This one took so long to write... Irvin is a tricky man to get into the head of, much more so than any of the others so far.

1911

"I loath Blackwater." Gus' snarl voiced the sentiments of the rest of his gang, Irvin agreeing with the sentiment of his friend with a low growl.

The gang were in Blackwater to meet the leaders of their gang, Ike and Willie Bollard, at their home to discuss "business" as the Twins called it. "Business" meant the gang having to deal with the scrutinizing gazes of their twin leaders and all that came with those gazes, including propping questions about the gang's status and an unnerving private discussion with the Twins and all of Irvin's friends one at a time.

Irvin knew his friends hated visiting the Twins in Blackwater for many reasons, some reason he knew and some he didn't - one complaint Irvin couldn't help but mildly chuckle at was the fact that his gang had to "dress up" when visiting the Twins. It always provided Irvin a chuckle when he saw Charlie or Werner walking around awkwardly in their best dress clothes, watching as Gus, Julius and Maurice would complain about the clothes they wore but once or twice every few months, or seeing how flustered Harry got in clothing that drew even more attention to himself than his regular clothes or eyepatch did. But, truthfully, that was only a mild balm to the utter fury and rage Irvin harbored within him for Ike and Willie Bollard.

"We're here," Julius snarled as Irvin and the rest of his gang stopped in front of a nondescript house where the Twins lived, hiding in plain sight from their enemies. Irvin frowned deeply as he followed the rest of his crew to the door of the house, Harry stepping forward and knocking on the door.

A few minutes passed before Irvin recognized the sound of the many deadbolts and locks that held the door from any threats unlocking, the door finally creaking open to reveal the cold grin of Willie Bollard. "Come in," he growled as the younger of the two twins held the door open wide and gestured for Irvin and his gang inside.

Julius headed in first, though Irvin hesitated a moment as he stepped into the house, hatred fueling the glare he sent Willie. Willie, like his twin brother Ike, was tall - about six feet and three inches - with sun-bleached blond hair and piercingly bright arctic blue eyes that accented the Twins square jaws and sun-darkened skin. Unlike his brother, Willie's jaw sported the dusting of a blond stubble and, aside from the deeper tenor of his voice, was the only defining feature, along with a thin scar that cut across his jaw, between Willie and his twin.

Of the two brothers, Willie was the one Irvin hated the most, a sentiment that Willie clearly shared as both men's glares spoke the volumes of words each held for the other without either saying a word. Finally relenting with a tight nod, Irvin walked past Willie, heading down the hallway to the house's living room where the rest of his gang was already set in on the various pieces of furniture placed so carefully about the room. Irvin strode up to where Harry was sitting on a chair, his arms draped over the back of the chair, his one eye glowing with a far off look. Irvin pulled a chair out and placed it beside Harry, his arms crossing over his chest as he sat and leaned his back against the chair, rage aboil within his chest as Willie walked into the living room, a crooked smile broad on his face.

"Mornin' boys," Willie said as he settled into an armchair across from Irvin and his gang, Willie's eyes sparkling with arrogance and irritation as he looked upon his gang.

"Morning." Harry was the only one to return Willie's greeting and, in the silence that followed Harry's instinctive response, Irvin could have sworn that he saw Harry's broad shoulders hunch and his fingers tighten slightly on the back of the chair.

Willie ignored the limited response, his eyes focusing on Irvin for a split second longer than normal before turning to Julius, who was considered a leader within the gang - a fact the Twins both knew. "I know y'all aren't fools, hell, most of y'all are pretty smart admittedly, and I'm sure none of you have missed what that new gang that took over Fort Mercer is up to. Correct?"

"Correct," Julius growled.

"Thought so," Willie rumbled, "that's good-"

"Willie." Ike's voice, as calm as still water, cut off his brother's words as the handsome twin stepped into the living room. Irvin couldn't help but glare at Ike as he stopped beside the armchair his brother had settled into, Ike seeming satisfied with standing.

"Brother," Willie muttered in response, his gaze shifting to the floor as Ike turned and looked down at Irvin and his gang.

"My brother and I have been hearing whispers of this gang, led by some fool called Bill Williamson, trampling all along New Austin. Have any of you seen their men around Hennigan's Stead?"

"Not that we know of," Harry said, "but we can take care of ourselves, Ike, we know what to do if we do find any of those men on our territory."

"No!" Willie snarled, his sudden bark unexpected, least of all by Harry who flinched and shrunk back, his gaze falling to the ground as a nearly imperceptible shake quaked his shoulders.

"Do not shoot them," Ike hissed, "we do not want that gang as our enemies you fool. We have met up with that crazy fool Williamson already about partnering our two gangs up-"

"What?! Are you insane?" Julius barked, "we don't-"

"Would you rather we fight against that gang, Julius?" Willie growled. "Williamson's men will slaughter everyone of you and think nothing of it! Even Ike and I don't want this but that gang will kill all of us if we fight against them! Don't be stupid for once in your life, Julius!"

"Since when did you care about us?" Irvin suddenly growled, "seems awful odd for either of you to suddenly show some semblance of feeling for the men who do all of the work for you. Neither of you ever cared, nor do you, you are just protecting your 'assets' by agreeing to peace with this Williamson gang."

Ike and Willie both looked at Irvin, neither's expression readable until Ike suddenly shook his head and let out a deep, drawn out sigh. "We do care. We want to work with these outlaws just as much as any of you, but it's the only choice we have."

"If you cared you would never have touched my daughter," Irvin snarled, rage drawing him to his feet and curling his fists. He wanted so badly to destroy these two men that had such control over his life, yearned to feel their lifeblood leak upon his hands but the slightest of pressures on his arm drew Irvin from his thoughts and to the deeply concerned gaze of Harry.

"Don't," Harry urged quietly, his high voice soothing the fury within Irvin's heart. For now.

Irvin looked away from Harry's gaze but, that brief touch, quiet voice and urgent look had done what was intended, Irvin bowing his head irritably towards the Twins. "If that is what you want then."

The Twins and their gang spoke for a few more minutes, Irvin never once raising his voice even as Julius and Harry were called to speak privately with Ike and Willie. He knew to bide his temper, the time wasn't right yet. He had-

"Father!" Arms wrapped around Irvin's chest, drawing his gaze to the young woman hugging him.

"Serafina," he breathed, his words strained as he hugged his daughter to himself with an unspoken love and fear.

"I missed you," Serafina whispered, "Willie's been rougher then usual of late… and mother has done nothing to stop him."

Irvin tightened his grip on his daughter, unable to speak for the anger that clawed at his throat as he buried his face into his daughter's jet black hair. Soon, Serafina, soon, I will save you...

Ike and Willie use Irvin's daughter - and his wife - as leverage against him leaving the gang or turning on the gang. They keep their enemies close… but maybe too close.