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Chapter Text

 When I was younger I lost my daddy, and now It seems I'm going to lose every father I'll ever have. 

" Dutch! " I shouted as the cold started setting in, with the blizzard making me unable to see 10 feet in front of me.  

" Scarlet Over here!", " Where!? I can't see ten feet in front of me!", We shouted back and forth until I saw the light of one of the wagons. I rode up a bit and started riding beside Dutch and Hosea as Reverend came up beside me and told us that, Abigail said Davey was dying and we got to stop soon before turning around and going back to the wagon with Abigail and Davey. 

" If we don't stop soon we'll all be dying, This whether it's May, I'm just hoping the law got as lost as we did" Hosea started before dutch cut him off as the three of us saw Arthur through the snow on Charles's horse. 

" Arthur! Any luck?" Dutch's voice cut through the harsh winds. 

" I found a place where we can get some shelter." Arthur's text voice cutting through the wind brought me a little hope that we could get through this. Arthur rode towards us while saying " Let Davey rest while he... you know" stopping in front of us 

" An old mining town, abandoned, it ain't far. Come on," he said as he turned around to bring us to this place he found. And with that, we all started on our way to this old mining town 

We rode a little way, finally coming to a stop,

Hosea grabbed a lantern and started walking to what looked to be the main building of this place, as everybody unloaded from the wagons

"  Bring him in here," Hosea spoke looking at the group as the women went in first, Bill and Arthur brought in a frozen Davey and set him on the table as everybody else goes into the place, I stopped my horse getting off him as I calmed him down before hooking him to a post and walking to the cabin, to warm up and get away from the harsh winds and snow. My boots crunched against the snow, and I pushed the cabin door open to hear, Abigail announce that Davey died. I walked over and stood beside Arthur. As people started to speak before Dutch cut in.

" Well, First of all, you're gonna stay here. And you are gonna get yourself warm" Dutch said, before moving on " Now, I sent John and Micah scouting out ahead," 

Arthur and I shared a quick nod at each other before Dutch continued " Arthur, Scarlet, and I, we're gonna ride out see if we can find one of 'em" Dutch said as Arthur was quick to say something 

" In this?" Arthur replied pointing to the door, " Just for a short bit, I don't see what other choice we have" Dutch asserted before turning to the group and starting a speech  to try and keep everyone's hopes up a little bit I looked at Arthur, before looking out from in front of Arthur at Dutch

" Listen... listen to me all of you, for a moment. Now, we've had well, a bad couple of days." Dutch paused for a moment before carrying on, " I loved Davey... Jenny... Sean... Mac... they may be okay, we don't know." Dutch stated, then started speaking again, 

"But we lost some folks. Now, if I could... throw myself in the ground in their steed, I'd do it gladly. But we're gonna ride out and we're gonna find some food. Everybody, we're safe now. There ain't nobody following us through a storm like this one, and by the time they get here well we're gonna be... we're gonna be long gone, we've been through worse than this before. Mr. Pearson Miss Grimshaw, I need you to turn this place into a camp. We may be here for a few days. Now all of you all of you... get yourselves warm. Stay strong. Stay with me. We ain't done yet!" Dutch finished as he, Arthur, and I turned and walked out the door to stand there for a minute as Dutch spoke 

" Well, we ain't run into them yet. So they both must have headed down the hill. 

" Sure, Hey, I ain't had time to ask... What really went down back there on that boat?" Arthur questioned

" We missed you, that's what happened" Dutch answered as Charles came down the path with our horses,

" Hey! You need horses?"  Charles questioned 

" Oh yeah, and Mr. Smith, get yourself indoors." Dutch ordered as we all got on our horses " You need to rest that hand." Dutch said, 

" I'll live," Charles said

" Get inside son!" Dutch ordered before we three headed off into the storm to try to find either John, Micah, or food cause the gods know if we don't find food soon we all won't be around much longer. 

We started off getting out of the old mining town and went across a small bridge us three talked back and forth before seeing a lantern glow cut there the harsh snow, as I reached for my gun as Dutch started trying to speak with the person up ahead. 

" You, up ahead! Who's there?" Dutch asked as the figure came clear to for us three to see Micah bell. 

" Micah." Dutch breathed out as he rode closer to us, as I put my gun back in its belt 

" Gentlemen, and lady," Micah said as dutch asked if he had found anything yet which Miach replied 

" I think so. Found a little homestead down thataway." Micah replied 

" Okay. Anybody home?" Dutch questioned 

" Sure. The place is blazing with light and noise. Sounded like a party." Micah told Dutch before Dutch said we're gonna go see so Micah turned around and started leading us to this "Party of a place he found" 

Arthur and Micah turned off their lanterns as we go closer we could hear laughter, nonsense, and a lot of other things over the harsh winds, I mean it was true the place looked like a party was going on inside maybe things were changing for the better for all of us. My thoughts got cut short as we approached the hitching post to Dutch, Micah, And Arthur, we hitched up the horses and started walking towards the cabin. 

" Let me handle this, we don't want to spook these fine people," Dutch stated as we walked to the house 

"Someone having fun in there," Miach announced like we couldn't tell

" Thank you for telling us something we can clearly tell for ourselves," I scoffed we got closer but before we could all go up dutch spoke

" You three, get yourself out of sight, One lonely man is a lot less intimidating than four nasty-looking degenerates," Dutch commanded 

" Micah, hide behind that wagon, Arthur, Scarlet you guys take that old shed on the left. And stay low all of you." Dutch told us what to do

I walked over to the shed tucking behind the small wall of the old shed closer to the left side while Arthur took the right side so we had a different but similar view. I could hear the music coming from inside as I sighed and just listened to what Dutch was saying to these folks.

" Hello?" Now announcing his presents to the folk inside. I could hear some communication coming from inside the tiny house. 

" Excuse me? Hello?" Dutch still trying to get a person out here I heard the door open

" Oh well, Hello friend. " Dutch greeted the men as I peaked over the side of the wall of the shed trying to get a better look

" What you want?" The man questioned the Irish accent thick on him

": I am very sorry to disturb you. Uh, my friends and I, well got into some... trouble up the way. Lost in the storm" He pipped as the man came down the stairs getting closer to Dutch as another one came out. Micah and Arthur started talking. I turned my attention to Micah now drowning out the sound of Dutch and the other men.

" Arthur, Scarlet, we got a problem," Micah whispered while peeling back the sheet covering whatever was in that wagon  

" There's a corpse right here" Micah whispered as I and Arthur looked at one another 

" Scarlet, Arthur There's a body in the wagon" He spoke as he pulled out his guns me and Arthur gave each other a look and pulled out our guns before Arthur spoke back to Micah

" Yeah, we hear you, just keep your eyes on Dutch," Arthur ordered as we put our focus back on Dutch and the men 

" I think you should go now buddy" The Irish one spoke 

" Now, friend I ain't asking for much" Dutch replied 

" Please I'm kinda desperate," Dutch begged as the man raised his lantern  closer to Dutch trying to get a better look at him

" Hey... I don't believe it. Come here, partner. Come here!" The man shouted Dutch walked forward a bit more 

" It's goddamn Dutch van der Linde you morons! Colm is gonna shit his pants." The man announced to the rest of the men

Arthur popped out from behind the shed wall and popped the man holding the lantern in the head as his body fell to the ground I peeked over as well and popped the man standing next to him in the head as Dutch ran behind the outhouse. As we started firing at the house,

I saw the dude up in the upstairs window so I took the chance as he was focused on Micah and shot him in the side of the head. Arthur killed another two while Micah killed one, and Dutch killed another one before one ran away Arthur shot him, in result killing him before we all grouped up outside the house.  

"  Goddamn O'Driscoll boys here? Why?" Dutch questioned 

" I don't know, maybe the same reason as us," Micah replied 

" Micah, go bring the horses closer to the house. Arthur, Scarlet let's go check the cabin" He commanded as we walked up the steps into the house,

It was small but cozy with a small kitchen to the left of me a fireplace on the right-hand wall, A table in the middle of what looked to be a bathroom on the left back-hand side, with a bed in the back right-hand side with a small overhand above. I walked over to the fireplace and grabbed a picture of a man and woman on what happens to look like their wedding day. I put it back before going up the ladder and grabbing everything I could up there before heading back down and meeting back up with everyone outside. 

"Arthur go see if there's anything in that barn. Micah, you search the cabin, and see what we missed." Dutch Odered, as me and him, stood by the horses before he walked away to go check on Arthur. I started to run my fingers through my horse's hair before I heard a scream come from inside the cabin I stopped the act and grabbed my gun as I ran into the Cabin with Arthur behind me. 

I ran through the door to see skinny blond women going around the table throwing bottles at Micah while he tried to get to her, 

" Leave her alone!" Dutch told Micah what to do but he didn't seem to listen 

" I wasn't doing nothing, she's one of them O'Driscolls," Micah said as the women picked a knife off the table 

" No she ain't, Micah, look at her." Dutch spoke trying to get him to leave the poor woman alone as he just laughed

" Miss, Miss, are you-" Dutch tried to talk to the women before Micah flipped the table onto its side knocking the lantern over starting a fire as he walked over to her

" Oh, you fool, Micah!" Dutch shouted as the women went to stab him dutch got walked over and pushed him away from the startled women pushing him over to I pushed him away and then Arthur pushed him,  away as we walked over.

" Miss, now it's gonna be okay. We mean you no harm" Dutch said trying to calm the women down as I and Arthur looked as the fire spread quickly 

Dutch moved closer pushing the women's hand away with the knife while one hand grabbed her shoulder " Miss! Miss. Come on it'll be okay." He said as we started to walk toward the door

" We need to get out of here and quick! Come on now" Dutch piped as the fire spread across the house we all got out. We walked down the steps

" You okay miss?" Dutch asked with concern in his voice for the women 

" They came three days ago, and my husband they... " The women sounded startled I walked away mounting my horse waiting for everybody to saddle up 

" Okay, Miss. You're safe now and you can't stay here." Dutch spoke softly as they looked back at the burning house 

" You come with us, Arthur" Dutch spoke handing the lantern he took off one of the horses to Arthur as he mounted up 

" Miss, it's okay alright? We're bad men, but we ain't them, so it's okay. Get on"  he said handing Dutch the lantern as he put the woman on the back of the horse

" We'll keep you safe until you figure out what you wanna do." He said before walking away and mounting up his own horse we started riding away from the burning house. 

" What's your name, Miss? Miss?" Dutch questioned  

" Adler." The women replied 

" Adler?" Dutch questioned

" Sadie Alder. Mrs. .. I.. he.. he was my husband" Sadie responded we rode away but I looked back and saw it crack and collapsed in on itself poor Mrs. Adler barely know her but already feel bad for her, she or her husband didn't deserve those things.

We rood into camp we heard Lenny shout as people started coming out to the sight of us being back I heard Hosea ask how we got on up ahead 

" Micah found a homestead. but we weren't the first. Colm O'Driscoll and his scum, they beat us to it." Dutch announced as we all got off our horses and Hoesea helped down Miss Alder from Dutch's horse 

" We found some of them there but there is more apparently scouting a train, thank you," Dutch announced

" That's the last thing we need right now, Dutch," Hosea responded 

" Well, it is what it is, but we found some supplies, some blankets, a little bit of food, and this poor soul, Miss Adler, Miss Tilly, Miss Karen, would you warm her up, give her a drink of something. He told as Tilly and Karen helped Miss Adler away from us to help warm her up and get her something while the rest of us stood around 

" And Mrs. Adler it's gonna be okay, you're safe now." He announced to her as she and the girl walked away from the rest of us. he looked towards his sweetheart and told her that she was turned into a widow by them before turning back to the rest of us.

" I need some rest, I haven't slept in three days." He spoke, while Miss. Grimshaw came over

" You're over here Miss O'Shea will show you the way. Mr. Morgan, Miss Miller we put you two in your own room over here." She announced 

" Thank you, Miss Grimshaw" Me and Arthur spoke

" Mr. Bell you're with the feller over there." Miss Grimshaw told as we started to walk to our rooms with her while Micah looked offended 

" How come Arthur And Scarlett get a room and I get a bunk next to Bill Williamson and a bunch of darkies?" He rudely questioned as we stopped in our tracks turning back to look at him before going back to walking to the place 

" Get yourself to bed," Hosea told him we walked up the steps shutting the door behind me, 

" Now you too get some rest if you need anything you know where to find me goodnight you too" Miss Grimshaw spoke, before leaving us alone shutting the door behind herself. I looked up and saw Arthur, 

" Goodnight Arthur get some sleep I'll see you tomorrow if you don't freeze" I laughed before turning to walk into my room

" Haha, But goodnight Scarlet sleep well" he spoke as we went into our different rooms. I walked over and sat on the bed banging my boots off before, pulling off my satchel and putting it on the bedside table before lying down. in the bed and shutting my eyes drifting asleep. 

Chapter Text

" Scarlet, what are you doing?" My father questioned as I climbed the counter to grab a cup 

" Grabbing a cup" I replied as I turned around with the cup in my hand with a look, of defeat on my face from being caught. My father walked forward and picked me up from the counter and put me back on the ground.

" Next time you want a glass just ask it's better than you getting hurt do you understand?" My father told me. 

" Yes Dad I understand,  I say walking away

I woke up as the wind howled outside I pushed myself up, shaking my head to wake up I pulled my coat around me tighter. I stood up walking out into the main room I saw the fire going. I walked over holding my hands far even to try and warm up from the cold seeping in through the cracks of the house. I walked out of the house going to the main house where most of everybody was—shutting the door and looking around for Javier, and Arthur.

" Where's Arthur and Javier?" I questioned walking over to the fire and standing between Abigail, and Tilly who were sitting on some stools  

" They went out to find John" Abigail responded I walked away and over to Jack crouching down to his level.

" Hey, Jack what you doing there," I asked tilting my head to the side and giving him a small smile. 

" Reading a book Grampa Hosea gave me" his little voice responded looking away from his book,

" Want to go out and do something I use to do as a child to pass the time?" I question knowing how it might be hard for him to be only 4, and keep moving from place to place in such a short amount of time. 

" What would that be?" He questioned putting his book down on his lap

" building a man made of snow with a carrot for a nose," I say letting out a giggle as I stand up and reach out my hand 

" Sure!" He sounded happy at least. He grabbed my hand as we walked to the door I turned my head to Abigail

" I'm taking Jack out to do something instead of being cramped in this building k," I said before pushing the door open It was still cold but, at least we could go stand close to the coals Perison had going to try and make dinner with little we had. I found a spot close to the back of the road but still close enough so we could be seen. I reached down and grabbed a handful of snow and started shaping it into a ball.

" Alright see why don't you get a small ball of snow and then once you're happy with it place it in the snow and start rolling it," I said placing the small snowball onto the snow and starting to gently move it with my boot. 

" That seems easy!" He said excitedly and started to copy me

" Now, we can't have our snowballs the same size they all need to be different we need one big one, one median one, and then one small one for the head so why don't you get working on the median one and if you need to warm up go over to Mr. Pearson and warm up by the coals then come back when you feel ready okay," I said as I continued to roll the snow.

Soon enough we had all the snow we needed rolled up I told Jack to go find two sticks for the arms and a couple for its hair. the sun started to set. As I picked up the median size one and walked over and placed it on top of the big one setting it in place I picked up. A little more snow from the ground and started placing it in the cracks and smoothing it out, before going to get the small one to finally give it a head. I stepped back as Jack came running back with some sticks,

" I got the sticks!" He said proudly holding up the sticks to me

" That's very good buddy why don't I put the hair on, and you put the arms on while I go look for something else for him," I said ruffling his hair, before taking the smaller sticks from him and placing them in the top of the snowman head, before walking away to my horse. 

I reach my horse and give him a small pet before opening my satchel bag and grabbing an extra scarf and a carrot. I walked over to Pearson as I held the scarf in one hand.

" Pearson you got like 7 pieces of coal you're not using I need them," I said walking over to the burning coals and holding one hand over them 

" Why do you need them cause I can't really spare any, were in some pretty bad times" He responded taking a swig of some type of Achoale

" Because I'm trying to cheer Jack up by helping him make a snowman you asshole now do you have some or not," I asked annoyed as I rolled my eyes.

" Yeah, I better get them back though Scarlet." He said walking towards me with some coals. I reached my hand out grabbed the coals and took them before walking back to Jack.

" Well why don't you hold the scarf and the carrot while I give him a face," I spoke as I handed him the scarf and carrot as I walked in front of the snowman looking at his arms and making a mental note to fix them so they wouldn't fall. I put two pieces of the coal for the eyes and the rest of the pieces for a smile, before taking the carrot from Jack and giving him a nose. And finally taking the scarf and putting it around the man made of snow and stepping back with Jack to look at the snowman we had just made. 

" So what do you think?" I wondered as I smiled down at him as night soon fell over us 

" He's weird" he giggled as we heard shouting behind us. I turned around seeing Javier, Arthur, and a wounded John I pulled Jack close to my side covering his eyes from the state John was In I reached down and picked him up wincing at how heavy he had gotten from when I first held him. I walked past everybody helping know and took. Jack back to his cabin setting him down and telling him to stay put and that his mother would be inside soon. 

I walked outside and did a little jog over to the main cabin pushing inside I walked over to where Arthur was trying to warm up by the fire.

" What happened?" I asked puzzled by John bleeding over a small cote while everybody tried to help 

" Wolfs got to him." He answered blowing some air into his hands.

" Ouch" I replied 

" What have you been up to all day?" He asked looking at me 

" Building a snowman with Jack to cheer him up and take his mind off all the stress and chaos around him" I stated grabbing the cup of coffee Mary offered me and Arthur offered us before going to get more stuff to help.

" We should head to bed we've got a long day ahead of us before we get out of this dump," I said downing my coffee before putting the coffee cup down. I turned around walking out of the main house and back to our cabin.

I got as comfy as I could as I laid my head back I thought of the past, I shook my head put my hat down and covered my eyes a bit more before trying to drift off to sleep knowing it would be a while before we could get some rest and be out of this shit hole and back in open country. 

Chapter Text

It's been a couple more days since we've been on this mountain. Apparently where gonna go Colm a smack in the face. God, I wish we could be back in the West around a campfire laughing, singing songs, dancing, and just having a good time but no we're stuck in this dump. 

I walked out of the cabin. And passed by Javier, and walked into a small cabin where, Arthur, Lenny, Bill, And Miach were. I leaned against a pole and pulled out a smoke putting it in my mouth as I took out a match after putting them back and rising my boot and lighting it to bring it back up to my face. And lighting the cigarette shaking out the match, and throwing the match on the ground I took the smoke out of my mouth blowing the smoke out.

" Shut up Miach," Lenny said after a comment Miach had made about something.

" I ain't seen so many long faces." He said as I rolled my eyes, Javier pushed the door in walking in being cold and slamming the door shut.

" I guess... I guess I miss the folks that fell." Bill commented on the comment Miach made.

"Well, When I fall, I don't want no fuss" Miach piped. As I thought to myself there would be no fuss cause all of us hate you. I just rolled my eyes again 

" When you fall there'll be a party" Lenny Chuckled. Everybody started giggling 

" A party probably" Bill responded still laughing Miach got up putting the Whiskey down.

" That funny, huh?" Miach questioned walking over to Bill.

" Sure," Bill responded before Miach punched him knocking his hat off. Bill started getting up Javier pushed past me, and Lenny and Arthur stood up. 

Arthur and Lenny grabbed Bill and Javier giving him a push to stop him from hitting Miach back. He turned back around and looked at Bill

" Maybe, I don't like being laughed at by the likes of you two." He hissed before the door flung open

" Stop it! Now! " Dutch barked putting his hand on the door and getting the attention of all of us

" You fools punching each other, When Colm O'Driscoll's need punching, hard. You wanna sit around waiting for him to come find us?" Dutch spoke as I walked out of the cabin and over to my horse Arthur walking out after me. 

" All of you we have work to do come on." I could faintly hear Dutch say.

I walked over to my horse mounting up and pulling my horse and me to the side for the others would have room to get out and move. 

I road behind Lenny and Bill not being able to hear what was being talked about that well, we road up a hill after a while bit of a ride. We all stopped and looked at Dutch

" Alright, this is it. Are we goddamn ready?" Dutch questioned.

" Yes, Dutch." We all responded, 

" Now, Mr. Morgan and I, we're gonna head up a little, see if we can't get a sense of the layout of the camp. Mr. Williamson, Mr. Bell. Miss. Miller, you three take up a hidden position just outside the camp. Mr. Summers. Mr, Escuella, you two hold position here. Let's go." Dutch announced. Everyone got off their horses, I grabbed my Lancaster off my horse throwing it over my shoulder and pushed past, Bill and Miach went over to the ledge and started finding a way down that wasn't gonna get us seen, 

" Will you just wait up." I heard Miach say as he and Bill followed. I dropped down from a little ledge and continued walking. 

" Not my fault your slow." I snapped getting fed up with him.

Soon enough Dutch and Arthur joined us where we were. 

" So what are we doing Dutch? I can take this if you want." Arthur asked quietly so they wouldn't hear us 

" Just make the call. You wanna take the lead? go." Dutch responded. I held my Lancaster close ready to start firing once the fight starts. 

" Okay, I'll go first," Arthur spoke peaking around the small piece of wall that covered him and pointing his gun at one of the O'Dirscoll's head that were talking with another one. Pulling the trigger The alive on jumped turning our way before being shot in the face as well all the O'Dirscoll's started firing at us. 

" O'Dirscoll's! You're dead, you sons of bitches!" Arthur yelled, the alive one jumped turning our way before being shot in the face as well all the O'Dirscoll's started firing at us. I peeked out from the other side, aiming at one of their heads and pulling the trigger before aiming for the other person and shooting their head. Everybody started shooting and we all started moving out from where we were and moved to different covers to get a better angle and be able to kill more of them. 

Soon enough all of the O'Dirscoll's in the camp were dead we stood more In the open part by each other 

" Search the bodies, strip everything we can from them! Dutch shouted so we all moved and started to go over to bodies and take stuff from them. I walked over to a body and searched their pockets putting some loose change, some bullets, and some cigarettes into my satchel 

After we all had grabbed some stuff from them, we started hearing gunshots, we ran over to where they were coming from there was a small road there and trees surrounding it as O'Dirscoll's started pouring out from them. I crouched behind some crates and started shooting them as they came at us.

We all stood around as Javier and Lenny with our horses. Dutch started speaking about where we're each of us should look.

" Now, let's tear this place apart. Bill, you go search that wagon there. Miach search that building. Arthur, Scarlet, you take that building to the left." 

Arthur and I walked over and started looking on the shelves in the building. Arthur searched a dynamite crate. pulling the doors back there where was dynamite in there 

" Here... this looks good... what you think Bill?" Arthur questioned as Bill walked over and took some of the dynamite that Arthur was holding out to him. 

" Looks fine... smells good," Bill spoke taking a box of the dynamite Arthur handed to him 

" Come on." Arthur said as I and Bill followed him out to show what he had found

" Did we get everything?" Dutch questioned rubbing his hands together as he sat on his horse. 

" Think so boss. Found this on one of them." Miach responded. handing a big piece of paper to Dutch.

" Thank you." He answered taking a quick peak at it 

" This is amazing." Miach grinned as I walked over to my horse getting on and pulling out an apple and feeding it to him then combing my fingers through his hair 

" Oh yeah, interesting... this is something about the train they was gonna rob. A Mr. Leviticus Cornwall. Mount back up, Let's keep moving" He cackled 

I sat in front of the fire in my and Arthurs's cabin, I sipped some coffee as I closed my eyes before I heard the door open I looked back to see Arthur coming in and shutting the door 

" Well hello to you" I welcomed as I went back to sipping back on my coffee and watching the flames. 

" What ya doing," He asked as he came and sat beside me

" Watching the flames and having a moment of peace on this mountain of chaos" I replied taking another sip of my coffee. He lit up a cigarette

" I sometimes wonder how did that law even show up it wasn't even Blackwaters law it was the Pinkertins How did they even find out about it" I questioned 

" That's something we won't ever know but we need some sleep we got a couple of big days ahead of us" He replied as he stood up putting his cigarette ruffling my hair as he passed me and went to his room. I stood throwing my coffee on the fire, before fixing my hair and walking off to my room to turn in for the night. 

Chapter Text

The snow beneath my boots emitted a satisfying crunch as I strolled over and leaned against one of the cabins, igniting a cigarette. From this vantage point, I observed Arthur and Dutch exiting the main cabin and making their way toward Bill. Joining them, I positioned myself next to Arthur as we exchanged a swift, knowing glance, just as Hosea approached.

"Why are we embarking on this endeavor? The weather's breaking, we could depart. I thought our strategy was to remain inconspicuous," Hosea inquired, his steps carrying him closer.

"What are you proposing, Hosea?" Dutch's voice, tinged with irritation, swung in Hosea's direction.

"I'm merely concerned about further casualties, Dutch," Hosea responded, now standing squarely before Dutch.

"We're surviving, Hosea. Look at us, even you. But we require funds; our entire stash is tied up in Blackwater. Do you propose we venture back there?" Dutch countered.

"No. Listen, Dutch, I don't seek to undermine you. I merely wish to adhere to the plan we established – to lay low and then head west. Yet here we stand, poised to rob a train." Hosea's attempt at reasoning was palpable. I cast my gaze side to side, standing there somewhat awkwardly, as they exchanged their views akin to an old married couple.

"What other recourse do we possess?" Dutch's question hung in the air.

"Leviticus Cornwall, who is he?" Arthur interjected, genuinely oblivious.

"He's a substantial railway magnate, sugar merchant, and oil tycoon," Hosea elucidated, answering Arthur before returning his focus to Dutch.

"Well, isn't he fortunate? Sounds like he could afford to share," Dutch quipped.

"Dutch!" Hosea protested. As Arthur and Dutch began to stride away, I extended a sympathetic look to Hosea before pivoting to trail after the departing figures.

"The time has come to make something of ourselves. Prepare your horses; a train robbery awaits!" Dutch's proclamation echoed as we all mounted our horses, disengaging them from their tethers, and set off from camp, en route to our train heist.

We journeyed a short distance from camp, Dutch leading the pack. Arthur and Miach assumed the front positions ahead of me along side Charles, while Javier and Lenny followed suit. The rhythmic sound of horses' hooves trampling the snow filled the air, a symphony of our advance, underscored by the crunch of snow underfoot after we traversed a small stream, returning to the snowy terrain.

"Very well. Listen attentively, all. According to the intel generously bestowed upon us by the O'Driscolls, the train will be heading north from Big Valley. We'll strike once it crosses into the Grizzlies. There's an elevated spot there that should grant us optimal visibility. Charles, you'll keep watch for any outriders. And how is your hand, by the way?" Dutch's instructions flowed.

"I'll manage," Charles affirmed, addressing Dutch's query toward the close of his speech.

"Excellent. I'll manage the driver and engineer. Lenny and Javier, you'll handle the lead cars and dispatch any guards. Arthur and Miach, you'll make your way straight to the rear; that's our target – Mr. Cornwall's private carriage. And, Scarlet, you'll manage the middle cars," Dutch's orchestration continued.

"You and I, Morgan," Miach's voice entered the discourse.

"Wonderful," Arthur's reply dripped with sarcasm.

"Do you take issue with that?" Miach's tone sharpened.

"Not unless you decide to keep a clear head for once," Arthur retorted, and I relinquished my hold on the reins, briefly covering my mouth as laughter bubbled forth. After a moment's chuckle, I resumed control of the reins.

"Focus on yourself," Miach countered, hurt apparent in his words.

"That's enough! Following Bill's detonation, swiftness will be imperative. Is everyone clear on their roles?" Dutch sought assurance as we continued riding in contemplative silence.

Surveying my surroundings, a faint smile etched across my features as the melting snow revealed patches of grass and uncovered trees. With my attention swiftly restored to the path ahead, I savoured the respite from the snow.

"Emerging from the snow at last," Arthur's relief was palpable.

"It's refreshing, isn't it?" Dutch mused.

"Nevertheless, we must expedite; the thaw is underway. We need to complete this task before pursuit catches up. Behold, each of you. This assembly exemplifies what I deem a crew: Miach Bell, Charles Smith, Arthur Morgan, Scarlet Miller, Javier Escuella, and let's not forget the enthusiastic Lenny. Always the first on his horse," Dutch spoke with pride.

"Just elated to be back at it, Dutch," Lenny chimed in.

"Are you adequately prepared for this, lad?" Javier's question was directed at Lenny.

" Absolutely ready," Lenny retorted, perturbed by any implication otherwise.

"Remain composed, stay alert. This applies to all. No errors, not again," Dutch's directive echoed.

"So, we execute this plan, then return to Blackwater for collection?" Miach sought clarification.

"How many times must you pose the same question? Returning there would court disaster," I interjected, my patience waning for Miach's recurring query.

"The substantial sum cannot be left unattended for long," Miach countered.

"We shall revisit when I deem it appropriate; the funds are secure. Trust me. If the O'Driscolls are correct, this train will yield an array of railroad bonds, substantial assets – once we ascertain their conversion. Now, all, silence your reservations and center your focus on the task at hand. Onward," Dutch ordered, his voice unwavering.

We rode down to a little cliff overlooking what looked to be a water tower and some train tracks along a bend on the left side of the water tower. We all got into a line as Dutch questioned if Bill was there since he was kind of hard to see from where we were on the cliff.

"Yeah," Arthur replied to Dutch's question.

"You wanna head down? See how he's getting on?" Dutch asked as he pulled out his binoculars and started looking in the direction of Bill; it looked like.

"Okay." Arthur complied before leaving the line we were in and heading down the side of the cliff, crossing a very little stream. He got off his horse and walked the rest of the way to Bill. Before he stood there for a minute or two, before taking something off the ground and walking over between some rocks before setting what he was carrying down and doing something. While we waited for Arthur to come back up the cliff to be with the rest of us, I took my hat off, putting it on the horn of my saddle before going into one of my pommel bags on the saddle, grabbing a black ribbon, and tying my hair into a low ponytail. I left two pieces of it out to frame my face. I grabbed my hat and placed it on my head as Arthur came back up the cliff, riding back over to where he was before next to Dutch.

"What's going on?" Dutch questioned as Arthur pulled his rifle off his back and started looking in the direction of the tracks.

"He says all fine," Arthur responded.

"We'll soon find out," Miach spoke, causing me to roll my eyes.

"Everything ok?" Dutch questioned in a quiet tone to Arthur.

"I think so," Arthur replied.

"Okay, cover your faces. Train should be here any minute now," Dutch answered in his usual tone. I lifted up the black bandana that was tied around my neck, covering up the bottom half of my face, grabbing my Lancaster and having it ready to go, making sure it was loaded and ready to go.

"It's time," Dutch spoke with a proud tone as we all stared at the corner where the train would come around.

"Good luck, all of you. You all know what to do," Dutch said as the train came around the corner, going past the spot where Bill was doing something. We waited for Bill to blow the tracks.

We all waited in anticipation for the tracks to blow. We waited for a second before we all realized they didn't blow, and the train was going to head through the tunnel, and we were going to miss it.

"Oh, you have got to be kidding me," Dutch said annoyed, pulling down his bandana.

"Where did you find that moron?" Arthur questioned while he pulled his bandana down, while I, along with Javier and Lenny, got off our horses and started to run to where we could try and meet the train on the other side of the tunnel.

"You said it was fine," Dutch snapped back.

"So it's my fault?" Arthur snapped.

"Well, come on," Javier yelled as we started to run while Arthur got off his horse and started running with us.

We got to the other side of the tunnel.

"Here we go!" Lenny shouted as we all jumped onto the train.

Arthur and I hit the middle of the train cart while Javier and Lenny fell to the side, causing Javier to fall off the train. We both looked back before hearing Lenny.

"Hey, down here!" Lenny shouted as Arthur got up first, getting over to Lenny who was hanging onto the side of the train cart. Arthur bent down, grabbing Lenny's hand and pulling him onto the top of the train car. I stood up, holding my side as I put my Lancaster over my shoulder. As we walked forward, each one of us jumped down between the crack of the train car and the one in front of us.

We all crouched as Lenny held his knife, crouching over to a guard that was in the car we entered, stabbing him in the neck as we moved forward.

"Come on, we need to stop this train," Arthur spoke as we moved up to the doorway of the car to find a flatbed with crates and bags on it and another guard.

"There's another guard up ahead, you want me to take him?" I questioned Arthur, as we stared at the guard on the flatbed.

"Nah, I got it," Arthur spoke as he pulled his knife out, crouched, and walked over to the guard, looking over the land before stabbing him in the neck, before the guard in the next train stepped out as Arthur slit his throat and started to shoot at all three of us, causing us to duck. Pulling out my semi-auto pistol, I peeked over the barrel I was behind, shooting one of the guards in the head, while Arthur took out the other one. We all ran forward, coming across a closed cart. Arthur pulled himself up onto the roof of the closed cart, hearing a shot got off me, and Lenny followed him, passing a dead body. I shot another guard who was on an empty flat cart before Arthur got into the bed of coals just before the engine.

Before being hit with the shovel used to grab the coals for the fire to keep the train running. As the train conductor hopped over the thing he was hiding from, grabbing Arthur and putting him in a hold facing me and Lenny, so we couldn't get a clear shot.

"You got him? We ain't got a clear shot!" Lenny called out to Arthur before Arthur started to elbow the man who had him in the chest before breaking free, causing the man to stumble before Arthur grabbed him by the throat, throwing him overboard, before running into the engine and pulling the lever to stop the train. We three got off as more Guards came out of nowhere and started to shoot at us. I grabbed my Lancaster from over my shoulder, shooting two guards, while Lenny and Arthur took some out as we pushed to the back of the train. The rest of the Gang rode in, killing the last little bit of the Guards.

"Alright! Finish those sons of bitches!" Dutch ordered as they all rode in before getting off their horses.

"I can see now why the O'Driscolls brought so many boys up here!" I could hear Lenny say as he caught up to the rest of us.

"Are you three alright?" Dutch asked as we all walked over to the last train car.

"Yes, let's get the money and go," Arthur answered as we all stood a little bit from the last train car but still close.

"We got some fellows holed up in this last car," Dutch announced, causing me to click my tongue in annoyance as I slung my Lancaster over my shoulder again.

"Ah, shit," Arthur grumbled in annoyance.

"What are you boys planning on doing in there?" Dutch questioned, getting closer.

"Listen to me, we don't want to kill any of ya," Dutch spoke out to the men in the train car, walking back and forth in front of us.

"Any more of ya." Dutch mumbled, just enough for us to hear him, causing some of us to snicker.

"I give you my word, but trust me, we will." Dutch said in a low tone.

"I work for Leviticus Cornwall!" We could hear a muffled voice say from inside the train car.

"Come on, boys," Dutch pleaded as he stopped going back and forth in front of us.

"We got our orders!" Another voice said, muffled.

"Okay, you asked for it! Five," Dutch announced as he started to count down from five, giving them one last chance to open the door.

"We ain't opening this door." The voice said again.

"Four," Dutch spoke, starting his pacing back and forth in front of us again.

"Three. Two. One." Dutch said quickly, stopping in front of us and giving us all a look.

"Seems our friends have gone deaf. Wake 'em up a little!" Dutch announced, grabbing his gun and standing beside us. We all raised our guns and started shooting the door of the train car, the sound of bullets hitting the metal piercing my ears.

"We ain't coming out! You got no way in here!" We could hear one of the voices say, causing Dutch to tell us to stop the shooting.

"Mr. Williamson, give Mr. Morgan and Mr. Smith some dynamite. You two boys, go blow that door open." Dutch ordered, as Bill handed Charles and Arthur some dynamite like Dutch ordered him to.

They took the dynamite and walked up to the door. "Now don't matter too much to us, but you boys in there might want to step back," Dutch yelled to the men inside the train cart, while Arthur and Charles put it on the door before lighting a match with the bottom of their boots and lighting the fuse.

"Unless you got a death wish, I'd step back, fellas," Bill says as we all take a good number of steps back, while Arthur and Charles get over to us. We all cover our ears or turn our faces, as we wait for it to blow up the door.

The dynamite goes off, causing a loud bang to pierce the air and the door to come off the train car, allowing us to see into the train cart a little bit.

"Alright, come on, just walk on out here," Dutch ordered as Bill and a couple of others held their guns up, as the men from the train cart came out with their hands up. As we all walked forward.

"We don't want to kill you... We just wanna rob your boss," Dutch exclaimed.

"Get on up there, search that train," Dutch spoke to Arthur, Lenny, and Miach as they walked over, while we kept an eye on the last three guards while waiting for those three to be done with the train search.

After about five minutes, the three came out, as Dutch and Arthur walked over together.

"What did you find?" Dutch questioned as Arthur stood in front of Dutch.

"These," Arthur spoke as he reached into his satchel, pulling out bonds and handing them over to Dutch.

"They worth anything?" Arthur questioned as Dutch looked at them.

"Oh, sure... bearer bonds. I think we can probably sell these pretty easily. Well done," Dutch announces proudly.

"Now, would you get rid of all this?" Dutch questioned as everyone backed up from the guards and started walking to the horses beside Dutch and Arthur.

"The train?" Arthur questions.

"Yeah, get it out of here," Dutch orders.

"What about them?" Arthur questioned, giving a look to the guards.

"What do you think?" Dutch replies.

"I don't know," Arthur responds.

"It's up to you. Kill 'em, leave 'em here, take 'em with you on the train. Just make sure they don't send no folk after us," Dutch finalizes as he walks away from Arthur, as the rest of us mount up. Arthur turns back to us, as I give him a wave before leaving with the rest of the gang back to camp, as night falls.

I sit on a chair in the cabin we share, reading a book in my lap and taking a sip of coffee. I turn my head to see Arthur closing the door behind him.

"So, did you spare them?" I say, as he pulls up a chair and sits down, while I close my book.

"Nah, too much of a risk," he replies.

"Same old, same old. Hosea says we should be able to get out of here by tomorrow or the day after. It," I say, taking another sip of my coffee.

"That's good. I don't think I'll last another day in the cold," Arthur replies.

"Yeah, it'll be nice to get out of the cold," I chuckle, downing the last bit of my coffee.

"Although I will have to murder a snowman to get a carrot and a scarf back," I laugh off.

"Ah, a murder is going around killing all the snow people in camp," Arthur chuckles with me.

"Well, we should get some rest after today and with Miss Grimshaw yelling at everyone to pack up faster," I speak, as I stand up, putting the coffee cup and putting my book under my arm, walking to the doorway of my room before turning around to look at Arthur.

"Also, I'm not sure if anyone has told you, but thank you for finding this place and going to make sure everyone's alright. But with that, I'm going to bed. I'll see you tomorrow, Arthur. Goodnight," I say before turning and walking into my room, putting my book down and sliding onto my bed before covering my face with my hat and drifting off to sleep.

Arthur smiles at Scarlet's words of thanks before walking into her room to hit the hay, not hearing Arthur speak.

"Goodnight, kiddo. Sleep well," Arthur speaks softly before standing up and heading to his room, knowing tomorrow would be a long one.

I wake up, grab my hat from my face, and sit up, getting out of bed, putting my hat back on my head. After fixing my ponytail, grabbing my book, and putting it into my satchel, I walk out to see everyone running around camp, putting stuff into the wagons and cleaning up camp so we could move.

We cross a river as I ride on the side between the last two wagons, before hearing Arthur shout. I pull on the reins as the wagon in front of me stops. I ride over quickly, getting off my horse as Charles follows, while Arthur and Hosea get off the wagon.

"I broke the goddamn wheel!" Arthur shouts as he walks over to the wheel.

"You need any help?" Javier speaks.

"I reckon we'll be fine," Hosea answers, causing Bill and Javier to take off with the rest of the group.

As Arthur grabs the wheel from the ground, the three of us walk over to the back of the wagon.

"Alright, Scarlet, Charles, you two and me will hold the thing up," speaks Hosea as we lift the wagon up enough so Arthur would be able to put the wheel on.

"While you try and put the wheel back on, Arthur," Hosea orders as Arthur starts rolling the wheel over to us.

"You still strong enough to hold up a wagon?" Arthur teases Hosea in his old age.

"Shut up," Hosea replies as Arthur lifts the wheel up and puts it back on the peg.

"I'm just saying," Arthur responds before hitting the wheel with his shoulder to try and get it to stay, as I let out a small chuckle.

"Well, say less," Hosea speaks back before Arthur slams his shoulder into the wheel twice more, checking it before we set the wagon down.

"See, you ain't so useless after all," Arthur says as Hosea takes a couple of steps forward, stretching his lower back, while Charles and I pick up some things from the ground.

"Not yet," Hosea laughs as Arthur picks up the tool to tighten the wheel before going to tighten the wheel while we put everything into the wagon. We turn around to put the last two things into the wagon, while Arthur comes back to put the tool back in the wagon, putting it back. We all stare at the three Native men on horses, looking down at us from a cliff.

"What do you think?" Arthur speaks, as we all stare at the men on the cliff.

"If they wanted trouble, we wouldn't have seen them," Charles replies, as Hosea puts his hand up to show peace.

"Poor bastards, we really screwed them over down here," Hosea speaks before we all turn away. Hosea says he'll explain what he means after we get moving, while Charles and Arthur put the last two things on the wagon, while I mount my horse to ride beside them. While Hosea and Arthur get on the front of the wagon, so Arthur can drive, Charles gets on the back, leaning against the left wall of the wagon. We start going so we can get to our new camp.

We finally make it to camp, getting off the wagon and my horse. Javier and Charles split apart from me, Arthur, and Hosea.

"You weren't wrong, Hosea, this place is perfect!" Dutch exclaims as he walks over to us.

"I hope so," Hosea answers as we walk over to the wooden table where Dutch is now standing.

"We have survived!" Dutch announces happily.

"For now," Hosea responds as we make it over to the table.

"Now it's time to prosper!" Dutch says with a cigar between his fingers, and he leans against the table.

"Arthur, Scarlet, and I were about to prosper in Blackwater. We were on to something big, then Miach got you all excited about that ferry, and here we are," Hosea speaks, while I and Arthur lean against the table, while Dutch sits down at one of the chairs.

"We have all made mistakes over the years, Hosea," Dutch clicks his tongue in annoyance. I lean over to Arthur and whisper.

"There it is, back to those two acting like an old married couple," I whisper, as Dutch and Hosea say some things while Arthur rolls his eyes at my comment.

"Every last one of us," Dutch says as he stands up from his chair in front of Hosea.

"But I kept us together. Kept us alive, kept the nooses off our neck," Dutch exclaims as he begins to walk away, Hosea following close behind him, while Arthur and I walk behind both of them.

"I guess I'm just worried. I ain't got that long, Dutch. I want folks safe before I go," Hosea worries as we stop walking.

"Me too," Dutch answered.

"And now we're stuck east of the grizzlies and out of money, and a long way from our dream of virgin land in the west," Hosea puts out good points, as I and Arthur stood there giving each other a glance.

"I know, my brother, but we are safe. We make a bit of money here, then we move again, head out west of Uncle Sam in a few months, buy some land," Dutch plans.

"I hope so," Hosea says, getting annoyed.

"Would you just look around you?" Dutch says as he turns around, with his arms spread wide, going to the cliff where our new camp overlooks.

"This world has its consolations," Dutch speaks proudly, before we all turn around to see Strauss.

"I'm going to head into the local town, you know, see if I can strike up a little business," Strauss speaks, ruining the conversation.

"Of course, Herr Strauss," Dutch says, waving him off, before turning back to us.

"I prefer robbing banks to usury. Seems more dignified somehow. Now," Dutch speaks, before clearing his voice and making his voice a lot louder.

"Everyone, put your tools down for a moment. Come on, gather around, quickly now!" Dutch speaks, as we all walk over to his tent, as he stands next to a barrel. We stand off to the side, as everyone gathers around.

"I know that things have been tough, but we are safe now, and we are far too poor. So it is time for everyone to get to work," Dutch announces for everyone to hear.

"Get to work, but stay out of trouble. Remember, we are itinerant workers," Hosea says, well adding to what Dutch said.

"Laid off when they shut down our factory to the north. Now, get out there and see what you can find. Uncle. Reverend Swanson, no more passengers. It is time for everyone to earn their keep," Dutch commands.

"There's a town a little way down the track, name of Valentine, livestock town. All mud and morons, if I remember right. That seems a decent place to start," Hosea says, giving everyone a place to start.

"And we need food, real food. That means every day, one of you." Mr. Pearson starts, before getting cut off as Dutch grabs a lockbox and places it on the barrel he was standing in front of.

"And remember. Whatever it is that you find, the camp gets its slice. Now, be sensible out there," Dutch orders, as everyone walks away. Miss Grimshaw comes up and walks up to Arthur.

"Now, the girls have your tent ready, Mr. Morgan. Come with me. You two will be ready shortly," Miss Grimshaw says, taking Arthur away to his tent after telling us both of our tents would be ready soon. I give Hosea and Dutch a nod before walking away into the camp to help out.

Chapter Text

I slowly blinked my eyes open, as I let out a groan as I felt the rough bark of the tree I had slept against along my back. I squeezed my eyes shut as I shifted and stretched out my legs. I opened my eyes, blinking at the early morning. Morning sun shining down, in the spot where the trees around the camp didn't cover, as my gaze shifts. Down, to the book I was reading trying to get use to the new spot we had set up camp in, remebering I told myself I was just gonna rest my eyes then go back to my tent which didn't end up happening as I stood up feeling the stiffness in my bones as I dusted off my dark jeans and walked through out camp seeing a couple people awake as I go to my tent right by Arthurs seeing him asleep still with his hat over his eyes. Bring a soft smile to my lips as I passed by, stepping inside my tent tossing the book onto my bedroll as I sat down on it, creaking slightly under the newly added weight as I put my elbows on my knees, holding and rubbing my face in my hands.

As i craned my neck I think it might be good to go for a ride as I grab my satchle and guns just in case ripping off a piece of paper from and old journal I stopped writing in years ago sat on the table beside the old bed roll grabbing a pen I from my satchle I stole from some dude I killed before we left blackwater as I wrote that I was going out and that I would be back in a couple hours. Knowing if Arthur didn't know where I was, it might cause an argument, even though I was more than capable of being out on my own, I finished writing, adding my name to the bottom, plus it's probably better coming from me than someone else in camp. I sighed as I grabbed the piece of paper placing it on Arthurs dark table beside as I glanced at him, now on his side with his hat on the ground from his movments in his sleep as I grabbed it from the ground dusty off feeling the old black leather under my finger tips before placing it beside the note. Before walking to my horse, grabbing a carrot off of Pearson's table of the make-shift kitchen we had, as I comb through his mane as I feed him the carrot, 

"Does this make up for me stealing that carrot back up in Colter?" I questi oned the horse as I let out a breathy laugh close to the end, knowing it was silly to talk and ask questions to a horse that couldn't respond. I pulled myself up feeling the ruff texture of the mount and the leather of the saddle as I now gripped the reins feeling the ruffness of them after years of ware and tear with how much riding I did as i kicked started leaving camp as I passed my Jaiver passed out agasint a rock while he was meant to be on look out as the as the grass around the rock and bunch of trees rather not bothering with waking him up. Sticking to the path out of camp as I came up to the fork in the road just before the entrances to camp as I tugged on the reins and went left, seeing the grass sway in the early morning. As me and my horse suntered down the dirt road and saw wagons pass and other riders, all going in one derction or the other, I came into another fork in the roading seeing a sign with a sign towards the left to some place called Valantine decieding to check it out heading towards the town called Valentine.

I pulled on the reins, slowing him down as we passed a post office that was a decent size. The first thing that caught my eye, though, was the giant barn and pen set up they have right as you roll up to the town. Making a mental note to myself that it could be used for a job or two in the future as I rolled past it up a path riding pass a blue house and people walking looking to see a wooden saloon on the opsite side of the blue house as I pulled more into the small town seeing the wooden sheriffs office as looking at the white paint that looked to be worn and torn over the years and harsh weather seeing a pitching post riding over hitching, Eden to the post as I pat him hearing the mud under my boots squish as I walk away looking at the news paper boy infront of what looked to be the gun store notcing how 2 buildings where lined up with the gunsmith on the left side of the path while four where lined up with the sherifs office on the right side of the path through the town. Glancing behind me and over my shoulder seeing a small white church on a small hill by the dark wooden saloon I passed to get further into town that I didn't spare a glance at before looking back infront of me noticng a big wood stable that was painted white that was worn down over time with a small camp perched next to it. A light smile played on my lips. As I took a couple of steps up, which was connected to the sheriff's office, just being separated from a doctor's office and a building, I had no clue what it was. Passing by a large window looking inside to see a large open room with a hairdresser tucked underneath the stairs, a poker table, along with tables littering the room, with the bar on the far left wall. I walked to the swing doors and I pushed them open. It was almost empty for how early it was as I walked through and to the bar, as the bartender was wiping a glass, I pulled out 50 cents and tossed it onto the bar.

"A beer please" I spoke as I leaned on the bar as he nodded going to grab a beer, I looked around it was open up the stairs it looked like it lead to a couple of rooms and an upstairs that wrapped around the buildings upstairs that could look down into the rest of the saloon with a couple couchs I could barley make through the railings as I turned my head back hearing the glass of the beer bottle clanck agasint the wood of the bar as I nodded towards the man and took my beer going to sit at the table by the window now just notcing the pino by the other window looking into the street that was by the bar as I sat on the wooden chair as I looked out seeing more people walk through town and to the jobs they had as I looked back to the beer that was sitting in my hand before taking a swig of it. I feel the familiar bitterness and the feeling as it glides down my throat before pulling the bottle away. My face scrunching up slightly, knowing it had been weeks since I’d last had a drink, we had only been off that mountain for a couple of weeks, but it was far from what I was used to back in the Great Plains. I still wonder when we can go back. Shaking my head, I take one big swig, finishing the beer, leaving it on the table as I got up.

Leaving the bar, I looked around more at the muddy road leading down the center of the buildings. Made me put dislike into this town even more, it’s nothing like the sandy roads in tumble weed, along with armadillo, but they couldn’t even compare to the stone laying most of Blackwater’s small streets, yeah sure, there were still the dirt paths on the edge closer to the docs. I’m fine with blood and gun powder and a small bit of dirt here and there on my clothes and boots, but mud just yuck. I took in a breath, reminding myself it was only gonna be a short while later, then we would be back in the great plains and away from this mud-stuck town. Taking a look at the building’s I spotted a gunsmith, which felt like a sigh of relief after all this time knowing I was running low on my ammo.

‘They probably won't even have it here,’ I scoffed to myself in my head, walking across the middle of the small road that kept both sides of the buildings apart, just as a dude on a horse passed me. I whipped around, brows furrowed, lips as my hand dropped to my side. 

“You almost hit me asshole!” I yelled after him, causing him to whip his head around, looking at me like I just shot his mother.

“Maybe you should have moved!” He snapped back as I went to grab my semi-automatic pistol and walk towards him, a hand placed itself on my shoulder. Whipping my head around to see Arthur giving me a look, making me pull my hand away from reaching for my gun and straightening back up. 

“You better tell you’re daughter to move out of people's way,” The man yelled towards Arthur and me, making me want to go pull him off his horse, but Arthur’s hand tightened on my shoulder before I could even think of moving.

“ Will do, sorry about that.” Arthur apologized to the man. The man turned his head back and rode away, my scowl not leaving my face. I turned to face Arthur while he removed his hand from my shoulder.

“I could’ve handled that, dude, Arthur!” I semi-shouted at him, glaring at the woman giving me a look while she walked past us. 

“ You know what could’ve happened if you grabbed your gun and did something in front of these people.” He snapped back in that dad-like tone that annoyed me more than anything. Causing me to roll my eyes in annoyance 

“ I wasn’t gonna shoot him,” I mumbled, crossing my arms and side eyeing the place that the man rounded behind the building that cut me off from seeing him.

“I know damn well you would have shoot him. I know you better then you’re god damn self sometimes it seems” Arthur snapped back looking back at me crossing his arms over his chest as well. With that disappointed stare in his eyes. I averted my gaze to the worn wood underneath us, shifting my weight slightly.

“We're meant to keep ourselves out of trouble, not getting ourselves in even more Scarlet, and you know that.” That disappointed tone was followed by a heavy sigh from him. Making me lower my head a little more in shame, my eyes darting everywhere but him, catching the sight of a husband and wife, it looked like looking at us. 

“Now finish whatever you were gonna do, then go somewhere and cool off before you get yourself in even more trouble”. His jaw was clenching, lowering his voice, going a bit softer at the end, but still filled to the brim with disappointment. Shaking his head, before walked to the general store close to the stables where Uncle was already sitting. 

I looked away, uncrossing my arms, turning and walking the small amount I had left to reach the gunsmith, glancing at the couple who watched now whispering to each other. My right hand came to my left, now fidgeting with my ring finger between my thumb and pointer finger. A habit I picked up when I was younger that seemed to help with whatever I was feeling. 

I put a smile on as I walked into the gunsmith. Noticing shelves blocked off some of it, put where lined with stuff, not seeing the thing I needed. The man running the shop was waiting, in a plain white shirt, and seemed to be at least thirty. I walked towards the counter. 

“What can I help you with?” The shopkeeper asked, glancing behind him, noticing the taxidermy panther behind him, along with loads of rifles lining the wall behind him.

“I was wondering if you had any pistol ammo available for purchase?” I questioned,looking back at the man. 

“ We do let me grab you some. How much do you need?” he asked, bending down to grab some from under the counter. I looked down at my satchel, opened it, and saw around 25 dollars in it.

“ As much as ten dollars can get me,” I replied, grabbing a ten I had kept in my satchel.

He grabbed the ammunition, placing it on the counter. He grabbed the ten that I had gotten, thanking the man before shoving the ammo into my satchel. Leaving the shop, I whistled over my horse, putting some of the ammon into one of the saddle bags. The words Arthur said to me still circled in my head even as I tried to shake them off. I got onto my horse, looking towards Arthur, who was now talking to Mary-Beth and Uncle, shaking my head. Riding away, passing by the old saloon and post office on my way out of the small town. I reached the cross in the road, either go to camp or go off for a bit longer. Remembering that Arthur told me to go cool off, I went straight riding off to god knows where 

I unmounted my horse, patting him before walking away to grab the horse's a hayball. Walking through camp with the sun all the way gone, only a couple of people out of the tents or bedrolls by the fire. I grabbed a hayball, feeling it scratch against my skin. Walking back to the horses, ignoring Arthur, who finally came back from whatever he was doing. I threw the hayball in front of the horses, wiping the stray hay that came loose from my hands. I turned away, but not before glaring at Arthur and finally walked to a more empty part of the camp. Sitting against a tree, grabbing my journal, flipping to an empty page and starting to write whatever came to my mind. 

I heard the crunch of boots coming to a stop a few feet in front of me. I glanced towards the boots slightly before rolling my eyes, already knowing who it was. 

“You know why I did it right?” He questioned with a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

I looked up from the journal, seeing a small bit of quilt in his eyes. “I know why you doesn’t mean I have to be happy about it,” I replied, closing my journal, l stood up from my place on the ground 

“But the point still stands, you gotta try and stay out of trouble,” He spoke with that dad-like tone, making me roll my eyes

“ I know, I know.” Mumbling as he put a hand on my shoulder

“ Now go get some sleep, I’ll see about taking you on the next job we get,” He stated, giving my shoulder a squeeze of reassurance

“ It’s getting late, we should get going to bed,” I remarked, looking around camp, seeing the last couple of people had gone to bed. 

“ Can’t disagree there, it's been one hell of a day,” He replied, taking his hand off my shoulder as we walked off the small place I had found and back into camp. Both of us stopped before heading our separate ways.

“ Goodnight, Arthur, I’ll try and keep out of trouble’ I 

“I’m sure you will, Goodnight Scarlet,” He spoke turning and walking over to his cot that was against our weapons and tonic wagon. As I walked off to my tent.

Shutting the flap to my tent, I moved the book I had thrown on the bedroll that morning to a random corner in the tent. Before I sat down on the cot, it creaked under me, I threw my stachle to to the other side of the small tent before finally lying down. I feel a small ache in my back and a headache coming on, causing me to groan. I closed my eys and was out like a light in no time.