The next morning Julia was the first to wake up. Her big, green eyes opened, looking inside her small tent and then moved to her arm where the wound was still stinging slightly.

She sat up and looked over at Arthur who was still sleeping in the same position he had fallen asleep the night before.

Julia smiled and trying not to make too much noise, she got out of her tent before she stretched her arms towards the sky. The sun hit her face, making her close her eyes for a moment, and then she turned to check on Wind Catcher and Tundra that were still tied at a tree a few feet from them.

She kneeled in front of the almost dead fire that she tried to reanimate with some of the dry wood she had collected the night before, deciding soon after to prepare some coffee.

While she was waiting for it to be ready, she heard some horses coming closer to their camp, so she turned and saw three men.

She looked at them more closely, noticing their clothes and guns.

Bounty hunters.

Julia got up in a hurry and started to walk towards them while covering her bandaged arm with the tore sleeve of her shirt.

Stay calm Julia, stay calm, she thought while trying to cover up her sudden nervousness.

"Good morning, Miss" greeted one of the three men.

"Morning mister. What are you doing here so early in the morning?" asked Julia smiling.

The man shrugged.

"We are looking for a man, an outlaw. Some folk said they saw him in Valentine last night" he said.

Julia frowned.

"An outlaw? What is he like?" asked again Julia.

"Tall, blonde hair, blue eyes. Heavily armed. His name is Arthur Morgan" said another man who had got down his horse.

Julia stared at them.

"You saw him?" asked again the man.

Julia shook her head

"No, I'm sorry. I wasn't in Valentine last night. My brother and I just camped here. We don't like noisy towns" she said pointing at the little camp behind her back.

"I see..." said the man absentmindedly while trying to look better at the camp.

Julia noticed him and quickly thought about what to say to catch his attention again.

"But actually, I saw a man last night, wandering all alone in the dark. He went that way if I remember right" she said pointing at their backs.

"Oh, thank you, Miss. Have a nice day" said the man while his companion was already on his horse again and the third one, who for all the time stayed silent, stared at her.

"You too sir. I hope you'll catch that man" she said and watched carefully at them until they disappeared from her sight.

Sighing, she walked back to camp where she got into Arthur's tent and looked at him still asleep.

His breath was heavy, his broad shoulders rose and lowered in a steady and slow pace. His hair, maybe a little too long, was hanging slightly to the side, covering his forehead.

It seemed to be so soft and suddenly Julia felt the need to touch it, so she raised her hand from her knee and gently brush it away from his forehead.

"Arthur, wake up" she whispered moving slightly his arm.

The man opened his eyes that for a moment wandered on her face and then he quickly sat up.

"Is everything okay?" he asked alarmed.

"Yes, don't worry. I prepared some coffee. You want some?" she asked putting a hand on his shoulder to calm him down.

He looked at her for a moment; his blue eyes moved from her green ones, then to her reddened lips and then low to her exposed cleavage. There, between the line on her breasts, rested her necklace, the wolf head with his gaping maw.

He quickly moved his eyes away and nodded.

Julia got out of his tent and took her cup from her bag before she walked towards Arthur's bag where she took his cup as well. Her eyes stopped for a moment on his journal and all of sudden Sadie's words came up to her mind. Her internal and curious voice screamed at her to take it, but after a moment she shook her head and moved towards the fire.

While she poured the coffee in the cups, Arthur came out of his tent and wore his hat looking around before he accepted the cup that Julia offered him.

"I think it's better if we move soon. I've met some men that are looking for you. Bounty hunters" said Julia taking a sip from her cup.

"Oh, Jesus. Trelawny was right"

"Trelawny?" asked Julia frowning, and Arthur nodded.

"He said something about some...bounty hunters and special agents who were looking for us. Nothing new, really, just...I didn't think they would've been so close"

"Special agents?" echoed Julia raising an eyebrow.

Arthur looked at her, not sure about what to say.

Julia sighed and rubbed her forehead.

"So, what are you gonna do today?" she asked him after a while.

Arthur kneeled in front of the fire, finishing his coffee.

"I'll go to Rhodes, see if I can sell that pelt to a butcher. Then I'll go to the sheriff, Dutch's waiting for me there" he said.

Julia frowned.

"Sheriff? What, you're best friend with the law now?"

"Is Dutch's plan...hide in plain light or something..." explained Arthur moving his hand in the air.

"Of course it is" muttered Julia looking at the fire in front of her.

"What about you?" asked the man and Julia raised her gaze on him.

"I'm gonna go to the post office. See if agent Milton sent me something" she answered.

"Better if we collect our things and get lost before those bounty hunters come back" said Arthur moving towards his tent and starting to take it down.

Julia put her cup in her bag and then moved to do the same, collecting her bedroll first, but when she started to take down her tent in turn, the pain in her arm increased making her hiss.

Arthur looked at her and then moved closer, pushing her aside gently.

"There's no need. I can do it" she said looking at Arthur.

He didn't answer, simply continued what he was doing until all their things were on their horses.

They reached Rhodes in silence, exchanging some sneaky looks now and then.

When they reached the station, Julia turned to look at Arthur who did the same.

"See you later then. Don't get into trouble" she said with a cocky smile.

"I can't promise you anything" he chuckled making Julia smile.

She looked at him go away and then she got down her horse and entered the station walking towards the employee.

"Good morning Miss. How can I help you?" asked a thin man with hollowed cheeks and wild eyes.

"Err...is there something for Joseph Larson?" she asked staring at him.

The man turned and after a couple of minutes gave her a letter.

"Thank you. Good day, sir" she said looking at him again.

You too Miss answered simply the man.

What an odd fella.

Once she got out of the post office, she opened the letter and read it.

As she expected, they had already moved near the border with New Hanover.

She quickly closed the letter and got on Wind Catcher, petting his neck while she followed the road.

When she spotted the big white tents, she slowed up and drew closer. As always, the agents on the watch made her pass and after she left the horse near the others, she walked towards Milton's tent.

"Good morning agent" she said once she entered it.

The man was not alone, with him there was agent Ross who was smoking a cigar.

"Good morning Miss. Please, seat. We've got a lot to talk about" said the man seated on his comfy chair.

"Is that so" said Julia walking towards them and seating on the chair near Ross who stared at her.

"We believe we have good chances to catch Van der Linde and his group of degenerates once and for all. We talked with Mr. Cornwall who was so kind to let us know he's more than willing to lend a hand"

Julia's hands twitched under the table at hearing the man's words and she had to bite her tongue not to snap at him.

"And I believe this hand we're talking about are his men?" asked Julia.

"Exactly" answered Ross making her turn to look at him.

His gaze was more insistent than the other times and Julia started to feel uneasy.

"Mr. Cornwall's men are already spread at the west, near Valentine. Some of them are bounty hunters just like you. So, I'm afraid your reward will be cut down" said Milton.

Julia forced a smile.

"As I already said, money's not the reason I'm helping you to catch Van der Linde" she said and Milton nodded.

"You know, I'm really curious to know your background history with that man. He must have done something terrible if you want to see him swing" said Ross.

Julia turned to look at him, her smile slightly faded.

"If you care to know, ask him when we'll catch him. I'm sure he'll be more willing than me to tell that story" she answered sternly.

Ross stared at her for a little longer and this time she didn't move her eyes either.

"I'm sorry if my partner offended you, Miss" said Milton glancing at Ross for a moment.

Julia got up, ready to go.

"I think I'm gonna go now. Good day, gentlemen" she said treading the last word before she got out the tent.

She almost ran towards the horses, but soon she was stopped by a voice who called her.

She turned around and turned pale when she saw Nathan ran towards her with a wide smile on his face.

Julia looked around biting her lips nervously.

Shit, shit, shit! I totally forgot about this...

"How are you?" asked the young man stopping in front of her.

Julia forced a smile.

"I've been better" she answered not looking at him.

Nathan looked at her arm and his smile dropped while his hands reached for it and gently moved it closer to him to take a better look.

"What happened?" he asked.

"Nothing. Nothing it's just a scratch...Wind Catcher unhorsed me 'cause he saw a snake. I'm fine" said Julia withdrawing her arm.

Nathan smiled at her again and got closer, moving some hair away from her forehead.

Julia realized what his intention was and quickly stepped back.

"I'm...what about the other agents?" she asked noticing Nathan's hurt look.

He smiled once again and got closer to her, sneaking his arms around her waist.

"It's okay. I believe everyone knows about us"

"About us?" echoed Julia, her eyes widened.

He hummed and bent over ready to kiss her.

For God's sake, Julia. Do something!

"I gotta go. I've some business to take care of" she quickly said pushing him away.

"Oh, okay"

"Yep" said Julia stepping back.

"What you say if we meet somewhere else? There's a hotel in Rhodes, maybe we can...meet there tomorrow afternoon?" he asked with a sultry tone.

"Tomorrow? I-I can't..."

Julia thought about what to reply for a moment but then she realized it was perfect to clear this thing out.

"What about the next day?" she quickly said avoiding Nathan's question.

"Perfect. I'll see you then" said the young man kissing her forehead.

Julia forced a smile and ran towards Wind Catcher not looking at Nathan anymore.

Once she got on her horse and out from the agents' sight, she spurred Wind Catcher to go as faster as he could, heading towards the camp and looking around to see if someone was following her.

Before she followed the path to the camp, she stopped and inhaled, feeling Wind Catcher taking shaky and deep breaths under her.

"You okay boy?" she asked feeling her heart racing.

After a couple of minutes, she calmed down and slowly followed the path, answering at Karen when she pointed her rifle to her and asked, "who's there".

After she got down from Wind Catcher, she asked Kieran, who was passing by, to take care of him and the man, noting how the animal was still breathing, nodded.

Julia walked towards Dutch's tent catching Hosea's attention, who was reading his paper.

"Won't even look me in the eye but you'll look at her all day" Julia heard Molly say.

"It doesn't matter what I say, you'll believe whatever fantasy you're currently living in" answered Dutch raising his voice.

Julia realized something was going on at that moment and the thought of stop and wait for it to end crossed her mind, but she couldn't wait.

"Fantasy? You think is a fantasy for me?" asked again Molly getting up from where she was seated and taking a step towards Van der Linde.

"I don't have the energy for this right now" answered the man.

Julia got in front of his tent and looked at the two who turned to look at her.

"We need to talk" she said.

"Can't you wait? We're in the middle of something here" said Molly getting closer to her.

Dutch sighed and got up from his cot, reaching her.

"No, we ain't. Come" he said putting a hand on Julia's shoulder and pushing her away.

Dutch and Julia sat at a table and soon after Hosea joined them.

"What happened?" asked the old man.

Julia looked at both of them and sighed.

"I talked to Milton and Ross. They're camped north of Rhodes, near the border. They talked to Cornwall. That man wants you dead, Dutch. He and almost all the country. His men are looking for you in the west, but they'll come here as soon as they realized you're not anywhere near"

"We know. We rob these hillbillies and then we'll disappear" answered the man.

"Dutch, you heard the girl. I don't think this is a good idea" said Hosea.

"What choice do we have Hosea? We still need money to disappear. And by paying her we need more than before. These two families have gold. Once we got it, we are free to go. Anywhere we want. Besides, we already made friends with sheriff Gray. Arthur'll go at Calliga Hall and find where they hid the money while you Hosea, you'll take care of the Braithwaites. See with who we're dealing with"

Hosea nodded and then looked at Julia.

"If you have to do it, you need to do it fast. I'll help you but then you gotta get the hell out of here" she said getting up.

"Of course" answered Dutch a little bit annoyed by the girl tone.

Julia ignored him and walked away followed by Hosea.

"Are you alright?" asked the man stopping her by her shoulder.

Julia turned to look at him.

"Why?" she asked in turn looking around.

"You seem...shaken"

Julia sighed.

"I...I'm stressed out. This situation is tough for me too and even if Dutch don't believe me, I don't want you in their hands" she said.

Hosea gave her a hint of a smile.

"We're gonna fix this. We always have" he said trying to assure her.

"It was a long time ago, Hosea. Things had changed. You...your ways are old style and this world doesn't forgive" Julia said.

Hosea withdrew his hand and sadly looked at her.

"Our ways are the only thing we have" he replied before he went away.

Julia looked at him, feeling guilty. She didn't want to offend or accuse him, but she had to tell him.

Hearing some steps behind her, Julia turned seeing Arthur was back.

He walked towards her and she noticed right away the deputy brooch on his chest.

"How did it go?" he asked when he got close enough.

"Not so well, deputy Morgan" she said and the man couldn't help an embarrassed smile.

"I know. I think it's not a good idea neither"

"Then why don't you tell Dutch?" she asked and Arthur shrugged.

Julia stared at him for a moment then she moved her eyes away.

"He's not always right, Arthur. You have a brain of your own, so use it. And if you don't agree with him, tell him" she said.

"I'll never doubt him" he defended.

Julia looked at him and he did the same, fixing his blue iris on her, noticing something was not right.

"Of course you won't" she answered in a whisper before she left.

Arthur continued to look at her going away not understanding what was going on.

What had happened?

Julia reached the shore of the lake and started to walk alongside it, looking distantly at the water, getting more and more away from the camp.

When she stopped, she looked around, seeing she was alone. Then she moved her eyes down, noticing some rocks that she picked up and started to throw in the lake thinking about agent Milton, agent Ross, Dutch, Nathan, Arthur...Arthur.

Suddenly she felt her cheeks flush red and a heavy burden on her chest.

Why he had to be so stupid? Why he had to act so stupid when he wasn't? Why she had to care so much?

"Son of a bitch!" she yelled throwing the last rock on the lake that landed with a loud splash.

Feeling someone close to her, Julia turned her head and her eyes landed on reverend Swanson who looked at her shocked.

"You got to be kidding me..." whispered Julia rubbing her eyes.

Then she turned again towards him and sighed looking at his usual lost expression.

"What are you doing here, reverend?"

"It seems I see ghosts everywhere" answered the man staring at the water of the lake.

Julia rolled her eyes. She had no time for that.

"Yeah, good for you..." she said walking past him.

"I have to ask. You've come to punish me for my sins, haven't you?" the man asked and Julia looked at him confused.

"Not to offend you reverend, but I don't give a shit about your sins"

"You should. I did terrible things... and I lied. I did. I was scared and I...I ran away" said the man, tears in his eyes.

Julia stayed silent, staring at the man and asking herself if his words were the product of the morphine or the abstinence.

"I took the way to perdition a long time ago, Miss. And after what I did, I'll be damned for eternity. I know that, but I'm sorry"

Julia said nothing, keeping her eyes on the man that after a moment turned around and left.

The man's words didn't leave her for the rest of the day that she spent in her tent while staring at the white paper in front of her.

After a while, she came back from her thoughts and took out her pen, ready to write something.

Dear D...

...

HI EVERYONE!

I've started to write in English, so no more translation. In this way, I'll be faster in posting the other chapters and hopefully, I won't make too many mistakes that, as always, I'm more than willing to discuss with you whenever you find some.

However, I hope you liked this chapter. Personally, I'd love to touch Arthur's hair like...all the time. It must be greasy but WHO CARES? Surely, I don't ;)

Okay, I stop here because some other things came up to my mind.

I'll see you next chapter.

KISSES!