A/N Thank you so much. I love your comments and I very much appreciate the follows and favors!
In 1865 American poet William Ross Wallace wrote, "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Is the Hand That Rules the World." I think we'll see some proof of that sentiment.
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Karen Dixon had the rug from in front of her hearth hanging on the clothesline and was busy beating the dirt and dust from it, just like every Monday. As she went about her work she absentmindedly glanced toward the road and saw two of her children holding hands and running toward her. Just two. Why were they running and where was Virgil?
Her heart filled with fear, she dropped the rug beater to the ground and began running to Cyrus and Mary Ellen.
Mary Ellen grabbed onto her Mama's leg and immediately started to cry, while Cyrus wrapped his arms around his Mama's waist and practically buried himself into her side. She was even more frightened, "What's wrong? What happened? Where's your brother? Where's Virgil?"
Hearing how scared she was in the tone of her voice, Cyrus quickly answered, "Virg is fine Mama, I promise. His face was terrible red where she hit him so hard, but he didn't even cry one tear Mama. Virg said ta tell ya he was going to Uncle Daryl's."
Now their Mama felt the fire in her veins, "Wait now, who hit your brother? It wasn't that mean little Lizzie Samuels was it?"
That's when Mary Ellen said, "No Mama it was that mean old Mrs. Niddyminor. She shook me hard and then she hit Virgie really hard."
Their Mama took in a deep breath trying to steady herself before telling her children, "Hurry now and come in the house. I made sugar cookies today and I'm going to give you each one just as soon as you tell me exactly what happened."
Karen Dixon sat at the table with her children as they told her the story. As she listened to them it was all she could do to keep her anger and her emotions under control. She couldn't even imagine the hell that would break loose when their Daddy got home.
Carl Grimes ran all the way to his Daddy's office and burst through the door yelling, "Dad, Dad come to the schoolhouse quick, that Mrs. Neudermeyer lady hit Virgil!" That was all Rick Grimes had to hear, that it was one of Merle Dixon's children the woman had struck. He knew for certain there was trouble on the horizon. He hollered to his deputy, "C'mon NOW, we gotta get to that schoolhouse and fast."
The sheriff's wife had stopped by his office to bring her husband a slice of pie and now Lori Grimes hurried along behind the sheriff and his deputy.
When they got to the schoolhouse Beth was teary-eyed and the children that were left in the schoolroom were clustered around her, looking scared and most of them crying. All the while Mrs. Neudermeyer was yelling as she berated the young marm and every other teacher that had ever come to Heavenly, including the sheriff's own wife.
Lori stayed back and stayed quiet, letting her husband do his job. The sheriff put forth every effort to keep the tone of his voice professional, "You best calm down now Mrs. Neudermeyer. There's been a crime here and from what I understand you're the perpetrator."
The woman took a firm stance and her voice was belligerent as she hissed, "Crime?! I committed no crime!"
"I see. Well did you shake Mary Ellen Dixon and threaten to paddle her? And did you slap Virgil Dixon across the face?"
"I did indeed! Those smart mouthed children were acting up something awful. Why that boy even used a cuss word. As head of the schoolboard I am well within my rights to fire this woman and to discipline school children as I see fit. Everyone knows those Dixon children are ruffians, just like their father and their uncle."
The sheriff corrected her, "Well Ma'am you're mistaken about that. You can indeed fire the marm, Lord knows you've done it enough times. Where you're wrong and where you broke the law is when you struck the child. You absolutely cannot go around hitting other people's children. Only their parents and their teacher have the right to corporal punishment. I'm afraid I'm going to have to put you under arrest."
He turned to the deputy and instructed, "Get her to the jail and lock her up until we sort this out."
The woman was huffing and puffing as she seemed to be drowning in her own anger, "You'll be sorry for this sheriff, by gawd I'll have your badge!"
"Try looking at it this way Shelly, at least in a jail cell you'll be protected from those Dixon ruffians."
The sheriff simply ignored the woman's continued rantings as the deputy took her by the arm and escorted her from the schoolhouse. Then the lawman turned to the children still present and calmly asked, "You're not in trouble and your teacher's not in trouble, I just need to ask what you saw. Did any of you see anyone hit anyone else?"
They all raised a hand and looked anxious to tell the sheriff what had occurred. After she'd heard two children tell the same story Carl had told, Lori Grimes hurried to the general store to chat with Merna about the terrible turn of events and what should be done.
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Daryl Dixon was forging a hatchet blade when from the corner of his eye he noticed someone entering his shop. He looked over and saw it was his nephew, and the boy was alone. The blacksmith immediately put down his work, "Virgil, what's wrong? Where's Cyrus an Mary Ellen an what's that mark on your face?"
Virgil Dixon began to tell his uncle the story and with each word the young boy spoke the blacksmith felt his rage grow. Still the man kept his appearance calm and when the boy was done he put an arm around Virgil's shoulders drawing him in for a quick hug.
Daryl Dixon was seething and it was everything he could do to keep his anger suppressed. His instinct had him anxious to find the Neudermeyer woman and make her regret the day she was born. Yet somehow he managed to tamper down that rage, he had to. He knew he had to think of the child standing there with him, and he had to think of his Sweetheart. There was someone else too. Of all those involved it was his brother he was most worried over, or more correctly what his brother might do.
He somehow managed to give the appearance of calm as he looked the boy in the eye and told him, "Ya done good Virg, ya did everythin' just like ya shoulda an I'm proud of ya. That woman had no right ta do the things she done or say the things she said an I'm sorry ya got hurt. Now ya know Virg, your Daddy's gonna be at that schoolhouse the minute he hears about all this. I'ma go there right now myself ta check on Beth and I need ta be there when your Daddy arrives. Ya wanna wait it out over at the store?"
"I ain't a child any more Uncle Daryl, I'm comin' with you."
His Uncle clapped him on the shoulder and said, "You're right Virgil Dixon. I'd say ya proved you're a man."
Daryl and Virgil got to the schoolhouse just as the deputy was walking out with Mrs. Neudermeyer. At the sight of her the blacksmith could feel his muscles tensing and his hands tightening into fists and he saw his nephew was reacting in the same way. Neither would act on it though, not now.
They hurried inside and Daryl's eyes immediately focused in on her. She looked so sad and he was sure those were tears in her eyes. Still in her gentle way she was trying her best to smile and console the children still remaining in the room and staying close by her side. The blacksmith wanted to run to her and take her in his arms. He wanted to tell her he was there and as long as he was with her no one would hurt her, and no one would dare to make her cry. Yet even though he'd told Virgil that he was a man the truth was the boy was still a boy. Daryl knew Beth would understand his need to protect the child.
The sheriff was talking to a little girl not much older than Mary Ellen and when the lawman looked up and saw Virgil he nodded and said, "Son, I'd appreciate you talkin' to me next."
"Yes sir, I will. I'll tell it all."
His uncle gave Virgil's shoulder a reassuring squeeze and told him, "I ain't goin' nowhere Virg. I'm stayin' right here with ya but I need ta talk ta Beth a little. I gotta make sure she's alright."
"I know, I'm worried about Miss Beth too. That lady was actin' so crazy and mean to her."
Daryl hurried to her and it appeared they'd both forgotten there were others present as he embraced her. The fact the blacksmith was covered in a fine dusting of soot just didn't seem to matter either. His lips were on her ear, and trying to keep his words private he spoke in a whisper, "I'm so…aw Beth, I'm so sorry. This shouldn't a happened. If I hadn't come over yesterday it wouldn't have. I heard the things she said an I know ya lost your job an your place. I'ma make this right, I promise I will."
She held him a little tighter and her head lay on his chest and she spoke softly in reply, "It's not your fault, I didn't have to let you in. I didn't have to let you stay with me all day. I wanted you to. I wanted us here together. It's just that Mrs. Neudermeyer scared me and her words were so hateful and…I felt terrible for the children. I can't believe she hurt Mary Ellen and Virgil. I should have protected them better."
It was then they stepped apart, as if finally realizing others might be looking on. They were standing at the back of the schoolroom by the chalkboard, hands touching as they talked, "The children are alright. Virg he's mad like the rest of us, but he'll be fine. He's more worried for Cyrus an Mary Ellen than for hisself. That's the kind of man he is already. An he understands that woman's mean and crazy. It's his Daddy who ain't gonna be alright. That's why I gotta wait right here for my brother. But I promise ya, I'ma take care a everythin' just as soon as I take care a Merle. I can't let him ruin his life because of what that woman done."
She didn't quite understand what he meant but she nodded in agreement. They moved closer to where the sheriff sat as Virgil began to tell his story to the lawman. Daryl held Beth's hand as the boy repeated the words the woman had yelled at Beth and Virgil told the sheriff, "It was like a surprise that ain't good, everyone was wonderin' what in the world was goin' on. And the younger ones were gettin' real scared cuz that lady, sheriff it was like she was gonna blow her top right off. The way she was speakin' to our teacher about her and my uncle was plain wrong. And anyway, even if it was true she shouldn't a been talkin' that way in front of the little ones like my sister. It ain't right for small children to hear that kind of talk."
Daryl gripped Beth's hand more tightly as Virgil continued, "Anyhow so then when Miss Beth left the room cryin' and all, on account of what the lady said and her being fired and everything, well my little sister she was afraid for our teacher and she was crying…" And Virgil Dixon went on to tell the rest of the story. Beth Greene started to feel the tears coming again and she was sure she felt something else. The anger coming off Daryl Dixon was palpable. He felt it too, coursing through his veins and making his whole body tense. He wished Neudermeyer was a man so he could beat her to death for the hurt and sadness she had caused his Sweetheart and his family.
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Karen Dixon always waited anxiously for her husband to return from work. She was always happy to see him home safe from the mine and happy to have her family together. This day she would be just as happy to know he was safe, just as happy to see him and have him home with her, but she dreaded what might happen once he'd heard the news about his children.
When she heard the horse snort and Merle say to the animal, "Yep, we're home to our family boy," her heart froze just knowing what she had to tell him. She knew he'd be sitting on the front porch taking his work boots off and she took a deep breath before quickly going to him. She crouched down next to the bench where he sat, her hands on his forearm and she told him what had happened at the schoolhouse that day.
His calmness upon hearing the story worried her even more than if he had jumped up cussing and breathing fire. Then he stood and held his hand out to his wife, helping her to her feet. He took her in his arms and he told her, "I love ya Dear One, I love our children. I can't, I won't stand by an let anyone hurt my family an I damn sure ain't lettin' anyone take an angry hand ta my children. You an our children stay here now. I'ma go do what needs doin'."
She was trying so hard to be strong but she felt the tears burning her eyes, she was worried about what her husband might do and she was worried about what might happen to him when he'd done it. She begged him, "Please Merle, please," and he knew what her pleading meant but he responded, "You always remember how much I love ya an you watch over our children. I'll be home directly."
Karen Dixon feared her husband would never get to come home again.
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Amy Mitchell just so happened to be at the store when Lori Grimes arrived with her story. The three women were in a dither about the situation and were determined that something must be done about the Neudermeyer woman. Merna left Jim in charge of the store, of Carl, of the baby and of the chicken in the pot, while she and Lori Grimes made their way to the parsonage to confer with Olivia. Amy Mitchell went to the schoolhouse to console Beth Greene.
All the children except Virgil had left the schoolhouse and were home with their parents when Amy arrived. She went to Beth taking her hand as she told her, "Oh my dear friend I am so sorry about this. Don't you worry, you have a place to stay while this gets resolved. Andrea moved back to the saloon and we have the spare room."
The words were no sooner out of the young woman's mouth than Daryl heard the pounding of horse's hooves and the snorting of a horse coming to a stop. He knew who it was and hurried outside, quickly followed by the sheriff, Virgil and the two women.
The four onlookers stood on the schoolhouse steps while Daryl walked up to the horse and rider. Merle seemed to leap from the steed but he didn't get far when he and his brother were chest to chest, "Ya best lemme by Daryl, I aim ta make things right." He saw his oldest child then, "Your Daddy's gonna see about this Virgil Dixon, no one lays a hand on my son." He looked back to his brother, "I said lemme by."
The Dixon brothers were locked in a dead-eye stare, still standing chest against chest with fists clinched and muscles twitching and flexing. Daryl's voice had a determined tone as he told his brother, "I know ya wanna kill her Merle an I can't blame ya, fuck man I do too, so bad I can't hardly keep myself from it. But I can't let ya brother. I gotta think down the line about how your family's gonna feel when you're in prison."
"Yeah well fuck that little brother cuz it's my family an this ain't your fight. Them are my children an ain't nobody gets ta hurt my children." Merle pushed hard into Daryl's chest and said, "Lemme the fuck by."
As Merle tried to skirt around his brother Daryl quickly stuck one leg between his brother's legs and just as quickly hooked it around the back of Merle's left ankle, the older brother fell back and Daryl piled on. Virgil practically jumped from the schoolhouse steps ready to get in the fray, but the sheriff quickly wrapped an arm across the boy's chest restraining him and telling him, "it's better not to get in on this son, you best leave it to your Daddy and your uncle to settle in their own way. Just like always."
The women had locked arms, seeming to hold each other up and there were tears in their eyes as they stood watching the brothers roll in the dirt, punching and cussing. There were bloody noses, facial cuts and split lips and blood was being spit.
Beth was aghast as she watched her Sweetheart and his brother fighting like mortal enemies and using the foulest of language. Although she'd known they were of a much rougher stock than she, never had she expected to see them behave in such a manner. Her whole body felt tense and sensing that Amy held her friend's arm a little more tightly. She tried to reassure Beth, "Don't worry, they've done this before, it's like they're just getting it out of their systems."
Knowing that brought Beth no comfort.
They'd all been so engrossed in the Dixon fight they almost missed the horse come galloping toward the brothers, and Karen Dixon sliding off that saddleless horse. She went right to where the men fought and demanded, "You two stop this shit right now! You get up Merle Dixon and you look me in the eye. I have something to say to you!" Never had either of the men heard Karen Dixon speak in such a way to her husband, or anyone else for that matter, and never had they heard her use a cuss word. In fact she never had, but this situation was like none she'd ever encountered.
Virgil and the sheriff were the ones in shock now, not because of the woman's words, but because the brothers had done as she commanded. Merle stood before his wife while Daryl backed off a few feet. The brothers were covered in dirt, sweat and blood as they waited for the fury they were sure was coming.
Karen Dixon's hands were on her hips as she looked to her husband, and although her tone was a bit more controlled it was just as stern and determined as she spoke, "Merle Dixon I have always respected everything about the man you are. You are the head of our family and I have always let you make the decisions for us, not once have I ever disobeyed you. This time I cannot and I will not stay quiet. I cannot stand back and let you kill that horrible woman, or whatever it is you have in mind. Your family needs you and we need you here, not in Deer Lodge locked up in the Territorial prison, or worse hanging from the end of a rope. Who do you think is going to take care of your family then?"
"This here, what happened with this awful woman, this is my fight Merle Dixon, mine! I am the mother of our children and I'm going to be the one to deal with Shelly Neudermeyer! My promise to you is she will rue the day she dared to lay a hand on a child of mine. You have to allow me to do this Merle, you have to. This one time, you have to let me be the one to fight for our family. Please."
The onlookers watched, barely drawing a breath as they waited to see what would happen next. Merle didn't speak, instead he took his wife in his arms and he kissed her as if it were a private moment. He drew back and said, "You're right Dear One, ya deserve this."
On that the sheriff let the Virgil loose and he hurried to his Mama and Daddy and the three of them stood holding on tightly to one another.
Karen Dixon stood back, "Husband, it's time to take your wife and our son home." Merle gave his wife a leg up on her horse, helped Virgil up behind her and then went to his brother. The men shook hands and nodded to one another, Merle muttered, "thank ya brother," and then mounted his horse.
Before they rode away Karen looked over at Daryl, "I'll expect to see you at my dinner table tonight little brother and you bring Beth with you. I want my family near me." No one argued.
The sheriff was brave enough to remind her, "Shelly Neudermeyer is locked up in my jail and she'll stay there a while. Please don't give me any reason I might have to arrest you too Karen." He tipped his hat and said, "Ladies, fellas." And walked back to his office.
Beth was sure her mouth was agape, she couldn't quite believe everything she'd just witnessed, and now suddenly it was over and it was as though it had never even happened. At the beginning of the day her mind had been made up, but the events that had occurred since then had left her with doubt. She couldn't help the thoughts going through her mind. Could she really live like this? Could she fit in their world and would it be a life where she would find happiness? These were things she would have to give a great deal of thought to.
Amy Mitchell looked to Beth and then to Daryl and said, "I'll leave you two to talk. Daryl you can bring Beth to my home when she's ready. I'm sure she'll want time to freshen up before you two go to your brother's."
Daryl had several concerns but he voiced just one, "I appreciate it an all Amy, but do ya think Zach's gonna approve of ya invitin' an overnight guest?"
"Yes Daryl I'm sure he'll have no objection. We both think the world of Beth and I'll enjoy her company so much."
He just couldn't seem to help feeling uneasy about the situation, he didn't care for the idea of her being under someone's roof, someone that wasn't family. "Alright, well I'll bring her by as soon as she's ready."
He took the bandana from his back pocket and used it to wipe the blood and dirt from his face, then did his best to do the same with his hands. He held her arm as they walked back in the schoolroom and it was like his touch did ease her mind a little. Still, there was so much to talk about now. So many more questions that she had. And it wasn't just her and Daryl, what exactly did Karen have in mind?
There were too many things causing her mind to jump from thought to thought and her feelings to be confused. Then she walked in the schoolroom and her shoulders slumped, "My heart feels so heavy Daryl. I was enjoying teaching and I love the children so much, and the way it all ended was just unbearably awful."
Her sadness was making him feel so many things, he was sad too, sad for her, he was angry and he was vengeful. For now though he tried to be consoling, "I'm so sorry Beth but like I said, we'll figure it out. Just give me a little time. Everythin' will turn out. There's sumthin' else though that I'ma be honest with ya about it. I dunno if I like ya stayin' with people I don't know too good. Zach seems like a real nice fella, he works out at the mine with Merle, but they're not on the same crew an so…I dunno. Amy seems sweet enough an all…I dunno. How do you feel about it?"
"Amy has been very kind to me ever since I arrived here in Heavenly and Zach seems very nice and honorable. I don't doubt for a minute they're good people. But I can't deny I feel a little anxious about staying in the home of folks I don't know very well, and I feel like a burden."
In spite of it being swollen Daryl was chewing his lip, "Nah I'm sure that ain't true, if she thought it was a burden she wouldn't a asked ya. I'll think on that too Beth. I'ma figure sumthin' out."
He knew she had clothing of a personal nature to pack and so he waited outside while she readied herself. He carried her valise as they walked to Amy and Zach's home and he let her know, "I won't be long. I'm just gonna see ta the horses I got here in town an I'ma clean myself up and lock up. I'll be back for ya shortly. I think I can see by the that look on your face ya got things ta say, questions on your mind."
"I do."
His lips were pursed as he nodded his head, "We'll talk about whatever ya like. I know me an my brother, sometimes we don't always act like we're civilized."
He'd made her laugh, at least a little and she was honest with him, "It was a display the like of which I have never witnessed. Perhaps it's common and my life has been too sheltered, but I won't deny I was somewhat appalled. I'm not angry Daryl, please don't think that I am, but my goodness, in addition to the behavior it was the language. I've never heard vulgarities like you and your brother were using. I just, well I don't know. Will I be seeing and hearing this sort of thing often?"
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Meanwhile at the parsonage Merna, Lori and Olivia had come to an agreement. This situation needed to be addressed and resolved quickly. The school was without a marm and the president of the school board had behaved in a reprehensible and unforgivable manner. Word spread quickly to all members of the Heavenly Ladies Sewing Circle and Benevolent Society, there would be an emergency meeting and luncheon the very next day at the parsonage. Bring a dish to share.
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Daryl arrived back at Zach and Amy's just before 4:30 and already the night sky was growing gray. He shook Zach's hand and thanked him for having Beth as a houseguest. The other man smiled and acknowledged, "She's welcome here, Amy and I are happy to have her. We understand how difficult it is when you have romantic feelings for the marm. And when you're found out by the old biddy and your Dear One loses her job it can make things very difficult." The man's comments did make Daryl feel a bit of relief in regard to Beth's living arrangement, but still he would prefer that she be with family.
He hadn't planned on a passenger that day and so he'd left the buckboard at his house. When he and Beth were outside he asked, "I keep this sidesaddle for my rentals an I saddled Ginger for ya. I hope ya don't mind ridin' ta my brother's."
"Mind? Oh no I'm so excited and a sidesaddle is all I've ever ridden."
He didn't think about it before he commented, "Yeah mostly only the ranch women use the western, ya know, married ladies." They both blushed at the implication and he hurried to change the subject, "Here lemme help ya up." She was properly seated and he kept hold of Ginger's reins while he mounted Blackie, then handed them to her saying, "We'll take it nice and slow." Ginger took to the new rider immediately as she closely followed Blackie's lead.
As the horses walked along Daryl began to talk and it was as if he'd read her earlier thoughts and knew of her concerns. "I'm glad you're gonna be there with us tonight Beth. You'll see everythin' is fine. I know it seems like we are, but Merle an I ain't mad at each other. An I know we don't always go about things the proper way. It's just the minute I heard what happened at the schoolhouse I knew what was comin'. I understand why he acted like he did, just like he knows why I had ta try an stop him. I know it ain't the right way ta go about these things but it's our way, it's what we know. I think ya could tell Karen has no patience for it. An I'm real sorry ya heard me usin' foul language. I know it ain't right ta talk that way in front of a lady."
"I s'pose you're probably worried about what Karen might do too, but I wanna tell ya what I know for sure. Karen ain't gonna act in haste an she ain't gonna do one thing ta risk spendin' even a night away from her children. Merle n Karen they're angry an they're hurt an they're just tryin' ta protect their own." He reached across the span between them holding his hand palm up to her. She smiled as she put her hand in his and as they continued the short distance to his brother's home he made one more statement, "Ya might as well know all the truth, if that old hen had dared ta lay a hand on ya Beth I'da been worse than Merle."
Beth was both surprised and relieved that the trouble of the day was not brought up at the table. The biggest difference she noticed at dinner was Mary Ellen had scooted so close to her she thought the little girl was nestled in for the winter. She didn't mind at all, Mary Ellen was a hero to her. She knew she would always remember the way the tiny girl had tried to defend her.
The main topic of dinner table discussion was the hog that would be picked up by Daryl Friday afternoon, and that they would all work on butchering Saturday. He let them know, "I'ma plan on doin' mostly four things with it, pork chops, bacon, ham and sausage. We can take a lotta them cuts like the shoulder an I can cure an smoke 'em so they taste just like bacon. Might as well stick with what we know we like."
Merle looked to Karen, his hand sliding over hers, "I don't s'pose I could talk ya into makin' cracklins, could I?" Karen smiled, "You just might be able to do that. I'm glad for all the good we're going to get from that hog, tallow for candles, fat to render for lard and soap. We'll use every bit of that animal for something. The good we get should last us quite some time."
Daryl looked to Beth with an almost sheepish grin, "Wanna?"
She smiled back, "Yes I do very much, I always want to help."
He got her back to town and back to Zach and Amy's home but before softly knocking on the door he wrapped his arms around her. He held her close and apologized yet again, "I'm sorry for all the terrible things this day brought. I appreciate ya bein' patient with me an my family, I know we ain't an easy bunch."
"I think the world of your family Daryl. They're different than I'm used to but that doesn't mean they're not wonderful."
He took her hand and he kissed it, whispering, "I hate ta leave you this way, I'ma think a sumthin'. Will ya come see me tomorrow? I'll bring us lunch. Will ya please?"
There was no more reason for them to hide and she smiled, "Yes of course, I'd like that very much." They embraced once again and he knocked on the door. Zach and Amy opened it together and Daryl thanked them again adding, "She ain't gonna be here for long, I'll think of sumthin."
He had a restless night, his mind jumping from thought to thought when it came to him, an idea concerning Mrs. Neudermeyer and just how they might rid themselves of the woman forever.
That wasn't all though. Another idea came to him and he knew what he had to do about Beth, it was what he realized he wanted to do. Why hadn't he thought of this sooner he asked himself. Why was his head so thick? The answer was so obvious, so perfect.
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Everyone was caught up in the town's big story, no one knew or suspected there was something perhaps even bigger brewing in the hills just outside town.
A camp had been set up in those hills near Heavenly, a camp populated by a band of outlaws who called themselves The Claimers. The group of men were of a particularly unsavory, violent and dangerous nature and stories about the vicious band of criminals had spread throughout the Western Territories. The outlaws were known to steal whatever they wanted whether it be money or property, even women.
The tales that were told of their sexual proclivities were of a most obnoxious and frightening nature. The marauders, consisting of seven men, were led by a man known as Joe. An imposing fellow with dark graying hair and beard who was well-spoken but in a most intimidating way.
The group had recently been down around the Washakie area of Wyoming where they had wreaked havoc on several small settlements. One of their men, Lou, had taken a bullet just outside of Ten Sleep and so the group was taking time off from their usual activities to rest, drink heavily and plot their next big claim. The town of Heavenly was in their sites and it was there they aimed to put themselves in charge and hole up for the winter.
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A/N So much going on and so much more to come. Thank you for reading along, I'd appreciate you leaving a comment / review. The chapter photo of our Marm and the Blacksmith is posted on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please check it out. I hope to see you all back next Friday for more of A Place Called Heavenly. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee