Edward rolled out of bed and placed his feet into his slippers by the bed. His wife rolled over and asked,”Where are you going? Its Sunday.”

“I’ve got to sort out this Law Man, he’s creating a stir in the village. Apparently he’s begun construction of something outside the town hall”

“Cant it wait until Monday?”

“Even if I didn’t have to sort this out, he wants me to help him get some of the villagers for Interview.” replied Edward

“Oh Edward, you give too much to this town. They don’t appreciate how hard you work.”

“I know Evelyn, but that’s why you love me.” With that he began his morning routine, getting ready for an official day as Mayor.

It was a bright sunny day and Edward made his way to the town house. As he mounted the steps onto the plaza, he saw the new creation. It was a horrific sight, the like had not been seen in England for 300 years. Standing proudly outside the town house was a brand new gallows. Not the modern humane ones with a trap door used up to the 1950’s, but an old fashioned one where a stool or ladder was placed beneath the jib and the prisoner turned off to dangle and strangle.

Recognising the design from his school history days, Edwards mind was made up, ‘This law man has to leave. No one is going to strangle to death in my village. He’s not going to terrorise my people.’

As Edward stared thought the red mist, fire pumped in his blood. He stormed across the plaza to the front door of the town house. He’d not felt anger like this since his youth. His heart pounded in his rib cage, it felt like it was going to burst right out.

He pushed open the front door and bellowed, “Lawman, Where are you?’

He waited for a reply, nothing came. 

‘Lawman, I know you are in here! Where are you?’ He repeated.

After a second pause a reply came, “Mayor, I’m on the first floor in my office. Please come up.” The condescending tone raised Edwards ire another notch as he pounded up the stairs and burst into the office.

“What in Gods name do you think you are doing here?” Bellowed Edward as he entered the room, “You have no right to come into this quiet town and start scaring the people with threats of hanging Witches. There is no such thing as Witches and hanging has been illegal for sixty years or more. Who gave you authorisation to build a gallows outside the town house?”

“Good morning Mayor Brown” said the Witch Finder General as he calmly stood up to face the Mayor, “I’m very please to see you today. As you can see we have begun preparations of the Witch trials and inevitable sentencing.” replied Matthew.

“This had gone far enough. I had a visit from a resident last night informing me of your construction here. I didn’t believe her, but arriving here this morning I see its true. You are crazy. I want you out of our town by the end of the day.” The Mayor continued in a raised voice. As he pointed at The Witch Finder General, Matthew pulled out the Parliamentary Order, that had previously been shown to the towns folk, from within his coat. Edward stared down at the document and slowly lowered his hand. 

“As you can see, Mayor, I have the full authority of Parliament. My investigations and sentencing, here, is fully legitimate.” The Mayor looked up at The Witch Finder General and their eyes met. Matthews eyes flashed once more and Edward found his ire beginning to recede. “Now tell me about the visit you had last night. I’m sure you will see my methods are right and the punishment will fit the crime.”