Chapter 47

"You sure you don't wanna stick around?"

"Got some business to handle back down South I needa take care of. Don't wanna overstay my welcome, neither."

"Don't act like you ain't always welcome here, Aunt Sadie."

The blonde woman gave a low chuckle. "I know, I know. But I gotta get back to it." She offered him a smile. "Besides, you look like you're doin' pretty well for yourself. I think your parents would be real proud of ya." Sadie laughed before continuing. "Well, John would be. Think Abigail might smack you around a bit before she got to the proud part."

"You think so?" Jack had thought that maybe they would've been, but it was different hearing those words come from Sadie.

"Of course. You're shaping up to be quite the man, Jack Marston." She crossed her arms over her chest and smiled at him again. "I expect to be kept up to date with things, you hear?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Her smile slowly faded as she looked at him. Finally, she sighed and reached into her satchel. "Wasn't sure if I wanted to give this to ya or not. I think I better, though." Sadie pulled out a folded piece of paper before offering it to Jack.

"What is it?" Her name was written in a crude fashion. It reminded him of his own handwriting as a child.

"That's the last letter I got from Abigail. She had a lot to say about you in this one. I think it might do you some good to read it." Her face took on a more serious expression. "I ain't gonna get all preachy on ya, but I see you struggling, Jack. Whenever you're ready, I think you should read that letter."

"I didn't know that Ma could write." It was the only thing he could manage to say. That imaginary rope around his neck had started to tighten again. Jack didn't know what was in this letter. He doubted he would ever read it. Just the thought of reading his mother's handwriting made the rope tighten more.

"Looks about as legible as when Hosea was teachin' you to write, but she made good effort. She's sent me a few letters without your help." She chuckled quietly. "I'd go as far as to call her semi-literate. I think she had a good teacher, myself."

"Thanks, Aunt Sadie." He mumbled.

"I been in your shoes before, Jack. Wasn't easy, but I got through it. You'll get through it, too." She offered him a sad smile. "Your mother was my rock for a good while, there. I know it ain't the easiest thing to do, but you got folks that care about you and are willing to bear your burdens. You aren't alone." She cupped his shoulder, squeezing a little. "You got a girl that seems to really care for ya, and you got me. Just because I won't be here in person, don't mean I won't be here. You need anything, you know how to reach me."

"I'll keep it in mind, Aunt Sadie."

Without warning, she pulled him into her arms and held tight. "I mean it, Marston. Anything at all." As usual, the embrace didn't last long before she pulled away. "I'd better hit the road. You take care now, okay?"

"You, too." He felt a little remorse at his short responses to Sadie. He hoped the rope would loosen soon.

Sadie offered him another smile and he forced himself to return the gesture. Without another word between the two, Jack watched her mount her horse and give a final wave goodbye. He stood in the middle of the property with his eyes trained on her retreating form. Once he couldn't see her, he sighed and felt the rope finally loosen. He turned on his heel, thoughtlessly walking towards the house.

The house was quiet. The only sound he heard was the sound of his boots on the wooden floor. His fingers started tapping against his leg. Sadie told him he wasn't alone anymore. If that was the case, then why did he feel so lonely in his own home?

"Sawyer, Archer wants you to head over to Thieves Landing as soon as possible. Here's the file."

Before Dominick could even look up at the other man, a folder slapped onto his desk. "What's in Thieves Landing?" He questioned as he opened the file.

"Bartel lead. Rest of us got other things to do, Archer wants you to check it out."

He rose a brow at his colleague, finally able to look at the other man. "Mr. Fordham wants me to follow a Bartel lead alone? That doesn't make any sense." Mr. Fordham had been clear in his trainings that an agent wasn't to go on a job like this alone unless the circumstances forced his hand. Why would he be insistent on him going this alone? Mr. Fordham spent hours drilling into his head that this group was dangerous. Dominick found it hard to believe he would suggest this. "I'll go talk with him. There must be a misunderstanding."

"He ain't even here, Sawyer. Archer has better things to do than babysit a rookie. Either do the job, or you can just go on back to that old man down at the Sheriff's office." The other agent sneered.

Dominick realized what was happening. Mr. Fordham hadn't given this direction at all. This was just his colleagues trying to get him to quit again. He wasn't sure what their issue with him was quite yet, but they made it obvious the others didn't want him here. "Right. I'll get right on it." If his coworkers didn't want to help, so be it. "I'll head out." While the agents didn't have a high opinion of Sheriff Daniels, he knew better. The seasoned lawman would be a better partner than any one of these men. Gathering up the paperwork on his desk, Dominick grabbed his jacket and headed towards the stairs.

"Try not to embarrass the Agency out there, Sawyer!" A different man called out. A string of snickers followed his comment. Dominick elected to ignore the taunt and continued down the stairs. Having taunts thrown at him wasn't anything new to him. If his father did anything worthwhile as a parent, it was hardening him to insults. With a slight shake of his head, Dominick strode towards his former employer's office. He was thankful to be able to work with Sheriff Daniels again. Leaving the Sheriff left a bittersweet taste in the young man's mouth. Their working relationship ended only three months ago. He still felt that twinge of remorse for leaving, but he couldn't pass up the offer Mr. Fordham gave. As he came to the office door, he cleared his head of thoughts unrelated to this job. He knew the Sheriff wouldn't be easy to convince to join him on work for the Bureau. He needed to be ready to grovel.

"Got a minute, Sheriff?" Dominick poked his head in, accompanied by a soft knock.

"Whatcha need, Dom?"

He entered the building entirely, only to find someone else in the office as well. It took a moment or two, but Dominick recognized the bounty hunter he'd given information to not long ago. "Sorry, bad time?"

Sheriff Daniels waved him in. "Marston's just taking stock, that's all."

"Just pickin' a job." Marston replied without taking his eyes off the posters on the bulletin board. The pickings were slim, Dominick noted. He would need to check and see what other posters the Bureau had to offer the Sheriff's office. The moment the thought ran through his mind, he set himself back on track.

"You wanna go on a job with me, Sheriff? For old time's sake?" He tried to keep his voice quieter than normal, not wanting the bounty hunter to hear.

Sheriff Daniels made a face. "Ain't you got other agents for all that business? What would you need me for?"

"They got their hands tied with other cases. I'm the only one who isn't assigned to something. Besides," He paused a moment, trying to think of a way to interest the older man, "don't you wanna get in on this Bartel thing? That's who I'm after."

"Are those bastards in my county again?"

"Thieves Landing. You wanna be my partner? I'd rather have you at my side than any of them anyhow."

Sheriff Daniels sighed, drumming his fingertips against his desk. "I'd love to help ya out, Dom. I really can't afford to go on a job right now, though."

Hopes plummeting, Dominick just nodded. "I understand, Sheriff."

"Now, don't think it ain't because I don't wanna help you. You know you're like a son to me, I'd do it if I could. Facts of the matter is I ain't got a replacement for you still. I got a lot on my plate here in Blackwater. I'm needed here, son."

Guilt ate at his insides. He almost wanted to hand in his resignation at the Agency and come back to being a deputy with the Sheriff. He wouldn't. His place was at the Bureau, where he could do some real good for this world. "Looks like I'll be goin' it alone. Wish me luck, Sheriff." The idea of doing this by himself did not bode well in his mind. This was a trial he was determined to pass.

The drumming of fingertips on the desk quickened as the man went deeper into his thoughts. "Any of these men you after got a bounty on their heads?"

"Well, yeah. All the folk in the Bartel gang have outstanding bounties."

Sheriff Daniels tore his eyes off Dominick's to look over at the bounty hunter still in the office. It took only a few seconds to realize what the man was thinking. Before he could stop him, the Sheriff spoke up. "Marston, c'mere. Might got something for you."

"Sheriff!" Dominick hissed through grit teeth.

"Be mad all you want, boy. Ain't letting you go after men like that alone." Came his snapped response.

"What is it?" Asked the bounty hunter while he made his way to them.

"You up for a trip to Thieves Landing? Dominick here has a Bartel lead he needs an extra setta hands with. You go with him and catch the fools. I'll pay you a little extra than what they're worth."

"What are you talking about? Ain't he a government agent? Why the hell would I be helping them?"

Even though he wanted to rebuke that other man's harsh tone, Dominick kept his mouth shut. After their last encounter, he'd done a little digging on the bounty hunter. He was John Marston's son, and it was common knowledge what happened to him. Dominick himself hadn't decided how he felt about the Marston case, especially now that he had access to the full details. Nevertheless, he felt he understood Marston's dislike of the Agency. "You're helpin' me, not them." Sheriff Daniels' voice broke his train of thought. "You know I don't give a shit about that Agency. Dom's the only one in the whole damn buildin' with a lick of sense."

"I still don't see what that's got to do with me. I'd rather just get a bounty by myself."

Sheriff Daniels rolled his eyes. "Dom, who's your lead for? What's their bounty?"

Trying not to fumble the file in his hands, Dominick opened the document for the second time. "Our informant claims three of the Bartels have set up shop outside of Thieves Landing and have been harassing the town for weeks. Nobody's reported anything, given the location. Two of the three have a $300 bounty, the third has a $1,000 bounty."

"$1,000?" Marston and Sheriff Daniels chorused.

He nodded. "Yes, the third is Declan Pierce. He's one of the three leaders."

Marston was quiet as he seemed to mull over this new information. None of the three men said anything for several long moments. Finally, Marston nodded. "Yeah, alright." He focused on Dominick. "Dominick, was it? You got a plan or what?"

"Was waiting to talk with the Sheriff first. We can find somewhere and go over the facts to come up with something, if you'd like." Marston wasn't his first choice in a partner, but he didn't think he would be a bad choice. He had experience with the gang, even though it was minimal. Sheriff Daniels seemed to have faith in the other man, too. He would make the best of this.

"Yeah, let's do that."

"Why don't you boys just set up shop here and figure things out? That way you're away from prying eyes and I can make sure y'all don't make dumb mistakes." Suggested the Sheriff.

"That okay with you, Marston?" Dominick asked, brow raised. He got the feeling that Marston was a private guy, he didn't know how he'd take to the Sheriff's offer.

"Sounds a lot better than being stared at 'cause I'm around an agent." He grabbed one of the chairs near the desk and took a seat. "Let's see that file."

Dominick smiled. Maybe working with Marston wouldn't be as begrudging as he thought. "Alright, here's what we know…" He mimicked the other man's movements and took a seat. Setting the file across the desk so they could both look over it, they set to work on their plan.

Jack Marston wasn't a man of many words, Dominick decided. Their journey to Thieves Landing was filled with a tense silence. The agent tried to spark a conversation between them several times. The only answers he received were either one-worded or snipped. He would try his hand at conversation one last time before accepting the deafening silence. "You ever been to Thieves Landing before this?"

"Unfortunately. Ain't exactly my favorite place to be." Marston answered. He turned to look at Dominick. "I assume you haven't been?"

"Why do you say that?"

The other man snorted. "Because you're still dressed like an agent. Nobody in Thieves Landing dresses like that."

He glanced down at his agent attire. He supposed that Marston was correct, he would stick out like a sore thumb dressed as he was. "Guess I was just a little eager to get going that I didn't even think about it."

"I got property there, you can change into somethin' else if you want. Probably best if you do."

Dominick wondered why he would have property in a place that he openly disliked. He didn't question it. Marston would probably revert back to silence if he did. He would rather get to know the man a little more before they had to rely on one another. "I appreciate you coming along on this. I know you don't much care for the Bureau."

"How come you ain't doing this with another agent? Isn't this breaking some sorta rule?"

The dark-haired man grimaced at the question. "Not technically. You're a bounty hunter, right? These men have bounties on their heads. I think that's justification enough." He hoped he wouldn't press on the first question he asked.

"And you didn't wanna do this with another agent because…?"

Dominick sighed. "They claimed they were busy with other things. Kept telling me that Mr. Fordham was insistent I go, though. I think it's a load of crap, to be honest with you. They just wanna push the rookie around." He surprised himself when the truth came out instead of the lie he'd told the Sheriff. "Doesn't matter. Mosta them sit at their desk all day. I imagine you're better suited to this anyhow."

"Still can't believe I'm on a job with an agent." Marston scoffed. "Not just any agent, but Archer Fordham's protégé."

"You and Mr. Fordham got some kinda issue with each other or something?"

"Besides the fact that he's an asshole?"

Sensing that Mr. Fordham was a touchy subject, Dominick redirected. "I know you don't have much in the way of obligation, but let's try to keep any civilian casualties to a minimum. Zero would be best."

"That's the way I try to do things, Sawyer." He faced him again. "You expectin' this to turn ugly?"

With a sigh, Dominick nodded. "If it were just the other two, I wouldn't be as concerned. But with Declan Pierce being involved…."

"What's so different about him?"

"According to the files I've read about the Bartel gang, Declan is the most destructive. He's been arrested multiple times for arson and just about any other crime you can think of. Arson seems to be his forte."

"I thought you said this gang was based in New Hanover? How come they're suddenly all over West Elizabeth?"

"They were. I'm not sure what changed, but they're spreading out now. I imagine they've got people in every state. Not sure what's in Thieves Landing for them but I'm sure we're gonna find out today."

"Dixon Crossing is just up ahead, I expect we will."

"You ready to work, Marston?"

"Let's go ruin some criminals' day."

Thieves Landing was in a constant dreary state. The bright sun was hidden behind dark, heavy clouds the moment the pair entered the town. Old-fashioned oil lamps made up for the lack of sunlight and were fixated on nearly every building. Dominick didn't like being here. Everything felt damp. The way his boots squelched in the mud left a permanent grimace on his face. The mosquitos weren't earning the town any favors, either. The two men scouted out the area at Marston's insistence and found nothing that gave them any solid evidence the three outlaws were even there. They decided to regroup in the property Marston had to go over their options for the next move. An hour passed before anything else happened.

"Hey, take a look at that. Those our guys?" Marston was the one who spoke up first. He stared outside the window with his eyes trained on the Dixie Rose Hotel.

Dominick peered out of the other window to see what he was talking about. A group of four men stumbled through the muddy road. Two of them were a few steps ahead of the others. The other two hung back with their guns brandished. Dominick's eyes narrowed a little as he focused on the man in front. His arm was slung around the other man's neck, holding him in a tight fashion. Shaggy black hair sat atop his head, shimmying about as he chattered at the man under his arm. "That's definitely them. Declan is leading them."

"Thought you said there was only three? Who's that fourth?"

"He isn't with them."

Marston quirked a brow at him. "How you know?"

Dominick jabbed a finger at the men. "You see those bandanas around their necks?"

He leaned closer to the window before nodding. "They got a signature or something?"

He nodded. "All the members wear those in some shape or form. The leader, Sebastian, has blue eyes like that. Them wearing that bandana is his way of saying he's got eyes everywhere."

"That guy sounds like a tool."

"That's one way to describe him." He straightened his back, pulling out his revolver. "Let's follow em. See where they're going. Maybe we can get them away from the town."

"Lead the way."

Dominick tried not to let the shock of Marston's willingness to follow him show, but it definitely threw him off. He gave a quick shake of his head before falling into a seriousness. He dashed out of the loft Marston owned with said man following behind him. They tore down the stairway before screeching to a halt at the bottom. The foursome was headed towards the Blacksmith building. "What do you think we should do?" He questioned.

"I say we let them corner themselves in that building. Harder to lose em."

"Agreed." He started walking again, slower this time. They had their eyes on the outlaws and were prepared to start the fight at any time. They kept to the mildew covered walls of the butcher's shop until the targets entered the building. "Alright, show time." Dominick couldn't believe the adrenaline already coursing through him. He hadn't been on a real job like this one in months, since before he left the Sheriff's office. Marston opened his mouth to say something, but his words fell short as a scream ripped through the air. Not wasting another second, the duo tore through the livery and towards the Blacksmith's where the scream came from.

"Are we going in?" Marston asked.

"We're going in."

The moment they reached the doors of the building, Dominick brought a leg up and kicked them open. Three heads swung towards the two men in the doorway as they stood with their guns wielded, ready to shoot if needed. They were grouped into the corner of the room with fistfuls of the fourth man's clothes. "Let that man go." Dominick ordered. Declan had one hand tangled in the man's collar, the other knotted in the man's short hair. His face was dangerously close to the fire that burned in the forge.

"Boys, seems like I was lyin' to ya this whole time." Declan laughed. "Here I thought the folks in Thieves Landing minded their own business. Seems like I was mistaken."

"I said let the man go, Pierce!"

A humorless smile crept onto the other man's face. "Boys, looks like our fun in Thieves Landing is over. The God damned government came to say hello." Dominick swore in his mind. He should've listened to Marston and changed clothes. Suddenly, Declan dropped his hold on the man and the other two followed his lead. The man scrambled to distance himself from the three outlaws, dragging himself across the floor. "I think it's real sweet the way you came all this way to say hello. Hate to be rude, but we just ain't interested in talking." His smile fell and turned to a glare directed at the man on the ground. "Unlike some folk, that is." The outlaw unholstered the pistol sat at his hip and pointed it towards the man.

Dominick tore his eyes from the trio long enough to met Marston's gaze. The briefest of stares was held and the agent desperately hoped Marston would get the idea to protect the man on the ground. It wouldn't bode well for their informant to get hurt during this. He allowed himself to relax a little once the other man grabbed the informant's collar and yanked him to safety. Dominick took a step towards the trio, aiming his weapon at them. Anxiety shook through his mind before he noticed Marston mirroring his actions. He found himself infinitely thankful that Sheriff Daniels convinced him to join him. He couldn't imagine being in this position alone.

There was a stalemate between the two groups. Neither made a move.

Faster than lightning striking, Declan rose his gun and fired a shot above their heads. The oil lamp directly above them shattered. Glass rained down on them, followed by orange flickers of flames. Using his forearm to shield his face, Dominick tried to get his bearings together. "They're making a run for it!" Marston shouted before taking off after them. He didn't want to leave the informant alone, but he had no choice. He couldn't let these men get away!

"Sorry to disappoint ya, Agent whoever you are! Declan Pierce ain't goin' to jail any time soon."

Dominick couldn't see where Declan was, but Marston was running toward the stables where the horses were. Trusting that the man knew something he didn't, he followed after. They chased the trio into the middle of the stables. They were so close! Without warning, Marston stopped running and covered his head with his arms. Dominick didn't get a chance to ask what the problem was before his ears started to ring. A small explosion burst from the inside stables, sending pieces of wood flying their way. The horses in the stables started throwing themselves against their enclosures, scared whinnies coming from all around. Flames started licking up the walls of the wooden shelter. Several loud thuds sounded before being replaced by the stomping of hooves as the horses managed to escape their stables.

"Marston, what the hell just happened?" Dominick shouted. His ears still were ringing.

"He had dynamite in his pocket! Who the hell just has damn dynamite in their pocket?!"

"Do you see any of them?" Dominick couldn't see through the dark plumes of smoke and the flames, but Marston was closer.

"The one you called Declan is gone, I don't see him. Those horses knocked the shit out of those other two, though." He coughed a few times. "They're over there."

Sighing, the agent started toward where Marston was pointing. There wasn't much he could do about the fires right this minute, so he focused on making sure the two men left behind wouldn't be escaping. "Poor bastards." He muttered, staring at their unconscious forms. He knelt in front of the one closest and began to bind his hands together. Marston followed his lead and set to work tying up the other man. A loud whinny came from behind Marston, causing Dominick to look up. The horse the other man rode was wandering her way over to them. "Looks like someone was a little worried about you, Marston." He chuckled.

Looking over his shoulder, the man laughed a little. "Hey, Lucy. We're all okay over here." He turned his attention back to the outlaw. "Almost done, girl."

Dominick chuckled again. He started to make a joke about the protective horse but got distracted by the smell of fresh oil. Brows furrowing together, he looked around for the cause of the scent. A quiet whoosh blew through his ears. The pieces connected themselves almost immediately. "Marston, move!" He hollered. Not giving the other man time to react, he grabbed hold of his jacket and pulled him towards him just as the lamp behind him shattered. More glass shot toward them, falling just where the other man had been. "I don't know about you, but I think I've seen enough damn fire for a while." Dominick commented.

"Agreed." Came Marston's quiet response. He cleared his throat before speaking again, louder this time. "You ready to get the hell out of this place?"

Dominick nodded. "More than ready. Let's try to clean up a little and then we'll hit the road."

"I'm glad to see you boys made it back in one piece."

Dominick wasn't sure he'd ever been so happy to hear the Sheriff's voice before. "Not from lack of effort, I assure you."

"Don't think I'm setting foot in Thieves Landing again any time soon." Marston chimed in.

Sheriff Daniels laughed while unlocking the cells for them to dump the bounties in. "Sounds like I missed an exciting job. Go on and throw those idiots in." Doing as they were told, they tossed the now conscious men into their respective cells. "Dom, Fordham's looking for you. I told him you were on a job, but he hasn't left me alone since you left."

"The Bureau is my next stop, Sheriff."

"It should've been your first stop, Sawyer."

Dominick turned toward the door and paled seeing Mr. Fordham standing in the office. He looked less than pleased with him. "Mr. Fordham, I just wanted to make sure these criminals were locked up before reporting to you. We've apprehended two more of the Bartel gang."

"I don't recall authorizing this mission of yours, neither did Director Blake." His eyes narrowed and turned toward Marston. "I return to find out that not only have you not received the go-ahead to do this mission, but you take him as your partner?"

"Got a problem, Fordham?" Marston spat.

"What exactly do you think you're doing, Marston?"

A smirk played at the other man's lips. "Looks like I'm doing your job a hell of a lot better than you are. That why you're so pissy with Sawyer?"

The Sheriff stifled a laugh in his throat. "Alright, that's enough. Y'all go your separate ways now, you hear?"

Mr. Fordham took a breath before returning his attention back to Dominick. "My office. Fifteen minutes." Without another word spoken to them, he stormed out of the office.

"Don't let him get to either of ya, Fordham's full of hot air."

Dominick sighed, not wanting to hear the lecture he was sure to get. What was the deal between Marston and Mr. Fordham? He guessed he wouldn't find out any time soon. "I better go see what he wants." Scratching the back of his neck, he turned to Marston. "Was nice working with you, Marston. Maybe we'll get the chance again in the future." He truly hoped so. Jack Marston was an excellent partner. He was smart and more than capable.

"You too, Sawyer."

Bidding the two men goodbye, he walked out of the office. Soft knickers drew his attention to his right. Marston's horse seemed to be watching the door, shifting her weight back and forth. "He'll be out soon." He told the horse with a smile. He turned away from her to go towards the Bureau, only for her to release a slightly louder neigh at him. Dominick turned back around to find her tugging at her reins on the hitching post. "Okay, okay, I'll go get him." He promised before heading back to the door. He poked his head in, interrupting the conversation the other two were having. "Marston, your horse is actin' real weird out here. I think she's tryna tell you it's time to go."

"What's the matter with Lucy?" He didn't bother to finish his conversation with the Sheriff before jogging outside to his horse.

"She's pretty ansty. Kept shifting her weight around and tried to get her reins free." He explained.

Marston approached his horse, running a hand along her neck. "What's wrong, Luce?" He asked looking her over. Dominick watched as the man's face fell. "When did that happen, girl? Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"She okay?"

Marston shook his head. "She's got a few cuts on her shoulder over here. She must've gotten hit when that lamp shattered. They gotta be really bothering her if she's acting out." He turned to look at Dominick. "You know if the vet is opened back up? I gotta get this looked at."

"Yeah, they just re-opened not too long ago. They're over on Wapiti Avenue."

"I'm headed there. See you around, Sawyer." He gathered the reins in his hand and began leading the chestnut horse.

"Yeah, see you. Hope she's alright!"

The two gave a small wave before going their separate ways for good this time. Dominick took a small breath and started walking towards the Bureau. He wasn't looking forward to this lecture from Mr. Fordham.