I am writing with regret and terror today, as I believe I may have taken a man’s life. Not unjustly, mind you, but still a life taken nonetheless.
Terror, as well, at that I feel very little about it.
We went into town as planned. BV workers were hanging around town, but I thought little of it as we had just seen many of these faces just yesterday. Or more I was hoping to think little of it. Father Sinclair was asked to give the sermon tomorrow, though I doubt that is still a standing request. When going to talk with the shopkeep, the father and I were informed that under heavy threats to no longer sell to use(is this why the prices have been going up so steeply lately?)
After attempts to negotiate left the poor man shaking in his boots, we left to go find the rest of the men to attempt to prevent a fight from breaking out.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, we were too late.
As Mr. Chase(found his name) and Mr. Silence tell it, they had been at the bar getting a drink. Mr. Randall has agreed with their story. Mr. Randall had been threatened in a similar manner, however, did not care to oblige BV. Whilst drinking, Mr. Chase and Mr. Silence were approached and threatened by Mr. Phelps. It devolved into a gunfight very quickly.
Father Sinclair and I were right outside as this was happening, talking to two BV men who were standing outside attempting to prevent us from entering. Both of us were attempting to talk them down. I had Isadora with me, and thus was reluctant to start even just a fistfight. I really just wanted to leave.
Then there was yelling, and the first shot rang out.
I did what I had to do. I needed to protect her.
None of our men died, but they sustained losses. From assisting Mr. Randall with their removal I believe it was 3.
While the Father ran in, I was able to keep outside and assist from the window. She saw very little, but the noise was obviously painful to her, and she has remained understandably upset. I believe I was able to keep her from seeing the worst of the corpses.
When it was obvious that Mr. Phelps and co., were losing Mr. Black Dog appeared. Or no, not him, not really. Three specters speaking in his voice dug themselves up from under the floorboards to tell Mr. Phelps to leave(seemed a lot for a small message? Or was it to scare us specifically?).
He then proceeded to tell Father Sinclair specifically to leave, in terms I have heard refer to my ...situation with Deborah as well. This was later affirmed.
I’m somewhat ashamed to admit I shot at Mr. Phelps as he was fleeing. I was caught in the moment. He fell but continued running shortly so I assume I missed anything vital. That may be worse. I saw clearly I hit center mass, and infection… I will try not to dwell on it. At least the men here had quick ends.
I insisted we help Mr. Randall clean up. Mr. Silence and Mr. Chase presented some concerning behaviors, but in interest of leaving town as quickly as possible I did not intervene. Instead I went to the shop again to see if with the men making the threats gone if he would sell to us the last of what we need.
Father Sinclair and I had an argument over the best way to do this, seeing as he was covered in gore and Isadora and I were not. We wound up both talking to him, and between my previous goodwill with the man and the father’s extra payment, we were able to acquire most of what was needed.
After dragging Mr. Chase and Mr. Silence away from the possessions of the dead men, we headed home. I confirmed that Father Sinclair and I are in similar situations, though he appears to have been less strict than I have been. Mr. Chase claimed his partner has not had a similar incident to their first meeting since, and seemed sincere.
Mr. Silence was NOT involved with the specific situation, and seemed surprised to learn it possible. He just happens to be an accomplished gambler.
Mr. Sutter is a well of patience and understanding. We remain employed, though we have yet again moved up our already limited time frame for leaving.
I was optimistic, especially after Mr. Silence’s display of skill as a cattleman, but I am beginning to have doubts about my involvement in hiring these men.