Snippet #2638320

Anna looked up from reloading her revolver when Thompson approached with the sinner on his arm. "Thank you, Sheriff, I will take him from here. Go help the posse, see to any wounded and prepare to depart. Horatio and I will be with you shortly."

She wasn't sure if the sheriff would have had the stomach to help, but regardless it was better that he didn't see the unpleasant details firsthand. It was different for some to comprehend that the Lord offered salvation in one hand and retribution in the other. And in the end, it was better for the Dogs to see to such different tasks, to spare others from such troubles. Pressing her revolver against the sinner's back, she marched him towards the edge of the fort's interior, away from the posse.

Once they were well away from the others, Anna shoved the man onto his knees, moving to face him and keeping her revolver lowered, but quite ready to fire if he were to move suddenly.

"I know you think I will threaten you. Harm you. That it is the only way I can glean answers from you. But you should know now that any physical harm I can do to you is, in the end, insignificant. Our bodies are merely mortal shells, cast aside and turned to dust when we go to our Lord. And the Lord shall judge us all by our actions. Truly, there is nothing I can do that will compare to the torments that will be placed upon your soul in payment for your sins." She spoke quietly, but with an unflinching steadiness as she stared hard at the man.

With her free hand, Anna drew a knife from her belt. "But I assure you that I can still make your transition to the Lord very, very unpleasant. And slow. So you will tell me these things: Where have the children been taken? Who murdered Red Road's sheriff? And who is Azrael?"