robert yell.

"Clay! I got him!" Robert had his gun drawn and the two were fighting over it.
BAM! The gunshot echoed in the saloon.

"Robert?" Clay cried out unsure of what just happened. Clay hurried down the
steps gun drawn ready to fire. When he found Robert laying there on the ground,
his assailant gone. "Robert!" Clay yelled as he was soon at his friend's side.
He placed a hand over the wound on Robert's stomach. "Robert, yer gonna be ok.
Just hold on! I gotta go get Cleese!"

Robert grabbed a hold of Clay's shirt. "Don't leave m." He replied in a weak
shaky voice.

"I'll be right back." Clay placed a gun in Robert's hand to try and protect
himself if the killer did come back. Clay left Robert and ran to Cleese's house.
Clay banged on Cleese's door and he banged until Ephraim opened the door in his
pajamas. "Clay? What's the matter?"

"It's Robert..." He said in between breaths. "He's been shot, you have to help
him...quick! He's at the Ambrosia."

Cleese looked horrified at Clay's words. "Go, I'll get my bag and I'll be right
there!"

Clay had helped Robert to his feet and up stairs to a bed, while they waited for
Cleese to arrive. Clay heard the door shut downstairs. He ran out of the room
and looked over the balcony. "Up here!"

Cleese hurried up the stairs as Olivia followed behind him. "Clay," she said in
a soothing voice. "How is he?"

Clay shook his head. "Not good he's lost a lot of blood."

"What happened?" Cleese asked.

"What does it look like? Someone tried to murder him! Help him Cleese!"

Cleese was soon at Robert's side. "Clay he's lost too much blood." Cleese
whispered to Clay. Cleese tried to clean Robert up so he could see where the
bullet hit. "I can't hardly see a thing."

Mosby kneeled on the floor beside Robert. Mosby's bloody hand held onto Robert's
hand. "You're gonna be ok." Clay replied trying to remain optimistic. "We've
been through too much, I won't let you go out like this!" Clay had tears of
worry in his eyes. He couldn't lose Robert.

Robert struggled to breath. "Clay..." He said in a whispered and weak voice,
"tell her...I love her...to move on..." He swallowed hard, he closed his eyes
for a moment as a tear ran down his face. "Take care of her Clay...you'll need
each other now, brother." Without another word Robert closed his eyes.

"No!" Clay yelled. "Robert? Robert? NO! Please, no!" He looked at Cleese. "Do
something!" Clay pleaded as his face buried into Robert's chest.

"Please get him out of here, Olivia!" Cleese shouted.

Olivia laid a hand on Clay's shoulder. "Clay, let the Doc do his job. If anyone
can save him, he can."

Clay shook Robert furiously. "Robert! Robert wake up! I order you to wake up!"

"Clay." A voice from behind said. Olivia stood there tears also in her eyes.

Clay turned and looked up at Olivia. Mosby threw he arms around Olivia's legs as
though he were a child. He cried into her as her hands held his head near. She
tried to reconcile his tears and his pain, but she knew it was beyond that.

"Get him out so I can do my job!" Cleese yelled again.

"Come on, Clay!" Olivia said pulling Clay to his feet and out the door.

Olivia took Clay to his room and sat him down on a chair. Clay looked up at her.
"I can't loose him, Olivia. Not Robert." He said in a defeated voice.

"Maybe you won't. Maybe a miracle will happen." She replied.

Clay stood up and began pacing back and forth. "He'll make it, right? He has
to."

"Stop it Clay!" Olivia yelled. "He's not dead! You need to think positive and
maybe even pray for a change."

Clay stopped in his tracks. "Pray? I used to pray every night to keep Mary safe.
A lot of good that did her. God doesn't answer my prayers, Olivia."

"Maybe he will this time." Clay continued to pace back and forth. "What's taking
him so long?"

Cleese finally opened the door. He looked at the wide eyes of Clay and Olivia.
"He's still alive. He hanging on, barely, but he's a live. Clay, I've done what
I could. There was just so much blood. I really don't know if he'll make it
through the night. He needs a miracle."

Clay covered his mouth with his hand and closed his eyes. "Can I see him?"

"Of course."

Clay rushed to Robert's side and in spite of his words, Clay prayed.

***

Friday, December 29, 1882

***


Mosby was in the Sheriff's office. "I found this note on my door this morning."
Mosby handed it to Mike.

Mike sighed. "I heard about Robert, I hope he'll pull through."

"He will."

Mike took the note and read it. "I must say I came looking for Clay Mosby.
Instead I found Robert Shelby. Though his pride is nothing compared to that of
Clay Mosby, he will do. I've destroyed the demon inside him. Now it is up to God
to give back his life or to take it away. I have two more demons to destroy and
my mission will be complete."

"That should be me laying up there, Mike. I want this monster found!"

Mike nodded his head. "Go be with Robert, let me deal with this, we will find
him."

***

Some one had given Mike a tip and he was checking up on it. He found Mr. White
in the Dove eating breakfast. "Mr. White, may I have a seat?"

"Why yes, of course, please sit down."

Mike looked at Mr. White. He was a man in his late 20's. He had blond hair and
blue eyes. Built strong and tough. He turned the ladies head with his looks and
was a real charmer. He was also on the church list. He really didn't fit the
description of a killer, but someone saw him heading towards the Ambrosia last
night. Mr. White was now sporting a bruise over his left eye and his lip was
swelled up. "That's a nasty shiner you got there Mr. White. May I ask how you
got it?"

"Please, it's Michael. Actually, I'm very clumsy on my feet. I tripped in my
room last night and hit my face against the dresser."

"Did Doc Cleese check it out?"

"No, I knew his wife had just had a baby. I didn't want to bother him with
something I could take care of myself."

"I see, and where you in your room all night?"

"No, I came down here to get something to eat. You can ask Amanda. In fact we
even talked for a while"

Mike nodded his head. "I will, thank you."

Mike headed into the kitchen to find Amanda. She looked up at him as he walked
in.
"Mike have you found the killer yet? We're all sick with worry. Especially after
what happened to Robert. How is Clay holdin' up?"

Mike shrugged his shoulders. "As well as one can I suppose. Say Amanda. Last
night did you happen to see that Mr. White?"

"Yes, he came down late for something to eat. I found something and put it
together. I even kept him company while he ate. Why?"

"Someone swears they saw him go into the Ambrosia last night."

"No he couldn't have. It was probably around 11 that night."

"That's about the time Robert was shot." Mike added. "Did he have that bruise on
his face or anything?"

"No, not when I saw him."

"Humm." Mike sighed. "All right, well thanks."

"Sure. Sorry I couldn't have been more help."

"Yeah me too." He replied before leaving.

***

The Ambrosia was full with people when Cris burst in. "Clay!" Cris yelled. Cris
went over to Carson. "Where is he?" She yelled in a frantic voice.

"They're up stairs." Carson replied.

Cris looked up the steps and headed towards them as Clay came out. He put his
hands on her shoulders at the top of the stairs. "Clay, what the hell is goin'
on? I ride into town and I'm hearin' all sortsa things I don't like?"

"Calm down."

"I will not calm down! Where is he?" Clay looked at the room behind him. "Is he
in there?"

She maneuvered around him as fast as she could. "Cris wait!"

Cris stopped in the doorway as she saw him laying there. "Robert." She said in a
faint tone.

"He's still alive, Cris."

Cris walked slowly over to him, it was hard for her legs not to buckle under
her. She was at his side and sat on the bed. She picked up his hand and held it
to her heart.

"Cris." Clay said as he laid a hand on her shoulder.

"Go away." She said trying to keep her composure.

Clay nodded and headed down the stairs.

Cris spent some time with Robert before she came down the stairs. Clay was
behind the bar. "Who did this?" Cris asked. "Was it him? Was it THAT monster?"

Clay nodded. "He got away."

"What? I'm gonna kill him, Clay. I'm gonna kill that sonofabitch!" Cris yelled.

"We're handling it, Cris. Right now Robert needs you. This is in God's hands
now."

"God? God doesn't help me and he sure as hell don't help you! He hasn't heard me
in a long time. I sure as hell ain't gonna put this is his hands. I'm gonna take
care of it myself!"

"I know, but you know I gave in and prayed last night and so far, Robert's still
alive." Clay replied.

"You sure as hell ain't throwing the God card at me, Clay Mosby! I'll burn in
hell before I ever ask for HIS help! I hate him for this and I'm gonna kill the
sonofabitch who's killin' in HIS name! He claims he has God on his side. Let's
see what happens what I have Satan on mine!" Tears began to fill her eyes. "All
God has ever done is take, and take from me! Not anymore, I won't let him!"

Cris turned to leave, but Clay grabbed her by the arm. Proclaiming any hate for
God was going too far even for Clay Mosby.  "You don't really mean that."

"Sure as hell I do!" Cris turned to the patrons. "Do you hear that you sick
sonofabitch! You're out there somewhere and I'm comin' for ya! I'll send you
straight to hell myself!" Cris whipped the tears from her face and left the
Ambrosia.

***

My mouth nearly hit the floor as I sat there listening to this Cris James
proclaim her hate for my God and actually proclaiming her alliance with the
devil himself. Though she came just in time and saved a life. I was sitting
there in the Ambrosia watching my next victim of wrath. She just changed
everything. I will destroy the demon in Cris James, but not tonight. Tonight I
will destroy envy.

***

Mr. Creel was waiting on a customer as he complained. "You know if we had half
of what Mr. Mosby had we wouldn't have to scrimp and save so much."

"I'm sorry Mr. Creel, I just don't fee the same. You're always complainin' bout
Mr. Mosby not being fair, rasing taxes too high, when you yourself have the
highest prices in town. In fact the only reason I'm here is the sisters are out
of what I need." His customer replied. "I wouldn't envy Mr. Mosby for all the
money in the world. Yes he has riches, but he's a lonely man and every worry in
this town becomes his. Take this killer for instance. Who do you think this town
will blame if he's not found? The grass ain't always greener on the other side."

"Well it is when you're Mr. Mosby."

"Hogwash." She replied. "You know Mr. Creel envy is one of the sins, I'd be
careful what I say."

"Is that a threat Mrs. Wood?"

Her mouth opened astounded by his comment. "Of course not, Mr. Creel! I'm simply
stating a fact..."

"Well don't I don't need you telling me what to do or say!"

"Fine!" Mrs. Wood paid Mr. Creel. "And good luck to you."

***

Mr. Creel closed up his shop, he locked the door behind him as he felt something
go over his face and darkness took over. "You want what Mr. Mosby has, now you
can have the way he was to die."

Mr. Creel struggled against the Reaper. The Reaper had enough and hit him over
the head with a gun. He drug Mr. Creel into the livery, the Reaper took his
clothes off and replaced them with clothes Mosby would wear. The Reaper took off
the bag and gaged Mr. Creel, he then tied his hands together. He placed a rope
around his hands and hoisted Mr. Creel to his knees.

The Reaper slapped him a few times to wake him up. "Ah, you finally decided to
join us. I thought I'd give you exactly what you wanted Leviathan. I had
actually planned on killing Mr. Mosby this way, but it didn't work out. You envy
Mosby so much I thought I'd give you a little taste of his life."

Mr. Creel looked at the Reaper in shock to see who it was. "Do you still want
Mr. Mosby's life?"

Mr.Creel shook his head. "Well it's too late. Did you fight in the war Mr.
Creel, no probably not, you're all about yourself and what others have. You know
Mr. Mosby was a prisoner of war? He had to endure a lot of pain, beatings. He's
lost a lot in his young life. Which is probably the reason he is the way he is."
The Reaper walked behind Mr. Creel and tore open the back of his shirt. Without
another word the Reaper began to whip Mr. Creel on the back. Mr. Creel cringed
and grunted in pain with every hit of the whip. Tears flooded his eyes till he
could hardly see through them. Till finally after what felt like forever, he
stopped.

The Reaper pulled Mr. Creel's head up by his hair. "Multiply that 100 more times
and you won'tt even have half of Mr. Mosby's life. You should have been thankful
for your own. May God have mercy on your soul." The Reaper then slit Mr. Creel's
neck. The Reaper then carved envy into Mr. Creel's forehead and added a cross.

Tuesday, December 26, 1882

***

There were no reported deaths the day after Christmas. He was thankful, at least
no one had been killed, least that he was aware of. Mike hoped the killer had
stopped his madness. Either way Mike still had to find this mad man or woman.

***

It was afternoon when Lilly walked into the sitting room. "E!" Lilly yelled. She
sounded frantic.
  "E!"

Olivia was in the kitchen and got to Lilly before Ephraim did. "Lilly, what's
the matter?"

"My water broke." She replied with worry in her voice.

"Oh my! We need to get you up to bed then." Olivia replied.

Ephraim came down the stairs as fast as his legs could move him. "What's the
matter?"

Lilly looked up at him with a slight smile in spite of the pain she was feeling.
"It's time!" She said with excitement.

"It's time? OH! It's time." He rushed over to her. "Get her up stairs. Then
start boiling some water. I'll get my bag!"

Olivia got Lilly upstairs and settled into the bed., she sat some towels and
blankets nearby.

"Oh!" Lilly yelled in pain. "E!"

Ephraim came in running with his bag. He went to her side and held her hand.
"I'm going to time your contractions. Tell me when one starts, then when another
starts."

Lilly nodded as she suddenly yelled out in pain. She breathed heavily as he pain
eased for a moment. The Lilly yelled out again. "OW!"

"All right. You're doing great Dear." He moved to the end of the bed to check
her out. "It shouldn't take long. Just keep breathing."

Olivia finished boiling the water and joined them as soon as she could. She sat
at Lilly's side holding her hand. "How's everything going?"

"Well." Ephraim replied.

Lilly was crying a little bit. "It hurts so much." She said in a weak voice.

"I know." Olivia replied with a smile. "But just think soon you'll have a baby
to hold.."

"Oh!" Lilly yelled out again in pain.

"Start pushing, Lilly!" Ephraim said loudly.

Lilly grunted in pain as she started to push. "AHHH!" She howled in more pain.
She looked at Ehpraim. "I can't do this, I can't do this E! I can't."

"Yes, you can, honey, you can do this. Just push!"

"You're almost there, Lilly. Keep breathing and push." Olivia said in a calm and
motherly voice.

The pain kept coming and Lilly kept pushing. "One more good push, I can see the
baby's head! Come on!"

"AHHHHH" Lilly yelled as she pushed with all she had left. As she pushed Ephraim
pulled the baby out the rest of the way.

Olivia left Lilly's side to assist Ephraim with the baby. He cleaned out it's
mouth as the baby began to cry. Tears fell from Ephraim's face. "It's a girl,
Lilly."

Olivia handed Ephraim scissors to cut the umbilical cord. Olivia helped clean
the baby off, then placed her in a blanket and handed the baby to Ephraim. A
smile spread across his face as he walked over to Lilly's side. Ephraim looked
at Lilly with a smile. "Lilly, she's beautiful."

Lilly held her arms out and Ephraim placed the baby in her arms. "I got to
finish with the afterbirth, Lilly. But I'll be right here."

Ephraim took care of the afterbirth and Lilly's after care. Olivia sat at
Lilly's side. "What will you name her?"

Lilly looked up at Ephraim with a smile. "Elizabeth McCreary Cleese."

"Sounds perfect." Olivia replied.

Ephraim finished then joined Lilly and Olivia. " I think we should let mother
and daughter get some rest." Ephraim said to them.

"I think you're right." Olivia said as she watched Lilly feed baby Elizabeth.
"I'll be in the next room if you need anything."

Lilly nodded. "Thank you, Olivia. Thank you so much."

"You are most welcome." She embraced Ephraim. "Congratulations, Daddy." She then
left the room.

Ephraim went and sat down beside her. "She's so beautiful Lilly. Just like you."
He kissed Lilly's forehead and then he kissed Elizabeth on the head.

***

I had been watching her, though she hadn't noticed. I knew her secret. She had
been stealing money from the Celtic ever since I arrived and probably before
that too. Not only money, but some of the silver. With Lilly Cleese pregnant,
she never noticed. She trusted Laurie was taking care of the Celtic and doing so
honestly. I got word today that Ephraim and Lilly did have their child, a little
girl. I don't think I've ever seen anyone so happy about being a father as
Ephraim was. He's one decent person in this town.

Well the Celtic is about to close. All their customers are in their rooms, I
must now go take care of business.

***

The Reaper waited in Laurie's room, in the Celtic. He waited in the shadows,
quietly until Laurie walked in. She opened a drawer and began to put some more
silver into it.

"That's not yours." He said simply.

Laurie jumped in her skin as she turned to see him standing there. "Oh!" She
said as she exhaled deeply. "You scared me. You know this is not your room. I'd
appreciate it if you'd leave."

"And those are not your things. You know they used to cut off ones hand for
stealing." The Reaper then pulled out a rope. "Now they hang people." He began
walking closer to her.

She was scared as she gave a half smile. Trying to hide her fears. " I suppose
it's a good thing you're not a judge. You know. I have quite enough, I could
split with you."

He chuckled. "On the contrary, I am here to judge you. Mammon. All demons must
be destroyed. I won't be apart of your sin."

Laurie turned and tried to run for the door to escape. Before she got far he
grabbed her from behind covering her mouth with his hand. "No!" She yelled as
she managed to get free from him. She tried to fight him, but she fell to the
floor and into a dresser.

The Reaper turned her over on her back, he shoved something in her mouth to gag
her. He then began tying her hands together. He sighed. "You are making this
more difficult then it has to be."

She shook her head as though she were pleading with him, tears filled her eyes
and flowed down her cheeks. He placed a noose around her neck and pulled her up.
He threw the rest of the rope over the closet door. Her back was to the door and
he had the rope pulled tight. Laurie stood on her tip toes trying to keep
herself alive. She looked at him through her teary eyes. "May God have mercy on
your soul."

Without another word, he pulled from behind until Laurie could no longer feel
the floor under her toes. Her eyes grew wide as she tried to pull the rope away
with her hands. All her desperate tries to stay alive did her no good. She could
feel the life slowly drain out of her. She tried to take in one more breath but
she couldn't she closed her eyes and before another tear could be cried, she
died. The Reaper tied the rope to the door knob on the other side. The Reaper
pinned a note to Laurie and left

***

  Wednesday, December 27, 1882

***

"Damn it!" Mosby yelled as his fist hit his desk. "Another one! Another death,
why can't we find this killer!"

"I don't know. Mosby." Mike replied upset. "I've looked over the list Preacher
Mckinny gave me. Possible leads, none of them match that of a killer. I've had
men watching who goes in and out of the saloon and they don't see anything
strange!"

"He's right here under our noses and we can't lay a finger on it!" Mosby
replied.

"You know I think it's more than one person, Mosby. They have us looking for one
person, but maybe it's not one. I mean yeah it's all for the same purpose. But
Every other one seems to be cut open one way or another, while the other deaths
are...less bloody."

Mosby sighed. "One or two people, we still don't know who we're looking for!"

"More people are dying everyday and everyone is pointing fingers. I keep getting
tips that lead no where except to upset neighbors." Mike replied. "Mosby, I've
been a lawman for many years. Nothing has ever prepared me for THIS. I don't
know if we will find him."

"We'll find him, if it's the last thing I do!" Mosby yelled. "I'll tear this
town to pieces if I have to!"

***

Luther slapped Ephraim on the back, "Well why didn't ya jest say so! Get this
new Papa a drink, on me!" Luther shouted as he placed the cigar in his pocket.

Ephraim sat at the bar. "Why thank you, Luther. I almost feel guilty celebrating
under the recent circumstances, but I can't help but be joyful."

"Don't feel guilty. I reckon if I had two beautiful gals to go home to I'd be
joyful too!" Luther replied. "Say what ya name the little tyke?"

"Elizabeth McCreary Cleese. She was 6 pounds and 13 ounces. Just perfect I tell
you!"

Mosby had just come from up stairs. "What is he babbling about now?"

"Doc's a Pa, now Mosby! We're celebratin'!" Luther replied as he sucked down a
drink.

"Is that right?" Mosby smiled. "That is good news."

"I have one for you Mr. Mosby." Ephraim pulled out a cigar and handed it to
Mosby.

Mosby smelled it. "You are going all out for this aren't you?"

"We named her Elizabeth, my little Lizzy." Ephraim beamed from ear to ear.

"I should stop by sometime." Mosby replied. "How is Lilly doing?"

"As well as expected. She did very well I must say. In fact I really should be
getting back to her, to them. Oh it's just so hard to believe. She's actually
here!" Ephraim quickly drank his shot. Ephraim slapped Luther on the back.
"Thanks, see you men later!" Ephraim hurried out the doors.

Mosby looked at Luther. "Now that's a proud Papa if I ever saw one."

Luther laughed as he watched Ephraim leave and Mosby even joined in.

Monday, December 25, 1882

***

It was Christmas morning. Snow had covered the ground weeks ago, but a fresh
snow had blanketed the earth. A lite snow continued to fall to the ground as
Mike Donovan sat at his desk, he was worried. The killer had struck again, the
victim Twyla. She was cut up just as bad as Simon Grey. Sadie had found Twyla's
body that morning. Mike knew if this killer carried out his promises there would
be four more to come.

Mike looked out the window at the snow covered ground. This was the time of year
for folks to be happy, to spend time with loved ones, the one time of year folks
were a little more kinder to the less fortunate. But so far this Christmas had
brought horror and fear among the town. This was Curtis Wells, no, not every one
was a God fearing person. But it wasn't a Godless town. In spite of their sins
this town didn't deserve this. No one did. Who did this person think they were
to play God? To be the judge and jury.

Though his victims had hurt other people, so was it an eye for and eye, as the
Bible says? But then it also said turn the other cheek. So what was one to
think? The Bible could be so confusing. For all have sinned, so what made one
sin worse than another? Just because we think one is worse than another perhaps
in God's eyes they are all the same.

Mike sighed. He hardly understood the Bible himself, but this killer finds
justice between the lines. It didn't really matter how justified the killer made
things sound, it was wrong. On all accounts it was wrong and he had to be
stopped. He didn't want to have to burry another. This monster had to be
stopped.

***

Twyla's girls closed for the day. Not because it was Christmas, but because
Twyla was dead, murdered. There was much to talk about. They sat in the parlor
as they discussed what would happen..

"So what happens to us now?" One of the girls said.

"How do we git paid now?" Asked another.

"Same as before." Florie replied.

"Well Twyla's dead. Why we have ta go by her rules? If I'm entertainin' a man I
want the whole pay!"Rose said.

"Twyla always took out a percentage and we should keep doing that.' Florie
added.

"Twyla's dead! Why should we? Take it out and do what with it?" Rose demanded.

"Save it in case we need it for a repair or rent." Florie replied. "I mean if
something happens to the building how will we fix it? No one will want to use
their own money. So we should keep it out, that way we have it for an emergency
and to help the next owner."

"That's stupid!" Rose said upset. "And who might the next owner be? You,
Florie?"

"Maybe, maybe not."

"You know I agree with Florie." Said Sadie. "If we don't have a way to keep up
this building and pay rent we'll all be out on the street, giving it out just
for a place to sleep. And you have just as much of a chance to be owner as
Florie does, Rose. Any of us do!"

"That's easy to say when men are lined up out of both yer doors just to have a
poke! But it's not that simple for the rest of us." Rose replied. "It must be
nice to pick and chose."

"Well some of us prefer to take care of ourselves just a little more. Perhaps if
you'd spend more time trying to please a man you'd have a line. Any one can just
lay there." Sadie replied.

"She's right." Florie added. "You don't even bother to clean up after yourself."

"And what would you know, Florie? I bet ya you've never been at the bottom of
the food chain. I know if Mr. Mosby was exclusive to me I'd never have to worry.
Ya think because ya poke him yer better than the rest of us. But yer not! At the
end of the day your still a whore who he denies pokin'!"

"You'd shut your mouth if you knew what was good for ya, Rose!" Sadie yelled.

Rose stood up from the couch. "Humph. Twyla's not here to protect ya any more
Florie. There's more besides me who get tired of ya hoggin' all the customers."
Rose stomped out of the room.

Florie looked around the room at the other girls. "Do you all feel as she does?"
Some shook their head no, some were silent as they didn't make eye contact. "I
see."

Sadie looked at the girls. "It really doesn't matter if yer jealous or not. It
still comes down to saving for rent and unforeseen repairs. We don't have to
worry about a Madam right now. We can figure that out later. But I do think we
should keep the pay as before. We could find someone we trust to sort of run
things just until then. That way we won't have to doubt each others honesty."

Some nodded in agreement. "Well who can we trust?" One girl asked.

"Any one have any ideas?" Florie asked.

"There's not many people we can trust in this town who'd be willin' to run a cat
house. Even for a spell." Another added.

"We could at least ask." Sadie replied."Let's all think a while and we can talk
about it later. Does that sound fair?"

A majority of the girls said yes or nodded in agreement.

***

Sadie stomped into the Mosby's office without any invitation. "Mosby I wanna
talk!" She demanded.

Mosby looked at her as he was putting his coat on. "What is it now Sadie? I'm on
my way out."

"I wanna know what more yer doin' to try and find this killer?"

"There's nothing more that can be done, than what we are already doing. Deputy
Donovan is very capable and smart. He'll find the killer before no time."

"In the meantime how many more will die?"

Clay buttoned his coat up. "I hope no more Sadie..."

"You're not taking this seriously enough! I know Twyla was just another Madame,
but that could have been anyone!"

He looked at her upset. "Don't you think I know that! It could have been you, it
could easily have been me! You think I rest easy at night knowing a killer is on
the lose? You think it's my safety I'm worried about? Because it's not! If I
die, so what, this town will probably celebrate. But if another person dies, it
may as well have been me who did it! Because I'm the one everyone will blame!
I'm the one who will have to face a heartbroken wife or child! Not you not
anyone else! Me! I'm doing the best I can, Sadie! If you have a better idea of
how to find this sick bastard, please let me know, I'd love to hear it! If not
go back home and stay inside. Stay safe! Close down, refuse customers if you
have to! But don't come in here demanding what I'm going to do, because I'm
already doing what I can!"

Sadie looked at Mosby a little surprised at his outburst. "I'm sorry, but we're
just scared!"

"Everyone is Sadie! You know how many people have been in here asking me the
same questions as you? It's Christmas, people should be home with their families
and thankful they still have their families. Go, be thankful your still alive.
If you don't mind I'm going to do the same."

***

Clay and Robert were out in the woods looking for a Christmas tree. They wanted
to surprise Cris with Christmas. Clay had paid Laurie at the Celtic to make them
a Christmas meal. In the meantime Clay and Robert would find greenery to
decorate with. Cris had expressed her opinion of Christmas, but Clay and Robert
ignored it. It had been a long time since she had anyone to celebrate it with,
which Clay figured is why she disliked it so much. Now she had family, perhaps
she might just like it.

Robert stepped in front of a pine that was about up to his waist. "I think this
will be a good one."

"Don't you want something bigger?" Clay asked.

"No, I think it's just the right size for Cris. It won't be hard to drag back
out once we're done with it. We can sit in on a table too."

"Do you have enough things to decorate it with?"

"Yeah." Robert replied as he began to saw the tree. "I strung some nuts
together, popcorn, dried fruits, whatever I could find that would look nice. I
made some ornaments like when we were kids. Remember those stars we used to
make?"

Clay chuckled at the memory. "I was never very good at making those. I'm not
sure I could even remember how to do it now."

"I didn't either, but I asked around till I found someone who did." Robert
continued to saw the tree as Clay now held it up. "Remember how we used to fight
over who'd find the pickle on the tree first?"

They both laughed at the memories. "I used to sneak out of my bed to watch them
hang it up, but every time I'd watch them, the next day it was moved." Clay
replied.

"And the food your mother would cook. I can almost still smell it."

"Yes not a space wasted either. And all the decorations. The green and the red,
it was beautiful. I'll never forget that. Then we'd all sing Christmas carols
after we ate."

Robert finished sawing the tree down as Clay continued to hold it from the top.
Robert picked it up from the bottom. They carried it over to the sleigh and
placed it in the back. "We just need some pine branches for the windowsills."

"You know I'll never forget my first Christmas with Mary. She loved Christmas
and she made it even more wonderful than my mother. Course she couldn't cook
quite as well as Ma did." Clay smiled slightly at the bitter sweet memory.

They collected branches and pine cones. "I think this should do it." Robert
replied.

They placed it in the sleigh with the tree. "Let's go get the food and head over
to Cris'." Clay said.

Robert smiled at Clay. "Yes, let's do."

***

Olivia was kind enough to help prepare a Christmas meal for the Cleese's. Lilly
was ready to deliver the baby any day and Ephraim didn't know how to cook a
proper Christmas meal. Laurie had been invited and said she would come after she
finished preparing Mr. Mosby's meal. Cleese had helped Olivia with decorating
though. Even Lilly helped to decorate the tree Luther had so kindly brought in
for them. Ephraim had invited Luther but he had other plans. Which Ephraim
figured it included alcohol and a whore. Though they had closed because of
Twyla's death, everyone knew there were some who would still work.

Ephraim had thought about the last few days and those who had been killed. Being
the town doctor it was up to him to give his opinion on how exactly they had
died. Ephraim had lived in the west for some time now, but never had he seen
something so horrific. It bothered him to the point he had trouble sleeping at
night. They were sights he wished he had never seen.

In spite of that he couldn't help but appreciate Lilly even more. He looked at
her as she sat on the couch drinking hot tea and munching on some sugar cookies.
She looked radiant. She wore a deep green dress. The dress brought out her green
eyes and her red hair accented her beauty even more. She glowed as pregnant
women do. She was in a happy mood despite being so uncomfortable.

This would be their first Christmas together and Ephraim was excited. This
Christmas was special and would always be. "Everything is ready if you two would
care to eat." Olivia said.

"Oh yes." Ephraim said as he stood up to help Lilly off the couch. "The smells
coming from the kitchen have been so delightful, I was getting hungrier by the
minute."

Lilly laughed a bit at Ephraim's remark. "Me too. Everything does smell
wonderful Olivia. You know we really appreciate everything you've done for us
over the past few months."

Ephraim helped Lilly to the table. "Wow, it looks so good." Ephraim said as he
saw the spread of food on the table. "It looks like we could feed the whole
town."

Olivia laughed. "I suppose I got a little carried away. I kept remembering food
I ate as a child, that made me hungry for it. Before I knew it I made near
everything I could think of."

"Well it won't go to waste I'm sure." Lilly replied, "In fact I don't think I
could have done better even if I tried."

Ehpraim pulled out a chair for Lilly to sit, he did the same for Olivia. Ephraim
took his seat. "Shall we pray?" The three of them reached across the table to
take each others hands. Ephraim began to bless the food and family.

***

Robert banged on Cris' door as he held onto the tree. Cris got to the door and
opened it. Without saying anything Robert walked in dragging the tree behind
him.

Cris began to shut the door behind Robert as Clay pushed the door open. He
carried a basket filled with food. Clay placed a kiss on Cris' cheek as he
walked in. "Merry Christmas." Clay placed the basket on the table. Before Cris
could respond he was back out the door.

Cris looked at Robert. "What is going on?"

Robert only smiled and he too planted a kiss on Cris' cheek before he followed
Clay out the door. "It's Christmas." He said from outside.

Cris left the door open as she stepped outside. "I know that, but what is all
that stuff?"

Clay carried some more baskets of food as he walked past Cris. Robert got the
decorations out and carried them in. Cris following behind him. He places some
branches on the windowsills. "Well, that's a Christmas tree." He replied
pointing to the tree. "And that's our Christmas meal."

Cris shook her head. "But why is it in HERE?"

Clay went back outside to bring more things in. Robert stopped in front of Cris
for a moment. He took her hands and held them in his. "We wanted to bring
Christmas to you, it's my present."

"But..."

"Shh." Robert replied. "I know what you said, but you have a family now to
celebrate with. You gotta start sometime."

Cris looked at Robert her eyes started to water. She didn't know what to say,
Clay walked back in with a box of things. Cris looked at Clay then back to
Robert. She pulled away, wiped a tear, went to her room and shut the door behind
her.

Clay looked at Robert. "Are you sure you wanna do this?"

"She'll be ok. Let's just finish what we are doing."

Robert put the tree up on a table while Clay laid out a table cloth. He arranged
the food, decorated the table with evergreens and candles. Robert decorated the
tree as Clay messed with the food. Once they had finished the stepped back to
look at their work.

"It's no where near what your Mother could do, but I do think your Mother would
be proud, Clay."

"You think Cris will be ok with all this?"

Robert shrugged. "I hope so."

"When is the last time she had a Christmas?"

"Long time. Before her Pa died."

"Go talk to her."

Robert knocked on Cris' door and opened it without an invitation. "Cris?" He
said as he walked in. She laid there on her bed curled up in a ball. Robert
walked over and laid beside her, he put his arm around her pulling her close to
hold her. He put his mouth to her ear. "Cris, please don't be mad."

Cris turned around to look at Robert. She wasn't crying anymore, but her face
was still wet from the tears. She wiped the wetness from her face. "I'm not mad,
least not anymore. I was at first." Robert pushed a strand of hair behind her
ear. "No ones ever done anything like this for me before. I don't understand why
you or Clay would do this for me."

"Because I love you. Clay loves you as though you're his own sister. We wanted
to show you things can be good. Holidays can be happy. You think it's easy for
Clay? He loved Mary and he still does. At Christmas he missed her even more, but
he does his best to continue his life. You can too."

Cris smiled at Robert. "I'm sorry I reacted the way I did, I just never
expected..."

"I know, but just come see what we did. Will you?"

Cris nodded and Robert kissed her forehead. Robert got off the bed and helped
Cris up. They held hands as they walked out of her room. Cris stopped in her
tracks as she looked around the room. Her eyes were wide, like a child. "It's
breathtaking." Cris finally said. She looked at Robert then to Clay.

"Merry Christmas, Cris." Clay said with a smile.

"I really don't know what to say. I never imagined anything like this." She
looked at Robert. "Thank you." He gave her a kiss and a long hug. Cris walked
over to Clay. "And thank you." She said as she embraced him.

"Shall we eat?" Clay said to them.

"Let's." Cris replied. Robert pulled out a chair for Cris. She sat, Clay and
Robert joined her. Clay blessed the food and their family, then they ate.

***

It's Christmas day! The day the world celebrates the birth of Christ. Oh how I
love Christmas. I will celebrate the Lord's birth and I will rest tonight. I
will take joy in knowing the demons will suffer today as the world momentarily
will be peaceful. Today is the one day people are kind, even to whores. Tomorrow
we will continue our mission. Bless this day O Lord, and take mercy on those who
sin, Amen!

Sunday, December 24, 1882

***

Deputy Donovan looked at Al's frozen body. The boy who worked in the livery was
the one to find Al, drowned in a horse trough full of alcohol. Mike pulled the
note off the body and it took a couple of men to carry the body to Unbob's. This
was going to be a difficult one for Unbob to straighten out for a coffin. But
that was the least of Donovan's concerns. What concerned him was the content of
the note. This was now bigger than a single deputy to control. He would have to
go to Mosby for more help. But first he had to go see Will Parker in the jail.

Mike walked into the jail and looked at Will who sat on the cot. "Well, Will.
Seems you were telling the truth." Mike unlocked the cell. "I'm sorry I had to
put you in here."

Will looked at Mike. "What made you change your mind?"

"Actually I did believe you. But as crazy as it may sound I have a note from the
killer. His last victim was Al Thomas..."

"The drunk?" Will stated..

"Yes and he, the killer was very upset to find out an innocent man was accused
of killing Simon Grey."

"You don't know who it is?"

"No." Mike replied.

Will nodded. "I don't know why he killed Mr. Thomas, but he must have had a good
reason. I'm glad he killed Simon. I know you have a job to do, but as it stands
I hope you don't find him."

Mike watched as Will left the Sheriff's office and headed for the hotel where
Mindy was staying. In a way Mike felt both men got their justice. Al wasn't a
good man and by what he found out neither was Simon. Except Mike also knew there
was law and it existed for a reason. This killer had no right to kill as he did,
even if the killer believed he was doing what God asked of him. Mike was a
religious man to a point, but he was not aware of seven deadly sins. Seemed it
was time to talk to the preacher.

***

Donovan was troubled by the note he found and decided to go have a talk with
Rev. Makinny. Mike went to church and read the Bible, but he had never heard of
the seven deadly sins. He hoped Makinny could.

Deputy Mike Donovan walked into the small church.

Preacher Makinny had just stepped inside from the back door, feeding one of the
town's unclaimed dogs. "Deputy Donovan. Come on in. It's too cold to talk
outside."

Mike took his hat off as the preacher stepped inside the church. "Thank you
Pastor, I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time?"

The church was quiet. It was always quiet unless it was Sunday morning. "Why,
sure, Deputy. I have nothing but time," the preacher replied.

"Do you know anything about seven deadly sins?" Mike asked, looking a little
confused about them.

Jim Makinny rubbed his chin. "You know something, Deputy Donovan? Yes, actually
I do know about deadly sins but the truth is there are far more than only seven
deadly sins. Why, in the book of Leviticus chapter 20 there are at least ten
sins that lead to death." He sat down. "This is a common misunderstanding. I
tell you this because I assume it has to do with the recent murders and perhaps
I can enlighten you as to the type of person you seek." The preacher reached
into his pocket and withdrew a folded piece of paper. "Here. This is a list I
have made -- it has the names of the regular citizens that attend weekly
services. The men . . . well, they mostly come because of nagging wives." Jim
Makinny shook his head. "I seem to have a habit of talking before asking, Mr.
Donovan. Is there a reason you want to know about these certain sins?"

Mike soon sat after the Preacher sat. "Yes it does. There was a note left on Mr.
Thomas. The killer calls himself the Reaper, a servant of God, sent to destroy
the demons linked to these deadly sins. "Mr. Grey was lust, Mr. Thomas was
sloth, and the killer says there will be 5 more. May I see your list?" Mike
asked with true concern in his voice.

The preacher nodded, handing the list to Michael Donovan. "Uh huh. Just as I
thought. Anyone claiming himself the servant of God, sent to destroy others is
either a liar or a lunatic . . . in my humble opinion, Deputy."

"I have to agree with you there. I've never seen anything like these murders."
Mike replied as he looked over the list. "Do you think any of these people could
be the killer? I mean you see folks perhaps in a different light. I thought I
knew people in this town well enough. But things I've learned about Mr. Grey and
Mr. Thomas give me second thoughts of what I thought I knew."

The preacher thought then he sighed. "I sure wish I could give you a
straightforward answer. With what you've just told me, it appears that someone
who isn't a frequent church goer is more than likely the killer. Normal,
everyday folks that attend service are not well versed in the Good Book. This
person clearly does not fit into your general congregation type." Jim Makinny
looked out the window. "As for Mr. Grey and Mr. Thomas, we all fall short as
sinners. We all live in darkness -- to a degree."

"We do. I don't agree with what Grey or Thomas did, but I don't want any more
people to die. How can I protect anyone when I don't know who they will go after
next? The killer says gluttony, greed, pride, envy, and wrath are next. Do you
have any suspicions on who might be next?"

The preacher's eyes widened. "Everyone and no one, I'm afraid, Mr. Donovan. I
expect you and I could sit here and write numerous sins such as these next to
the names of almost everyone in town. I'm not a lawman -- I carry the sword of
the spirit, the Bible. I would perhaps look at someone nervous, possibly
drinking more than usual. Possibly someone appearing to be sneaky. All I can do
is pray to the Lord. Someone is acting as judge and jury," the Preacher added.
"Perhaps Mr. Mosby is a target," the preacher mentioned. "He has wealth and the
glitter of sin."

"That notion has crossed my mind. I suppose the only was to really protect
anyone is to find this guy as quick as I can."

"Aren't Mr. Mosby's men helping you?" the preacher inquired.

"I haven't spoke to him about this yet."

"The Lord has allowed this to happen," Jim Makinny said. "And, yet, I don't
think the Lord is leading this lunatic."

"No, I don't believe so, but I think the killer believes so."

"This is possibly a lonely, unhappy person," said the preacher. "He doesn't walk
in the path of the righteous. May the God of mercy grant you favor and allow his
capture before another person is killed."

Mike stood up and extended his hand to Pastor Makinny. "Thank you very much for
you help."

The preacher nodded, shaking the deputy's hand. "My prayers go out to you and
the families, Mr. Donovan. Be careful. This man you seek is clearly disgruntled
and full of hate."

"Thank you, I just hope I can do my job and help this town in time."

A scratching sound came from the back door. "My little friend, I call him
Nicodemus, must want to come in from the cold. Good luck to you, Deputy
Donovan."

"Well I suppose I better get going. Again thank you and have a good day,
Pastor." Mike turned and walked out the door. He had a killer to find and he had
to do it fast.

***

Mike stood in front of Mosby's desk as Mosby read the note. It read:

Deputy Mike Donovan,

You must be wondering who I am at this point. I am the Reaper, a servant of God
sent to destroy the demons of this world. I am after the demons who live daily
in the seven deadly sins. So far I have destroyed the demons of lust and sloth.
I have found the others and they soon will join Simon and Al in hell. I am
telling you this simply because I am aware you have a Mr. Will Parker in your
jail. He is an innocent man, who's daughter was a victim of a demon's sins. I
killed the demon who possessed Simon Grey's body, do not make this Will's
burden. I know you will be looking for me, but you won't find me. I have a
mission to complete and until all the demons reap what they've sown I won't
stop.

Sincerely,
The Reaper

Mosby looked up at Mike. "Is this some sort of sick joke?"

"I don't think so Mr. Mosby. Someone is very upset with the way some people in
Curtis Wells are living and they are taking what they see as justice into their
own hands. Simon Grey has been raping Mindy Parker for some time, he was labeled
lust. Looking farther into Al Thomas. He wasn't a good man either. He beat his
family, besides beating them he did nothing but drink and was labeled as sloth.
If this is real, thee are five more he plans to kill."

Mosby sighed.  "What do you want from me?"

"I need more men to try and find this guy. I also think folks need to know
what's going on."

"I can give you more men, however many you need. But perhaps we should keep this
quiet for now."

Mike shook his head. "Folks have a right to know what's going on, they have a
right to try and protect themselves! We didn't know the secret sins of Simon or
Al. We don't know the sins of others, but apparently this guy does, anyone in
town could be at risk. They need to know."

"Have the town meet downstairs. We'll warn them, perhaps it will help."

***

All three Brandt sisters jumped, startled by the opening of the dry good's door.
Paige, nearest the door, simultaneously was miffed and relieved to see her
brother-in-law's uncle.
"Mason!" she scolded. "My heart practically burst out of my mouth. You scared
all of us."
"I swear," he replied, "folks are moving around town like hens on a hot
griddle."
"Two poor souls murdered," Gretchen said, staring at the dusty windows. "Is it
any wonder we're all frightened?"
"Well," Victoria added, attempting to remain calm, "with Newt out of town -- not
even aware of what's been happening, I think we're all quite thankful to see
you, Mason." She allowed a slight smile.
Foregoing his usual wink or bow, Mason closed the door and stepped inside. "I
believe it is my duty to keep a close watch on the three of you." He cast his
eyes on Gretchen. "Unfavorable occasion for Newt boy to be out of town, huh,
Coyote Girl."
"The worst!" Gretchen exclaimed.
"Mr. Grey and Mr. Thomas," Paige announced. "Yesterday Unbob told me of a
similar circumstance here in town. It was maybe two years ago. There were two
men -- a Mr. Russell and a Mr. Rutman. Both were murdered. Mr. Mosby's men
killed the man -- some half-breed Indian."
"Just what do you propose to do, Mason?" Victoria inquired.
"To stay closer to the three of you than your shadows. I shut down the Calico.
Until my nephew gets back or the killer is found, I'll stay near you. I got my
bedroll by your house -- it'd be best if I stay near the door at night."
Paige, never one to hold her tongue, decided to express her feelings. "I don't
understand why that silly judge had to meet with Call and Sheriff Peale when
it's nearly Christmas. Besides the snow why couldn't he just wait until after
Christmas? Are all judges so temperamental?"
Mason shrugged. "You senoritas remember Judge McAlister." He glanced at
Gretchen, now dusting a shelf filled with canned goods. "The judge was in the
right place when you shot that mad bull, ol' Julius. Phew! That was one vicious
ladron."
Gretchen spun, her skirt spinning wide. "Don't talk about him -- it was awful. I
killed him."
"You saved Newt and me, Coyote Girl," Mason reminded her.
"Nevertheless," Victoria said, "it was an accident and perhaps another topic
would be appropriate."
"Oh, sure," Paige mocked. "Like . . . the murders of Mr. Grey and poor Mr.
Thomas?"
"Everyone in town is feeling unnerved," Victoria stated to her younger sisters.
"Mason, we appreciate your concern for our well being."
Gretchen and Paige nodded. Both were glad Mason was there but hoped for Call's
quick return.

***

Curtis Wells was as mall town, the death of Simon and Al spread quickly. Though
not many knew the reasons for their deaths. The town had gathered to the
Ambrosia, people stood shoulder to shoulder, and those that didn't fit inside
listened from the opened door and windows. "Quiet down!" Donovan yelled. "Quiet
down!"

Slowly the building got silent as they watched and listened. "As you all know
Simon Grey and Al Thomas have been murdered. The person who did this is still
out there and we believe he's still in town. We have reason to believe he will
attack again. We do not know his next target."

The crowd began to talk with worry in their voices. "It's your job to keep us
safe!" A voice yelled.

"We are doin' all we can to find him, but we need yer help. If you've seen
anything that might lead us to someone please let us know. No matter how small a
detail it may seem to you. We have nothing to go on at the point."

"What are we to do in the meantime?" Someone yelled.

"This attacker is considered armed and very dangerous. We recommend people stay
home and protect yer family as best as you can! Myself and some other men will
be making rounds in town. Until we find the one responsible there's not much
more we can do!"

"Are you saying the killer is one of us?"

Mike was silent for a moment. "Yes, perhaps in this room right now!"

People began to talk and look at one another wondering if the person next to
them might be the killer. "Who are we supposed to trust?" Another yelled.

"No one, trust no one. We won't hold you up any longer, please go home to your
families and be careful out there."

***

The weather hadn't improved much as Call and Austin headed back to Curtis Wells.
Neither had Austin's mood. He had been unable to convince his father to return
with them. "I don't like it....don't like it at all." he said.

Call squinted through the swirling wind. "Leave it be, Austin. That's the first
time I seen your father smiling in longer than I can remember."

"It ain't right. I don't like it. Goin' off with some strange woman like that.
She's old enough to be his mother."

"My guess is they both just want a friendly voice to hear," Call suggested.
"He'll be safe enough. Ain't like he'll go get himself in trouble now, is it?"

Austin grunted. "You don't know my father. He's better, but he still ain't 100%
right in the head. No tellin' what might happen."

"So, what's stopping you?" Call asked. "If you're so all fired up about him,
turn around and ride back. We ain't been gone that long."

"I got responsibilities, Call. I'm the sheriff of Curtis Wells. I can't just go
and take off and do whatever I want like you can."

"Then, you ain't got no right to bellyache about Josiah," Call replied. "Run
back to Mosby. That's the way it is, ain't it?"

"Like you ain't anxious to get back home to be with your wife!" Austin yelled.
"Don't tell me that ain't so!"

Call grinned, brushing fresh snow from his eyes. "Yep. I reckon it's a far piece
better to ride home to a wife than back to Mosby."

"Mosby can go to hell. I'm talkin' about my family, Call. My father."

Call pulled up. "Ain't no reason you're bound to return today. Turn around,
Austin. Spend your big Christmas with your father. There any reason you can't
ride back day after?"

Austin pulled his horse up along side. "Damn it Call. What will I tell Mosby?"

"Mosby don't need to know. I ain't set on riding into town. I'll be taking the
Hellbitch straight to my ranch. Ain't likely to even see Mosby until you get
back." Call raised his eyebrows. "If I were you," Call said, "I'd be with
Josiah."

Austin's face lit up. "Damn it Call. I hate it when you're right. Don't let it
go to your head." Austin turned his horse around 90 degrees and started to
gallop off. "Merry Christmas Call!" he shouted as he rode away.

Call sat there watching for long moments. He finally nodded slightly and quietly
said, "Merry Christmas, Austin."

***

I left the town meeting with a slight smile and a chuckle. I couldn't help but
give credit to Deputy Michael Donovan. From what I've seen of him he's a good
man. In my opinion he's far better than the sheriff they've got in this town.
Deputy Donovan seemed sincere and seemed like he really cared about what
happened to these people. But that didn't matter, because that wasn't going to
stop me. No body could stop me. People looked at each other with paranoia. Yes a
few even looked at me. But no one really knew. They were just scared.

No, none of that mattered, I already knew who I was going after. I only had five
more which left out the majority of the people who left the Ambrosia scared. The
next victim was going to be the demon Beelzebub, one who basked in gluttony.

***

Clay sat at his desk. He was writing something as held his forehead up with his
other hand as though he had a headache. Robert walked in and sat across from
Clay Smiling ear to ear.

Mosby looked up from his writing. He was waiting for Robert to talk, but he just
sat there grinning. "What?"

"I asked her, Clay."

"Asked who, what?"

"Cris! I told you I was gonna ask her to marry me." Robert said hardly able to
contain his excitement.

"I assume by that silly grin across your face she said yes?" Clay asked.

"She did! I must admit I was a little afraid she wouldn't. I mean You know how
she can be."

"Indeed" Clay replied in a rather monotone voice.

"Did you hear what I said, she said yes." He said a little upset as he looked at
Clay oddly. "You could be a little happier for me."

Clay sighed. "I'm sorry Robert. I am happy for you, for you both. But while you
two are off living happily ever after people are being killed here in Curtis
Wells."

"Another?" Robert asked.

"Yes and there was a note left this time. The killer said there's five more to
die. I have scared and soon paranoid citizens if this killer is not found. I
think he know's his targets already, but we don't. Though I suspect I'll be one
of them he tries to kill." Clay replied rather unhappy.

"Why the hell would you say that, Clay!"

"He's going after seven deadly sins. Lust, sloth, gluttony, envy, greed, pride,
and wrath. He's killed lust and sloth. Gluttony, envy, greed, pride, and wrath
are left. I easily fit into his description of the last three." Clay looked at
Robert feeling a bit guilty about things he has done in the past."

"You and everyone else in this damn town!"

"Yes, but people don't exactly see things as I do here in town. I'm not worried
about the killer coming after me. But it could be anyone. I don't want anymore
to die. Besides me to think about, there's you and Cris."

"You really think someone would be that stupid to come after you or me?"

"By the sounds of it this person has a mission and he won't stop till he's
completed it regardless of who I am." Clay looked at Robert for a moment. "I am
very happy for you Robert, but I think you and Cris should leave town till this
killer is found."

"I'm not leaving you to fight his on your own. You know as well as I do Cris
wouldn't either."

Clay finally smiled. " I don't know why I thought any differently." Clay stood
up. I suppose we should be celebrating then?"

"I should say so." Robert smiled and stood up as well.

Clay walked around his desk and put an arm around Robert's shoulders as they
started out the office door. "So when's the happy day?"

"Soon as Josiah gets back."

Clay smiled. "The sooner the better."

***

Twyla was in her office counting money. Most of her girls were in their rooms
entertaining men. Noble was quiet as he walked into Twyla's room. She turned
around and jumped when she saw him standing there. She breathed in to catch her
breath. "You scared me. You shouldn't go sneakin' up on folks like that."

"Sorry." He replied.

"I'm surprised to see you in here, you've been in town quite some time and never
even stepped foot near here. As though this end of town had the plague."

"That would sure would be a lot simpler."

Twyla looked at him oddly. "Do you have a preference?"

He looked at her upset she would even ask him such a question. "I'm not here for
that. Actually I saw one of your girls laying out back. She looked beat pretty
bad, I think she might be dead."

"Show me." She replied. Michael Noble turned and headed outside, with Twyla
right behind him. "It's probably Rose, she was complaining the man who keeps
seeing her has been violent with her. A bruise here and there. I tried to tell
just do as he asks, he's paying for it."

Michael stopped and glared at Twyla. "Why would you insist on her still
entertaining that man then?"

Twyla chuckled. "It's business, besides she knows why the men come here. Some
like it rough, if the women can't handle the business they shouldn't be
spreadin' their legs."

"I guess you are a pig in more ways than one." He replied.

Twyla wasn't pleased with his comment. "Just show me where she is and shut the
hell up!"

They continued to the back of Twyla's "She's over there." He said as he pointed
to some wooden boxes that sat out there.

Twyla walked in front of Michael. She looked where he told her. "There's no one
here!" She yelled upset that he was wasting her time."

"There will be."  He said.

She looked up at him for a moment before he hit her across the face with a
shovel. He hog tied her then forced an apple into her mouth. He was pleased with
himself, she looked just like a stuffed pig. Not only did she consume too much
food, but she forced her girls to do deeds they shouldn't have to do, all for a
few bucks. Michael knew these girls had a choice, though some felt they didn't.
But he also knew Madames like Twyla only made it easier for them to make the
choice. It was disgusting a woman would let a man do this sort of thing to them.
Twyla didn't even try to protect her own girl. Of course it was made up, no one
was hurt, but she thought someone was and she didn't care.

He slapped her face a few times to wake her up. Twyla woke up, she looked at
Michael, scared.
"Beelzebub," He said to her, "I have come to destroy you. Not only are you a
glutton of food, but a glutton of sexual activity. Preying upon these poor
women, who feel there is no other way. You make them feel less than a person.
You will pay for your sins."

Michael bent down and tore open the top of Twyla's dress to reveal her chest. He
began carving glutton into her chest. Twyla moaned in pain one letter at a time,
until her face was wet with tears. Twyla was a strong person, but even the
strong can become weak.

Michael looked at her. "May God have mercy on your soul." Michael then stabbed
Twyla in her stomach, he was going to gut her like the pig she was. It didn't
take long for Twyla to pass out from the pain and die from the loss of blood.
Michael then cut again into her stomach, the cut resembled a cross. Just like
the cross over Simon's heart.

Saturday, December 23, 1882

***

William Parker burst into the Sheriff's office on a snowy morning, before dawn.
The color in his face was gone. "Deputy!, Deputy!" He said as he tried to breath
between words. "She's...and Mr. Grey." His eyes were red as he tried to hold
back tears. "He's dead, ain't never seen nothin' like it!"

Deputy Mike Donovan was left in charge when Austin left town. Mike was still
asleep when Will burst in. He woke up at her quickly when he heard the door slam
open and Will yelling. He found a lantern and lit it. "Will is that you?" He
said as he squinted through the light.

He shook his head. "My God, he's cut up!"

"Just slow down, what happened?"

"You just have to go see, I can't explain it."

"Well let's ride out and have a look ok?"

"No! We ain't goin' back there." He shook his head, his body trembled as he
looked at Mike. "I can't, I won't. Mindy..." He said as his eyes welled up.

"What happened to Mindy?" Mike asked.

"She won't tell me. I think he hurt her, whoever did this. I took her to Doc's."

"All right. Try and calm down. Why don't ya go lay down over there." Mike said
pointing to the bed in the office. "I'll go take a look?" Mike began to put
clothes on over his long johns. "You want coffee or somethin'? I can put some on
to heat up."

Will shook his head. "Fine." Mike replied as he put on his coat and buttoned it
up. "I'm gonna go, I'll be back." Mike looked at the normally calm William
Parker. He knew something bad must have happened and he was about to find out
what it was.

***

The sun was up and hours had passed before Deputy Donovan returned to the
sheriffs office. Will sat up once he heard the door open. Mike stepped inside
and looked at Will, he didn't know what to say at the moment. Mike took his coat
off and hung it up. He took his hat off as he walked over to the desk and sat
down, then laid the hat on the table.

He finally looked over at Will. Mike had seen many things in his life, but he
had never seen what he saw at Will's homestead. "Will, I talked to Mindy once I
got back from your place. It took some time but she finally talked. Whoever
killed Mr. Grey didn't hurt Mindy." Mike paused not sure how to tell him. "Will
Simon had been forcing himself on Mindy, I think whoever did this, did it to
stop him, to punish him."

Will's eyes grew red and his heart felt heavy. He suddenly felt guilty for being
away so much. "What?"

"I went to talk to Mr. Grey about it. She said she was aware of what was going
on, but didn't feel it was her place to say anything."

Will looked horrified at Mike's words. "How could she be so heartless?"

"She seems to think you killed Simon."

Will stood up. "No, I didn't! I would have if I had known but I didn't."

"She believes you came home last night and found him with her."

"It ain't so! I didn't even get in until this mornin'. Then I came right back
here with Mindy."

Mike sighed. "Will I ain't known you long, you seem like a good man, but I've
seen many a good men do crazy things to protect their family."

"I didn't do this! Mindy can tell you!" Will yelled.

Mike stood up. "Mindy didn't see the other mans face. She said he locked her in
her room."

Will shook his head in agreement. "Her door was locked when I got there."

"I'm sorry, Will. I really am, but until I can prove otherwise, yer gonna have
ta stay here."

"This ain't fair!"

"Will, I understand where yer comin' from, can't say I would blame you if you
did do it, but I also have a job to do. I think Mindy would cover for you as
well, if it was in fact you. Now we can do this the easy way or the hard way."

"Fine," Will said as he walked into the cell, "can I at least have some time to
myself?"

Mike shut the cell door once Will walked in. "Sure." Mike said nothing more and
left the office.

Will sat down on the cell cot once Mike left. He thought about all he saw and
all he found out. He wasn't sure what to think or what to feel. He wasn't there
to protect his daughter from Simon Grey and now he was being accused of killing
Simon. Though he wished he had killed him, he wished he could have protected his
innocent daughter. All he could do now  was break down and cry.

***

I sat there and watched Al Thomas drink what would be his last drink. What a
pathetic excuse for a man. A waste of God's creation. Most folks saw him as the
town drunk, that he was. He was a lazy good for nothing man. The whole time I
have been here in Curtis Wells I don't remember a day he was sober. When he did
go home it was only to curse out and beat his family. A family who worked hard
in HIS  fields to make ends meet, only to have the man of the house to drink it
away in one day.

Al was a small , skinny man, with grey hair, a beard, and hardly any teeth. To
everyone in town he was Al Thomas, but I knew who he really was. The demon,
Belphegor, who thirsted on sloth. Al Thomas was long and gone before I ever got
to Curtis Wells, but I was about to put a family out of their misery. They
wouldn't miss him, he was an evil man and needed to pay for his sins. I would be
the one to see to that.

***

Josiah smiled as he sipped his whiskey. It warmed his insides, but not as much
as seeing Austin and Newt next to him, sharing a drink. "That wasn't so
unpleasant, now was it? The Judge was strictly business. He understood that we'd
all appreciate being back in Curtis Wells by Christmas."

"I still don't know why he had us come all this way. Just for a lousy
signature." Austin replied gruffly.

Josiah sighed. "That's quite true, Austin. It could have waited, I suppose. I
wouldn't have thought that during the time Newt, here, was a Deputy U.S. Marshal
that both of you were after the same men -- men who had been associated with
that horrible G.W. Julius."

"Don't matter now," Call muttered. "It's done with."

"Done with...yeah. It could have been done a month ago. Could have been done a
month from now." Austin gulped down his drink. "Another one, bartender." he
yelled.

"What's got you so riled, Austin?" Call inquired. "If I were you, I'd be
satisfied to enjoy my time here. Leastways you ain't listening to Mosby."

"That's true," Josiah agreed.

"Well, at least I would be home." He turned to the bartender. "Hey, I thought I
asked for another drink?" he asked in a loud voice. The bartender huffed and
poured Austin his whiskey.
"Josiah. Josiah Peale. Is that you?" a strange voice asked.

Josiah turned, surprised that he was recognized in Miles City.

"You don't remember me, do you? I'm Lilly Scott. I was a friend of your wife."

His eyes widened at the name. "Dear Lord! How long has it been? We haven't seen
you since leaving Boston so many years ago."

Call stared at the woman momentarily then turned toward Austin.

Austin stood. "Father, I don't think we have been introduced."

"Is this little Austin?" Lilly asked. "I haven't seen you since you were in
diapers."

Call smirked, finding it amusing that someone would remember Austin in diapers.

"Yes," Josiah proudly proclaimed. "This is Austin, my son."

Austin's face turned slightly red. "Perhaps we should ask...er Miss Scott...to
have a drink with us?"

"Thank you. I would enjoy that." Lilly replied.

"Of course we should," Josiah replied. "Please join us, Lilly?"

Lilly sat down. "I'll have what they are having," she told the bartender.

Austin smirked.

"This is quite an unexpected surprise," Josiah said. "What brings you all the
way out here to Montana?"

"I moved out here a few years ago. My son bought a farm several miles from here.
He was going to start a family here. But then the scarlet fever came. He lasted
a month...his wife only a week. I got out here just in time to bury him. And
I've been here ever since. I finally sold the place a week ago. Now I'm going
back to Boston. After the first of the year."

"How tragic," Josiah said, taking Lilly's hand. "That means you'll be spending
Christmas alone. I have an idea -- why not come back to Curtis Wells with us?
Spend Christmas with Austin and I."

"That's very kind of you Josiah. But I have too much to do. Many things to pack.
And accounts to settle. I have to be leaving here in just a couple of weeks."

Josiah stared her in the face. "Then, I will remain here in Miles City. You'll
be needing help to pack and we can catch up on all the past." He turned to
Austin. "You and Newt will leave without me, Austin."

Austin choked on his drink. "Father! I don't think that's a good idea. You're
needed at home. And beside's, it's Christmas!"

"Yes. Precisely," Josiah remarked. "Christmas. And Lilly should not be alone.
I'm certain you can understand her situation, Austin."

"I couldn't ask you to do that, Josiah." Lilly said, almost blushing.

"I insist," Josiah stated. "The matter is settled. Austin would stay with me but
he's needed back in Curtis Wells. He's our sheriff."

Lilly smiled. "It will be such fun, catching up on old times."

"Yes, it will," Josiah admitted, smiling.

***

It was late when Al Thomas staggered outside into the cold and snowy night. Most
folks had gone home from the No.10 when the snow started to fall, not wanting to
get caught up in a possible storm. Being winter in Montana, one never knew when
a blizzard would appear. Except that thought never entered Al Thomas's mind. In
fact not much did except for the thought of his next drink.

He turned the corner of the No.10 and never saw it coming. A sack was placed
over his head as he struggled to free himself. Noble had no trouble dragging his
prey to the livery. He had something special waiting for Al Thomas. He got Al
inside the livery where he already had a light waiting for him. He threw Al to
the ground and took of the sack.

Al looked up at the familiar face, even drunk Al knew who the man was. He was
about to speak when his attacker picked up hammer and began to beat Al's body
with it. Al screamed out in pain. "Does it hurt Belphegor?" Noble said to him.
"I imagine this is something of how the Thomas family feels when you beat them,
no? I won't allow you to hurt them any more."

Al Thomas was crying and begging. "Please, I'm sorry, I promise I won't ever
touch them again if you let me go!"

Noble chuckled. "You really expect me to believe that? You have deceived the
people of Curtis Wells for far too long and I will no longer allow it to
continue. I was sent here to stop you and I must." Noble smiled at Al. "I have
something I think you'll enjoy, you do enjoy a drink or two don't you?" It was a
rhetorical question, one Noble never expected an answer either way.

Noble grabbed Al by his badly bruised and beaten body, he was to weak and sore
to even fight back. Noble forced Al to his feat and to a horse trough outside.
Noble pushed Al towards the trough and Al fell against it. "I filled it with
alcohol, thought you might like a drink." Noble took Al's face and forced it
into the alcohol filled trough. Al tried to get free of Noble as he began to
drown Al in the alcohol. Al's hands tried to pull Noble's away, but soon his
hands were lifeless.

Noble left the dead body of Al Thomas in the trough and a note pinned to the
back of Al's coat. Noble looked at his work and smiled. Two dead, five more
demons to go.

Episode 23, The Reaper or Winter's Grace

***

Friday, December 22, 1882

***

My name is Michael Noble. Most people don't really know me, but many know my
work. I am a servant of God. Sent to destroy the demons in this world. My
parents started their crusade long before I came into this world. They started
saving the world in the east. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We were brought up
with the Bible in our hands and a sword in the other. To protect those who
believe.

My brother, Gabriel and I learned their ways, when we were old enough we went to
the missionary to become Priests. So not only do we destroy evil, but we help
find salvation. The east had it's own sins, but with the exploration of the west
sin spread even more. The farther west I seemed to go, the more Godless towns I
found. Instead of churches, brothel houses, and saloon lined the streets. With
every turn of a corner a drunk had his way with a whore. Whether it be forced or
not. Men broke their vows of marriage and secretly entered houses of sin, to
find the bed of another woman.

Lawless men, cheated, stool, killed to get their way and nothing would get in
their way. Not even the law. There was either no lawman to be found or the ones
that existed seemed to be just as crooked at the outlaws, or a coward. A coward
is just as bad.

Not everyone sees things the way I do though. People seem to think I am a
murderer, but that I am not. Because of that I must hide my true identity. I
dress as everyone else to blend in. Though if people paid more attention to
others instead of only themselves, they might figure how I could be in two
places at one. Right now it's my secret.

I have been here in Curtis Wells for about 6 months. I have found some good God
fearing people here. But the town is still full of evil. I have come in search
of Seven demons, who thrive on seven sins. Asmodeus thrives on lust, Beelzebub
thrives on gluttony, Mammon, thrives on greed, Belphegor thrives on sloth, Satan
thrives on wrath, Leviathan thrives on envy, and Lucifer thrives on Pride. I
have studied this town and I have found them. I must act quickly before they
spread their sins to others. I just pray to God it is not too late.

***

It was cold on the trail. Snow had fallen and the sound of the horses made a
soft sound as they moved along the open space. Austin Peale, his father Josiah,
and Newt Call headed towards Miles City.

"How long you reckon we got?" Austin asked.

"Couple hours," Call grumbled. "If the snow ain't blocked the road."

"That doesn't sound so bad." Josiah said.

"Don't know why you had to come along anyway." Austin said.

"Seems to me Judge McAlister could of seen fit to wait," Call said. The cold
winter air burned his cheeks.

"Well, he is a Judge, after all. And the law is the law." Josiah said meekly.

"Never heard of no Judge waitin' for anyone." Austin replied, disgusted.

The smell of wood burning from a distant cabin caused Call to miss Gretchen and
their modest home. "McAlister's a hard man, Josiah."

"He had to be, Newt. He's a Judge." Josiah replied.

"You put too much stock in Authority, father." Austin added.

"We ain't heard much from him since that Julius fella was killed back in the
springtime," Call commented to no one in particular.

"Gotta wonder why now." Austin said. "Why do we have to come up to Miles City
this time of year?"

They had only been gone since yesterday but Call felt smothered, squeezed in
with Josiah and Austin. It was an uncomfortable situation.

"No fightin' the law, son" Josiah said.

"I reckon all we're bound to do is sign some paper for the judge," Call
remarked. "It'd be best if we settle it and be done with it."

"Maybe so. But the time is just too close to Christmas for me." Austin said.

"Just another day, is all," Call replied. The truth was, he had been looking
forward to spending Christmas with Gretchen and her sisters. He laughed quietly.
Things were sure starting to change.

"I figured you say something like that, Call." Austin said.

"Cut it out, Austin." Josiah replied. "Newt's got a family waiting for him too."

Call turned to Josiah. "My guess is Austin misses his warm stove back in Curtis
Wells. What's the matter, Austin? You don't favor the winter? It's just
weather," Call added. "Like the Cap'n used to say."

"I suppose you never nearly froze to death, did you Call?" Austin asked.

Call shrugged.

"Cut it out, you two." Josiah said. "Isn't it enough that you are alive and
together?"

"It will be enough when we are headed back to Curtis Wells." Austin replied.

"I reckon we best pick up the pace and stop jawing so much," Call said. "I'm of
a mind to get back home."

"Well, we can agree on that, at least." Austin said as he encouraged his horse
to move faster.

Likewise, Josiah signaled his horse. The three reluctant riders continued on
toward Miles City in the cold.

***

Simon Grey was in his late 40's, his wife Martha Grey, was in her late 30's. He
saw Mindy Parker, soon after they moved to town. As Mindy grew and matured Simon
wanted Mindy Parker even more. She had turned 15 that year and he decided to
make her his. Mindy was the daughter of, William Parker. He was a widower and
was out of town with his job, quite often. Most recently he had taken a job
driving Mosby's stage.

Martha was aware of her husbands affair with Mindy, but she never bothered to
say anything. The people in Curtis Wells saw them as a loving and friendly
couple. Martha prefered to keep it that way too. She was raised to stand beside
her man no matter what and that she would. William Parker on the other hand
didn't know about it. As soon as William was gone Simon found himself at Will's
home raping his daughter. Mindy hated her father leaving, she knew what would
happen when he left. She wanted to tell her father so many time or even the
Sheriff. Except she was afraid to. Simon told her if she ever said anything he'd
kill her father and she believed him. Even though it wasn't her fault she felt
guilty and ashamed. Though Simon felt no guilt. He would do what he wanted to
Mindy, go home and if the mood struck him, he'd have his way with his wife.

Simon didn't realize though that someone else had been watching him. Michael
Noble. Simon would soon regret his sins.

***

William was out of town again, it was late and the snow was falling. Usually
Simon was home with his wife by now, but the snow kept him with Mindy a little
longer than usual. Simon had just finished with Mindy as he left her weeping in
her bed. Michael Noble let himself quietly into the Parker home. He lit a lamp
and placed it on the table, he then picked up a frying pan he found on the
stove. He kicked over a chair and it made a loud thud on the floor.

Mindy heard the sound first, she was about to yell when Simon covered her mouth
and shook his head. He gaged her, then tied her hands to the bed before he got
out of bed as quietly as he could and carried his gun with him. He opened the
door to Mindy's room and walked out, leaving the door creaked open. He saw the
chair laying there and the lamp lit. He looked around and saw nothing. Then he
turned around and before he knew it he was hit hard over the head, knocking him
to the floor and knocking him out.

Michael pushed the door open farther there under the covers laid a frightened
Mindy. Michael walked into her room. She laid there scared and crying. The room
was too dark to see his face. "Shh." He said simply. "He won't hurt you
anymore." He took the gag out of her mouth. He untied one wrist. "I have to take
care of him. You stay in here." He left Mindy to untie her other wrist as he
left her room, closed and locked the door behind him. He couldn't have her
interfering or recognizing him.

Micahel walked over to Simon, who only had his pants on when he came out.
Michael pulled his pants off leaving Simon naked. Michael pulled Simon up and
placed him on a chair, he tied his arms behind the chair, and Simons legs, to
the legs of the chair.

Michael sat there patiently waiting for Simon to wake up, finally Simon came
too. It took him a moment to realize he was naked and tied up, he looked up as
he heard Noble's voice.

"Simon." Michael's deep voice said simply.

"You, what the hell is going on!" Simon yelled.

"Me? I am not the sinner Asmodeus. I am not the one who committed adultery and
rape. I am here to destroy the demon that you are. You have cast your evil ways
of lust upon that poor child."

"What? I'm sorry!" He pleaded. " I'm not whoever you think I am. You know who I
am. I'm Simon Grey!"

Michael stood next to Simon as he spoke. "But you know I cannot do that
Asmodeus. You have disgraced your wife and Mindy is now tainted. Not only have
you scared this girl for life, Asmodeus, but you've hurt innocent, God fearing
people. I cannot ignore such a crime. You must be punished."

Simon yelled out in pure agony as his manhood was cut from his body. Simon had
never felt such pain in all his life. "I'm sorry, please!"

Noble began to carve the word lust into Simon's chest. With every carve of his
knife Simon howled in pain until the last letter was carved. "This is only
temporary pain, Simon. Imagine the pain you have caused Mindy for life. May God
have mercy on your soul." Without warning Michael took a knife and stabbed Simon
right in the heart, making a cross where his heart was.

When he finished Michael looked around satisfied with his work. One down six
more demons to go. He walked over to the lamp and blew it out.

Ok ALl I had every intention of posting thsi Tuesday night after Cub Scouts,
however I had to take an unexpected trip to the Emerceny Room. Jesse fell on the
sidewalk and had a pretty good gash on his temple. He had to get stitches and so
we spent most of the night in there. Then I just wasn't home yesterday to get it
up. But I am posting it right now. I appologize for the delay in posting it. Thi
sis diferent from what we have done, a littl elonger than normal. BUt since it's
a season finale I think it' sok. I hope it was at least worth the wait. I guess
we'll see what you guys think soon enough.

Glad you are feeling better!

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Pit Bull Awareness, STOP BSL!!!" <outlawyears@...>
Sent: Monday, November 09, 2009 5:05 PM
To: <CurtisWellsRPG@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [CurtisWellsRPG] Will post

> I am finally feeling better, thanks for being patient with me. Episode 23
> will be posted either tonight or tomorrow!
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

I am finally feeling better, thanks for being patient with me. Episode 23 will
be posted either tonight or tomorrow!

I must appologize for my delay in posting this episode. I have actually been
sick with the swine flu and as soon as I can stand sitting at the computer for
more than a few minutes I will have the episode posted. Again I'm really sorry.
I'm just really sick right now.

I will let you know Craig. Thanks!


--- In CurtisWellsRPG@yahoogroups.com, newt2nd@... wrote:
>
> October 31 is okay. Good that if more time's needed it can happen.
> Let me know if you want any specific scenes for your part of  episode.
>

I'm going to give a tenative deadline for Oct 31. If we need to extend it we
can. Does that sound ok to the rest of you?

Thanks Christine.

   The outline looks very interesting.  Something is always happening in
Curtis Wells!

   --John  jfddoc@...

----- Original Message -----
From: "Pit Bull Awareness, STOP BSL!!!" <outlawyears@...>
To: <CurtisWellsRPG@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 19, 2009 9:56 PM
Subject: [CurtisWellsRPG] Re: Episode 23 Outline


> We can go 2 months or shorter if you guys want. I was going by last
> episode which was about 2 months. Then you said about giving a little more
> time for this episode. SO i misunderstood what you were trying to say I
> guess. I could do 1 month and a half or 2 months. You guys tell me.
> Shorter or longer won't hurt me any. I just want to be sure you guys have
> enough time is all.
>
>
> --- In CurtisWellsRPG@yahoogroups.com, newt2nd@... wrote:
>>
>> Two and a half months is realllly long. We had agreed that deadlines
>> would
>> be between 1 month and 2 months. 2 months is at least 8 weeks and that's
>> a
>> real  long time. If you and John both want two and a half months I'll go
>> along with  majority vote. I prefer 2 months because otherwise interest
>> is lost
>> due to so  much time which like I said 2 months in pretty long.
>>
>> CW will be a sad and lonely place on Christmas if Arthur Green isn't
>> there
>> to spread his smiling face and Christmas cheer.
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

We can go 2 months or shorter if you guys want. I was going by last episode
which was about 2 months. Then you said about giving a little more time for this
episode. SO i misunderstood what you were trying to say I guess. I could do 1
month and a half or 2 months. You guys tell me. Shorter or longer won't hurt me
any. I just want to be sure you guys have enough time is all.


--- In CurtisWellsRPG@yahoogroups.com, newt2nd@... wrote:
>
> Two and a half months is realllly long. We had agreed that deadlines would
> be between 1 month and 2 months. 2 months is at least 8 weeks and that's a
> real  long time. If you and John both want two and a half months I'll go
> along with  majority vote. I prefer 2 months because otherwise interest is
lost
> due to so  much time which like I said 2 months in pretty long.
>
> CW will be a sad and lonely place on Christmas if Arthur Green isn't there
> to spread his smiling face and Christmas cheer.
>

The Reaper or Winter's Grace


I would like the episode to be 10 days I was thinking Dec 22-31. If it needs to
be changed for what Call, Austin and Josiah are doing we can do that. So right
now I will refer to the days as Day 1 and so on.


Day 1- The killer will reveals him/herself to us in a way. LUST will be the
first sin. Simon Grey and Mindy Parker will be the victims. Simon and Mindy are
both married to other peope an have been fooling around.

Day 2- The victims bodies are found and Mindy's husband is the suspect this far,
will be put in jail until things are figured out. Sloth will be next. Al Thomas,
is the town drunk, he goes from Saloon to Saloon drinking all day. Does nothing
else with his life

Day 3- Al's body is found in the alley. A note is left with him explaining the
murders. The killer doesn't want an innocent person blamed. People are beginning
to get scared and protective. Gluttony will be next the victim will be a
surprise.

Day 4- Victim's body is found. Town is more upset, people are beginning to
confront Mosby to do more. Donovan being left in charge while Austinis gone is
doing all he can. People are getting paranoid. No one dies this night.

Day 5- Killer still on the lose. People begin to blame each other. Lilly will
have her baby. Greed, Laurie Smith, Who has been helping Lilly in the Celtic has
been skimming money since the day she started. She will pay for her sins.

Day 6- Laurie's body is found, Suspects are being narrowed down.

Day 7- Pride, there is a target I can't say, but the wrong man is killed, but
killer satisfied, believes other victim is just as guilty.

Day 8- Killer has a change of heart on who will die, changes his choice of
victims for Wrath. Goes after the one guilty of envy for now.

Day 9- Someone has followed his trail and knows who the killer is. Goes after
Wrath, before he's able to shot victim he will be stopped. If Austin is back by
then I'd like himto be involved in stopping him, (John I'd like to do a dual for
this if Austin will be back.

Day 10- Some lose ends will be tied up, som ewill follow into next season as
finales usually do.


AS I said I know this episode is a little difficult because there is some
information I want to keep a secret so you guys can perhaps be a little
surprised when you read it. John and Craig I know you have your thing going on
with Austin, Call, and Josiah. That will be added in of course. YOu guys just do
what you are planning. I just want to make sure you guys know I didn't forget
about it.

For those character who remain in town just do what you can with the information
I gave. If you want to use other characters that's fine, just please don't use
any characters you gave me on the TO DIE LIST. And if you must use one please do
so before Day 4, since that is the first day I have without giving you a name.

It is late December and it will be snowing pretty good. If there are any duals
you want to do with anyone make sure to contact that person. I'm sure there's
something I'm forgetting. ANy questions please email me here or my personal
email, I will answer them as best as I can.

JOhn and Craig just keep me up to date on your Call, Austin, JOsiah scene. AS
far as if you change the amount of days they will be gone and what day they will
return to Curtis Wells. We can always add a few more days so please don't feel
you have to change much on my account.

How does the end of November sound for deadline? That gives us about 2 1/2
months to get this done. Is this ok or do you guys think it is too long or too
short. Let me know if you don't like the dealine. I'm just trying to give us a
decent amoun tof time to really make this an awsome Season Finale!

I think this episode will be good, it will be interesting to see what happens.

Let me figure a few things out John says 5-7 days for you guys, if you want all
episode thats fine too. I sort of wanted all of what I had to be done before
they got back. I was thinking 10 days my self but I wanted the last 10 days Dec
22-31. So if John would prefer them being gone and back before Christmas I may
have to think more on my days and when they are, for the simple fact I'd rather
your guys be out of town for this.

I also agree on making the deadline longer than usual. I will have the outline
up today for sure and if things need to be changed for reasons we can do that.
lEast people will have an idea of things.


--- In CurtisWellsRPG@yahoogroups.com, newt2nd@... wrote:
>
> Christine,
>
> When you know how many days out of the allotted 15 (December 17-31) your ep
>  can take up can you let me know.
>
> John, if you told Christine how many days Austin, Josiah, and Call are
> going to be away can you let me know. I have some situations for us that I
> think  you might like and we should decide their time period.
>
> I don't think whether the 3 are away the full time will have any  affect on
> Christine's part of the ep but maybe you guys are developing something
> like your famous surprises.
>
> Personally, I would like to know exactly how many days and which exact
> dates are being used by you, Cris. Part of my ideas with John could benefit if
> the days work out.
>
> John, write and let me know. I think this one might require a longer than
> normal deadline but who knows.
>
> Craig
>