Episode 24: Charcoal Suit and All

## Content Warnings

"Mention of death of a family member by illness, family strife, mention of consensual sex work, verbal threats, discussion of religious issues."

## Blurb

The Railroad Man and his new friends follow Vera Blevins to Baker's Gap in 1913, and things will never be the same.

## Plot Synopsis

Marcie Walker sits at her home after D.L. Walker leaves, presumably after Cora Lee Tilley is no longer a person of interest in her husband's murder. Marcie thinks back to when she first started this house as "Pleasant Evenings," a brothel meant to care for its workers as well as its clients. Her mother, Sheila Walker, had sent her to Tennessee with lots of money to make said house, but that function has long since been a thing of the past ever since Vera Blevins came and The Railroad Man followed.

Judge Jerry Brotherton wraps up his business for the day as judge for Baker's Gap in 1913. After the Swannanoa Tunnel was completed, he became a judge just like his father before eventually retiring and being asked to serve as the interim judge for Baker's Gap. Even after all these years, he still has violent nightmares about the atrocities he caused and witnessed. As he finishes his business, The Railroad Man comes up behind Jerry with Mr. White and Mr. Erskine to call in his debt.

At first, Jerry begs for his life, thinking The Railroad Man is the Devil who saved him from God's divine judgement in the Swannanoa Tunnel. The Railroad Man only mocks Jerry for thinking such divine forces would even care about him. For saving his life, The Railroad Man asks Jerry firstly to bring him to where all the local transient people gather and then to take them to a brothel. Jerry, thinking this is too good to be true, readily agrees. They go to meet several outcast and poor people to offer them food and work "on the railroad." But when asked what line he works with, The Railroad Man just says he's "with the railroad" without naming any specific line or company and redirects the conversation. He feeds the people and gives them his business card, which is black save for an R and crossed rail lines, repeating his catchphrase "Ever onward, ever forward."

The point of view then cuts to Vera arriving in Baker's Gap once again after running away from her father years ago. She arrives at Pleasant Evenings at the behest of Kevin and Junie Norris and is immediately impressed. The house is at least three stories tall and exquisitely made. Vera is stopped in the front yard by Ellie Walker before coming down to greet her with Vespertilio, the cat. Vera comes inside and meets Marcie and tells her whole story. When explaining about the Hollow Men attacking the outhouse on the Norris Farm, Marcie and Ellie admit that it was their mother, Sheila Walker, who had buried the jars with nails in them in the yard. Aggie Norris was their sister, but Kevin is now estranged from the Walker Sisters and Junie does not know what the house is. Marcie and Ellie are sure Vera will be followed and offer her shelter. Vera says she would give back the pocket watch she stole if she could, but the Walkers tell her that it's too late for that. After Vera leaves, Marcie and Ellie discuss how the marks on Vera's hands tell them that she's touched it and is now bound to it. But it can't be dealt with right now.

Jerry takes his companions to Pleasant Evenings where The Railroad Man has a visceral reaction to the building and the land, proclaiming it to be old and balanced. He and Mr. Erskine discuss breaking down the house's defenses after dark. Mr. White impatiently tries to just go in the front door and is repelled back as the house is closed. (Presumably, this is why Ellie had to escort Vera inside.) Marcie greets the men, including Jerry by name, but tells them that the house is closed right now. The Railroad Man compliments the house and calls Marcie by her full name, stating she's from West Virginia, and apologizes for the death of her mother. He asks to see a friend of his who's inside. Marcie refuses. He tries again, but Marcie refuses again, citing this was her second refusal. The Railroad Man states that if she'd like to do things by the book, then he'll oblige, telling her in no uncertain terms that unless the Walker's hand over Vera, the Railroad Man will attack and destroy everything. Marcie once again refuses and each side breaks away to prepare for the evening's battle.

## Relevant Characters

* Vera Blevins
* The Railroad Man
* Marcie Walker
* Jerry Brotherton
* Mr. White
* Mr. Erskine
* Ellie Walker