A/N Thank you all so much. Many of you are nervous about the man in the long black coat, we'll meet him this chapter. We're also going to the trial and we'll finally reach a conclusion with the last of the claimers. I hope you enjoy!
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She felt his absence twice during the night. She knew where he'd gone, she heard him at the hearth and the cookstove adding wood to the fires. When he slipped back in their bed his skin was cold to the touch and he seemed to be trying to burrow into both the covers and her for warmth. They wrapped themselves in each other's arms and the closeness and the comfort warmed them both. It wasn't long until sleep found them once again.
In spite of his efforts to keep the fires stoked, when she rose that morning she could feel the chill in the house. She felt a shiver go through her and she pulled on her sweater before pinning the shawl around her, while her husband added more wood to the fires.
As she was making his coffee he was readying himself for the outdoor chores and she watched him. Before he donned his hat he took the wool scarf and put it over his head so it covered his ears, then wrapped it snugly around his neck. She knew he'd added a second undershirt and she understood just why he wore these extra layers. The frost on the window panes told of how frigid the outdoor air was that morning.
Before he went out he smiled over at her, "I guess I'm gettin' old, I forgot ta bring my winter hat, vest and gloves in from the shop."
She worried for him but she only smiled and said, "You be careful out there."
She cooked him a large breakfast, thinking that just like the animals he would need extra energy in the bitter cold weather. He was gone so long the food was ready by the time he returned. She felt guilty when she saw he carried a bucket of fresh milk. He also had the basket with just four eggs, and under his arm were tucked the winter clothes he'd mentioned. He set the basket on the counter and noted, "Them chickens just ain't of a mind ta lay eggs in this cold."
She smiled, but then got a serious tone while telling him, "Daryl, you didn't have to do the milking, the cow is my responsibility."
"That may be so but I can't see a reason we should both be out in this cold." Then he smiled and let it be known to her, "If you was ta make me biscuits and fresh butter for my dinner I'd be more'n happy that I done your work."
"I will, now come and warm yourself with some hot coffee and breakfast."
Before he did he set his winter clothing articles in front of the hearth. They were cold from being stored in the shop and he wanted to warm them before he had to once again venture out in the frosty air.
After her husband left for work she got herself dressed for the day. And this day, even though she hated to do so, she put on the long underwear. Still she was not quite ready to give in completely, she also wore her more feminine undergarments over them.
When she'd tidied up she went to the desk and examined the papers. She read them through and reviewed them carefully and when she was certain she understood everything she got out the pen, opened the ink bottle and except for his signature, she filled in all the required information.
She stood and stretched then walked to the kitchen for a cup of tea. She saw that although the bright sun had caused the windowpanes to warm and the frost to melt, it still looked so cold outside. She felt grateful for her husband, once again he'd taken on the responsibility of her outdoor chores and she smiled knowing what she would do next.
She got the churn and the cream and she went to work making butter. Although it was a chore that exhausted the arms and the back, it made her smile to think how happy he would be to have fresh butter for his biscuits.
When the butter was done she set the crock in the coolest place she could find and set about making him something she knew would both warm him and fill him up, a venison stew. As it simmered on the stove she made the biscuit dough and then she did something she wanted so much to do. Yes, she should sweep, she should perhaps wash the kitchen floor or clean their bathroom. She did not do those things. Instead she added a log to the fire and sat close to the big hearth as she began to knit her husband a new pair of socks.
He and Virgil got busy hot shoeing horses first thing. As many as there were the blacksmith knew it would take the better part of their day. Virgil already had a good feel for it and the horses were quite comfortable with the boy. Daryl told him, "Ya understand them Virgil, that's the main part a bein' a good ferrier. You're natural to it." The boy smiled at his uncle as he kept to the task at hand.
At noon his uncle told Virgil he should continue shoeing horses through the afternoon, while Daryl would move on to repairing the harness on the governor's wagon, "I'll be stoppin' ya now an then ta show ya what I'm doin'."
He then set a hand on the boy's back and told him, "I know it's a lot ta learn and this here, all this work at one time, it feels like we're buried in it. But you'll see, we'll get it all done." Virgil looked at him and nodded and his Uncle knew the young man's shoulders and back were likely aching from the long morning of bending over horse's hooves. He patted his shoulder as he told him, "I don't know what I'd do if ya weren't here Virgil, I'd be workin' all night I s'pose." He smiled, "One thing is, you're gonna have two months worth a shoein' experience in two days. But for right now ya take a break and eat your noon meal."
Virgil nodded, and although he'd worked as hard as any man that morning, it was then the boy in him presented itself. He asked, "Is it alright if I eat some of that cream off the milk ya brought?"
"It is. Ya earned it, just don't eat so much ya give yourself a bellyache. There'll be more for ya tomorrow."
He wasn't sure if his wife would receive the items gladly, knowing her the way he did he thought perhaps she would resist at first. Yet to his mind it made good sense if she was planning to work outside with him, or even do much riding. And he planned to keep the promise he'd made to her, he'd take her riding on Sunday. He told himself again it made good sense so in addition to the milk and cream cans, he made those purchases for her. Merna knew he was worried and she smiled and assured him he could return everything if Beth was unhappy.
Just before he left he thought to add something, "I best have a nickel's worth a them peppermint candies, she likes them a lot."
It was long passed dark, nearly six when he finally returned home to her. The house was warm and inviting with the smells of dinner on the stove and the loving look in the eyes of his pretty wife. He set his packages down, removed his winter clothes and held her, "I missed ya all day." He drew back and smiling he told her, "We were so busy I thought I'd drop, but Virg, he stayed right with it. I always knew that boy was a good one. How was your day?"
"I was busy too, but let's talk while we eat. I can tell by the sounds your stomach is making you're hungry." He made no argument.
He washed up while she got the food on the table and when he returned he saw the butter crock and warm biscuits waiting. Anxious to partake he kept the blessing short. She bit back a smile as she suggested, "Why don't you get yourself a biscuit while I tell you about my day."
As anxious as he was to do just that he would not eat until she had been served. He was sure he had never moved faster as he scooped the stew into her bowl and then scooped a healthy portion into his own. He smiled at her, "I don't care if ya didn't do nuthin' but make this meal, I'm a happy fella right now." He slathered the biscuit with the fresh butter and popped the entire thing in his mouth, smiling as he chewed.
He was a grown man with the happy smile of a child Christmas morning and she did not deny her urge to reach over and gently lay a hand on his arm as she told him, "I love you my husband."
He stopped mid chew, looking at her as he set down his spoon and lay his hand on her cheek. His thumb softly skimmed over her cheekbone when he told her, "And I love you my wife, more than I know how ta say."
"Oh you say it all the time in the way you care for me and how you make me feel. Now eat your dinner."
He wasn't quite sure he understood her meaning and so he simply smiled, "Yes ma'am." And gladly did as he was told.
She took a small bite of the stew and then let him know, "I got all the papers filled out this morning. All that's left to do is sign them and return them with our money to the land office."
He looked at her, grateful to his wife for taking on a task he thought was rightfully his. "Thanks for that Beth. We'll talk ta Merle and Karen Saturday. Monday, as soon as that Neudermeyer trial is over and I send the judge on his way, I'll come get ya and we'll go ta the land office together." He squeezed her hand and added, "We're gonna mark down that date and remember it forever Beth Dixon, it's the date we make it official and start followin' our dream."
They hadn't yet spoken of the trial the following morning. He knew she was trying not to think about it and he found no fault in that. Come morning they would do what they had to do. Once the man was convicted and hung, the bounty money would be released. Maybe then they could finally put it all behind them.
After their dinner and the tidying up he retrieved the package he'd left by the door. It was wrapped in brown paper and tied with string and he was nervous as a cat. He didn't hand it to her, first he spoke. "You're startin' ta get a taste of it now Beth, the bite of winter. Still it ain't really even started. It's gonna get colder and even when it does, we still hafta be outside. I know ya wanna learn ta ride Ginger western style and who knows, maybe we might even get a chance ta do some work on our new land this winter."
She couldn't imagine what in the world he was getting at. He took in a breath while his teeth nervously bit together and then he went on, "I don't intend these things for ya in public, they're just for here, just for your eyes and mine, just ta keep ya warmer. But if ya hate em too much, I'll take em back."
She couldn't stand it another minute, "Daryl, what in the world is it?"
He gave her the package and when she opened it her hand went to her mouth and she let out a gasp. "You can't…you don't…my goodness Daryl. I can't imagine myself…and you would buy these for me? And you would allow your wife to wear such attire?"
The package contained a pair of boys wool trousers, a leather belt, a heavy wool shirt and a wool coat. He shrugged, "I'm just tryin' ta keep ya warm enough when we work outside. Like I said, it ain't for anyone else ta see, just you and me."
He knew she was agitated, maybe even offended, but also in some way hurt as though her femininity were in question. As they lay in their bed he wrapped her in his arms and his fingers began gliding lightly along her body and down to the hem of her gown. He slipped his hand inside the garment and the tips of his fingers teased along the inside of her leg until they found their way to her womanhood. He cupped it gently in his strong hand while he kissed her deeply. For just a moment he took his lips from hers as he assured her, "It don't matter what ya wear or what ya don't wear Beth, you're always gonna be the prettiest woman in the world ta me."
As tired as he was he still desired her and the love they made let her feel the truth in his words. As they recovered their breath and their hearts began to slow to a normal rhythm she whispered, "I suppose it does make sense. I'll try but I can't promise."
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The calmness they'd felt as they fell asleep was gone when she woke Friday morning. He could see it on her. She was nervous, her brow stayed wrinkled and her usual smile was missing, and he could swear he saw her hands shake as she readied the coffee pot.
"Here, lemme do that for ya," He offered.
Even her voice seemed to be shaking when she replied, "No Daryl, you have quite enough to do. Please, I promise you, I'm alright."
He wasn't so sure about that but he didn't argue with her.
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The many witnesses scheduled to testify that day waited nervously at the sheriff's office for their name to be called, except for Merle and Virgil Dixon. Daryl would be at the trial first thing and Virgil would be working until he was called to the stand. Merle would be called too, but in the mean-time he did what he could to help at his brother's shop. First feeding the horses and then he began working on the axle of the judge's coach.
Just like his brother the older Dixon had made it plain to the sheriff, he would not send his son into the room alone. They would testify one after the other. He'd also made it clear Cyrus and Mary Ellen Dixon would not be allowed to testify at all, he would go to jail first. Fortunately for all, it turned out the judge was in agreement that they were too young to be put through such an experience.
As they rode to town he kept her small hand tightly clasped in his, and as he helped her from the wagon he once again tried to offer her some consolation, "It'll all be behind us soon Beth. Just try ta think that way. The bad will be gone and we'll have nuthin' but the good ahead of us."
The saloon was already filled to capacity with dignitaries, jurors and onlookers. As they walked in the blacksmith kept his arm wrapped tightly and protectively around his wife's waist and held her small body pressed close to his side. Chairs had been set up as if for a traveling show and he navigated to the front row. There he found all the seats were filled and that would not do.
He needed to be right there, right in front of her so that just as he'd promised her she could look in his eyes and he could look in hers. He did what was necessary, he used a hard-eyed stare to send a clear message to the two ranch hands occupying his chosen seats. They caught his meaning and neither had a desire for any sort of confrontation with the blacksmith. They stood, nodded his way and moved to the back.
Beth had never been in a saloon and she was quite curious to take it in, but she could not bring herself to look up. As they sat waiting all she could do was try and draw strength from the presence of her husband, while he continued to hold her hand tightly and she stared at her shoes.
The clock struck eight and the crowd was anxious for the trial to begin. The judge, his clerk and the court reporter walked in from the back. As they did the crowd rose to their feet. There was a long oak table set up in front of the chairs and next to it sat a chair for the witnesses. To the left of the judge twelve chairs were aligned in two rows.
The judge called in the jurors while the governor and his staff took their seats, situated on the second floor landing. From there they could observe the proceedings without the governor having to mix with the crowd.
The judge sat at the long table and the clerk called the court to order. It was then that Abraham Ford, having been temporarily sworn in as deputy, escorted the claimer into the makeshift courtroom. Harley's hands were cuffed behind him and his ankles were hobbled and Abraham was not at all gentle as he sat him down in the waiting chair.
With the claimers entrance the group had become loud and the mood raucous. The judge pounded the gavel on the table and demanded quiet, "I won't have this trial disrupted by such outbursts. Anyone who can't settle down will be led out of here and taken right to the jail. If that should happen, I promise that person will not be released from his cell until a substantial fine is paid." That quieted the group.
As the sheriff had promised, she was called first. She tried to keep her hand from shaking as she laid it on the bible to swear her oath, while also asking God to give her strength. Her husband sat with his eyes trained on her and she did just as he had instructed, looking only into his eyes.
The judge sensed her deep distress and once again he warned all present to hold their tongues or they would be removed immediately. Then he turned to the witness and in a far softer, kinder voice than he used with the crowd he told her, "All you have to do is tell your story in your own words. Take your time and if you need to stop you tell me." Then he turned to the clerk and instructed, "Get this young woman a glass of water."
The blacksmith was grateful for the judge's stern way with the crowd and his deference to Beth's shyness and anxious way. Her hand shook as she took the glass from the clerk and took a small sip. After setting the glass down she kept her hands tightly folded in her lap and she did not move her eyes from her husband's as she quietly began to tell her story.
When she had completed the telling of the tales of both her encounter with Len and the stabbing of the claimer who was attempting to take the life of her husband, the judge stated, "Well that all seems perfectly clear enough right there. I see no need for further questions." And her husband breathed a deep sigh of relief. She was through it.
As the blacksmith had arranged, Eastman was there waiting and when she was done testifying the preacher took her by the arm and lead her from the saloon. Andrea was outside waiting for her and Eastman left the two women as he went back to the church to pray for all involved in the proceedings.
Andrea took Beth's hand and assured her, "I know you were scared but I'm sure you did just right Honey. Anyway, this is all just for show, as soon as it's over that son of a bitch is going to swing. Come, we'll have some tea with Amy while you wait for smithy." Beth wasn't sure she would ever get used to the woman's plainspoken way but she had come to treasure Andrea's friendship.
Beth was surprised to see Zach up, dressed and sitting in the parlor. His arm was in a sling to keep the weight of it from pulling on his shoulder and he was quite a bit more pale than usual. He also appeared to have lost some weight but Beth thought his recovery was quite remarkable. "It's so good to see you up and about Zach, Daryl and I have been concerned."
"I appreciate it Beth. I ain't quite healed yet and I sure get tired in a hurry, but the shoulder's getting better by the day. It's not right yet but no matter, I wasn't gonna miss my chance to say my piece in court today. That no good…that guy that shot me meant to kill me and that's what I'm gonna testify to."
Beth had no idea what to say to that and so she was quite relieved by the knock on the door, and happy as could be to see the caller was her husband. He tipped his hat to the ladies, said, "Thanks Andrea," and then turned to Zach, "It's real good ta see you're healin' up Zach. You let me know if I can do anythin' ta help ya out. I'm just right down the street six days a week." He gave a nod of his head and continued, "Just as soon as you feel up to a short ride me and Beth would like ta have y'all over for Sunday dinner."
Andrea thought she was only teasing when she asked, "All of us? I guess you mean me and Caesar too?"
"Course I mean you and Caesar too, you're our friends ain't ya?"
Andrea's smile grew wider as she answered, "Thank you Daryl, I'm proud to be called a friend to you and Beth."
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He got her home and she smiled when the first thing he did was hurry to stoke the fire, noting, "Don't want ya gettin' cold Beth. It don't take long in this weather." It was just what she'd tried to tell him, these were the little things he did that showed her he was always thinking about her. She loved him for his love. And that's when she realized something else.
"Daryl, I didn't properly thank you for the clothing you bought me. It was so kind and thoughtful of you. I appreciate so much the way you concern yourself with my comfort and well-being." She looked down a moment and then back into his eyes, "They're not of a style I'm accustom to but I'm certain you're right my husband, they will be far better suited for extended time spent outside."
He nodded as his hand moved to her cheek and he softly rested it there, "I expected ya wouldn't care for em but I just don't want ya bein' cold." As his finger lightly traced along her jawline he smiled and added, "Besides ya gotta know, no matter what you're wearin' I can't think a nuthin' but how lucky I am ta have ya."
The trouble he was having was he didn't want to leave her but he knew he had to. He was not a man to shirk his responsibilities. Before he left he held her to him rubbing her back. He kissed the top of her head and told her, "Ya done so good today Beth. I know ya hated it but it's over now and I'm proud of ya. It's gonna be a good day in Heavenly and a good day for you n me when this business is behind us."
"You were so right Daryl, once it was over and I had a chance to breathe I felt such a relief. I felt proud too. I never thought I could get through it, but I did. Thank you for being there for me."
"I told ya Sweetheart, I'ma always be there for ya." He kissed her lips and promised, "I'll be back home to ya just as soon as I can get here."
"I'll be here waiting for you."
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Meanwhile the witnesses still waiting at the sheriff's office were chatting about this and that, just trying to pass the time. Lozen was not a woman to sit idly and chitchat with anyone and as such she'd paid very little attention to the things being said. She had beadwork with her and she and Sonsee-array kept themselves busy with that while her man and her boy practiced knife throwing outside.
She did pay some attention to just one thing that was said though. Something that bothered her. She liked the sheriff. He was a good and fair man. She liked his wife. The woman had always been kind to her and her family. Not all white folks were. And she liked their boy, Carl. He was a good little man. But for now she feared the sheriff was not as smart as she had believed him to be.
Lozen's thoughts were interrupted when the sheriff, who escorted the witnesses to the saloon when they were called, came for her, Sonsee-array and Kuruk. She studied the man as they walked, and although she did not care to get involved in the white man's business she thought perhaps there would be a time she would speak to him of this matter.
By three o'clock all the witnesses had testified and the jury had been sent to the back room to deliberate. As Andrea had said to Beth, it was all really just for show. It did not take them long to reach their verdict. The jurors filed back in the courtroom and the foreman handed the paper with their verdict to the clerk who handed it to the judge. The judge read it to himself looked to the foreman and asked, "How do you find..." and one by one he read off the counts and one by one the foreman answered, "Guilty."
When all charges had been read and all guilty verdicts declared the judge hit the gavel on the table and declared, "I sentence the defendant, Harley Tavish, to death by hanging. Said hanging will take place at high noon tomorrow."
No one in the courtroom was shocked, it was exactly what everyone had expected.
Before his brother left for home Daryl spoke to him. "Beth and me got sumthin' real important we wanna talk about ta you and Karen, Virgil too. We was hopin' ta visit ya tomorrow after the hangin'."
Merle could tell just by the look on his brother's face and the tone in his voice it was important. "Ya know you an Beth are always welcome in our home. I know my wife an children will be happy ta see ya both." He thought a moment and added, "Karen an me will see ya for the hangin' tomorrow too."
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Late that afternoon the rider made the last stop he would make before arriving in Heavenly. The blacksmith in the small town received him well and they made a horse trading deal. The hotel however, would not accommodate him. It wasn't something he hadn't encountered in the past, quite the contrary, it was common. The color of his skin was the cause and although that knowledge was hurtful he'd grown accustom to the attitudes some folks held.
It was freezing but he had no choice, he would have to build a fire and sleep near the road. He went back to the smithy shop to retrieve his bedroll and was saved that fate. The fellow offered to let him stay in his tack room. "It ain't much but it'll be warmer than outside."
The man refused recompense for his hospitality but still when the rider left before dawn the next morning he placed a five-dollar bill under the man's coffee cup.
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Beth wasn't certain why she felt so nervous Saturday morning. She would not be going to town, she would not be witnessing the hanging of the claimer, but still it bothered her. She thought her husband must be right. There was really no reason she should feel sorry for the man, but then he'd added that he understood it was her gentle nature. She finally decided all she could really do was to pray for the man's soul.
Her husband held her to him and he kissed her goodbye saying the words that he always said to her before leaving, "I'll be back home to ya just as soon as I can get here."
And she responded as she always did, "I'll be here waiting for you."
He left and she got ready for her day. She had a plan. She knew she had to keep her hands and her mind occupied while he was gone and while the townspeople gathered to watch the claimer hang. She would make a potato casserole and a butter cake to take to Merle and Karen's home later that day. And she would pray.
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The blacksmith and his apprentice rechecked the work they'd done on the governor's carriages and coach. The cleanliness of them, the tack, and the workmanship on the harnesses. The horses all had new shoes, they'd been fed early that morning, they were groomed and rested. All was in readiness for the governor's departure immediately following the hanging.
It was nearing ten and the town already seemed to be filling up with those anxious to witness the man's execution. There were even a few who had arrived from neighboring towns just to see such a sight. The photographer had his tripod set up and the reporter was at the ready. The governor would observe from the balcony of the hotel with the judge standing by his side.
The rider appeared on the big bay horse and he was a sight that could not be missed as he rode through town. He sat tall in the saddle and he was dressed in the style of a gentleman. His overcoat was long and black, split for riding a horse. He wore a silk embroidered waistcoat and a large-bowed silken tie. Atop his head he wore the finest in beaver hats, tall and black with a narrow brim. He wore his boots outside his trousers and the black leather shaft reached to his knees. Although he wore a holster with twin colt pistols, in his rifle scabbard he carried not a weapon, but rather a walking stick with a shiny brass handle.
He looked not one thing like the buffalo soldiers with whom the people had familiarity.
He rode straight to the blacksmith's shop and was greeted as any other customer would be, "How can I help ya?" The smithy asked.
The man did not just have the look and carriage of some sort of aristocrat, he also had the speaking style. The rider asked him, "Might you be Daryl Dixon?"
Daryl's expression turned to one of caution as he answered, "I am."
The man reached out a hand to shake and said, "I think this will prove to be a good day for both you and your wife, let's see, she's Elizabeth Dixon, correct?"
The blacksmith was now agitated and he asked in a less than friendly manner, "Who the hell are ya and how do ya know my name and the name of my wife?"
"I apologize sir, I don't know where my manners are. I've forgotten to introduce myself. My name is Ezekiel King and I represent the Smithton Mining Company of New York City. You may know they own your local mine, the Heavenly Goldmine. I believe your brother Merle Dixon is employed there."
"Ya still didn't tell me what ya want." By this time Virgil, having heard mention of his father's name stood by his uncle waiting to hear what the stranger had to say.
"I promise I've come bearing only good will and good news. I stopped here first to ask you to see to my horse. The poor fellow's been ridden hard. Then I was on my way to speak to your sheriff, Rick Grimes regarding an announcement I'll be making today just prior to the hanging of the outlaw Harley Tavish."
Daryl nodded then, "Alright. We can see ta the horse and we can board him."
"A man of few words I see. Do I dare ask, would this young gentleman here be the brave young Virgil Dixon?"
At that point Daryl moved to stand protectively in front of his nephew and his voice had taken on a demanding tone when he said, "Ya still ain't told me what this is all about."
"Again, my apologies. I've come only to share good news and financial reward. The Smithton Mining Company board of directors is indebted to the brave people of Heavenly. The company owns mines all over the country and they have been robbed of substantial payroll money four times by the claimers. You good folks put a stop to it and for that you shall be rewarded."
Daryl simply gave the man an expressionless look, still not quite sure how to take him.
The rider smiled and said, "Perhaps I should leave you to your work. I need to meet with the sheriff. You'll hear more about all of this at the hanging. Can you tell me, would the hotel agree to receive me, or should I plan on sleeping in the great outdoors?"
Daryl answered, "We ain't that way around here. Ya got the money they got the room." Then he paused, "Well they may not til after the governor and his group leave, that'll be right after the hangin'."
"Thank you sir, and young Virgil, you do a good job with my new horse and I'm sure there will be a nice tip in it for you."
On that the man retrieved what looked to be a very heavy set of saddlebags from the horse as well as a valise, turned and left.
It seemed half the territory surrounded the scaffold from which the man would hang. Seated in chairs right up front were Jim, with Merna standing directly behind him, one hand resting on his slim shoulder while in her other arm she held their baby. Zach sat next to him and Amy stood behind her husband with her hand on his good shoulder and his hand clasping hers. The sheriff's wife stood behind Deputy Shane Walsh and she kept her hands folded in front of her.
Tyrese, Lozen and the children were there and Virgil and Daryl stood with Karen and Merle, but the younger Dixon children were not in attendance. They were at the parsonage with Olivia.
Milton Mamet stood down by the bank building, not really desirous of being too close.
Before the proceedings began there was other business to be tended to.
The sheriff introduced Ezekiel King to the crowd. The folks were curious as to what the stranger may have to say and a hush fell over the group. Ezekiel began to speak, repeating what he'd shared with the blacksmith: the Smithton Mining Company had lost tens of thousands of dollars in payroll money to the claimers.
"The company is grateful to the people of Heavenly for putting an end to this group of ne'er do wells, and we plan to reward you." He then read off the names of all who had a part in putting down the claimers, "Each of these people are to receive a cash reward of two hundred and fifty dollars." The gasps and the whistling could be heard throughout the town.
He went on to say, "As further reward Smithton Mining wishes to make a contribution to your town. Something of a civic nature that would be of benefit to all. The company has asked me to stay on here for a while and get to know the people of Heavenly. I hope to eventually have the opportunity to chat with you all and hear your ideas and petitions."
"In the meantime, I can also promise you that when late spring arrives you will be treated to a large celebration party. There will be entertainment and plenty of good food and drink, and the President of Smithton Mining will journey here to meet you all."
The crowd whistled and cheered again as the man made his way to stand among them.
He had no sooner stepped down than Abraham Ford brought the prisoner from the jailhouse. The claimer was stoic until they reached the steps of the scaffold at which time he became agitated and began to mumble obscenities. They reached the platform and with Abraham firmly holding the claimer in place, Eastman ascended the steps. The preacher offered to pray with the man but Harley declined in a most nasty way. Unruffled, Eastman then read a passage from the Good Book, wished the man a peaceful crossing and quickly made his way back to the parsonage.
The man was asked if he had any last words and the claimer yelled out, "Fuck all you sonsabitches." At which point Abraham slapped him hard on the back of the head, slipped the black hood over his head, and tightened the noose around Harley's neck.
The sheriff read the charges of which the man had been found guilty, the sentence the man had been given, and then Abraham pulled the lever that released the trap door.
That Saturday the last of the claimers hung till he died.
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A/N I hope you were happy with the way it all went and that you'll leave a comment / review. As always, the chap photo is posted to my tumblr blogs, gneebee, bethylmethbrick and A Place Called Heavenly. I thank you so much for reading along and I'll see you next Friday for more of Heavenly. Until then remember, I love ya large and appreciate you greatly! xo gneebee
