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  • Story Listed as: True Life For Adults
  • Theme: Love stories / Romance
  • Subject: Western / Wild West
  • Published: 01/29/2023

The Note

By Ed DeRousse
Born 1950, M, from Sparta, il, United States
View Author Profile
Read More Stories by This Author
The Note

When they cleared his bunk, the deputies found Lizzie’s Bible. The one she left for him when she brought his food. And a note. The note, perhaps, explains best the life of the gunfighter known as “Wild Bill” Langley.

Lizzy, I’m sorry.
Cheyenne changed my life. Until then I was runnin with the Devil at my side. Then I saw you. You convinced me to put the Devil behind me and have faith in God. You and I were gonna live happily ever after.
This is NOT your fault.
I never gave up lovin you.
But I could not escape my reputation. Without you, the devil had too much control of me.
I’m sorry I disappointed you.
I told the boy about us. I hope you are somehow able to protect him from my past. I am sorry! It is up to you to bring him up right. This is not the life I wish for anyone. Raise him up like your father. He is a good man. I’m sure he told you I came to see you to try to fix things, but the devil wouldn’t stand for it.

My time has come. I will be paying for my crimes. I deserve the payment. I regret I was not strong enough for you.
When my time comes, you will be my last thought.

Thank you Lizzy

Bill

The Note(Ed DeRousse) When they cleared his bunk, the deputies found Lizzie’s Bible. The one she left for him when she brought his food. And a note. The note, perhaps, explains best the life of the gunfighter known as “Wild Bill” Langley.

Lizzy, I’m sorry.
Cheyenne changed my life. Until then I was runnin with the Devil at my side. Then I saw you. You convinced me to put the Devil behind me and have faith in God. You and I were gonna live happily ever after.
This is NOT your fault.
I never gave up lovin you.
But I could not escape my reputation. Without you, the devil had too much control of me.
I’m sorry I disappointed you.
I told the boy about us. I hope you are somehow able to protect him from my past. I am sorry! It is up to you to bring him up right. This is not the life I wish for anyone. Raise him up like your father. He is a good man. I’m sure he told you I came to see you to try to fix things, but the devil wouldn’t stand for it.

My time has come. I will be paying for my crimes. I deserve the payment. I regret I was not strong enough for you.
When my time comes, you will be my last thought.

Thank you Lizzy

Bill

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COMMENTS (7)

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Lillian Kazmierczak

02/06/2023

Ed, I love this serial you have written! Congratulations on short story star of the day!

Ed, I love this serial you have written! Congratulations on short story star of the day!

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Ed DeRousse

02/06/2023

Thank you for reading my story. Stay tuned. Langley's son will wear a star.

Thank you for reading my story. Stay tuned. Langley's son will wear a star.

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Lark L Pogue

02/06/2023

Wonderfully written. So thought-provoking. Life is often ended unhappily.

Wonderfully written. So thought-provoking. Life is often ended unhappily.

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Ed DeRousse

02/06/2023

Thank you.

Thank you.

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P.S. Winn

02/06/2023

Well written short tale, makes you wonder what demons from life we will all face at the end.

Well written short tale, makes you wonder what demons from life we will all face at the end.

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Ed DeRousse

02/06/2023

Thank you.

Thank you.

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Shirley Smothers

02/06/2023

Ed this is a bittersweet story. We all have our demons to fight. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Ed this is a bittersweet story. We all have our demons to fight. Thank you for sharing this with us.

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Ed DeRousse

02/06/2023

Thank you for reading and commenting.

Thank you for reading and commenting.

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Kristin Dockar

02/06/2023

Excellent. So much conveyed with a steady trail of emotions.

Excellent. So much conveyed with a steady trail of emotions.

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Ed DeRousse

02/06/2023

Thank you for reading and commenting on my story.

Thank you for reading and commenting on my story.

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JD

02/05/2023

Sad but sweet love story and a thought provoking bit of wild west history. Thanks Ed. Happy short story STAR of the day! :-)

Sad but sweet love story and a thought provoking bit of wild west history. Thanks Ed. Happy short story STAR of the day! :-)

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Ed DeRousse

02/06/2023

Thank you for selecting my story. I appreciate being given the opportunity to share my stories.

Thank you for selecting my story. I appreciate being given the opportunity to share my stories.

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Radrook

01/29/2023

A very touching letter expressing regret. Unfortunately some decisions are deadly. Sometimes owning a BIble isn't enough. Some Bible-owners might even use them to hit someone over the head with them. But at least he expressed concern for his family. Thanks for sharing.

A very touching letter expressing regret. Unfortunately some decisions are deadly. Sometimes owning a BIble isn't enough. Some Bible-owners might even use them to hit someone over the head with them. But at least he expressed concern for his family. Thanks for sharing.

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Ed DeRousse

01/31/2023

Thank you for reading this story.

Thank you for reading this story.

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