DEADTOWN

Chapter 12

Tim looks to the others and nods toward the door as he quietly stands. 

"We'll be over at the saloon whenever he's ready to come out." Tim says softly to Chris. "And don't force any information on him that he's not ready for."

"Okay." Chris nods as he comforts the crying man in his arms.

Tim reaches for Adam's hand and they follow the others outside.

"It doesn't get any easier does it." Jenika comments as they gather outside the hotel.

"No." Tim says as he lights a cigarette. "And knowing that his sister was pulled down to Hell right in front of his eyes, makes it even worse. I can not imagine seeing my sister pulled away like that and then finding out where she was."

"They would have had to take me too." Avi replies.

"It had to be horrifying." Adam adds. "I don't won't to ever see those things."

"I've seen them moving around in the dark shadows from my window." Austin says. "But I've never actually seen them."

"Trust me, Austin, you don't want to." Tim says shaking his head. "It's all your worst nightmares rolled up in one. Red eyes staring you right in the face just inches away. Their hot breath smells of decaying flesh."

"So you're the only one that's actually seen them?" Adam asks as they make their way over to the saloon.

"Yeah, until now." Tim answers as he glances over his shoulder at the hotel.

They walk into the saloon and scatter out among the tables. Some playing cards, some just chatting and a few couples distance themselves to have a small make out session.

"Can I ask you something?" Adam smiles as he steps over Tim's legs to sit down in his lap facing him.

"Mhmm." Tim nods.

"What did you do to him?" Adam asks with furrowed brows.

"Do to who?" Tim asks.

"Nate." Adam answers.

"When?" Tim asks. 

"After he kicked you to the floor. You jumped up and you did something and he couldn't move." Adam answers.

"Oh, that. I just temporarily paralyzed him so he'd stop fighting us." Tim shrugs.

"We have powers like that?" Adam asks, tilting his head to the side.

"No, just me. I was the first to arrive here so I guess I'm the stronger spirit." Tim says with another shrug. "It's like my job to try to watch over everyone here. And try to save as many souls that I can. Hence the nickname Mayor that Rob gave me."

"But that's impossible especially if they show up at night. That would be putting yourself in danger and these guys need you." Adam says. "Does your powers work against those demon dogs?"

"Unfortunately, no." Tim says, shaking his head.

"Well, you know, Mr. Mayor." Adam smiles as he slides his arms around Tim's neck. "You can use your powers on me anytime you please."

Tim raises a brow as he stares into Adam's blue eyes.

Adam smiles as he leans over to whisper in his lover's ear.

"I mean, who needs handcuffs for sexual fantasies when you can just paralyze them, right?" Adam whispers as he nibbles on Tim's ear.

"Hmm, sounds kinky." Tim smiles as he pulls Adam closer to him.

"Hey, guys." Chris says as he and Nate walk into the saloon and head for Tim's table. "Sorry to interrupt." He adds with a smirk.

"No problem. Yall have a seat." Tim says then turns his attention to the newcomer. "So, how are you feeling?"

"A little better. Just really confused." Nate answers.

"I was the last to arrive. I've been here a couple of weeks and I'm still confused about this place." Adam says, giving Nate a friendly smile.

"Hell, I was the first to arrive and I'm still confused. You'll never figure this place out so don't even waste your time trying." Tim says, shaking his head.

"So, is these all the people that lives here?" Nate says as he looks around the room.

"Yep. At the card table are Avi, Kevin, Rob and his wife Kelsey." Tim says. Each one holding up their hands as he calls their names signalling who's who. "Over there in the corner making out is Chance and Jenika. And in the other corner making out is Austin and Olena. And of course, you've already met Chris, Adam and myself."

"I'm sorry. I was kinda out of it when you told me your name." Nate says.

"I'm Tim." Tim answers with a smile.

"Mayor Tim." Rob says over his shoulder with a chuckle.

"Mayor?" Nate asks.

Tim shakes his head as if to say, 'Pay no attention to the bearded man'.

"There's only one rule to follow here and that's get inside a building when the sun starts to set." Tim says.

"Oh, I've learned that already." Nate nods.

"And just remember, that as bad and scary as those things sound outside, you are totally safe inside. They can not get you." Chris adds.

"But the noises take some getting used to." Adam says. "They scare the crap out of you. They sound as if they are right outside your room."

"How did you get used to it?" Nate asks.

"I found someone to hold me until the fear was gone." Adam smiles as he looks at Tim.

Tim smiles and winks at him.

"That sounds like an awesome idea but looks to me like everyone is paired up." Nate says as he looks around the room.

"Uh, I'm available." Chris says, slowly raising his hand.

Tim chuckles lightly, leaning his head on Adam's shoulder.

"Then I guess my problem is solved." Nate smiles at the cowboy. It was the first time they had seen something besides sadness in his eyes.

"Looks like Nate will be the first that Tim won't break-in." Austin laughs.

Tim's eyes widen at the comment.

"What does that mean?" Nate asks, looking around at Tim.

"Uh, nothing." Tim chuckles nervously. "Don't ... Don't pay any attention to Austin."

"Yeah, before we actually started pairing up. Tim would do his 'civic duty' and please us all. Whether we were gay or not when we came here." Chance laughs as he did the finger quotations around 'civic duty'.

"No, wait, now." Tim says, shaking his head. "Y'all aren't gonna make me sound like a sex craved maniac. Even though you're probably right but who come knocking on who's door? Huh?"

"I'm guilty." Avi laughs, holding up his hand. "I knocked on your door plenty of times."

"Me too." Jenika giggles.

"We all have." Kevin laughs. "Including Austin and Chance."

"Not me. I'm married." Rob chuckles, holding up his left hand.

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