Departure Stories

The Christmas present ticked rhythmically behind the long sofa. The housemaid shuffled about, reluctantly preparing her master’s breakfast of tea, hardtack, and a shot of rum, as she had done for years. Because today was special, she placed a tiger lily on the tray. The bedroom door banged open. “Ahoy, wench! Where’s me grub?” He twirled his mustache with his hooked hand. “Open your present first.” He hastily leaned over...

The next morning Stiles was escorted to the railway station by two of the deputies and they stayed with him on the platform until the train arrived and boarding began. "Remember what the boss said about showing your face here again," one of the deputies warned. "And don't even think of jumping off as we ain't leaving here until the train is well underway and one of us are gonna follow on horseback until the train reaches...