St. Denis was abuzz with talk of the hanging of Colm O'Driscoll. Arthur had overheard some random people talk about it over cards once he and Sadie checked into their hotel. It wasn't often a notorious gang leader was captured. The agreement Colm had with the Pinkertons must have fell through, after they failed to deliver the van der Linde gang. Arthur escaping them hadn't helped Colm's standing, either.

Arthur wanted to keep a low profile by not looking like a rugged outlaw. He dressed in crisp white pants, white shirt, with a black and white vest. It was the richest and well made clothing he owned. He even wore a black and white cravat with a button. He had set aside his father's hat to wear a large brimmed hat, which was dark grey in color. Lastly, he wore the white pelt of the wolf he had killed with Sadie over his shoulders.

Charlotte and Sadie had both advised him on what to wear, as a rugged outlaw cowboy might draw attention to him. Arthur had yet to ruin his reputation in St. Denis and he planned to keep it that way. With his hair brushed back behind his ears and his beard trimmed, he appeared to be a rich mountain man. He didn't mind the implication. He would fit right in with all the other well dressed city folk.

Sadie dressed in a yellow cotton dress, with small white buttons down the middle of the shirt and long sleeves to her wrist. The skirt itself had several layers gathered at the back. It fit her curves nicely, but did nothing more than piss her off. She argued it was constricting, Arthur argued it was only for two days. In the end, his logic won out.

Charlotte accompanied them to St. Denis, intending to get a bit of shopping done before returning home. She checked into the same hotel as Arthur and Sadie. It was a middle class hotel, less ritzy than the one Arthur had stayed at before. Much cheaper to Arthur's dwindling wallet, as well.

"I'll leave you two to it," Charlotte said as she got the keys to her room. She had dressed in nicer clothing as well, a dark green dress with black trim. "I don't want to be near the hanging."

"I don't blame you," Arthur replied and picked up her luggage for her. They headed for the carpeted stairs which led to the hotel rooms. "It ain't until tomorrow morning, anyhow. We were thinking of meetin' later for dinner. That work with you?"

"Sure, that's fine." Charlotte pushed back a dark strand and moved in front so she could unlock her door. She turned and grabbed her luggage from him. "You and Sadie be safe now, alright?"

Arthur could hear the worry in her voice. "She and I will be just fine. It'll be okay, Charlotte. We ain't gonna start a fight we ain't after."

"Sure." Charlotte didn't believe him, he could see that. She shut the door.

Arthur and Sadie made their way into their room. It was modest in size, boasting of a full size bed with clean sheets, a well made wooden dresser and vanity. One small couch fit in the corner.

"It's cozy," Arthur remarked, setting his luggage on the bed. "It been awhile since we slept in an actual bed."

"I wasn't thinkin' of sleepin', so much," Sadie teased. "How long it's been since I could lay back without feelin' dirt or rocks behind me?"

Arthur pulled her to him and nuzzled her neck. He could feel her shiver as his beard scratched her skin. "Maybe we could test it out, see if it's free of rocks and such?"

"I am wearin' that skirt you like so much."

"Hmmm. That so."

"But Charles is probably waitin' downstairs now."

With that said, Arthur let her go with a defeated sigh. As much as he wanted to take her, she was right. "We'd best go, then."

Arthur and Sadie headed down the stairs to find Charles sitting at the bar. He was dressed in his usual blue and white shirt with a dark vest. His hair was tied back in a loose braid and his eyes bore dark bags under them that hadn't been there before, though he still seemed happy to see them.

"Arthur, it's good to see you," he said as he reached out to grab Arthur's hand. He moved like he hadn't slept in ages. "And you, Mrs. Adler. I take it you two are still together?"

"Of course we are," Sadie said. She sat down at the nearest free table.

Once they settled around the table and the bartender got them all whiskey, Arthur cut to the chase, keeping his voice quiet. "How it been with Dutch?"

"Just as you can imagine. Not good. Dutch now has more men I don't know, besides Cleet and Joe. Micah's been helping with the recruiting," Charles said and let out an exasperated sigh.

"They was supposed to rob a bank?"

"It didn't pan out. Dutch had to put everything on hold and Hosea took a turn for the worse. I don't know what he has, Arthur, but he's had to stop. When I arrived, Hosea was leaving to go find someplace quiet to live. Ms. Grimshaw went with him. From the sound of it, Pearson found a job at the Rhodes general store. Uncle and Karen are drinking themselves into a stupor. It ain't pretty."

Arthur took a swig of his whisky and let it burn down his throat while he mused on the information. He had to prepare himself for running into Dutch and the other men. He also felt bad for Hosea. Arthur knew he had been sick, though Hosea had been an expert at hiding it. Much like Arthur was getting adept at hiding his own coughing. It still hadn't gone away.

"Where's Hosea now?" he asked.

Charles leaned back in his chair and shrugged. "I don't know, Arthur. He kept it on the low. Dutch don't care, either."

"Tahiti still his idea?"

"Maybe. He seems content where he is, if you ask me. Robbing and stealing under the guise that he deserves better than everyone. Always working towards something greater ."

Sadie downed her whiskey and made a face as she set the glass down. "You boys got out before he pulled you down with him."

"We did." Charles stood, the chair squeaking against the floor. "I'm going to take a walk. I'll be around."

"Charles, you welcome to come with us," Arthur said. "We're leavin' tomorrow. Got a house now, could use your skills."

"Doesn't sound like it pays much. But. Maybe. I'll think about it." Charles waved his hand and walked out the front door.

Money. Always money. Arthur hadn't had time to make any to repay the bank. He could survive six months at the most with John's help. They had stashed up quite the savings, but in the long run, it wasn't going to be enough. Had Arthur started working a job when he was younger, he could have saved up, had a house from the get-go… yet he wouldn't change the time he spent with Dutch and Hosea. They had meant everything to him. They still did. But it was time to move on.

Arthur and Sadie spent the next few hours wandering the streets of St. Denis, taking in the busy streets, people, and the different smells. They visited the bookstore Mary-Beth and Kieran had wanted to see, taking their time by pulling out random books. They both decided to pick one they might like.

"For our bookshelf," Sadie chimed as she put her newest book in a small bag.

"A bookshelf?" Arthur tucked his own book under his arm. "I gotta build a bookshelf now?"

"It ain't hard."

Arthur agreed at that. He had never owned a bookshelf. The books he did own stayed in a trunk or by the table by his cot. His own, tiny possessions like pictures, letters, and the flower he kept by his bed were the only things of sentimental value. He had left the picture of Mary behind, though, back at Shady Belle. He didn't mind it so much.

As they went from store to store, they bought tiny trinkets here and there. Fresh linens. New silverware. A few different sized cooking pots. They priced out a stove - found a tiny one within a reasonable budget. They had traveled by wagon with the means to bring a stove back. They had brought their horses Roy and Bob along as well, just in case events turned south and they needed a quick escape. They scheduled to pick up the stove the next day.

They dropped everything off in their hotel room, their arms full of new possessions. Arthur was a little taken aback about owning things like different sets of towels. He had never owned a towel specifically for dishware before.

Before they set off again, Arthur took a breather to admire the book he had gotten. In reality, a sharp pain had shot through his chest and he had needed an excuse to sit down. His lungs felt like they were heavy and he struggled to breathe. Sadie had gone out to visit the outhouse; he was grateful she wasn't here. He didn't want her to worry.

By the time she returned, he felt a bit better and left with her.

They met up with Charlotte at a tiny restaurant, filled to the brim with people. The white stone building was nestled in between two different clothing stores. Two golden lights illuminated the front of the building, showing the restaurant was deep, lined with tables with white and gold cloths. Charlotte had snagged a table inside before the two had gotten there and had ordered wine for everybody.

Once they were seated, Arthur took a small sip of the wine and held back a grimace. It wasn't his favorite by far, yet the two women seemed to enjoy it.

"I grew up someplace like this, you know. Chicago," Charlotte said. She held her glass as she looked around the room. "Fine living, dining. This high society."

"I take it you don't miss it," Sadie stated.

"Heavens, no. I am much happier being away from cities. Too much of a hassle. I wasn't for it at first, but I am glad Cal had convinced me. Still, you can't deny they have good food." Charlotte closed her eyes as she smelled a passing meat platter a waiter was holding.

The waiter approached their table with their food and began setting out the steaming dishes. Arthur had ordered a lobster bisque and his mouth watered at the smell of it. It was fresh and creamy and a little bit sweet to the taste.

As he swallowed, the pain returned to his chest and he coughed harshly into his hand. The coughs kept coming, each one worse than the rest. He grabbed a napkin and held it over his mouth as he stood abruptly. He was out of breath to excuse himself so he merely just walked out of the restaurant.

He went around the clothing store and collapsed against a wall, letting the coughs work themselves out. There had been no hiding it from Sadie. He half expected her to follow him out.

"Arthur?" Instead of Sadie following him out, it had been Mary. Christ, he hadn't expected to see her again.

The coughs subsided enough for him to talk. He wiped his mouth and pocketed the napkin. "Mary? What are you doin' here?"

Mary had her hair pinned back and was wearing a dark red jacket over her gown. She looked as pretty as ever. "I was dining in the same restaurant. I was just leaving when I saw you dash out. Are you... okay?"

"I'm fine," Arthur waved her off. "I need to get back inside." He pushed passed her and stopped when he felt her hand on his arm.

"I been meaning to mail this to you," Mary murmured and reached into her jacket. "It's a letter. It… it has the ring you sent me."

Arthur took it from her, dumbfounded. He hadn't expected to see the ring again. "Well. I… appreciate it, Mary. I do. But I should get back in; my party's waiting for me."

"You've changed. Look at you." Mary looked him up and down, then leaned up to fix his cravat. "You look regal, Arthur. And dining in a restaurant? I had to drag you to them back when."

"It just for show." Arthur took a step back, not wanting to get too comfortable with her. He shoved the letter with the ring inside his vest pocket. "You take care, now." He left her in a hurry as she would try to keep talking to him. He knew her and how she knew how to tug on his heartstrings to make him stay.

Sadie stood at the outside of the restaurant, hugging her arms around herself. Relief flooded her face once she saw him. "You was out so fast - you okay?"

"I'm fine. Let's go inside." Arthur took her by the elbow to lead her in.

"You gettin' worse. Don't think you been hidin' it." Sadie stopped him from opening the door. "I want you to see a doctor."

"I don't need to see one. I been fine for the most part. Let's just get these next few days over with, okay?" He pushed open the door and the two walked in. Charlotte sat at the table, looking a bit distraught.

"Okay…" Sadie said as they walked up to her. "But if this happens again, we gonna go see someone. No buts, Arthur."

He hesitated to agree, but eventually relented.

That night as he began to undress, he set the letter deep in his luggage, saving to read it later. He continued to clean out his pockets and set aside an old pocket watch and the napkin. Red caught his eye and he stilled as he looked the napkin over. He thought he had coughed out spit - this was blood. Bright red blood. He recalled then there had been an iron taste in his mouth and he hadn't thought anything of it.

Sadie was still outside with Charlotte talking. Arthur walked over to the fireplace and tossed in the napkin. The fireplace swallowed it within seconds.

He knew it wouldn't change anything. But he was beginning to feel afraid.

Arthur and Sadie stood in the crowd, watching the police officers prepare for the hanging. They had yet to bring out Colm. People muttered to themselves, telling different stories of the horrors and crimes Colm had committed. It was a mix of people who had come to watch - some as young as five or six, all the way to the elderly.

A hanging was a source of excitement for some people. For Arthur, it was merely a reminder.

Arthur had changed into his fine clothing once more, as had Sadie, though she now wore a hat as well. As he had figured, he fit right into the mix of people. Not many would suspect him… he hoped.

A police officer bumped into him and as he turned to see the same lined face, graying hair and perfectly trimmed mustache, Arthur found the one person who could recognize him. "Hello, Dutch."

"Arthur," Dutch responded, his voice cold. "I see you're here to watch our friend hang."

"That we are."

They turned quiet, not quite knowing what to say to each other. Arthur felt a nudge by Sadie and looked to where she pointed to.

"They O'Driscolls," she whispered, keeping her gaze down.

Three men stood nearby, wearing dusty dark cloaks and muttering amongst themselves. One motioned up to a tall building behind the group. Arthur tried to inconspicuously look up; Colm had escaped a hanging many a time and the O'Driscoll boys seemed unconcerned.

"They up there," Arthur sighed. Dutch was already heading to the building. "Stay here," he said to Sadie as he followed his old mentor. "Don't do anythin'."

"I won't," Sadie responded and went to go mix into the crowd.

Arthur caught up with Dutch and followed him in silence. "I got this," he said to Dutch.

"Do you?" Dutch questioned. "I don't think so, Arthur. You go back to the Mrs. Adler now. Or is it Mrs. Morgan now?"

"Dutch. We both know I'm the better sharp shooter. You should stay down here in case it goes south."

"Fine. But if you mess up, I'm holding you accountable." Dutch turned on his heel and headed back for the crowd.

Arthur didn't like the sound of that. Dutch wouldn't blame him… would he? He might hold a grudge. Arthur had dealt with that before. But the older man wouldn't actually do anything to Arthur.

He didn't want to figure that out, at least. Arthur dashed up an apartment staircase and out an open window onto a roof. He kept low and quiet, not wanting to alert anyone. So far, the rooftops were clear. It was a sunny, bright day, the roof tiles hot against his hands as he kneeled down before moving on.

He jumped down to a shorter rooftop which had a clear view of the hanging. Empty boxes and papers littered the roof but he found what he was looking for. Their guess had been right - there was a sniper rifle prepped for shooting. Only the shooter was missing.

The roof door shot open and out of the corner of Arthur's eyes he saw a glint of steel and a body flinging himself at him. Arthur crumpled to the ground with a grunt and found himself struggling against a man as large as himself. He managed to get a leg under the man's chest and push him off, then jumped up to his feet.

The O'Driscoll boy dived and slashed the air where Arthur had been standing. Arthur continued to dodge, disdain creeping through him. This boy was Kieran's age, at least. And he was gonna die, most likely. Arthur dodged to the left of the knife, reached out and snagged the boy's wrist. He forced the knife to drop, then laid a knee into the man's stomach.

He fell, the wind knocked out of him. Arthur lifted him up and knocked him senseless. The boy fell unconscious, nose bleeding and broken.

Arthur quickly went to the rifle and peered over the edge. Colm now stood on the platform, a noose around his neck. By now, the man had realized something was wrong. Arthur waved at him, feeling no remorse. That man had ordered him to be tortured - he deserved no sympathy from Arthur.

Sadie and Dutch were down in the crowd, holding back the O'Driscolls. Arthur couldn't see the weapons, but they were in control. All that was left was to watch Colm hang.

Five seconds later, the guard pulled the lever and the floor released from under Colm. The fear on his face was replaced with anguish as he fell, the rope instantly tightening around his neck. Colm didn't die instantly. He struggled and kicked and gurgled through his crushing windpipes. After a minute of this, he halted his movements, his face blue and skewed.

It was over. Arthur looked down to Sadie to see how she was. She had let go of the O'Driscoll, as had Dutch. The O'Driscolls backed away.

Arthur could see Sadie shaking from where he was. She looked up to him and looked as if she said, "I'm sorry." She lifted her gun and shot one of the O'Driscolls point blank, then shot the other.

Arthur cursed as it turned into a madhouse. The crowd scattered in every single direction and gunshots went off from god knows where. Dutch and Sadie retreated behind a wagon for cover. Police officers joined them in fighting against the O'Driscolls.

There were O'Driscolls pouring out from everywhere. They had all come to save Colm - only to realize they had failed. Arthur took down a few of them with the sniper rifle, but then deemed it was clear. He left the rifle and went across the rooftops and down the staircase.

Sadie was raging, firing off shot after shot. Arthur ran to her and yanked her to him and held her close. He could feel her shaking and sobbing - this had been a terrible idea. He whispered sweet words into her ear while dragging her away. Sadie dropped the gun and Arthur pulled her away from the chaos, heading for their hotel. Police officers and the O'Driscolls were still putting up a fight, an excellent distraction for them.

"Let's get back," Arthur said, his arm still around her. People were still running all around. If they were lucky, the police officers would say the O'Driscolls started the fight. If not, he and Sadie best leave fast before they started looking for a lady in yellow.

They found Charles at the hotel lobby. He hurried to them and followed them up the stairs. "What happened? Did it-"

Arthur led them into their room and shut the door with a hard click. "He's dead. But we started a fight and the police are involved. We ain't in no danger. But I don't wanna risk it. Best we leave."

Sadie wiped her eyes, sniffed, and pulled out clothing from her pack. "Charles, turn away," she said and started undressing. Charles turned away without argue. "Dutch was talkin' to me. Sayin' the last of the O'Driscolls are stationed at Hangin' Dog Ranch, out in West Elizabeth. I'm goin' there."

"West Elizabeth - Sadie, that's a week's ride at the very least, if not more," Arthur said, taken by surprise.

"You don't have to come."

"Of course I do. Charles. I have a request." Arthur went to his own bag and started to pull out clothes meant for long riding. "We came with Charlotte Balfour. She's in the room just across from us. Can you escort her back to Roanoke Ridge? All these items have to go as well."

"I can. I know this means a lot to you, Mrs. Adler."

"Oh, and pick up a stove." Arthur paused to run a hand over his face. He hoped this was the last of his adventures for awhile. "Charlotte knows of it - she'll go with you. Let's go introduce you, in fact." He and Charles walked out and caught Charlotte just leaving her room.

"How was it?" she asked, concerned.

"It was… well, we don't have to worry about him anymore. But Sadie and me have to go. We'll be gone for…" Arthur let out a frustrated sigh. "A month, at least."

"A month?"

"Charles here will escort you home. He's one of the best men I know." Arthur patted Charles on the shoulder.

"Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Balfour." Charles shook her hand in greeting. "You don't have to worry about anything with me. Just tell me what to do."

"As long as you don't do any funny business, but I trust Arthur, so…" Charlotte frowned. "Are you okay, Arthur?"

"I am, but…" Arthur looked to his hotel door. "She ain't. I gotta talk to her - Charles, can you help Charlotte with getting the wagon ready?" At Charles nod, Arthur walked back into his room and found Sadie nearly done packing. She had changed into dark brown pants and a white shirt. She moved around the room in an angry flurry, though her brown eyes were distant.

"Can we talk about this?" Arthur asked, feeling like a fool. He didn't know how to help her. He didn't even blame her for what she did - she had a lot of anger built up. He just hadn't realized how much.

"We can once we out of St. Denis," Sadie huffed. She grabbed her pack. "I'll meet you by the horses."

She walked past him and he stopped her by catching her arm. "I'm there for you," Arthur murmured, leaning his forehead against hers. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She was shaking still. "Just breathe, Sadie. You ain't alone in this."

"I know," Sadie whispered. "It just. Hit me. I couldn't stop seein' my Jakie's face. I need this, Arthur. Then I can finally put him to rest."

Arthur leaned down and kissed the tear sliding down her face. She let out a shaky breath and leaned into him as he said, "I love you, and I'm there for you all the way. Let's go."