Western Flower | ✅

Chapter 15 - The Truth Will Set You Free

The morning was early and the streets were empty, save for one man. That man was Abraham Cohen. He was making his way to the railway station and seemed to be walking with a purpose, given his current mood that wasn't necessarily a good thing. He entered the railway station ticket office which was open but quiet with only Abraham and a man behind the counter, Abraham approached the gentleman in a cheerful almost excited manner.

"Morning my good man, when does the first train arrive?" He asked. The man behind the counter was reading a ledger and replied without re-focusing his attention to Abraham.

"Good morning Mr Cohen, the first train is due to arrive at 9 am sharp." The man looked up from his work. "Are you expecting anyone?"

"You could say that - am I welcome to sit and wait?" Abraham asked, leaving the other gentleman puzzled.

"Of course, you are more than welcome," he replied elegantly.

"Much obliged," replied Abraham. As he sat down he casually looked around at the inside of the ticket office. A few moments passed before his attention was alerted by Edgar making his way in.

"Bram, it's Betty. She says that she needs to see you right away." Edgar panted, leaning forward and trying to catch his breath.

"I am in the midst of a prior engagement, unfortunately," Abraham replied.

"She said --" Edgar started, but Abraham cut in.

"For the love of God! Fine. When that train comes in, you know what to do?" Abraham asked obviously frustrated and angry.

Edgar nodded, he thought about answering verbally but did not want to incur Abraham's wrath. With that Edgar took Abraham's place and he left, as he opened the door Abraham did so with such force that it looked like he was about to remove it from the hinges.

Abraham walked through the town at speed with purpose, luckily the streets were empty because the look on his face would turn fresh milk sour. As he walked he muttered to himself - "For god's sake, can no one in this fucking town do anything fucking right!?!"

He pushed opened the doors of the saloon with such force that when he entered Amos looked up in shock. Pearl who was standing at the bar was somewhat unconcerned by the manner of his entrance. The two of them locked eyes and Abraham made his way over to her.

"Something wrong Bram?" Pearl asked, she could see the anger on his face but acted indifferent.

"When I'm done with your protégé, you're next!" Abraham replied behind gritted teeth.

"Oh darling, the days of you fucking me every which way are long gone..." snarled Pearl with a smirk, she knew it would irritate Abraham.

With that Abraham walked past Pearl and up to his office where Betty was waiting patiently, perched on the chair in front of his desk. As he sat, he opened his drawer and brought out a bottle of whiskey and poured two glasses, he drank his glass in one go but Betty timidly sipped at hers.

"What can I do for you my dear?" He questioned, with an emotionless tone.

"It's about what I asked the other day, about leaving. I have decided that I do want to be with Ira." Betty replied timidly.

Abraham poured another whiskey and again drank it down in one then looked at Betty with great interest. Silently, he got up from his chair and motioned to Betty to bear with him. He walked out on to the balcony. Abraham had an epiphany and was lost in his own thoughts. Betty was confused by Abraham's actions and his prolonged absence. She called out to him, after a moment he then came back in.

"I apologise, my dear, I didn't mean to be rude. I understand how you feel. I have one last favour to ask of you, then after that, you are free to be with your prince charming." Replied Abraham, Betty looked at him almost with disbelief. She stood up and thanked him before leaving. When Betty had left Abraham smirked to himself, it was a cold condescending expression.