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-Yes. He said he was Corman. You can take his name off the list. He called me out. He drew his gun on me.

That was all he said. No more explanations. Then the lawman walked away, leaving Ryan standing on the street for a few seconds, before he went back to his office.

-Guess this feller -I was makin' a reference to the body on the horse- ain't gonna be your last problem regarding Maddox.

For the little I knew Maddox, I already knew he was the kind of man who would not stop 'til he got what he wanted. He carried the law, he was determined to get those men, and he didn't care about Bronson, Sabbath or any of us. And I knew Ryan: he was a different kind of lawman. He was a good man, but tired of life. He was getting old after a life of crime pursuing, and he wanted a calm life, outta trouble, and retire as soon as possible.

-No problem with that. I'll take the body to the undertaker before goin' to Lucas'*, don't worry. Go, speak with the mayor. See ya tonight.

I got on the horse and made my way to the undertaker.

–So I figure, Ryan confirmed about the possible problems. It felt good having Mayer around, especially with the angry looks he was getting from Harris and the other locals. –I reckon Mr. Bronson got trouble, unless Maddox is all mistaken. We´ll see.

Mayer took Corman´s body to the undertaker, who promised to send word to his family. From there, he headed back to the Lucas Saloon. Everyone around him seemed nervous and worried. The people gathered to find out what was going on.

Was he bounty hunter or something? A ruthless killer? Was the old man from Bannock his kin? What was Ryan going to do about this? What was Bronson going to do about this?

Most were worried things would not be the same around Sabbath no more. And it was then they all realized how much they valued how things were in Sabbath.

Mayer turned left from the main street to get to Lucas´ place, and he saw his boss sitting on an rocking chair on the porch with a curious expression on his face.

Lucas seemed melancholic. Not especially sad and for sure he was not worried or scared as many were. He was looking at a blond woman dressed in a Sunday dress. The lady was maybe thirty years old, and she was quite beautiful. She was standing still on the main street, not far away from Lucas´ place. She was looking at the hotel were Maddox had checked in. And she looked as if she had seen a ghost.

It seemed Lucas and Mayer were not the only people in Sabbath who knew Maddox…

-Howdy -I said-. Everything alright, Lucas?

I had never seen that blonde woman before, maybe she was an old friend of Lucas? In any casy, I was wondering if Decroux already knew about Maddox being in town. 

-I´m fine, Mayer, Lucas replied with his eyes fixed on the woman. –Just surprised to see two old acquaintances of mine. That woman over there used to work here, and before that, in Canyon City. Jared, Laura, and the others. Ah, those were the days. We felt we were invincible. I could still walk, he said smiling, but his eyes were strangely cold and lifeless. –And Maddox could still feel something. Now… I´m afraid he is all dead inside.

Earlier, he had seen Maddox ride into town with a corpse. And that she had arrested Sinta.

-That woman is Laura. Laura Shelby. She and Maddox… Well, they have a history. I saw you speaking to Ryan, about Maddox I guess. Do you know what he wants?, he asked trying to look as if he was not really interested.

-I met Maddox at San Acoma a while ago. I was looking for a new life, we drank together... He seems to be a good man -I said-. He's the one who told me about you being here in Sabbath.

I took a look at Lucas' face, to see his reaction.

-I don't know your story with him, but I'm thankful he guided my steps to you again, old friend -then I answered his question-. He's lookin' for some of the Bronson men, looks like those guys had too much fun. 

I sat next to Lucas, looking at Laura, and sighted.

-Guess calm life in Sabbath is over -I knew that was gonna bring trouble to town.

-Hmm, he stands so high up above everyone, Lucas replied, that he can´t see. He´s a good lawman, I give you that much. But best to step wide of him.

The veteran gambler got up from his chair with some difficulty, and waited for one of the girls to bring him his crutches. –I reckon this town ain´t gonna look kindly upon Maddox, myfriend. They don´t want the law in Sabbath.  In a way, men like him and men like me sit at the same table. The virtuous need us, but hah! They don´t like the smell.

Lucas started moving towards the saloon entrance. –Let´s get to work.

The night after Maddox rode into town, the saloons and brothels were packed with people curious to find out what was going on. Soon enough, everyone knew the long and short of it. However, Ryan did not show up that night. Mayer was a bit worried of the outcome, but worked through the night with the usual routine. After he had finished and the saloon was closed, Rosanna entered his room.

Tomorrow would be another day. But somehow, deep inside, many had a feeling that nothing would ever be the same.