Now Playing: The Darkness
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The Darkness 1.
Episode Two concluded with:
Bart McRae sprung up from his chair and stood over Jesse. “I wasn’t paid anything up front. I was promised five thousand dollars and a good job with the stage coach line if I’d plead guilty and go to jail for you.”
Bart McRae sprung up from his chair and stood over Jesse. “I wasn’t paid anything up front. I was promised five thousand dollars and a good job with the stage coach line if I’d plead guilty and go to jail for you.”
The sneer returned to Jesse’s face.
“Uncle Adrian always knew how to strike a good deal. He rescued the family name
by promising you great riches in the future. It was a lot cheaper than buying
off a jury.”
“I want what’s coming to me, Jesse!”
“There are a few problems there,
Bart.” Jesse opened the right hand drawer of his desk part way. The handle of a
gun was clearly visible. “There is no stage coach line for you to work for.”
Episode Three
“I’ll settle for the money."
“The money
was promised to you by Uncle Adrian, who isn’t around anymore.” The sneer
remained on Jesse’s face as his eyes darted toward the gun. “You see, he blew
off his head one night in his room on the third floor. I had the place swamped
out, but a little portion of dear Uncle Adrian may still be up there. Of course,
that won’t do you much good.”
“You’re
lying! Adrian Monahan is still alive!”
Jesse
laughed contemptuously and returned to his cards. Bart opened his valise,
pulled out a letter and tossed it in front of the professional gambler.
“I worked
more than five years with your uncle. I know his writing!”
The sneer
vanished from Jesse’s face. “This…is my uncle’s handwriting…” Bart couldn’t be
sure but he thought Jesse’s hands were shaking as he picked up the letter and
read it.
The letter
was dated three weeks before.
Dear Bart:
I don’t know if I will ever find forgiveness in the next world for the
terrible thing I have done to you. I
only hope you will forgive me.
You will be released from prison at noon. If you go to the nearest train station you will find a ticket
waiting there. The train will bring you to Jameson.
Come to my home immediately. I will do
everything I can to make good
on my promises.
I am praying for you. Please pray for me.
Adrian Monahan
This time
there could be no doubt, Jesse Monahan’s entire body trembled as he dropped the
letter on the desk, then stood up and began to pace about the room. “This
changes everything….”
The gambler
walked over to his desk and stared at the cards, as if trying to discern his
future. “Things have not gone well for the Monahans. Any of us. There are some
things you need to see. I have an extra horse. We’ll ride out tomorrow; it’s
too dark now. You can spend the night here.”
Bart liked
this subdued Jesse Monahan a lot more than he did the caustic man who had
greeted him at the door. McRae spoke in a soft, whimsical voice.
“Thanks for putting me up. Guess you’ve got plenty of empty
rooms.”
“Not
really,” a sad expression crossed Monahan’s face. “I sleep right here. The
second floor had to be closed. It needs repair work that I can’t afford. Just
take the stairway up to the third floor. You can sleep in Uncle Adrian’s old
room.”
Tomorrow: Episode
Four of The Darkness