ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I checked your blog every hour for two weeks until the deadline(s) and finally gave up.
Now I read this phenomenal story. He died a villain. I am bereft. How many good guys die as villains? Many I think.
Freaking great story, and I know your "excuse" was much better than that. Thank you for publishing. I am so thankful I found this, and that long ago I found you. Or you found me. No matter. Fabulous story.