They find a map showing the property had once belonged to a Spanish family, the Robles, sold it suffering 'some kind of tragedy'. Dolores and Dan spend the day looking for her father's will. Next morning, Dan finds Dolores looking tired, complaining of cold and very compliant. He moves into the house, and that night, Robey sneaks into Dolores' room and drinks some of her blood. Despite Dan's protests, Dolores hires Robey. When asked, Dan says it was an ordination gift the thorn coming from the site of the Crucifixion. He reacts to a thorn cross on a button worn by Dan. The stranger, calling himself Drake Robey, arrives at the Carter ranch. As the stranger leaves, Buffer sacks the man despite his insisting he hit his target dead center. Dolores hangs up 'Gun Wanted' posters all over town, offering $100 to anyone who can gun down the 'murderer' After the stranger promises to kill Buffer, one of the rancher's men shoots at the stranger. Convinced Buffer is responsible, Tim goes after him and is killed by Buffer. Grief-stricken, Tim snaps after learning a fence has been torn down and cattle are escaping. By the time he gets home, the Doc is dead, his throat bloody. The Sheriff's discussion with Buffer proves unsuccessful, however, and a black-clad stranger follows Doc Carter's buckboard. Doc drives back into town to see the local sheriff. Returning to their ranch, Doc Carter finds his son Tim extremely upset after the actions of their neighbour, Buffer, including damming a stream on the Carter ranch and having his men assault anyone who complains. As he kneels to pray, Dan notices two small, bloody holes in Cora's throat. Cora is found dead on her bed, her window open.

During breakfast with Cora's parents, they hear Cora scream. After Preacher Dan Young's nightlong vigil, Cora looks like she will survive. John Carter and his daughter Dolores have been tending to patients for hours, but just lost another. In an Old West town, young girls are dying of a mysterious wasting disease. ( July 2021) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message)

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The Curse of the Undead by M.L. Carter