The Outlaw's Christmas

By John J. Law

The bank of Harrietsville stood in front of the masked outlaw like some large trophy that was simply waiting to be taken. The snow fell all over the ground, and covered the bank's roof. It seemed to add an almost mystical appearance to the building and it seemed to appeal to the outlaw even more.  

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.C. Hulsey Books
• Release date: Dec 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223854319

Book preview

One: The Bank Heist

It is said that pride is one of the seven deadly sins, and it is quite hard to argue such a statement. Throughout time immemorial, more than enough men have carried the sting of hubris and paid the price for it. On that cold and snowy day in December, the masked outlaw rode into Harrietsville with more hubris than his saddle could carry. The masked outlaw made his way into town fully confident in his abilities, and what he was about to do.

The bank of Harrietsville stood in front of the masked outlaw like some large trophy that was simply waiting to be taken. The snow fell all over the ground, and covered the bank's roof. It seemed to add an almost mystical appearance to the building and it seemed to appeal to the outlaw even more. 

He smiled behind the black bandana that hid his features. The bandana had white stripes that dotted its silky surface. The black surface and white lines not only served to obscure his features, but also appeared to resemble white bones. Because of this, men often told of how the masked outlaw rode wearing death's face itself.

In some ways, the masked outlaw's arrogance was not without ample reason. He had slain more than his fair share of lawmen and developed a fearsome reputation, as a result. No one knew his real name or what he really looked like, but his reputation spoke for itself. They only knew what he had done, and what he was capable of doing.

Such was the haughtiness of the outlaw that he failed to factor in all the elements of his plans. He would soon realize to his dismay what most outlaws realized too late; that their own legends could prove to be a deadly burden.

Such thoughts did not cross his mind as he rode into the snow-covered town of Harrietsville. The town was moderately prosperous for the times, and it showed. It was not as wealthy or prominent as the towns to the east, but with one look, it was evident that Harrietsville was on the way up. There was a general store that sold saddles, bullets, and even the occasional dime novel. There was a barber shop where the old men gathered to make small talk about the current events of the day, and there was also a bank. It was not a large bank, but it was also not small. Suffice to say, that the bank Harrietsville was one that would be worth his time and effort. For him, it was a bank that would provide a very merry Christmas for the people that were close to his heart. The people he felt was cheated by the system, and had been given a raw deal or the short end of the stick,