A Brother's Tragedy

Copyright © 2023 by Jenna Morrison All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author except for brief quotations used for promotion or in reviews. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents are used fictitiously.First Edition, Chiller Publishing House. 2023ISBN: 9798848859638Cover Design: ©Juan PadrónEditing: Fiona G Otsu and Gary KruseFollow the Author through her social media and keep up to date with new dark tales. Discover her online at www.jennakmorrison.com. You may also find her on the following social media platforms.Instagram: www.instagram/authorjennamorrison.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJMorrison A BROTHER’S TRAGEDYJENNA MORRISON To my late father, Jason MorrisonIn loving memory1970-2011 Dear ReaderPLEASE READ PRIOR TO PURCHASE (A MATURE AUDIENCE ONLY: 17+)This is a dark story. Please be warned that this story contains sensitive topics that could be disturbing or offensive to some readers. Trigger warnings include some profanity, narcissism, gossip, night terrors, death, nudity, sexual content and references, child abuse (as a flashback/ character past), attempted suicide, murder, and blood/violence. This story also includes one character battling with a drug addiction (heroin: a physician-prescribed drug at the time before it was illegal). As you read, please note that this is a fictional story that has some horror and fantasy elements. The night terrors are a form of dark foreshadowing. Some of the fantasy elements incorporated into this novel should not be attempted in real life, such as a child riding on the back of a wolf. Please do not attempt.Though the story is based toward the end of the Old Wild West days, characters in this book do not act nor speak like how most citizens did during that time period. As an author, I have incorporated modernized humor and language throughout. This story is not historically accurate, so please do not use this book as a historical reference of any kind. It is strictly for entertainment purposes only. This story is also a drama, so it will contain a lot of drama. Please keep in mind that the author does not have any negative stigmatism toward anybody; the gossip and slander between some characters are only for the drama and character development; it should not be thought of as a political message of any kind. This is a fictional story that is meant to be a story with no politics involved. Nothing should be taken personally while reading.PS: This story is a standalone sequel to “A Brother’s Truth.” This story is designed so you can read this book first without having to read the first book. If you want to get a full glimpse of the character arcs, you will find it there. Originally, I was not planning on a sequel and the story was just going to end at "A Brother's Truth." However, once I finished book one, I couldn't get the characters off my mind and had more story to tell. Then, I just wrote this story for fun and only for myself, until my beta readers mentioned they favor this story more than book one, hence why I decided to share it with the world. I hope you enjoy this dark, emotional, and thrilling tale. I want to thank you for your support as I continue 1WILLIAM LUKE CAYDENJune 5, 1904Screams came from inside the log cabin. Blood pooled on the floor and seeped out from underneath the front door; it sprawled across the porch slats and formed the words, "The war has only begun” Will gasped and lifted his head off the ground. He shot his amber eyes toward his brother’s grave beside him, then at the tree behind him. The leaves rustled together as they hid him from the afternoon sun. He panted and ran his fingers through his shoulder-length blond hair.His wife, Lilianna, stepped past him as she carried a basket full of eggs. "Yay. The dead has risen," she said. She stopped in front of him and leaned over. “Why’re you sleeping under that tree again? You’re as white as a ghost. Are you okay?”“Yeah,” Will muttered and stood up. “I’m fine. It’s the damn stew you made the other night. When we get the money from the crops, I’ll hire someone to teach you how to cook.”Lilianna smirked as she tucked her black hair behind her ear. “Uh-huh. No need to be a pompous ass. Supper is almost ready. You’re filthy.”Will lurched forward at her, tickled her sides, and lifted her off the ground. He carried her toward the house. Lilianna laughed breathlessly. “Stop!”He set her down and kissed her forehead. “You’re pathetic.” She chuckled and walked toward the log cabin. “I swear, sometimes you’re twenty-four, goin’ on five.” Will smiled at her. “Let me go water the kale, then I’ll be in.”The sun lowered behind the mountains. Pink and orange hues inked the sky, and a flock of geese flapped their wings as they soared across the heavens. Will knelt at the half-eaten kale. Deer hooves imprinted the soil and kale pieces were scattered across the ground. Oh I’ll be a son of a bitch. Damned deer ate it all. He stormed back toward the cabin. Shit! Yep. I’m cursed. All that time n’ money. A nauseating feeling filled his gut. At least we got our savings to rely on to last us for some time. Maybe we outta slaughter the last cow n’ use that money to buy more pigs. Breed n’ sell em’.I need a minute alone. Will stepped toward his brother’s grave, placed underneath the same tree he always napped under. He leaned up against the trunk and held his forehead. The leaves rustled together, and the wind blew his hair sideways; he drew in a sharp breath. I’ll figure it out. It ain’t the first blunder. He closed his eyes and sat in silence.The chickadee chirped