The Vengeance Trail

By Daniel Carlson

After tragedy strikes Levi Clayton's family, the youthful coal miner emigrates to New York chasing the dream of building a new life based upon secondhand tales and newspaper reports. When he arrives, Levi quickly discovers that his new home is nothing like what he expected it to be and his gullibility is soon taken advantage of. Injured and without funds, he finds sympathy from a failed doctor, and together, the two embark on a perilous journey west.

In the midst of the murderous ways and the brutal recklessness of life in the west during the American civil war, Levi must learn to harden himself to the cruelty of his surroundings and harness the blazing rage within him caused by the wrongdoings he's subjected to. He falls in with a vagabond band of misfit union soldiers and they find themselves under attack by a Confederate force. With his life on the line, Levi is determined to escape the bloodshed and begin tracking down the Texas gambler who killed his only friend to execute his own retribution.

From poverty stricken Yorkshire, England to the crime-infested streets of New York and into the wild western frontier, join Levi Clayton in his unpredictable adventure on the VENGEANCE TRAIL

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daniel Carlson
• Release date: Dec 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215391143

Book preview

Chapter 1 

The frail faded curtain bellowed out as intermittent gusts of wind squeezed through the rotten corners of the window frame. Outside the rain pelted down relentlessly against the hazy pane. The intensity of the storm, and the chilled bedroom air began to jog Levi from his peaceful slumber and back into the harsh reality of life.

From down stairs the raking of the fire and the clanking of the kettle being put to the stove began to register with him. His father had begun his lifelong daily routine. Levi stretched letting out a long drawn out groan realising that his only immediate prospect was the nightmare of another shift down the mine.

Another gust of wind broke his attention and turning towards the window be could see that it was still dark. The curtain once again arose then deflated temporarily shutting out the world beyond the pane.  The morning window knocker hadn’t done the rounds yet so he knew he had a few more valuable minutes in bed, so shuffling lower into the bed he pulled the sheets higher around his neck.

His thoughts flickered back to his so called childhood days when he first joined in the bleak dawn procession towards the intimidating dawn silhouetted colliery. He recalled with ease every vivid detail of his father leading him into the crowded cage. The frightening decent commenced with a startling sudden drop into sheer blackness leaving his stomach on the platform where he previously stood. The darkness was intermittently and very briefly broken as they passed old Clanny lamps which omitted a little yellow hue as the descending lift rapidly passed by the different levels of the mine. Levi just could make out the wooden support beams as the cage plunged deeper into the depths of the pit. Juddering to a halt the men spilled out of the cage and divided into working groups each heading off down a split of two dark unlit tunnels.

It was a blackness which was indescribable and Levi could see nothing beyond the few feet of his yellow lamp. He stuck close to his father’s side, but this did not prevent him from stumbling at every step and tripping over the pony cart rails.

The gloom ahead was suddenly broken by a beam of light in the distance. The surrounding walls and roof seemed to tremble and Levi followed all the men as they flattened themselves against the cold tunnel wall. The light discharged was from an approaching boy slightly older than himself. He was leading a large, once white pony which hauled behind it a train of coal holding tubs. The pony passed by so close that it almost touched his face, he felt its warmth and his nostrils filled with the stench of strenuous toil as he watched it disappear into the blackness beyond. He looked up at his father, his eyes revealing the heavy ache in his heart stirred up by this sorry sight. His father unconvincingly tried to reassure him that they had a good life, they were well fed and groomed by the men and after all they were built for this type of work.

He with reason, neglected to tell him about the beatings they endured by some of the meaner men for being stubborn and the inevitable diseases and blindness they suffered. Never again would they see the light of day or fill their lungs with fresh breaths of Yorkshire air as once they fell ill they would be discarded and destroyed.

Continuing down the tunnel the ventilation began to decrease and a heavy suffocating heat gradually encroached upon the work men. The air was thick with dust and breathing became an unnatural forced act. At this point the group of men stopped halted the march like journey dispersing to take up their work positions and Levi was put to work with a girl called Mary. He glanced across to the harried cadaverous faces of the colliers as stripping off to their undergarments they again braced themselves for the daily arduous task of labour. Thick coal dust fused with the warm sweat and created a bonding almost like war paint against their half-naked bodies which made it almost impossible to distinguish man from women and boy from girl as they hurriedly picked, heaved, shoveled, and picked at the solid black mass.

Levi stood over Mary who unaffected by his presence continued to fill her tub with lumps of coal. She instructed him to do the same so he pulled alongside an empty tub and began to lift at the mass of black shiny lumps. He was surprised by how fast Mary was at filling her tub. She amazed him with her strength, but he was quick to learn that technique was very much a part of her success and he began to mimic her rhythmic movements with the shovel and bare hands. One long slow push with her back and Mary had her tub on the rails and in motion up the incline. Not to be out done Levi pressed his body against his own tub and in an effort to keep up with Mary he banged his head and cut himself on the low roof. Pushing in awkward heaves of fits and bursts he eventually derailed his tub. Hearing the clatter behind her Mary instinctively knew what had happened. She reached for a large piece of coal out of her tub and wedged it underneath her wheel to act as a chock and then she turned towards Levi.

Pushing him aside Mary inserted her back under the tub and using her body as a lever she raised up with her thighs and lifted it back onto the rails. They both worked quickly to refill the tub with its black glistening load.

Now like this. Mary said removing the wedge from behind her tub. She straddled down low and planting her feet either side of the rails bent forward pushing her shoulder against the tub. Levi watched in awe as she began to gain momentum on the incline. He noticed how low Mary kept her body making it appear as though she was trotting on all fours. Levi copied her technique and soon his tub was also moving.

Smiling to himself, he recalled that first day, but snuggling lower under the blankets the feeling of solace was shattered by visions of grim reality. The horrors of choke damp, fire damp and the regular disasters of roof falls took the lives of so many of his friends and neighbour, including the teenage Mary. He remembered trembling  with fear as he witnessed the deafening rumble and the shaking of the floor as coal fell from the roof to its new level demolishing the catch props and anything else which lay beneath. His thoughts clouded and he began to doze willingly into a light slumber only to be propelled back by the deep commanding voice of his father.

Levi! Time you were up boy. It was always Levi when his father was being formal or issuing a castigation and just Lev when the conversation was of a more friendly nature.

Rubbing his eyes, yawning and tumbling out of bed Levi made his way towards the window. He pulled back the tatters which resembled curtains to reveal the rising sun breaking through the dark turbulent clouds to spread its wan of ruddy orange light across the green valley.

Ten hours later a long draw out line of weary miners somberly walked down the hillside like a defeated army returning from battle. Blackened heads hung down and conversation sparse they dragged their sore feet in the direction of the village. Upon reaching the first row of cottages the group of men diminished as they headed off in different directions, each to their own home where awaiting them on the door steps were their wives, with dinners almost cooked and tubs of hot water to clean their grime covered bodies.

Are you calling for a drink? Asked one of the colliers as they neared the Crown Inn.

No, I’m heading straight home, read the paper and a short nap for me. Came his almost exhausted reply, then giving their usual 'see you later' gesture Levi and his father split from the group.

Bellowing laughter and muffled conversations could be heard as they passed the Crown. Levi peered through the window and amidst the haze of tobacco smoke he could see the coal dusted faces lubricating their parched throats by swilling down pint after pint of ale with a renewed gusto. The landlords face mantled a huge smile as he told the usual stories as the colliers liberally spent their hard earned wages in a few uncontrollable hours as old recollections crowded the room. They rounded the corner and crossed the cobbles to the door of their house. It was one of only a few in the whole village which was fully paid for by the hard earnings of Evan Clayton.

What kind of a day have you had? Asked Levi’s sister, Emily.

We've done well. Answered her father, patting Levi on the shoulder and crinkling his face up into a well worn smile.

There is some bread sliced and milk poured for you both on the table and the tub water is very hot so be careful.

They both stripped to the waist before going any further and the cleanest of the two, which today was Levi, headed for the tub. Most men washed just their arms, necks and faces during the week and only fully bathed at the weekend, but the Claytons had always been encouraged to bathe by their mother, Ruth. He always lovingly recalled her saying ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness’ He missed his Ma he sighed, taken away from the family at a young age.

It was early evening when Levi woke from the nap which he had intended taking. Numbness seized his aching limbs as he pushed back away from the heat projected by the roaring furnace of the fire. Slouched in the chair opposite was his father, newspaper spread across his lap. Head back and mouth slightly ajar, every breath emitted a slight groan preceded by a long drawn out shallow wheeze. The years endured beneath the ground digging away in the dust filled air had long since damaged his breathing and aged him beyond his years. All the colliers including Levi were aware of the dangers they faced every day at work and the detrimental unseen side effects they suffered as a result of their toiling in the dark, dust intoxicating chasm. It was obvious to all in the mining communities that the coal face workers aged and deteriorated far quicker than the other villages who were employed within other industries. He continued to stare contemplating what little choice of employment and life style the world offered. The grueling daily hardship was all this part of England had to offer. A look of sympathy grew on Levi’s face as he looked at his father’s deep facial lines, his fist beaten nose and his beer swelled midriff. The regular indulgence of heavy drinking and bare knuckle fighting had left there scars on the well respected elder Clayton.

The strong aroma of fresh baking drifted across the room and stole Levi’s attention. His nose guided him towards the kitchen table, all he had to do was slightly twist his head in the small terraced house, but there laid out in two rows were twelve freshly baked potato pies. He moved his head to inspect closer and to fill his eyes with the mouthwatering detail. Each individual pie had its corner pinched tightly together, the crust polished with milk and in the centre of the pastry were the initials of Levi and his father. They would be the envy of all the lads in the mine when they took these beauties for their snap he thought with a smile.

The cabinet clock began to chime, six rings in all, his stomach tightened and his mouth began to water with the knowledge that dinner would soon be served. Meal times followed the same routine everyday with Sundays the only exception.

On this day Levi and his father would spend the afternoon in the Crown, returning home in a semi drunken stooper. Spilling out their slurred conversations across the table they devoured their meals like starved and savage dogs. When fully replenished they would then collapse into the two arm chairs sleeping out the rest of the afternoon. Today however they would eat their meal slowly and politely, conscious of their behavior in front of Emily.

That was delicious Emily. Thank you. Their father broke the silence and he leaned back into the chair to pat his stomach in appreciation.

Are you going to the fair tonight? He asked Emily.

Yes I think so. She blushed looking down into her empty plate.

Oh yes, and who with might I ask? Came the stern question from her father.

Bert Shaw. Came the almost whispered reply.

Bert bloody Shaw. Said her father, Isn’t he one of Ned's lads?

Emily sank back and replied awkwardly. Yes, he is the eldest. She was embarking upon new territory by mentioning male friends to her father and she awaited his reply with baited breath.

Errmmm He started I know Ned well, if Bert is anything like him he'll be a good man. He paused knowing that he could trust his daughter and anyway he thought it was time he allowed her a break from her adopted role of motherhood. Just make sure you're not out too late. He twisted his neck toward Levi.

And who are you escorting? Levi was aware of what his father’s reaction would be to his reply and he would never dare to deceive him.

Josie Todd.

What? William Todd’s daughter?

Yes. He replied drawing breathe and shrinking deeper into the chair. His father always had the ability to make him feel like a child again when he did anything of which he disapproved.

Well if I was you I'd keep well clear of that family. Todd is a devious hateful man. I warned you to steer clear of him before. He added sitting upright as if to emphasise the point.

Emily recognized this posture only too well and knowing that her father was about to launch himself into a sermon on the evils and perils of William Todd she quickly attempted to change the subject by turning the conversation.

Are you going out tonight Pa?

Not wishing to be impolite towards Emily he decided to save his opinion of Todd for another time and swiveling around to face her, he answered. Yes I think I’ll have a walk over to Cutsyke and visit your uncle George. He arose from his chair, turned towards the fireplace and in an effort to hide his reddening cheeks he fumbled with his pipe. Levi and Emily looked at each other simultaneously as he tapped out the dry tobacco into the fire, they smiled knowing full well there father would not be going to Cutsyke instead he would be just going across the back ally to enchant Widow Howell.

Chapter 2

Levi set out in the direction of Josie Todd’s house. He walked head held high and chest protruding, proudly sporting his father’s Sunday jacket. He felt very dapper, but slightly uncomfortable. The streets of Whitwood were a feast of activity on this surprisingly warm evening. Small children were playing hop and stick, skipping with ropes and whip and top in small groups. Mothers gathered on their neighbour’s door steps catching up on the latest gossip as their men folk packed themselves into the Crown and the older offspring headed in droves to the fair which was bellowing out a loud cacophony of noise, sweet smells and bright coloured lights from the distant common.

Turning the corner he could see Josie on the doorstep waiting for him. She looked beautiful he thought and he cast a proud smile in her direction. Returning his smile coyly, she closed the door behind her and set off to intercept him.

You’re in a hurry aren’t you? He said greeting her with his arm held out.

We don't want to miss all of the fun, do we Lev? She replied in an attempt to hide the look of anxiousness upon her face as she grabbed a hold of the outstretched arm and spun him full circle to face the direction of the common.

They had only travelled a few steps when they heard the door of the Todd’s cottage open. Levi immediately noticed Josie’s head drop and her shoulders droop as if she was expecting unwelcomed attention.

Josie don't you be late! You don’t want your father to find out. The call was from Josie's mother.

No Ma, I won't. I’ll be home well before Pa.

Levi saw Josie’s display an expression of relief and he asked her what was wrong. After a slight hesitation she replied.

It’s Pa again. He is being stubborn.

Levi did not want to start the evening on a sour note and so he did not press Josie for more information. He knew full well that neither his father nor Josie’s concealed their hatred for each other and they both sternly disapproved of this friendship.

They rounded the corner hand in hand in a joyous excitable mood and the common came into view. Josie took hold of Levi’s arm with her free hand pulling their bodies even closer together. The bright flashing lights, strange music and unusual odours of the fair beckoned them. Fully relaxed they could enjoy their evening for tonight their fathers grievances could be temporarily pushed aside whilst they revelled in this wonderfully strange excitement. They sauntered around the stalls arm in arm momentarily free from all worries as they were bombarded from all angles with unfamiliar accents from the yells of touts and vendors.

Over e’re mate, win a gift for your good lady.

Roll up, roll up, buy a bottle of Doctor Burnie’s linctus. Cures all known coughs and sneezes.

Ginger snaps, ginger beer, ginger bread all for a penny.

Strange dialects added to the excitement and created a confusing  melee of entertainment as they willfully surged along with the crowds from one stall to the next. They passed on the helter skelter and watched in amazement as the people sped around the bends of the ride, their hair and clothes blowing around behind them with huge grins spread across illuminated pale faces.

Levi persuaded Josie to go on the swinging boats and she screamed with delight as Levi pulled on the ropes to ensure their boat swung higher and higher until their momentum lifted them higher than all the others on the ride.

Showing off Levi won a small woollen red bear at the coconut shays however Josie forced him, with great reluctance to pass the exhibition of freaks which was drawing in large swells of eager, inquisitive people. Josie however was not one of these, she took pity on the poor unfortunates portrayed in detailed sketches outside the huge tent.

Levi was soon to forget his disappointment as he desperately wanted to impress Josie. He wanted to challenge the fairs strong man as he offered a Guinea to anyone who could last one three minute round with him in the ring. Josie disclosed she did not want to watch him being hurt and so moving on to the next stall he lacked showing any concern for his hard earned coins as he passed them from his pocket to the coerce stall holders. Time however, he could not buy and the evening passed all too quickly as they became enveloped in their own small world. The crowds had dispersed and the stalls had begun to close before they realized that how late it was and that they must begin the short, dark journey home. Leaving the glowing lights in the distance behind them they relived the evening’s events, causing their hearts to pound and their cheeks and ribs to ache from all the fun and hilarity.

They both walked at a snail’s pace, trying to cling onto the last few moments of the evening. Once they were safely in the shadowed doorway of Josie’s house, Levi coaxed her head towards him. When she made no attempt to prevent him, he gently put his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. He looked deep in to her eyes and saw her yearning for him as he was for her. Her glistening lips beckoned and Levi slowly moved her even closer until they were entwined in a passionate embrace. Levi experienced a strange feeling deep in his stomach, one that until now he was unaccustomed to, and one he hoped he would experience many more times. He held Josie firm in a strong unthreatening clasp and she ready submitted herself to the affection. A sudden loud explosion of laughter cut short their magical moment and caused them both to look across to the entrance of the Crown. A hand full of drunken men staggered out of the battered door and onto the cobbled street.

Oh no! It’s my father. Blurted Josie. Thank you for a lovely time Lev, but I must go before he sees us. A very quick and soft kiss landed on Levi’s cheek then she disappeared into the house.

Damn. He said to himself, her father had ruined what he had anticipated would to be the best part of the night. He felt a purge of blood rush to his head and so he drew a long breath to control his temper. In his mind he lambasted both their parents for the difficult situation.

He easily stepped out from the shadow unnoticed and stopped in the safe blackness of the alleyway alongside Josie's house. Teeth grinding and clutching his fists into a tight ball in exasperation he waited in the darkness and listened to the rabble approaching as again his thoughts were occupied with the envisaged difficulties that both he and Josie were going to face from their fathers as their intended relationship blossomed.

Amid the shouting and laughter Levi picked up on a slurred familiar voice.

You've really got him nailed this time Will.

Hook, line and sinker. One of the other men added.

Peering around the corner Levi could see the five disorderly men stumbling and slothfully making their way towards William Todd’s house.

Yes I can't wait to see young Fish bash his brains all over the village.

He ain’t got any brains, he from fucking Wales.

I hate the bastard.

Inquisitiveness drew upon Levi. Two of these men accompanying William Todd were supposedly loyal and trusted friends of his fathers, Judd Pearce and Ben Josephs. ‘What the hell are they doing with William Todd?’ he thought standing perfectly still. They know of his father’s distrust and dislike for William Todd and they always seemed to share the same opinion and a regard of disdain towards the man. His mind probed quickly as he sought for reasoning. Not recognising the other two men Levi stepped back to listen to more of this undefined threat.

I can’t wait to see Evan drowning in a pool of his own blood like a butchered pig. Will’s boast triggered a vehement blend of drunk and gloating laughter. Levi froze and pressed his back against the alley wall upon hearing the name of his father. His mind flooded with fear from the proposed vendetta. There was no mistake, named after his Welsh grandfather Evan Clayton was the only Evan in this community. With his heart beat racing and his breathing becoming erratic, he tensed up all of his body making every muscle rigid as he frantically held back the raging impulses that urged him to confront the devious quintet. He inhaled another long calming breath and released the tension conscious that he must memorise every word and detail so that he could forewarn his father. Composing himself Levi watched the drunken rabble close upon Will’s door.

Schhhh... you noisy bastards. You'll wake up the old dragon. Will stammered.

Any chance of putting us up for the night Will? Slurred out one of the strangers placing a friendly arm around Will’s shoulder.

Fuck off. Retort Will brushing off the unwanted arm and rebalancing his unstable posture. I’ve already got a house full of rag tags.

Come on Will. It’s is a long walk back to Methley. Said the other stranger.

Their part in this plan was paramount, but their friendship was undesired. Todd wanted to keep this strictly business and did not want to arouse any suspicions within the village.

Better get going then hadn’t you. Won’t take you two fit lads long to walk it back.

Ah come on Will. Give a little charity. The drunk persisted.

And I’ll give a little something to your wife. Added the other unknown drunk.

Todd, paused on the door step, wobbled a little and stared at the drunks as he to tried focus in on the man who made the comment. Now I know you’re not that fucking drunk Tommy. He then clumsily tried unsuccessfully to fit the key in the door lock several times.

What’s going on out there? Was suddenly shrieked from beyond the door causing all the drunks to giggle in unison.

See you tomorrow afternoon in the Crown for the slaughter. Todd confirmed raising his arm and clenching his fist. Unexpectedly he door opened from within and he lost all control and balance, causing him to fall forward beyond the door.

Stupid drunken bastard! Could be heard on the street as the door began to close, but not before one final outburst followed.

Shut your fucking mouth women and have some fucking respect.

Levi watched as Judd and Ben headed across the street with unsteady irregular steps, whilst at the other side strangers propped each other up and began to head in Levi’s direction. The two bibulous duos separated and jovially bid each other good night, Judd and Ben slowly disappearing from view, but concernedly the noise of the two strangers dragging feet drew slowly closer to Levi.

Holding firm against the wall Levi watched from the shadows and listened to the inebriated pair as they approached to almost within touching distance.

The shorter man expelled a loud belch and hollered.

Hold it. I feel siiiii...... ccckk.........arrhhh. With the unfinished statement he kneeled over and thrust out a long wave of vomit. The slimy pulp cascaded onto the pavement from his arched position and splattered the immediate area.

You scruffy bastard Bodin! It’s all over my fucking trousers and shoes. The other man yelled out pushing himself away from the pool of stench.

I couldn’t help it Tommy. Look it’s all over me as well. Bodin said as he wiped the vile secretion away from his chin with the back of his hand. He gipped again this time turning toward the ally. He wrenched up the remaining unctuous contents of his stomach against the dark wall.

Levi froze and held his breath, he could hear the puke splattering on his highly polished leather shoes and feel the warm damp weight on the hem of his trousers. The ghastly putrid smell began to drift upward causing his stomach to heave. He clasped his hand tightly over his mouth in an attempt to smother out the smell and his own uncontrollable action as bile arose and burnt inside his throat.

That’s fucking better. Announced Bodin. Could sink a few more pints now.

It wants to be. You’ve just returned a keg of the landlord’s best ale. Tommy observed.

Well it’s all good. After all Todd paid for it. Bodin sniggered.

The pair steadied themselves again and began to stumble their way along the cobbles.

Whoa fuck.

What now? Said Tommy

I need a piss. Bodin stated. A brief pause and they set off again. Fighting to maintain their upright position they staggered and zigzagged their way out of Levi’s sight.

Levi leaped out from his rigid position and swelled his lungs with large fresh odorless air, he wiped his shoes in the long grass then he hurriedly set off towards home.

Head down and long strides propelled him at the pace of a sprint and he soon passed the Crown, rounded the corner and leaped over Jeffers wall for a short cut across the back alleys. His stamping feet on the cobbles echoed throughout the silent village, but no one was disturbed at this late hour.

All of a sudden he drew to an immediate halt almost throwing himself to the floor as reaching Widow Howells rear yard he saw the unmistakable profile of his father and the widow in a passionate embrace. Levi took a long hard stare to confirm what he was watching and with controlled his curiosity he took a few steps back further into the dark so he was not noticed. He smiled as finally his suspicions about his father’s association with the widow were proved correct. The smile grew wider at the thought of telling Emily.

A little embarrassed Levi decided to give them some privacy and so turned away and began to pace up and down the silent cobbles.

Evan did not notice Levi as he left the widow behind in the door way and pulling down his flat cap firm he walked eyes down at a march out of the small yard and into the back street.

Pa. Whispered Levi as he drew almost level. Startled Evan snapped back.

Levi? His face showed concern, what the hell are you doing here at this time of night?

I’ve got something really important to tell you. Levi announced standing in front of his father to bring him to a halt.

Could it not have waited until the morning, its damn late Son? Embarrassed by what he knew Levi had seen and in an effort to avoid conversation or questions he started to push past his statuesque son and set off in the direction of their home. Annoyed by his father’s sharp retaliation and almost in state of panic, Levi caught a hold of his father’s passing arm, stopped him in his tracks and spun him around to face him.

What are you doing lad? 

Just shut up and listen to me. I overheard William Todd planning to get you involved in a brawl tomorrow. Levi rapidly spat out.

What?

Not only that, they are going to set you up you so you get a good beating. He continued without drawing breath.

What are you talking about boy? Who are they? Evan asked calmly.

I heard William Todd planning it with Judd and Ben.

Planning what? He rubbed his chin with his knuckles.

They are bringing over someone called Fish to give you a good beating tomorrow.

Judd Pearce and Ben Josephs? Evan repeated in astonishment.

What the hell are they doing with that snake William Todd? He asked searching for an answer as he removed his cap and scratched his crown. Some men are easily bought by a little coin. He reasoned and then shaking his head, he added. Come on, let’s go home and tell me everything you know.

––––––––

They lethargically walked home and Levi repeated everything he heard over and over to make sure he had relayed every detail and that his father had heard and understood every word. Evan informed Levi he knew Simon Bodin from a few years ago.

A short stocky bloke with ginger hair. Evan described to confirm it was the same man. They stood in silence for a few seconds. Levi could tell that his father was deep in thought.

"The scum came into the Crown quite a few years ago when old Joe was the landlord. He was raving and ranting and boasting all night long. Eventually I had heard enough and decided to leave before my temper got the better of me but as I got up to leave he stood up and put his poxy face in front of me and shouted ‘when I look at you, you fucking make sure you look away!’

What did you say?

Nothing

Nothing Levi sounded surprised.

I didn’t say a word, I just dropped my forehead as hard as I could on to his nose.

You nutted him? Levi confirmed bearing a smile.

Nutted him as hard as I could. He dropped like a sack of shit. Then I dragged him out of the pub and gave him a good thrashing. They had to take him home on Yardy’s cart. Evan smiled. I always thought he’d show his ugly face again but I can’t understand why now.

He knows you don’t get along with Todd. I could almost feel the hatred in his threat.

Not getting along with William Todd is an understatement. Replied Evan, then pausing he took a deep sigh and almost as if against his will he began to tell a long time past tale. "When I first came to the village from Ebbw Vale, William Todd thought he was the local hard