And all Hell followed him..

[Shane Lawson]

Sunday, March 14th, 1880
9:35 AM

The Sunny Road to Lost Haven from Albuquerque, New Mexico had been a long one over nearly 350 miles of diverse terrain ranging from rugged mountains and forests, to the open expanses of desert. It'd taken nearly twelve days of riding to reach the point where Shane Lawson was now, a trail over looking Elm Canyon and Lost Haven itself. Though his view was partially obstructed he could still see a fair portion of the town through his telescope. The man gazed through his scope atop his horse surveying his surroundings. The horse he rode was a fabulous coal black throughbred stallion that he'd named Thantos long ago.

The man was a bit dusty and battered from the previous five hours of riding through the deep canyon walls that flanked the road for many miles. Lawson had set out before dawn, riding from Globe Arizona, another mining about thirty miles to the east. The Stop over in Globe had been a nice opportunity to clean up and get in a decent nights rest before heading out the next morning. It'd also allowed him to tap the rumor mill and confirm that his bounty was indeed in Lost Haven, apparently he'd been ran out of globe a few weeks prior.

However a couple of the locals were a bit weary of his choice to ride to Lost Haven alone, warning him of the rogue bands of Apache Indians that were held up in the Mountains and giving the mining operations hell, as well as a rumor of a 'Indian Sharpshooper' who'd been picking people off during their journeys. But he'd dismissed their warnings given that he'd faced Indians and worse during his many years.

However the whole time he was traveling through the Devils Canyon it'd felt like someone had been watching him the whole time, and it seemed that their warnings and his feelings had been spot on. Shane's lips twisted into a small smirk as he gazed through his glass eyepiece and spotted four figures atop a mountain behind him about 700 yards from his location.

Though the device was crude, he could make out that they weren't the typical white men that mined in these hills but it seemed as if the watcher was being watched himself, not threatened. "Oh well" he said dismissively before swinging his scope back around to Lost Haven, "Lost Haven, A wretched hive of scum and villainy.." Or so he'd been told he thought to himself. The people in Globe had little to say about the town that was positive. It was obvious that this was yet another mining town as he'd spotted a couple of trails leading up into mining operations high up in the mountains along Devils Canyon.

Somehow he doubted whether or not this place could be anyworse then Dodge City or El Paso. Collapsing his scope he retuned it to its leather case that was firmly attached to his saddle. The fact was Lawson seemed a bit out of place, given the clothes he wore were nice by some standards, and the single Colt Peacemaker at his hip didn't suggest he was a Gunslinger or even a Bounty Hunter, Law Officer? Perhaps. The equipment on his horse was typical except for the very long scabbard on the left side of his horse, everyone had a need for a old double barreled shotgun in these parts, but a rifle that long? That did seem quite out of place. Nevertheless it was time to move on as he urged his horse on with a gentle prod of the spurs and then they were on their way down the path towards Lost Haven..

[Rose and Alex]

9:15 Sunday Morning

“Alex what are you doing? Your not dressed for church!” Rose hissed as she came around the corner into the lobby. She wore her hair in it’s bun, her dress fell to her feet white with tiny pink stripes and little flowers stitched with green leaves. It was worn and obviously old, she held a little clutch purse that matched. Her white gloves were fraying at the ends and stained slightly at the finger tips.

“We need to get you new gloves.” Alex remarked picking up one of Roses hands. Turning it over, he held it for a moment, just looking at it. Then he looked up at Rose, his eyes filled with pain and sadness. “ Oh sweetling. Sometimes I wish we’d never crossed paths.” He sighed and shook his head.

Rose snatched her hand away tears stinging her eyes. She blinked and the feeling was gone. “ You’ve been down right rude lately Alex. More then rude you’ve been positively cruel! I don’t understand what’s been going on! There was a time when you told me everything!” Rose whispered, hiding her hurt beneath a thin veil of anger. Clenching her teeth she shook her head. “I take it your not coming to Church today?”

Shaking his head, Alex ran one hand through his already mussed up hair. He opened his mouth to say something but closed it again shaking it.

“ Fine. I’ll walk.” She said, walking back into the parlor.

Alex cursed and kicked the nearest wall. “Damnit!” He said before turning and leaving the building.


9:40 Sunday Morning,

Patting the neck of his horse he road away from town and well away from Rose really. He couldn’t help but feel as though this were partly her fault. If he’d not gotten attached, Red damn him, had always told him not to get attached. It could, and in this case would, be used against you. He leaned back, tipping his hat off his head, letting the sun bake into his flesh. Sweat was already beading on his brow. It’d be a hot day, and Rose would happily sit inside the church dying of heat. Alex much preferred it out here. There was a time when he’d go to church just to make her happy. He’d of done anything to make her happy, and now to keep her safe he was doing something that he’d thought he’d rather die before doing again.

“Full Circle. Everything comes full circle.” Alex whispered, it’s what his pop had said to him, once long ago.

[Shane Lawson]

9:15 Sunday Morning

"That should so quite well." Barton said smiling as he looked himself over in the mirror, wearing his sunday bests of course. Sunday morning church had been a ritual for him as long as he could remember, it'd been sort of pounded into him of course which was typical for all of Bostons children really but he didn't mind all that much. Usually it was a refreshing experience, especially if the sermons were good and even better? It was a wonderful place to connect and make new friends, learn the latest gossip and sometimes dine on free food! So it'd come as a pleasant surprise when he learned that Miss Hollandale also went to church, politely he'd asked if she'd be so kind as to introduce him to the congregation which made things much easier for him. It'd seemed to him that she was delightful, and that too was another pleasant surprise.

Shyly Barton was still smiling as he thought about her and this turn of events as he made sure first that he had some money on him, he really wanted to avoid the awkward occasions he'd subjected himself to the first, second and third days he'd been in Lost Haven. The Smith & Wesson Revolver that he'd carried only once since arriving in Lost Haven, he tucked away in the night stand drawer. Firearms had no place in a house of worship, or so he'd been taught
atleast. Having everything in order he picked up his hat and left his room, locking the door behind him as he started down the stairs.

It seemed his timing was perfect this morning as he came down stairs on the tail end of a argument between Rose and whomelse but Alex! Henry gritted his teeth as he came down into the parlor barely just missing the whole thing. There he found Rose by her lonesome and seeming quite distraught. "IS there something wrong Miss Hollandale?" The tone of concern in his voice was quite genuine for her, and in the back of his mind he wondered
why she even put up with that dirty heathen.


9:40 Sunday Morning,

Trotting on at a leisurely pace Thantos and his owner were definitly taking their time getting down to Lost Haven. They'd just dropped back down into Devils Canyon from Elm Canyon that'd offered Lawson a vantage point over the boom town. Lawson wasn't really in any hurry, it was Sunday morning and he figured that either everyone was in church or hungover from drinking the previous night. No matter, it was an enjoyable morning and the scenery wasn't anything to scoff at. Though when he noticed a rider coming towards him he was more then just a little surprised. Lawson knew the reputation of this town, and Lawson was watching him with hawkish eyes, sizing up his potential as a threat. But Lawson wasn't the one who went looking for confrontation, and when they were close enough he tipped his hat to him and spoke plainly. "Good Morning,"

[Rose and Alex]

Gasping Rose spun around hand pressed to her chest. She gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh no, everything is quiet alright Mr. Barton.” she said, retreating back to his last name, as she had since the dinner. She looked up at him, he was dressed very fine indeed. He looked all the part of a gentlemen. “ You look very handsome today.” .

Brushing her hand down the front of her dress, another nervous habit of hers, she looked at the clock. The church wasn‘t too far from the Hotel but it was far enough for a walk. “ I’m afraid I’ll have to be going now. It’s a bit of a long walk to the Church and Alex has….important things to do, he had to take our horse.” she said, explaining “We have one horse to pull our poor carriage. So I am afraid I must be going, but I…well I could save you a seat…if you like. So that you can sit by some one you…are more familiar with?” She asked turning bright red. It seemed a bit forward for her, but she swore to herself it’s what any good hostess would do.




He’d noticed the other horse man awhile back. His hand slipped down closer to the piece he worse hanging loose and strapped to his thigh. Shoulders tight, he was ready. However as they got closer to one another the other man simply tipped his hat and said a simple “Good Morning.”

“ Mornin’. You headed into town?”[/Color] He asked, pulling the reins on his horse to slow down to a trot and turn slightly. Never harmed to offer his hotel, Rose’s hotel, he corrected himself. Plus it would prolong the journey out to see Red. Which…Alex wasn’t sure but that might be where he was headed right now.

[The Doctor plus one]

9:15 Sunday Morning

Sunday mornings. That meant only one thing. Church time. And as usual, doctor Franklin was on the way to church by himself. O-Suzu didn't attend such “events”, as she usually called it. Why would she anyway? She wasn't Christian and considered the concept of Christianity to be rather odd. Charles knew her argumentation good enough. Christians were eating their god's flesh and drinking his blood, of course not literally, but the thought was disgusting for her. The memory of the face she had made the last time they had ended up arguing about it made the doctor chuckle. Stubborn she was indeed. But it was fine, she was a good girl. Christian or not didn't matter there. And there was even an advantage to it. Charles could work on his acquaintances, while O-Suzu, who hated this part of the job, could deal with any work that had to be done in the office.

As he was strolling towards the church, he noticed other people heading towards it. Of course, it wasn't really a surprise. Lot's of people went to church, but as usual one question arose. How many of them did because they really felt like going there and how many simply went there because society demanded it? How many of them went there simply because they were playing a role, pretending to be good Christians? Franklin had seen his fair share of hypocrites in his life. On Sunday they ran to church, and on Monday they murdered, robbed, raped. Some people...

---


Church. He observed the people heading for the useless building. Did they really believe that their odd god creature would be helping them if they'd just pray long enough? Stupid bastards. There was only one thing that really helped a man. Himself. Himself and his guns. Vandervoort shook his head. There was no way he'd join those sheep in their procession towards a priest who'd be rambling at them about eternal damnation, hell and whatever other crap he would be spewing. Priests. Just as bad as politicians. No, worse actually. A politician would just disappear after his term was over. With a priest you were stuck for the rest of your, or his, life. Cockroaches all of them.

Vandervoort knew that their god didn't exist. He had seen countless of people pray to it, yet it had never helped them. Quite amusing. Like that woman in Atlanta, oh she'd been praying to her god, but god obviously didn't give a damn about rebels, especially not rebel women. Or that other woman on that plantation in South Carolina. Oh yes, she'd been praying as well, she and that cute little nigger girl of hers. Who'd been better? The tall brunette rebel or the cute nigger? Vandervoort brought up his hand and rubbed his nose, only to bring it down to his mustache. It was hard to tell. And it didn't really matter anymore, did it? The only thing that was left of them now, was a couple of bleaching bones. The thought made him chuckle. It had been fun, hadn't it? And the rebels had deserved it. They had to be wiped out, like the Jews in ancient times. And now he was stuck here, in Lost Haven. Full of chinks, niggers and injuns. Oh the joy. But then again, maybe it was better to play along for now. Let them think that he was just like them, a good Christian, a nice guy. Vandervoort picked up his hat and left his room. Quickly he moved downstairs and then stepped out of the Five Graces. No, he had not left his gun behind. Stepping out of his room without a gun was like walking through New York without any clothes. It was just damn stupid.

His gaze caught the owner of the Five Graces, Rose was her name, talking with a guy who looked as if he was coming from a zoo. Barton was his name, that much Vandervoort knew. Excelsior Mining belonged to him. He was just some rich boy from the East Coast, one of those “gentlemen”. Annoying at best, useless at worst. It was unlikely that he had ever killed a man. Vandervoort smirked to himself and decided to ignore them, for now. Though, Rose was a nice little girl...

---


Sunday meant nothing for her. It was just another day. O-Suzu had seen off the doctor just a minute ago and she was already at work again. There were clothes to wash and a meal to cook, among other things. Passing people would give her odd looks again. This time not because of how she looked like, no. This time it was simply because they expected everyone to go to church on Sundays. It had to do with this... what was it called... kuristianiti. O-Suzu didn't know much about it, except those things doctor Franklin had told her. She knew that there were different factions, different sects, much like in Buddhism. They had also been at war with each other, much like it had happened with some of the Buddhist sects in Japan and they had a guy called the Pope who considered himself to be the heir of Jesus. Or was it Peturus? Petrus? Something like that.

She was already in the backyard. Before picking up the bucket to fetch water O-Suzu put on her apron and tied her sleeves back with a simple cloth. She had tried it before, but she simply couldn't work in those western clothes. Sure, those dresses were pretty, but completely useless for normal housework, not to mention for working as a doctor's assistant. O-Suzu picked up the bucket and carried it to the small trough. The water splashed into it. Once done she went back into the house and returned soon afterwards with the clothes, soap and a washboard. The rich ladies she had met in Edo, Europe and Boston had no idea what hard work it was to wash clothes or even bedsheets like this. Then again, what they knew about life was a joke anyway. But O-Suzu wasn't unhappy. She'd wash the clothes of ten doctor Franklins on a daily basis as long as they'd keep her around and would teach her all those interesting and fascinating things.

[Shane Lawson]

Somehow Barton didn't believe her but he was to much of a gentlemen to question her integrity, so he moved past that and on to the compliments. "Why thank you." He beamed, somehow finding her compliments to feel more geniune then the ones he was use to in Boston. "You're look quite lovely yourself this morning." he said returning the compliment with a smile.

"Oh.. You should've let me know.. I could've had my carriage brought up." Though he himself hadn't thought of it because somehow the thought of walking to church didn't bother him so much. Henry blinked a few times as she rambled along with her words, which was quite charming actually and even more so when she blushed! "Oh.. Now who would I be more familiar with then you?" He asked, though he'd met a few people over the last few days including the Mayor, Marshal Sullivan and others there weren't any locals that he truly knew all that well except her. "I'd be delighted to escort you to church..I mean.. if you'd have me of course.."

Devils Canyon

Lawson remained quiet on the question for a moments, leaning forward in his saddle as he eyed the individual for a moment before speaking. "Yeah, Just got in from Globe." That in itself might've been a surprise to locals given how treacherous Devils Canyon was with the Indian Problem, anyone who'd ride through from Globe in the morning or worse still spending the night in the canyon must've been nuts! He shifted in his saddle, realizing though this might be a good opertunity to get some information about Lost Haven and his Target before he was in the thick of thigns."Know of any good places to stay or entertainment?" he asked, not specifiying the exact kind of entertainment but he was looking for the nearest brothel, not out of lustful carnal needs but information he could gain from such a visit.

[Rose and Alex]

Rose murmured her thanks at his complement. Quickly moving on to the next subject. “ Oh no, it’s not that far of a walk. I wouldn’t have wanted to bother you.” Smiling she made sure she had her clutch purse and headed for the door. “Thank you Kindly Mr. Barton, I’d love to have you, escort me.”

They stepped out the door and Rose waved to Jane, who would man the store while she was gone. Normally that was Alex’s job, he’d stay here most of the time, and only occasionally go to Church when Rose made him. Turning her head away they stepped out on to the walk-way. Lifting on hand to shield against the sun, she pointed down the road. “It’s just a bit down that way. Shouldn‘t be but a ten minute walk.”

She turned and looked up at him smiling, then taking his offered arm they walked further. “ If you don’t mind me saying so Mr. Barton, you’ve come along way from Boston. You Lady Wife must miss you terribly.” Though she’d seen no ring on his finger it wasn’t uncommon for men to not wear them around.

Devils Canyon

Rubbing the dust from his eyes, Alex screwed his face looking back down through the cannon. “ That’s a rough ride down through that pass.” In his thoughts he tried to judge how long this man had been riding. Adjusting in his saddle Alex rubbed his hand down his face.

“ My friend runs a hotel called The Five Grace’s. It’s reasonably priced, if your looking for a good brothel to relieve stress there’s Beauregard Beauties. As far as a good drink? The Old Times tavern or Ambrosia club. Both are fair in price. Old Times is a bit calmer then Ambrosia, less likely to be shot.” Alex finished up with a laugh.

“ The hotel, Five Grace’s it’s a bit pricey but Rose, the owner, she’ll work with ya, and it’s a nice hotel.” Taking off his hat he ran his hand through his hair. “ ‘bout a twenty minute ride straight on.” Pulling the reins of his horse, he steadied him. Tipping his hat, “ I won’t keep ya.”

[Shane Lawson]

Glancing at her as they walked together arm in arm he noticed her shielding herself from the sun with her hand."A lady such as yourself should a parasol." he stated stated mater-of-factly as so many women in Boston carried
the umrella like devices everywhere and the sun was nothing like it was here. "Perhaps for your birthday?" Teasing her with his words, though he had half a mind to have something nice sent from Boston. It'd been a long time
since he'd been arm in arm with a woman, let alone a woman he actually liked. Yes, Henrys romantic affairs weren't pretty by any means, mostly due to the meddling of his parents who wanted him to stay within certain social circles
and only marry certain women who had only the best connections.. In reality there was no romance or love in it as far as he could see.

And when she spoke of his 'wife' it caused him to both chuckle and choke on the mere thought, he'd been engaged before coming out here but that would've been a debacle if he'd married her. "Oh.. Not I." he said with another chuckle. "I'm quite... you know.. untaken?" He looked at her for a moment, wondering what'd prompted to ask such a question.

Devils Canyon

"I've seen worse." Lawson retorted flatly, it wasn't an easy ride by any means but he knew he'd pick it any day of the week over some of the terrian of the New Mexico Badlands or marching into the hell hole that was the Devils Den at Gettysburg. "But I said out this morning, before dawn so." he shrugged a bit, then listening to Alex give him a low-down on the entertainment side of things, there was something about the boy that didn't seem right.. Something below the surface that just, didn't sit right with him. Having chased the worst and known the best Texas had to offer, Lawson knew people quite well and could usually pickup on the lies or halftruths that people either told or portrayed about themselves. One could call it natural instinct perhaps, instinct that'd saved him a lot of trouble in the past. "Seems this town has a bit of everything." he remarked while cooly watcing the man steady his horse.

Though there was some underlying thing about him that nagged at the back of Shane's mind, there didn't seem to be anything that threatening about him. Sure he carried a pistol but who didn't these days? If he was some sort of Outlaw he certainly wasn't the cream of the crop. It was decision time as Shane had to decide quickly as to whether ot not to grill him for more information. Deciding it was the best idea he held his hand up, clearing his throat to get Alex's attetion and stop him. "You wouldn't happen to know a Jimmy Bales would you?" If Alex did, he'd know his reputation as a two-bit crook, card-cheat and a half-assed stickup man who'd never claimed a dollar one out off a stage coach. Allowing himself to even be associated with a man like that, would probably mean Alex would immediately distrust him but... "Friend of a friend back in Globe said he had some hot-tips on a rich silver vein." Lawson explained while jabbing his thumb back over his shoulder. It was a total lie of course, but told flawlessly and without hesitation so that hopefully Alex would think he was just some poor dumb coutry bumpkin about to get swindled on some fools gold or in this case silver. What did that make Lawson? A liar? No, a professional bullshiter? Most likely. "Asked me to check it out for him."

[Rose and Alex]

Rose (cant' figure out how to make my pictures small enough so no pictures for you!}
Turning her head to look at him Rose smiled. “ It’s only a short walk...” She said quietly. Then he offered her one, for her birthday. She flushed again and looked away from him.

“ Oh no, Mr. Barton please don’t trouble yourself.” Rose said as the blush faded. “ It’s such a frivolous thing. But thank you, for thinking of me.” It was the only way she could think of how to handle the situation. She was sure the man was joking, teasing her, but tokens like that shouldn’t be given to her, not from him at least.

“Forgive me, if it was rude to ask.” She said in reference to his non existent Lady Wife. “ I only wondered because you have such a...sometimes soft, nature about yourself, if you’ll forgive me for saying so.”. Rose patted his arm gently. They were almost to the church, she looked up and saw a man, Vandervoot, a guest at her hotel not to far away eyeing Barton and then herself. She offered him a small smile and turned back to Mr. Barton, they were at the church doors now.

“See not a terrible walk.” They stepped inside, at once another woman, large around the waist with greying hair spotted her and waved.

“ Oh darl’n Rose! I heard Alex was about town the last few nights drinkin’ somethin terrible! Are you alright?” The woman asked looking at the Fine Mr. Barton next to her. ”And who, my dear is this fine young man you’ve got with ya?” She asked smiling up at him showing a very large gap between two front teeth.

“Mrs. Yanders, this is Mr. Barton a guest at my hotel, he’s ask I introduce him to some of the town.” Turning she smiled at Mr. Barton, ”Mr. Barton this is Mrs. Tina Yanders, widow and seamstress. She owns the dress shop. And yes ma’m I’d heard Alex has been out, but I’m fine. I’m not sure what’s wrong with him. He’s been out of sorts for almost a week now.” Rose said pulling her arm from Mr. Bartons with a blush as the old woman wriggled her eye brows at it.

“ Well no matter Dearling, Mr. Barton! Please ta meet ya! We don’t get quiet so fancy look’n men in our parts.”

Alex

Alex stopped again and turned his horse around facing the other man. “Jimmy Bales? Not off hand, mighta heard of him in town gossip but not much. Thinking about it he did recall hearing some stories about Jimmy and not many of them kind or good. “ Now that I think of it, I do remember something about him, he’s known to be a liar and a cheat. I wouldn’t trust him so far as you could throw him.” Shrugging Alex sighed and turned back town.

“ If ya like I can show you some of the best gossip bars in town. You cna judge for yourself if you think is word is good on a silver vein.”

[Shane Lawson]

Despite Roses protests Barton made a mental note to follow through on a gift, of course it was the lady like thing to decline such an offer. This was a lovely gesture in his opinion as his fiancée and been more of the greedy sort? And would've been all over such an offer which had annoyed him to no end. Oh well, she'd lost out on that meal ticket! Henry didn't comment further, merely smiling instead as he listened to her as they walked along towards church. "Well truthfully?" It was in his opinion that being honest was the best policy, especially with women. "I was engaged once upon a time.." The remark was spoken quite dryly, he harbored no positive feelings about that sham of an engegement. Before they could discuss the matter any further, they arrived there at church.

It became apparent to him that like most churches it had an active rumor grapevine! Henry merely smiled and nodded to the woman, waiting for Rose to introduce him. All the while he tried not to stare at the womans gap, which was hard for him really. He cleared his throat, smiling again as he offered a hand. "Pleased to meet you Ma'am." Her compliments worked well to make him blush a little as well. "Oh, Thank you.." he said with a nervous cough following. "I'm from Boston myself, and you?" he asked a bit nervously, unsure of how to respond to such a compliment.


Devils Canyon

Shane had to stiffled a chuckle as Alex had hit the nail right on the head. "erm.. Really now? Well.." he smiled a bit, "I've heard a few rumors to suggest the same thing actually." The fact that this man had been honest about Jimmys reputation seemed to suggest that he atleast had some honest traits as some people would've left a unsuspecting person to the wolves for the hell of it. "And that'd be much appreciated Mister, I could do for some gossip." he grinned a little, "The name is Shane... Shane Burrows." He said with a tip of his hat, the Burrows name was an assumed name he used frequently, as there were certain tales and reputation attached to the Lawson name from a legendary long range rifle shot at Gettysburg to the Lawson Cattle Ranch in Texas, all high profile matters he wished to avoid in his line of wor ksometimes.

[The Doctor plus one]

“Fancy? What? You don't consider me fancy? I'm guess I'm really getting old!” Doctor Franklin added from the side while approaching them. Then he lifted his hat. “Good day Miss Rose, Mrs Yanders, Mr Barton.” Then he noticed Vandervoort sneak past them and into the church and for a second the good doctor was distracted, reminded of similar men he had met before. Some colonial officers in India and China, some samurai in Japan. After a couple of years out there one could smell trouble ahead. But quickly he focused his attention back on the three of them. “You see Mrs Yanders, us Yankees from Boston, we tend to get attracted by the wild beauty of the seemingly endless West.” The wild beauty? It wasn't necessarily the best of his word plays ever. Rose was certainly a beauty, but he knew too well that she wasn't wild at all. O-Suzu on the other hand... Mrs Yanders and the other crows would end up asking about her again. And he would give them the same answer as all the times before, that O-Suzu wasn't Christian. And honestly, sometimes he just enjoyed rubbing that in.

[Rose and Alex]

Rose[/u][/i]
Though she did wonder about Mr. Barton’s engagement she knew better then to ask any more questions. Not to mention they’d arrived and Mrs. Yanders was on them quickly. She smiled again at the older woman, who gave her a kind pat, and linked arms with her.

“Yer quiet welcome. Ah well I was born not too far from here, little town doubt you’d evah heard of it.” Mrs. Yanders waved off the question. Smiling up at him, then hearing Doctor Franklin’s voice she turned around and put her hands on her hips.

“Ah now Doctor, ya know I think yer fancy AND handsome. I’d take ya myself if I weren’t a widow. And you yerself weren’t so young.” The older woman laughed, she was only about a year or three older then the man. She shook her head and continued. “I see your….friend still ain’t attenden church then? Well, between your girly and Rose here’s Alex half the town’s gunna need save’n.” Mrs. Yanders shook her head again, to her it was the biggest sin to miss church, but she gave Alex more slack, him being a man and all. That girl of the Doctor’s though, she was just like them Indians and needed more save’n then the rest of ‘em.

Rose glanced up at the doctor as he came closer. “Good Day Doctor Franklin.” When the doctor dolled out his complement it went right over Roses head. “ I think the wild beauty is quiet lovely as well.”

Giving another laugh the stout woman, Mrs. Yanders, laughed again. “ That’s mah Rose. I’ll take the complement for what it’s worth Doctor. Now we best be find’n our seats and I think Ms. Smithy wanted a word with you about the festival commin’ up. Gentlemen, we’ll see ya when sermon starts.”

“ Mr. Barton would you still like for me to save you a seat near us, or would you be seating with Doctor Franklin?” Rose asked before she was getting dragged away. As they were walking out of ear shot Rose asked Mrs. Yanders “What complement, what are you talking about?


Alex
Nodding Alex had guessed the other man might have heard the same Rumors. Gripping his reins more tightly he steadied his horse which was getting antsy. “Best gossip in town is either at the cat house or the Tavern.” he tipped his hat back.

“Name’s Alex Manson. Come on, we’ll get the gossip and then if you need a place to stay I’ll see what I can do.” Alex was just great full for the distraction from his thoughts and helping a new comer might be the best way. He turned his horse back to the city, and spurred it on. Pulling his hat back down over his eyes, “ I’d take care of Jimmy, since if there was a silver vein it could be old and used up.”

[Shane Lawson]

Henrys eyes lit up a little when he heard Doctor Franklin's voice, "Good morning Doctor!" he chirpped cheerfully with a tip of his hat in response. "Yes, The good Doctor is right, Why do you think I came out here?" As he asked this he gave Rose a momentary glance, even though he was out here due in part to business matters, he was chasing the romantic ideals of the west as well. Somehow though Henry was a bit surprised that Mrs. Yanders didn't tell him she was from that place called Arkansas he'd heard so much about! With the fact that services were about to begin, he tipped his hat to his friends again and smiled. "I'll see you after Church Doctor, Good day." he said with a slight bow before they were both dragged away. "Well I escorted you this far, I don't see why I shouldn't take you the rest of the way right?" he smiled.



Just as the 'party' was breaking up Marshal Sullivan came waltzing in through the front door, wearing his sunday bests topped off with his badge. One could say many things about the good Marshal, but one thing that was for certain was the fact that he was a God fearing man like a lot of people. "Mornin' Doctor." he said tipping his hat, while looking to make sure his usual place by the mayor was unoccupied, which it was of course. The church seemed to be a little more packed then usual, which meant that donations would be up for today which was a good thing of course.

Devils Canyon

Lawson laughed a little. "I think that's true of all these little boom towns." The saloons and cat houses had never failed to point him in the right direction, "Lead the way my good man, lead the way." he told Alex before he turned his horse back towards town, Lawson's horse soon fell into step along Alex's horse. If the boy examined him more closely, he might wonder a bit about the man he was leading into town, obviouslly the long rifle bag that hung at the side of his saddle was a bit unusual, only Buffalo Hunters carried rifles that large usually, yet why would someone like that be this far south? Unless it was for the shooting competition of course. "Looks a bit biger then I imagined."

[The Doctor plus one]

He decided not to comment on the “save'n” part, after all, he didn't need any of it and he also knew that O-Suzu could defend herself against those fanatics quite well. As long as they wouldn't drag her off to a river or lake and almost drown her while trying to baptize her everything was fine. Mrs Yanders was quite alright, just a bit too much of a bible thumper. “Good day to you ladies, Mr Barton.” Oh, it was likely that they would see each other after church, there was, after all, business to do -which usually meant going for a drink afterwards. And, as usual, the marshal was also there. Franklin returned the man's greeting “Good day marshal Sullivan.”

Vandervoort, meanwhile, was observing the scenery. This Barton character was clearly a rich boy from the east, but rather useless otherwise. Hanging around with the ladies and the bible thumping matrons. He didn't fit into this place. A dinner party with senators, other politicians and industrials in Washington was a better place for men like him. Marshal Sullivan was old, certainly, but he still had those sharp eyes. That was a man not to be taken lightly. Doctor Franklin on the other hand was... well... a doctor. He'd possibly shoot off his own foot with a gun, thus he wasn't much of a threat either. As it was, George hadn't seen a real threat yet, except maybe the old marshal. Though, even there George was convinced that he'd win over the man, especially on longer ranges.

---


At the doctor's office, O-Suzu was still busy with cleaning the clothes. That church meeting thing whatever would soon start, then people would sing strange songs, listen to an odd guy rambling about eternal damnation, salvation and the end of the world, and then they would eat their god. At that moment O-Suzu stopped and took a deep breath. Cannibals, worse than any outcasts. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, but not necessarily a comfortable one. They were odd people, really they were.

[Rose and Alex]

Rose
Bidding good day to the Doctor Rose was pulled along by Mrs. Yanders. The older woman spotted Ms. Smith and flagged her down. Rose smiled up at Mr. Braton as the older woman let her go and walked over to whisper something to Ms. Smith. “Thank you for accompanying me Mr. Barton. Why don’t we sit over here? It’s by an open window, might be able to catch a breeze if you need it.” Rose generally sat squished between Mrs. Yanders and Mrs. Fowler. But as Mr. Barton was going to stay around, she was afraid the awful heat might get to him.

Mrs. Yanders (dragging Ms. Smith) came back over by them. “No time to talk about it now but Ms. Smith was wondering if you might like to help with the cook’n and such for the social?”

“Of course I’ll help any way I can.” Rose said with a tilt of her head, careful not to jostle her little white hat. “If you like you may come to the Hotel and we can discuss it over tea.”

Ms. Smith, tall and willowy with large brown eyes smiled, “Yes alright. Oh looks like its starting.” And then was pulled to sit with Mrs. Yanders.


Devil's canyon- Alex

Alex had learned long ago to keep his questions and wonderin’s to himself. He didn’t even let his eyes linger on the rifle bag. This man’s business was his own. “Yeah, ‘s what people say. It keeps growin’ day by day too. There’s the Doctor’s place” He said pointing to the building a little bit always in on the left. “’snot far to the hotel now. Rose, she’ll be in church. You a God fearin’ man? Church is that way” He asked, turning in the saddle a little to ask his companion, while pointing up the street a ways. After a moment he returned to his normal position and they went on.

Drawing his horse up to the Saloon, he swung down. He turned to the other man. “This isn’t the Cat house, though there are some Cats here. Figured you might like a drink after the ride.”