<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Emma Alcott</span></span></div><br/><br/>England, 1882<br/><br/>Alston, Cumbria<br/><br/>That small town was a welcome change for those who came from London. While the city  boomed with activity, Alston was a quiet market town. The population lived mostly from commerce, but other trades were also found. The town had a church, naturally, a baker, a seamstress, a shoemaker, a blacksmith. The essential trades were all there, and some of the production was sold on the nearest towns.<br/><br/>It was the kind of place where most people knew each other. Strangers were welcome as long as they caused no disturbances. It was a good place to live. Lately, the small town had a quieter, sadder air to it, though. The recent Boer War had left widows, and parents had lost their sons. The Crown had taken care of those who depended on the deceased soldiers to live, but nothing could fill the void they had left in the hearts.<br/><br/>That young woman who lived just a block away from the church was experiencing the loss first hand. Her beloved and young husband, Jonathan Alcott, had enlisted his services out of a sense of duty to the Queen. He had gone, but he had not come back. Their lives were only getting started, and they had been cut short. Money was not a concern for Mrs. Emma Alcott. She had a good house, some savings, and now a good pension from her deceived husband. It was enough for her to live a comfortable life. Specially given the woman was very modest.<br/><br/>After her husband's passing, Mrs. Alcott had started renting a few rooms in the house. It was more to avoid feeling so lonely than for the two shillings a week she charged. The cost was almost symbolic, as she provided a good furnished room, food, hot water and the services of her own household help. The few tenants she took were treated like family. She preferred to take ladies on vacation or elderly men, but eventually opened the exception for a younger man, as long as he didn't plan on staying long.<br/><br/>That was what that man was being informed by an obsequious man at the town's only eatery. "Aye, lad, Mrs. A-l-c-o-t-t. We all call her Mrs. Emma, she prefers. A lovely little lady, and honest to a fault. You should go see her, I have heard that there is a room for rent. Only two shillings a week, lad. A clean bed, hot food, and good company. She is not used to accepting young men, but with a presentation by a friend, she will", the man offered, with the usual good nature of the small town people.<br/><br/>"If you wish, I can take you there and introduce you to Mrs. Emma. She is sure to be home by now".<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Liam William Mason</span></span></div><br/><br/>Liam William Mason wasn't a old man and he tended to look even younger. Haven been brought up in an upperclass home he'd known wealth the majority of his life. He was used to money. He didn't want a shilling of it. He wanted the one thing he could never have. Love. It was what drove Liam all these years since majority to do what he did. It was why he never settled and why he always stayed a short amount of time and never got known. Sure they knew Liam the hard working young man who happened to come into their town and who ended up with a widowed woman who thought the world of him and then died mysteriously a few nights after the wedding. Then Liam was gone again. Gone like the very spectre of night. He left everything there except for two things, any money the widow had in the house and her wedding rings. Both sets, the one he had gotten her and the one from her first husband.<br/><br/>Liam could still feel the cold flesh of his latest victim against his fingertips as he sat in a dark shadow twirling the ring between thumb and finger. He was taking a break from his duties as a guard for the railroad he was using to get him to yet another town and yet another victim. He knew every single one of his marks. Every single one. The war had made many widows more so then usual and he was thrilled by this. It meant he had plenty of marks. Plenty to choose from. His search would be easy. Much more so then it had been before. So much simpler. He let a faint smile creep across his otherwise cold hard features. Tucking the ring back into his pocket where he kept all ten rings from his five marks in a handkerchief. Safe and close to him. His bag was tucked away in the luggage compartment with all the others. Nothing of value there. Should he need to escape.<br/><br/>He rose and headed back out into the sunlight to take up his post and start searching the compartments for stowaways. He didn't really care about them and so long as they attempted to hide he left them be. The obnoxious ones however he beat to a pulp and tossed onto the side of the tracks. They were almost done this leg of the trip and the next stop he would be getting off taking his pay and heading on by horseback towards the nearest small town. He always chose a small town. It felt right and proper.<br/><br/>The rest of the trip was pretty uneventful. He took turns walking the length of the passenger carts to make sure no one was breaking the law and beyond that did nothing at all except enjoy the rocking and clanking of the train. The stench of coal permeating the whole of the train sent a thrill through him reminding him of his time as a coal miner. He had lived many lives for a few short months. A few lifetimes spent in a few years. It was glorious. Free. He felt free.<br/><br/>What he would be in this next town was anyone's guess. At present the young man didn't know. He fell asleep at the end of the journey and only woke when the conductor gave him a jolt. "Lad, you must be getting off now. Here be a good lad and help me unload the luggage and replenish the coal and I'll pay ye twelve shillings rather then eight."<br/><br/>"Yes sir," Liam said rising and showing interest in the extra pay even though he honestly didn't' care. To anyone else twelve shillings for one trip would be a lot. To him it was nothing. Money had no value. It was the one thing he had always had. He didn't care about that. He headed out to the back and began unloading the luggage. It was slow and mind-numbing work, but he never spoke. He only worked. His eyes and ears open. Looking, watching, learning. Listening and catching what was being said around him. It was how he knew so much and yet was never suspected. Who would suspect the quiet hard working lad who minded his own business and did what he was told so quickly and effectively? No one ever paid the simple lad a mind.<br/><br/>Once done the coal work was the harder part. The carts were heavy and awkward and the horses temperamental as they were brought closer to the train. The shovels were heavy. It was hard work. It was the kind he enjoyed most. By the time he was done he was dirty and sweaty and smiling. He walked off the train and to the conductor who was talking with another man. He paused next to them watching and listening while appearing bored and eager for his pay. Finally noticed the other man broke off his talk of the war and it's affect on the neighbouring towns. Something that had caught Liam's ears was the mention of a kind woman, a good woman, who'd lost her young husband to the war. Alone and without anyone, no children. They pitied her. Liam felt his heart rush at the thought. He didn't pity her. Not yet. They would morn her soon. He though darkly. The conductor gave him his shillings and Liam tucked them away with a mumbled thank you and left.<br/><br/>He paid for a horse and headed out towards Alston. The journey wasn't that far, but it took a few days to complete. By the time he entered the village he was exhausted, weary and needing a good rest. He headed to the local eatery after having cleaned himself up a spell and made himself look proper and presentable at least. Even if he was a little bedraggled from the ride he wasn't completely disheveled.<br/><br/>"Forgive my appearance fair sir, I have traveled far in search of work. It is a mighty kind offer of Mrs. Emma to open her home thus. I would be honoured to accept such an invitation. Would you happen to know where a young man can come by honest work?" Liam asked after the local man had offered to take him to meet the very widow he sought. He kept his features blank of any emotion only allowing a gentle smile and honest hope to flicker across his eyes and twist his mouth upwards.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Emma Alcott</span></span></div><br/><br/>While Liam lived a life of crimes and moving from place to place, Emma couldn't be more different. She had lived in Alston her whole life. Her parents had lived there, as her grandparents, and many generations back. She had met her husband when Queen Victoria's army had visited the town for a presentation. Having a home where she could lodge people, Emma had generously offered the vacant rooms for the soldiers. One of them had been Jonathan Alcott. It wasn't love at first sight, but they had liked each other easily.<br/><br/><br/>In the space of two years, they were married. Naturally, when the war broke, Jonathan had to go with his regiment. He never returned, leaving a very young and very sad widow behind. He had left her a pension, and some friends made in their time together, but his absence was still painful. It had been almost a full year, though, and Emma was trying to get back to living a somewhat normal life.<br/><br/><br/>She had opened the vacant rooms for tenants, and that broke the boredom and kept het busy. There was always at least someone in the house, and the company kept her from dwelling in her sorrow.<br/><br/><br/>The man who had been talking to Liam had no idea the risk he was exposing poor Mrs. Emma to. Had he known, and he'd probably have kicked the lad out of his eatery and out of town, as Emma was a well-liked person. He had seen her grow into a lovely woman, and become a widow, all into the space of twenty-something years. And now he did what he could to help her keep busy and around good company.<br/><br/><br/>"Well, lad, there is always hard work to be done if you are not opposed to it. Farmhands are always necessary, and with many widows in town, a man willing to chop wood, mow tall grass and fix things around the houses can have a lot of work to keep himself busy and his pockets lined. Would you be interested in this line of work?", the man asked, really wanting to help the new lad out.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Liam William Mason</span></span></div><br/><br/>Liam finished the simple meal and left what few coins he had on the table. "I would not be opposed to that work at all. I know how to chop wood and stack it. I can also mow the tall grass and I am not completely inept at fixing the things of a household. I would be more then happy to be kept so busy doing what work is needed," Liam answered the man offering a light smile. "I have never worked a farm so I could not say how well I would do in that regard. A horse is all I managed to control and even that on most days is rather challenging," a little self depricating humour never failed to warm locals to his particular charms.<br/><br/>He looked down at the coins he'd set, "though to be fair these are all I have left, I will have to work for coin to pay for lodging, the day is yet young maybe I can earn enough for a bed?" He said looking at the man with wide eyes and a gentle expression of both shame and pleading. A simple expression that would be on most young man his age who had no money to their names. A lie of course as Liam had plenty of coin. He simply chose that he would play the poor traveler looking for work and a home. Maybe even a place to settle and call his own. He was a master of his expressions and could lie easily. What was truth after all? He'd been lying since the day he learned to speak. He wouldn't know the truth if it bit him in the ass.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Emma Alcott</span></span></div><br/><br/>The man smiled to Liam when he showed his willingness to work. The man was an old fashioned one, who believed a man should always be willing to work honestly. Men who were lazy were worthless for him, and the disposition to work for their keep was, for old John, the mark of a decent man. So, he believed that he was standing in front of a nice and worthy lad, and vowed to help him. "well, lad, even without the farm work, I am sure you can find plenty of work here. Worry about nothing, as you will do fine here as long as you are not idle".<br/><br/><br/>After these words, the men shook his head. "Worry not about the money for now, lad. I am sure Mrs. Emma will not mind letting you have a bed for this night so you may start work in the morning". He was really sure, as Emma had a generous heart and did it more for the company than for the money. "I have known young Emma since she was a little child, so worry about nothing, lad".<br/><br/><br/>Calling inside for a lad that was probably his son, the man gave Liam a pat on his shoulder. "Come now, I will lead you to Mrs. Emma's house and you can rest the night there".<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Liam William Mason</span></span></div><br/><br/>Liam gave the man a bright smile at his words. He had studied enough of the people around him. The willingness to work and do the grunt work most frowned upon was usually an easy and safe bet to gain acceptance. Liam had played this game enough to know that at the end of the day it was his willingness to work that got him further along in his schemes then his lack of money. "I thank you fair sir, I shall strive to not be idle. It is not a state I enjoy," he said truthfully. Perhaps the only truthful thing he said, "my name is Liam, Liam William Mason," he added with a gentle smile and an outstretch hand before he thanked the elder man and followed them towards the home that would soon become his own killing field.<br/><br/>He watched the villagers and noticed a few things. They did not by nature trust a stranger, but they were all kind and courteous towards one. He would need to earn their trust before he could unfold his plans. It was not a long walk to the house where Ms. Emma resided and he was glad for it. His journey had left him sufficiently tired as it was that a longer walk was not what he wanted. A warm bed and a long night's sleep were on his mind this night. Maybe a conversation by a fire, but he knew he would need to earn the bed as was his nature prior to attempting to spend the night as otherwise it would bode ill in his favor. With a light smile he waited for the door to open.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Emma Alcott</span></span></div><br/><br/>The man was completely sure that Liam was a nice lad, who just wanted to do some honest work and earn a living. In these difficult times,it was normal that many young men had to move from place to place until they found somewhere to belong. Strangers were welcome in Alston, as long as they didn't cause any problems, but confidence had to be earned over time. There were some people, though, like John, who liked giving everyone the benefit of doubt. Shaking the lad's hand vigorously, the man introduced himself. "John Booth, at youor serve. Now come on, lad".<br/><br/><br/>The walk to Mrs. Emma's home was not longer than ten minutes. The house was a nice one, with two stories, a well kept garden on the outside, and looked to be very well maintained. As it was still early in the day, there were open windows allowing sunlight in.<br/><br/><br/>After John knocked on the door, it didn't take long to open. The woman who had come to answer was clearly a servant, and she listened to the man before gesturing for them to come in. Excusing herself, the woman was soon replaced by a young lady in her early twenties. She wore a black dress and had her blonde hair tied on a long braid. It was with a gentle smile that the woman regarded the two men. "How may I be of service, gentlemen?", she asked, her voice quiet and sweet.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Liam William Mason</span></span></div><br/><br/>Liam nodded to the servant and followed her into the house glad to be inside. He was close to being in bed and sleeping he could almost taste it. What caught his interest first was the delicate scents of flowers and baked goods that seemed to fill the house and warm it too. He would enjoy this one most of all. He smiled lightly at the beauty that greeted him. She was perfect, he walked forwards and took her hand placing a chaste kiss to it. "Well met Mrs. Emma, you are even more divine to behold then Mr. Booth made you seem. An angel sent from heaven." he said as he released her hand and stepped back.<br/><br/>"Mr. Booth has said you rent out rooms in your home and that you may have one available. I'd dearly love a room to stay in while I am here? I would work for you of course and pay for my room. I am good with cutting wood. I can mow tall grass. Fix the odd things? Do any other work you may have needs of?"<br/><br/>He added quickly as he put his hands in his pocket and looked at her eyes with a gentle charming smile on his features.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Emma Alcott</span></span></div><br/><br/>Emma blushed softly when Liam complimented her beauty in that way. She was a simple woman in her ways, having lived her entire life in that small town. Even though she was young, Mrs. Emma was a bit old fashioned in her behavior, and enjoyed spending time with friends, the few relatives she had, or alone. Her occupations happened mostly around the house, and she kept very little company. By far, she was the opposite of a flashy woman.<br/><br/><br/>"I thank you, sir, for the compliment", she finally spoke again. "But you value me above what should be", the woman completed.<br/><br/><br/>She nodded at the man's words about the rooms she rented. "I do indeed have one available. They are spacious and clean, and we keep them tidy at all times. If you would like to take it on these terms, I am ready to accept them. But for today, you should simply rest. You seem tired, sir".<br/><br/><br/>Mr. Booth smiled at Emma. She was a heart of gold, he thought, always caring for others, even those she had just only met.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Liam William Mason</span></span></div><br/><br/>Liam smiled at her words and bowed his head, "I think I do not value enough," he said gently. She seemed so kind that if he knew anything of love or attraction he'd feel drawn to her. He'd feel madly in love for her, but oddly he couldn't seem to feel these emotions. Yet something stirred inside of him. Something that drew him to her. Beyond the usual. It unnerved him slightly. He did not allow any of it to show through his eyes. He only allowed his false emotions and desired expression to show.<br/><br/>"I do indeed agree to your terms. I have little of possessions therefore nothing much to dirty the room. I am a simple man, requiring very little beyond food," he said with a light teasing smile. They say the key to a mens heart is food and it had proven to be a useful tool in his arsenal a time or three in his past. One by the smells of the house would indeed prove another useful and valuable tool here too.<br/><br/>He nodded, "I am ever grateful to you my lady. Will you allow me to fill your wood box? It isn't much, but at least it will save one of your girls from having to do the hard work themselves?" He offered gracefully. He said the words with honesty this time. Desiring to at least do something to merit the kindness offered to him. She wasn't like the others. He wasn't sure he could go through with this. For a moment he had doubts and wondered if he shouldn't move on tomorrow, but no he couldn't. He had chosen his mark he would see it through. Otherwise there would be questions. Questions were not good.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Emma Alcott</span></span></div><br/><br/>Emma smiled back at Liam, that kind smile showing on her innocent face. Unlike Liam, Emma was a sincere person with a heart as clear as crystal. What showed in her eyes and on her face was what went through her mind and heart. So, the blushing of her cheeks and her modesty were pure expressions of her feelings. She had always been somewhat shy, but it only showed in certain moments.<br/><br/><br/>"Do not worry yourself with dirtying the room. One of my girls always checks on them when the occupants leave for work or other errands. Should you have clothing to be washed, all you have to do is leave it out on top of your dresser and it will be taken care of", Emma explained, her voice kind and sweet. "As for food, it is provided as well and we all eat together at our table, it would be a pleasure for you to join us, sir".<br/><br/><br/>His offer made Emma smile and nod. "I would really appreciate if you filled the wood box. The house has a bit if of a draught, and it can be quite cold at nights, so we use more wood than most homes around. It would be a great kindness". She smiled and looked at a clock that stood near a piano. "Would you like for hot water to be sent up for a bath, sir? I believe it would ease your muscles should they be sore from the travel here".<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Liam William Mason</span></span></div><br/><br/>Liam felt oddly captivated by the woman before him. His eyes sparkled with a light he didn't usually allow to show before the moment of her death. A light of joy that rarely touched the young man. Something about her was different. Something unique and beautiful and pure. So unlike the woman who haunted his mind with cruelty and evil in the face of beauty and considered to be one of he most charitable woman. If only everyone else had know the true darkness of his mother's soul. Like him she was a mask in public that hid her true from. Just like him.<br/><br/>He nodded gently, "I thank you greatly. I will be sure to be returned for meals so I do not keep you waiting," he replied gently. Vowing to see that her house was well kept and maintained while he stayed here. It was an oddity of his that he felt the need to be a true male and husband even though he planned to kill the woman he took to his bed. He made certain she wanted for nothing. That her home was always maintained, her wood box full and her wood shed well provided and kept full. He gave her a gentle smile.<br/><br/>"Yes I would greatly appreciate the warm water, I shall do the work first while the water boils," he said gently, "would you be so kind as to show me where everything is?"<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Emma Alcott</span></span></div><br/><br/>Emma smiled when Liam nodded and thanked her. "Do not worry yourself about the time", she replied patiently. Mrs. Alcott seemed to be a very easy going lady, the kind someone could quickly warm up to. And she didn't suspect the people she came in contact with by principle. It was a part of her nature to be trusting and open to others. Unlike Liam's mother, Emma had nothing to hide, and so she didn't.<br/><br/>"I will ask for water to be warmed, and then, I will show you around. If you please excuse me".<br/><br/>After being excused, the woman went to the kitchen and talked to one of her servants for a moment. She then returned with a pastry wrapped on a handkerchief. She handed it to John and bid him farewell politely, before turning to Liam. "Now, let us go outside. We keep all of the tools and necessities in a small garden shed, as to make things easier for the gardener, when we have one. At the moment we don't, as the war has left very few young man around".<br/><br/>With a soft sigh, the woman motioned for Liam to follow. "Let us go, please".<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Liam William Mason</span></span></div><br/><br/>Liam nodded, "of course," he said politely knowing that she wouldn't leave until he spoke. It was one part of the polite culture that seemed a little strange to him. He'd never really gotten used to this. He could be as polite as they came, but he didn't know how to be this way all the time. It was just something different that didn't seem to be quite what he was used to. He gave a gentle smile and turned back to Mr. Booth and gently said, "thank you sir, for your kindness and generosity towards a stranger," he spoke softly and genuinely. He truly did respect the old man. Even if his intention towards the young woman were anything but polite.<br/><br/>When Emma returned he gave her a gentle smile and nodded to her words. "I know my way around most gardens I could do some of the tending of a light crop and most flowers for you Mrs. Emma." He offered politely. He always did enjoy the quiet art of growing plants. Even if it was an odd hoppy for serial killer con artist to have. It was the one thing that had always made his mother smile.<br/><br/>The dichotomy of this wasn't lost on Liam. The quiet peaceful beauty of a garden to the hard cold fake beauty of his mother. "Yes of course," he said gently and fell into step by her side. Watching and memorizing the layout of the house as she led him through it and through its yard. She was truly captivating to him. He felt himself growing warmer towards her. Liking her. Wanting to know her and in a odd way wanting this to be real. To be the man he pretended to be not the true him. He would have loved nothing more then to loose himself to this fake life. Could he really be this person?<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Emma Alcott</span></span></div><br/><br/>Emma walked around the first floor of the house first, showing Liam the kitchen, living room, dining room, a small music room where she had a piano, and the servant quarters area. The rooms of the house were a little bare, but they were all spacious and got plenty of light and fresh air when the windows were open. She then walked upstairs and showed Liam the rooms there. There was a laundry and ironing room, a large storage room and the bedrooms, her own, and the ones occupied by her guests.<br/><br/>She then walked down the stairs and outside with him. The garden was relatively well kept, but it needed to see some care. The grass was a little tall, the fence could use some fixing, and general maintenance was clearly a necessity.<br/><br/>Walking to the garden shed, Emma opened it. "Here, we have the lawn mower, the fuel for it, a wheelbarrow, garden scissors. Pesticide stays in that shelf, we always keep it stocked, even though we do not have many pests. There is a small woodbox inside, and we store wood at the back, at this larger one, to make sure we don't run out".<br/><br/>The woman smiled to the man. "Are there any questions, sir?", she asked with her usual polite intonation.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Liam William Mason</span></span></div><br/><br/>He followed after her memorizing the layout easily. He stopped once outside and gazed over the garden feeling a prang at seeing it in such a state. If it wouldn't have been rude he'd have tended the garden before retiring this night, but that would be poor hospitality. With a soft sigh of sadness he vowed to wake early and begin here. He started to walk away from garden and headed towards the garden shed. He noted where everything was and after her question he said softly. "No ma'am, only sadness at the state of the garden."<br/><br/>He regarded her for a moment and sighed softly before he turned back towards the house heading out of the garden shed, "I shall fill the woodbox for you ma'am and if you wish it I can join you for tea after I am clean and changed into something suitable as company. " He waited for her answer before he moved again.<br/><br/>He headed towards the wood pile and noted that it was getting a little low. He'd fix this too. With the ease of a man used to hard labour he picked up wood and held a large pile in his arms and began to walk back towards the house and it's awaiting nearly empty wood box. A few more trips and he was able to fill the box.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Emma Alcott</span></span></div><br/><br/>Emma waited patiently for Liam to memorize the layout. She was extremely patient with everyone in general. It was a part of her personality the young widow could not shake. She had mostly meek and kind qualities, and she enjoyed company. It was the kind of behavior of a people-pleaser, and she did really enjoy seeing people happy. From the elderly to small children, Mrs. Emma like everyone.<br/><br/>"I do feel sad at the state of the garden as well", she replied. "But the war has taken a toll on everything". She sighed deeply, thinking about her deceased husband, but didn't mention him. "I would appreciate your company for tea. It is always good to have new company", the woman agreed with a gentle smile.<br/><br/>While Liam got on with the heavy work, she asked one of her maids to take the hot water upstairs, and helped another one carry the cold water. After everything was placed carefully, the women went downstairs. The maids went to the kitchen, and Emma sat in the living room, getting her hands busy with knitting a sock which, by the size, was being made for a child.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Liam William Mason</span></span></div><br/><br/>Liam knew well that the war had taken it's toll on everyone. He nodded sadly at her words and busied his mind and body with the work. Oddly enough it was the only time he felt truly good about himself was when he was working. It was one of the rare times that his true smile could be seen. Liam wasn't always cold or evil at heart, he had learned to be this way. He had learned to feel the desire of blood and it was not the lie he sought, but the truth he could never find. He lived the lies in hope to find the truth of them one day. TO BECOME that person he pretended to be. Yet it never happened. So the killing had become his solace. The taking of the life that denied him what he truly desired. It had become such a ritual that Liam had lost what it was he truly sought and now only lived for the next hunt.<br/><br/>Yet here in this small town he felt something stirring inside him. Something he had never felt before. A part of him wondered if it really was true that Mrs. Emma was as kind and compassionate as she made herself to be. Time would tell. When the work was done he went up to his room and felt ever so grateful for the kindness of a full tub of hot water. Taking his time to bathe and clean and let the tightness out of his muscles he knew how rare a treat this was. How much hard work went into providing this comfort for the woman who hauled the buckets of water around.<br/><br/>As he finished and dressed in clean fresh clothing he headed downstairs to meet Mrs. Emma and froze as he saw her knitting a sock for a child. "You have a child?" He asked shocked. This was something he had never encountered before. Something that made him freeze in his tracks.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Emma Alcott</span></span></div><br/><br/>Emma had busied herself with sewing and knitting while Liam worked outside and took his bath. Needlework was one of her favorite activities, and she enjoyed making and donating pieces of clothing for those less fortunate. With the war, a few families had been deprived of the breadwinner, and all the community had rallied around them to help as they could. Emma would often take groceries, baked goods, and clothing to them as she could see it was a need, specially for families with children in that age when they grew out of clothes really fast.<br/><br/><br/>The socks she was knitting now were for one of those families, and she looked up in surprise. A slight blush creeped on her features. She then lowered her gaze. A longing could be noticed in her expression when she looked up again. "Oh, no. There was not time for it. This is for one of the children in town who lost their fathers".<br/><br/><br/>The woman sighed and put down her work. "Are you ready for tea? We have peppermint tea and a fruit cake for today. It would be a pleasure to have your company".<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Liam William Mason</span></span></div><br/><br/>Liam felt a mix of delight at the lack of children and an odd sense of longing. He couldn't quite understand why he wanted her to have a child. How would that be different? He had never wanted children before. Never wanted to be near them. Yet watching her he yearned to have a child be present here. To make this time different. Shaking his head to clear it he said softly, "that is a shame miss," and for once meant it. It was odd that he felt the need to have a child here.<br/><br/>It was so odd that it took him a full minute to fully register her next words. He gave her a gentle smile, "yes I would love peppermint tea,"oddly enough it was his favourite tea. He waited for her to lead the way to the sitting room where they would have tea. "How long ago did you loose your husband to the war?" he asked as gently as such a thing could be asked as he fellowed her to the room. It was perhaps an odd question, or insensitive. He didn't mean it as such, even if it sounded thus. Just as an attempt at conversation.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Emma Alcott</span></span></div><br/><br/>Emma nodded softly when Liam said it was a shame that she hadn't had a child. It was something she had longed for. She had dreamed of it, and talked to her husband about it. It was in their plans, but then the war came. He had to go, as he was a soldier and able bodied. It should have happened when he returned. But he didn't. And her dreams were shattered. She would need another man to fulfill it, but would she ever marry again? Emma doubted it, but it wasn't a sin to dream.<br/><br/>She waited for the man to accept her invitation for tea and smiled. Nodding, the woman put her work aside and walked ahead of Liam to the other room. The man's question made Emma sigh softly. Her lower lip trembled just a little before she replied. "Eleven long months", the woman murmured. She knew it was a normal question, but every time she had to speak about it stung in her heart.<br/><br/>With delicate movements, Emma served tea and cake and placed the cup and plate in front of Liam. "Do you like milk, lemon or sugar with your tea, or do you drink it pure?", she asked gently.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Liam William Mason</span></span></div><br/><br/>Liam felt oddly drawn towards her. This domestic act of sharing tea seemed to quiet the rage inside him and it stunned him. Nothing had quieted the rage inside him before. Not even the murders he'd committed. He watched her and felt her sadness for her loos. It stunned him that he was able to feel for her on that level and didn't have to fake it. "I'm very sorry for your loss," he said softly gently touching her hand for a brief moment before drawing his hand away and letting her serve the tea.<br/><br/>He was quiet as he though for a moment before saying, "honey and milk if you please," he had always enjoyed a touch of honey in his tea even though it was rather strange. He was again silent as he took a bite of the cake and smiled, "you are a great cook Ma'am," he said politely. "that is truly the best cake I have had," he continued. Pleased that she could cook so well or that one of her ladies could. Frankly he didn't know what a lady usually did in the kitchen. Man were usually absent from the kitchen. Tomorrow he would make sure she had a garden worthy of her.<br/><br/>Oddly that struck him. He'd never felt the need to make the work mean something to him before. It was simply that he enjoyed work. Yet here he found himself wishing to please her and make her smile. To see her smile. It was truly an odd feeling that set Liam on a slight kilter. He wasn't sure what to make of these strange new emotions.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Emma Alcott</span></span></div><br/><br/>Emma also felt soothed by that moment. It felt good to have someone to share that quiet and intimate moment. Tea time had always been Emma's favorite moment of the day. There was something about preparing tea, serving it and making it the right way to please another person that made Emma feel content. She had always had that kindness to her, the willingness to please. Right now, she felt the need to please Liam and repay him for the work he was willing to do for her with kindness. "Thank you", she murmured gently when he said he was sorry for her loss. Blushing a little when the man touched her hand, she smiled sadly before resuming serving the tea.<br/><br/>When Liam chose how he liked his tea, Emma nodded and served it the way he liked. She then served her own with only honey, smiling when he complimented the cake. "Thank you, sir", she replied, lighting up a little. "It is a family recipe. I am happy you enjoy it". Normally, the lady of the house didn't spend much time in the kitchen, except to give orders. Emma liked cooking, indeed, and some times went in the kitchen and made her favorite recipes, specially when they had company.<br/><br/>Tasting her own slice of cake, Emma sighed softly. She looked at the man and smiled. "There is something lovely about this moment, do you not agree?", she asked, wanting to encourage him to speak. "It is so British, and at the same time, somewhat intimate and domestic".<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Liam William Mason</span></span></div><br/><br/>Liam took a sip of his tea when it had been prepared. It was exactly as he liked it which impressed him more. Drawing him closer to the woman. Oddly he didn't resist the pull, but welcomed it. A part of him felt lighter as he let his fears slip away. Living in the moment. Letting the facade and lies and falsehoods fade away revealing the true Liam in the same moment as the fake Liam. It was something that made him oddly feel welcomed and safe. Two things he had never really felt. Usually by now the lies weighed heavily on him. Making his anger and need for blood grow. Usually by now he was plotting the ways he would lead her on. The day he would marry her, the day he would kill her. All of which would happen within a week. His inner demons seemed to be silent today. There was no weight on him. No draw to her blood. No falsehood. She appeared as real inside as out which shocked and captivate him. Drew him towards her in a way he had never felt before.<br/><br/>He wasn't convinced it wasn't a trick. A life of lies didn't simply vanish over night. In this case he would bid his time. Wait and see. Wait and see.<br/><br/>He ate another bite of cake as his mind spun with thoughts that were both normal and alien to Liam, but it was her softly spoken words that shook him to his core. For the first time in as long as he could remember Liam told the total truth. "I would not know ma'am, I have never had a domestic moment. I have lived my life on the edges of intimacy and never known the kind touch of a woman."<br/><br/>All of which were true. For all the lives Liam had taken he had never been touched or consummated a marriage in his life. He had never had sex.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Emma Alcott</span></span></div><br/><br/>Emma's eyes went wide when Liam said he would not know what a domestic moment felt like. She couldn't understand it. She had been raised by a normal family, with a mother and a father who loved each other, and loved her as well. They treated her with affection, and she returned it. It was a small, but happy family. They ate together, talked about their days, sang together, read together. It was a loving and simple life. And her husband had come from the same background. And her neighbors, friends, everyone she knew had come from a similar life.<br/><br/><br/>And now she was sitting with a man who said he had never had a domestic moment. Mrs. Emma's large eyes had a compassionate expression when she leaned forward and touched the man's arm gently. "I apologize. I should not have said that without knowing you", she murmured kindly.<br/><br/><br/>"If you wish to stay in Alston, I would believe you could... know a sense of a domestic life", the woman offered, innocent of Liam's intentions.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Liam William Mason</span></span></div><br/><br/>Liam sipped more of his tea. Allowing the awkward moment he'd created to fail, "it is quite alright," he said softly, "there is no need to apologize, I should not have been so brass with my answer," he responded. He felt honestly bad for what he'd said. He did not mean to shock her on their first meeting. "It is I who should be apologizing. It wasn't proper to shock you so," he said offering her a gentle smile. He wondered why he'd been so blunt with her when he'd never been that way before.<br/><br/>"I would like that I think," He said gently, and for the first time he meant it. He wondered if she would be the one. Could it be that after all the blood and death he'd lived he could finally find a woman who made the lies true? He swallowed the last of his tea and set the cup down finding that the plate of cake was also empty and wondering if it would be rude to ask for more.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Emma Alcott</span></span></div><br/><br/>Emma showed a kind smile at Liam's apology. Before her lips said it, it was clear that she had forgiven him. She nodded, though, and spoke to reassure Liam. "Do not worry yourself", she replied kindly. It was clear in her expression and intonation that the woman was being sincere. Unlike most of the women Liam had known and married, there was not a false bone in Emma's body. It might be the climate of the small town, where everyone was kind and helpful. Or it was something inside her that would have been there wherever she lived.<br/><br/>When Liam said he thought he would like staying, the woman smiled again. She felt that he needed a sense of kindness and care, and maybe she could provide it for him. Of course, she had no idea who the man was and what he had done in his past. When he emptied his plate and cup, Emma looked at the man and started serving him again, putting an end to his questioning.<br/><br/>"I believe you might be hungry after riding all the way here?", she finally commented, in a delicate manner.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Liam William Mason</span></span></div><br/><br/>Liam saw the sincerity in her gaze, but somehow still doubted the truth of it. As much as he wanted to believe her. To believe in someone in something. He found he didn't know if he could. His eyes focused on the play of her features and yet he couldn't' see any tells of a lie. He reminded himself he did not know her well, but somehow even that couldn't really make him believe that she was lying. He didn't know at all and wanted desperately to believe she wasn't lying. Could it be that he had finally found the one person who could be truthful in her words and actions?<br/><br/>Liam froze as she began without hesitation to serve him. He had never seen such smoothness of deed. There was no hesitation, no burden to her movements. It seemed almost like she enjoyed her tasks as hostess. This was entirely at odds to what he'd come to believe. Was it possible that she truly enjoyed the simple acts? Was it possible she wasn't putting up a show? The doubts were beginning to form inside his mind. Doubts he did not like. Would it be real this time? Would he finally find what he sought and no longer need the blood and death to make the nightmares quiet?<br/><br/>"I am yes, It has been a hard journey," he responded. Not elaborating on anything from where he'd come or how he'd traveled. He did not trust easily and it showed that though polite, the man didn't believe in sharing openly. He would need to be convinced to share his story. "I ate a quick meal on my way into town, but I could use a small meal to finish the day, though I wish to be no bother at all ma'am. So please do not trouble yourself on my account."<br/><br/>Liam hated to see anyone put out of their way. Even if it meant he missed a meal or two due to his lack of culinary skills. Liam was a walking nightmare in a kitchen and would probably manage to burn water.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Emma Alcott</span></span></div><br/><br/>Emma nodded when Liam said it had been a hard journey. She was used to seeing men from distant places come into the city. It was a small one, but there was plenty of employment available, since many of the local young men had perished in the war. And men who needed a job and a place to live would come from any distance they needed to. It was easy and simple to find a job where there was no competition, after all. "I can imagine. You need to worry about nothing. I would be mortified if I didn't provide a good meal after such a long journey".<br/><br/>There was nothing that wasn't natural an truthful in the way Emma spoke. She sounded like a simple and tranquil person, the kind of person who never hid her feelings and thoughts behind a facade. "I would be happy if you would accept an invitation to dine with me tonight", she completed.<br/><br/>It was clear that the young widow was willing to please the man. "I would never sleep soundly again if something could be said against our hospitality", she murmured. "You would not do anything that caused such a tragedy, now, would you?", the woman asked, with a light and humorous intonation in her sweet voice.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Liam William Mason</span></span></div><br/><br/>He gave her a gentle smile, "I would not dream of mortifying you ma'am. You have been far too kind for me to show you such disrespect," he said kindly and rose to his feet. "I would be honorred to dine with you tonight, do not worry, your hospitality will not be held in question by any. You are far too kind for anyone to desire to have harm befall you," He said with a gentle smile. He set his cup down on the tray.<br/><br/>"Shall I return in an hour?" he said gently. Figuring that it would give her time to clean up and have dinner laid out, he also figured if she needed more time she would tell him. He couldnt' seem to shake the fact that she was so much more then she seemed. Something he needed to come to terms with. She was different and he could sense that, but he couldnt' believe it.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Emma Alcott</span></span></div><br/><br/>Emma smiled back at Liam. She had no idea what kind of man he was on the inside. Had she known what he had already done in his past, or what he had gotten to her home planning on doing, Emma would definitely be horrified. As it was, though, her innocence didn’t allow her to suspect the man she had welcomed into her home. When he rose to his feet, she did the same a few seconds later. “Thank you, sir”, she replied kindly and nodded. “It will be an honor to have your company, and a pleasure”.<br/><br/>When he asked if he should return in an hour, Emma nodded again. “Yes, please. An hour would be perfect”, she replied with the usual kindness. “Everything should be set by then”. Her smile was kind and warm, and these seemed to be two qualities she had within, something natural she couldn’t fake even if she tried. “Please, do make yourself at home while I tend to dinner. I will see you shortly”, she added, before finishing with a courtesy and excusing herself to enter the kitchen and get to work with her cook. She was planning a rich meat stew and cornbread, and hoped that it would please Liam.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Liam William Mason</span></span></div><br/><br/>Liam bowed his head to her giving her a dashing smile. He nodded politely at her words still amazed at her kindness that seemed so real It couldn’t be could it? Could it really be? He couldn’t shake the feeling that something else was going on in the shadows. That her kindness was a smoke screen and he was falling for it. Just like his mother. He shook he thought away as he watched her walk out of the room.<br/><br/>He left the room as well to head to his room and within moment he was asleep. He wasn’t sure how long he slept. But when he work he felt such start fear that he had accidentally insulted his host. Rising quickly he headed down the stairs towards the kitchen worried. He came through the door of the kitchen with an apology already on his lips.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Emma Alcott</span></span></div><br/><br/>Emma stayed somewhere between the kitchen and sitting room, waiting for Liam to leave to his quarters. Entering the kitchen in full when he finally left, she started checking what they had and what they needed for a good meal. Giving some instructions to the cook, the young widow washed her hands, tossed an apron over her dress and started working alongside the woman. She always made a point of baking the cornbread, as it was something she enjoyed doing.<br/><br/>However long Liam had slept, it seemed to have been just the right time. Emma was standing by the table, and her servant was just finishing setting the large bowl of stew at the center. With a smile, the lady looked at Liam.<br/><br/>“It seems that you have rested some, that is good”, she commented kindly. “I hope you are ready for some stew”.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Liam William Mason</span></span></div>