Well, since Karl's death last year, the townsfolk have breathed a sigh of relief and turned a watchful eye on the returning Christopher Quintan.

Used to the younger Quintan's frequent comings and goings and long unaccounted for absences, they watch him warily and with a distrust that he might be as ruthless as his father. Still, something about the man seemed changed this time around. To some of those he had met before there was a simple stare empty of any recognition and the man seemed more conversational than ever. Some speculate that something happened during one of his recent absences to cause the change, other's lay money down that it is simply the knowledge that he is free of his father, and a few murmur that perhaps a fever robbed the man of his memories.

Christopher stepped quite easily into the role of Owner at the Twin Hills Ranch though it is becoming quite apparent that Karl Quintan's will has yet to be read. Most townsfolk didn't be grudge the man, afterall the ranch employs well over 100 cowboys and support staff, someone must be at the head to see it run. And, of course, there doesn't seem to be any hasty complaint by Madeline Randolph to claim a portion of what was her father's ranch. This may all come to head soon enough however, for it appears that Karl's Lawyer, John Pearce has seen fit to come all the way down here to dispose the will.

Most of the changes have been well received, the ranchhands at the Twin Hills seem happier and the once reclusive Quintan heir apparant has been seen about town more. Many townsfolk are beginning to relax their guard with the man, and it is easy to do so with threats of foreclosure, Indian raids, cattle rustling and constant fights down by the crib row. Perhaps this is why they have yet to notice that Mr. Quintan has been receiving several deliveries from Great Falls, quite a bit of which is ammunition and guns.

While some speculate that perhaps Mr. Quintan is attempting to amass a small army there is a less heard word that appears to be fact going around that he is in fact training his men, and any willing upstanding citizen how to use a firearm in the event that the town finds themselves in need of protection against the growing threat of cattle rustlers and indian risings.

Some residents have also begun to notice that the turnout at church on Sundays has really amplified, noting that quite a few faces from the Twin Hills Ranch, including Christopher himself are amongst the pews. Some of these men haven't attended church since they first strolled into town - so one has to wonder what influence he is weilding over them to encourage such a snap turnaround.

As to Quintan's death, the fire quickly out washed out any casual inquiries that were being made by the local authorities into the man's death, since poison was suspected. Mostly, the townsfolk just didn't care if the man was poisoned. Good riddance they say. This hasn't stopped Christopher from continuing the investigation, sending inquiries out far and wide to call in favors. Still, no leads have been found as of yet.

Lastly, there is a new and yet old face in town. Most don't rightly believe it, but it would seem there have been reports that Lindley Quintan has returned. Most haven't got an idea why the man would come back here after 8 years, especially seeing has how the youngest Quintan was long disinherited by the Old Man.

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