V - The Aftermath of Genesis
The Grizzlies, USA
1899
After avoiding Mary-Beth and somewhat avoiding Sadie, I made my way to the kitchen. Or the sad excuse for a kitchen.
Pearson: We're gonna starve to death up here, Mr. Morgan.
Jonah: Nah. If worse comes to worse, Me and Jack'll eat you.
I went to stand across from Pearson and warm my hands but he walked away.
Pearson: Very funny, Mr. Morgan. We have a few cans of food and a rabbit. For what, ten? Twelve people?
I walked towards him.
Pearson: When I was in the Navy…
Jonah: Oh please, god no.
He began chopping the rabbit and put it in the pot that was on the table.
Pearson: We were stranded at sea, for fifty days.
Jonah: That's great, good for you.
Pearson: When we ran away from Blackwater, I wasn't able to get supplies in.
He began walking back with the pot in hand.
Jonah: Did you think they were gonna escort you to get supplies? We'll be fine. Like I said, we'll eat you. You're the fattest.
He grabbed the ladle from the table.
Pearson: I sent Lenny and Bill hunting and they found nothing.
Charles walked in and stood next to us, warming his hands.
Jonah: First of all, why. Second of all, Bill's an idiot. Lenny's more into books. Unless those mountains are full of game that wanna read, ain't no wonder they didn't catch anything.
Charles: Enough of this. We'll go find something. Come on, Jonah.
I stood confused but followed Charles who was now walking away.
Pearson: Wait a second, hold on.
Pearson walked back to the table and grabbed a jar.
Pearson: Here. You're gonna need something to eat out there.
He tossed the jar to me and Charles leaned over to see what it was.
Jonah: Assorted Salted Ofal. The hell is this? Starving would be preferable.
I put the jar in my satchel.
Charles: Come on, let's go.
Jonah: Did you forget about your hand? You can't hunt.
Charles: Can't stay here listening to you two.
Jonah: If you think about that in a certain way, it sounds very wrong.
Charles rolled his eyes.
Charles: Look, if there's game in those hills, I'll find it. And you can kill it.
Jonah: Give your hand a break, man. God that sounds wrong too. Let me rephrase that, you need to rest.
Charles: You think this is rest? Come along.
Charles walked away. After some thinking I decided that I should go with him because I'm really hungry. We walked to the horses and before I could get on Lucifer, Charles stopped me and handed me the bow that was previously on his back.
Charles: Here, you take this. I can't use this and you'll have to.
I grabbed it and analyzed it.
Jonah: Awesome.
Charles: Use a gun and we'll scare every animal for miles around. You're never too old to learn, I imagine.
We mounted our horses and left camp. Once we were a little away from the camp we started talking.
Jonah: So how are you holding up, Charles?
Charles: I'm okay, apart from this hand. Stupid mistake.
Jonah: Uh… does it still hurt?
Charles: It'll be fine in a day or two. I just can't pull a bow right now.
Jonah: I sure hope I can. Never tried it.
Charles: You'll be fine.
Jonah: Soooo… you reckon we're gonna find something to kill that ain't an O'Driscoll.
Charles: There's meat up here for sure. Pearson doesn't know what he's talking about. Now that the weather has eased off a bit, they'll be needing to feed.
I nodded and continued riding.
Jonah: It's been a wild few days, alright. That ride north from Blackwater, getting stuck in the storm, going out for John, that thing with the O'Driscolls.
Charles: You've had a lot put on you. I wish I could've done more.
Jonah: I didn't mean it like that… just a lot to think back on.
Charles: I still don't really know what happened on that boat.
Jonah: Me neither. Well, Javier told Arthur and I a bit but it sure weren't good.
We rode in silence for a short period of time until Charles started making discoveries.
Charles: I see some of the ground uncovered here. Let's look down this way.
We went off of the trail and down a hill, towards the river.
Charles: Hm, the winds died down too.
Jonah: Is that a good thing?
Charles: No wind at all is bad. But if it's too strong, they won't move. Now hush. Stay quiet.
I nodded and we rode along the river until Charles picked up a trail. We stopped and dismounted our horses. Charles went to go investigate while I pulled out my journal to draw the scenery around me. I do admit, I took up journaling soon after Arthur. He taught me a few tricks on drawing and I've been doing it ever since.
Charles: Jonah, come here.
I quickly put my journal back in my satchel. I walked through the high snow to Charles, who kneeled and studied the floor. I kneeled down next to him and tried to see what he was seeing.
Charles: Deer have been here, recently.
Jonah: Well, how do you… how can you tell?
Charles: How can you not?
Jonah: I don't know, I'm a blind piece of shit?
Charles: What was that?
Jonah: Nothing.
Charles: We'll track them on foot. You're gonna need the bow, don't leave it on your horse. A gun will scare everything around.
Jonah: Yah, yah. I heard you the first time.
I walked to Lucifer and grabbed the bow. When I looked back Charles was already walking away. He stopped and turned around.
Charles: Quiet as you can, stay low and move slowly.
I started following what I think is the tracks while Charles followed.
Charles: You see the tracks?
Jonah: I think so. Maybe not.
Charles: Focus.
I took a moment to focus on the ground. That's when the tracks became very apparent. I started following them with certainty.
Charles: It's easier in the snow but once you get your eye in, you'll be able to track nearly as well in grass and woods.
I continued following the tracks, stopping a few times to make sure I was following the correct tracks. I followed them until Charles stopped me.
Charles: Wait, look. There they are. Are you ready with that bow?
Jonah: As ready as I'll ever be.
I took the bow from my back and got ready to aim.
Charles: Aim for their head or neck. We want a good, clean kill.
Jonah: Just like killing an O'Driscoll.
Charles: Exactly.
I took aim, took a deep breath, and let the arrow fly on emptied lungs.
Charles: Good shot. Now let's try for another.
I soon found a new set of tracks and began following them until we ran into more deer. I took the shot and got another clean kill.
Charles: I think that's all we can carry. You pick up one, and I'll get the other.
Jonah: Alright.
I went to pick up the more recent kill and whistled for Lucifer. He came running and I stowed the Deer on him. Once I mounted the horse, I rode over to Charles. We rode away from the area.
Charles: Nice work, Jonah. Should be enough meat here to keep us all fed for a few days.
Jonah: Well, you found 'em.
Charles: I knew you'd be okay with that bow.
Jonah: That's where we differ. It's easier when my life isn't on the line.
Charles: We've seen enough of that.
Jonah: Considering how things were looking a few days back… well maybe our luck is finally on the turn.
Charles: Seems to me we should be putting our effort into getting off this mountain now.
Jonah: I agree but we're gonna need more thaw before we go anywhere.
Charles: You're probably right.
Jonah: I am right.
Charles: Even if we do get off of here, what then? We still have a big price on our heads.
Jonah: This is a big country. We'll find somewhere to lie low. Dutch and Hosea'll have a plan.
We stayed quiet for a little.
Jonah: Am I the only one who's noticed that Pearson has had a bottle in his hand ever since we fled Blackwater? We give the camp cook 5 minutes to grab the essentials and he doesn't grab a crumb of food. Some camp cook he is.
Charles: Good thing we caught more than one. We've only been up here a few days and we've already picked up 2 more mouths to feed.
Jonah: 1 more. We ain't givin' the O'Driscoll nothing. Except maybe the can of Ofal Pearson was kind enough to give us.
Charles: The girl, she has a wild look in her eye.
Jonah: And they're beautiful eyes…
Charles: I've noticed the way you look at her.
Jonah: I don't know what you're talking about, freakin' stalker.
Charles just laughed.
Charles: So what do we do with her?
Jonah: Well, once we get out of here and we're back on our feet, we'll see. She might have family somewhere.
Charles: As much as you wouldn't want that.
Jonah: Shut up, Charles.
Charles: Who knows, maybe she'll deal with the O'Driscolls for us.
Jonah: I know who'd I put my money on in that fight. Kieran's weak, but that makes him much more useful. Maybe we'll be able to get to them before they get to us.
Charles: What is it with the O'Driscolls?
Jonah: You haven't dealt with them? I suppose we haven't run into them much in the past 6 months. Now we know why that is.
Charles: I've heard a lot of talk about 'em.
Jonah: We've been fighting over scores with them for years. It's a big gang. Nasty sons of bitches.
Charles started to slow down. We came to a full stop before he spoke.
Charles: Watch out. Bear up ahead. Lets see if we can find another way around.
Jonah: He's got a lot of meat on him.
Charles: We've got enough here. No need to push our luck.
Jonah: I'm gonna shoot him.
I start to pull out my revolver.
Charles: Jonah… no.
Jonah: I'm aiming…
Charles: Jonah…
Jonah: Come on, it'll be fun…
Charles: And probably end in death. Don't shoot.
I take the shot. The bear is now missing an eye and angrily charging at us. I unloaded all of the bullets I had on it, every shot slowing it down just a little. I switched to my repeater and only got a few bullets out before it started running away.
Charles: Jonah, you fool!
Jonah: Eh. It was fun.
Charles: Are you crazy?!
Jonah: Yes.
Charles: You're lucky it scared that easy. Come on, let's get back before it changes its mind.
We continued our ride back and cut off of the path.
Jonah: We ain't ever talk that much, you and me. How long have you been with us now? 5, 6 months?
Charles: Something like that.
Jonah: Bet you didn't expect this.
Charles: What?
Jonah: All of this. The Blackwater mess, being up here
Charles: Sooner or later a job is gonna go wrong. Nature of life.
Jonah: Yah but this job went way wrong. I just thought you might've moved on by now.
Charles: Do you want me to move on?
Jonah: No. No, not at all. I just… know you could run it alone no problem.
Charles: I did that for a long time. I'm done with it. Always wondering if someones going to kill you in your sleep.
Jonah: I still wonder why nobody has killed me. I'm an annoying little bastard.
Charles: I reckon you're okay. This suits me. Sure, I could fall in with another gang but… Dutch. You know… Dutch is different.
Jonah: Oh yes. You don't have to tell me.
Charles: He treats me fair. Most of you do. For a feller with a black father and an indian mother, that ain't normally the case.
Jonah: Well, we need you now. More than ever.
Charles: Good. How long have you been with these boys? Why ain't you run off?
Jonah: Me? Uh… 20 years? Something like that. Arthur dragged me in when I was 9 so… yah, 20 years.
Charles: 20 years?!
Jonah: Yah. Taught us to read. John too. Taught us a few other things, Dutch and Hosea.
Charles: Huh, I'm sure.
Jonah: Dutch saved me. Saved most of us. That's why we need to stick by him through this. He always sees us right.
I thought about my past a little before Charles' voice brought me back.
Charles: How's Lucifer?
Jonah: He's alright. Working through this. Thanks for letting Arthur borrow Taima the other night.
Charles: She's a strong one. It's been as hard on the horses as it has been on the rest of us. I don't know what Dutch would do if something happened to the Count.
Jonah: Same with Bill and Brown Jack. He's a drunk, miserable bastard but he loves that horse.
Charles: I hope they all make it.
Jonah: Arthur tried to ride the Count once. Bucked 'im faster than a bull. I couldn't stop laughing. Won't take nobody but Dutch.
We rode into camp and hitched our horses just outside the kitchen. We grabbed the 2 dead deer and brought them inside.
Pearson: Well, well, well! Just drop them in here.
I dropped the deer on the floor while Charles put his on the table. I noticed Uncle sitting in the kitchen and Arthur just walking in.
Arthur: What a surprise. Finding the camp rat loitering around in the kitchen.
Jonah: Nah, Micah's the camp rat. Uncle is just… a drunk blob.
Uncle: That anyway to greet an old friend? I feel like we haven't spoken for days.
Arthur, Charles and I made our way to the heat to warm ourselves.
Arthur: We do our utmost to avoid you.
Uncle: Ah, they love me, really. It's their sad way of showing affection.
Jonah: No, it isn't. Get lost.
Uncle: See you gents later.
Uncle left while the 3 of us stayed by the warm fire… thing.
Pearson: I see you got on just fine.
Jonah: Charles works miracles.
Pearson: Have a drink boys, ya earned it.
He handed Arthur a bottle and he took a swig of it. He quickly brought it back down in surprise.
Arthur: Jesus! What the hell is that?
He handed the bottle to me and I took a sniff. I reeled back at the strong smell and handed it to Charles, who also took a whiff.
Pearson: Navy Rum, sir! It's the only thing, the only thing! Keeps you sane, it does!
Jonah: Oh yah, it certainly looks like it's doing wonders for you. Go rest the hand, Charles.
Charles: It'll be fine in a few days.
Pearson: Mind helping me with the skinning, Mr. Morgan?
Arthur and I looked at each other and then back at Pearson.
Pearson: Oh sorry, either of you.
Jonah: You know, I just remembered that I have a thing to do. Oh yah, I should get going…
I then walked out and left Arthur and Charles with Pearson. Charles walked out soon after. I walked towards my room but I was stopped by Micah.
Micah: Morgan!
Jonah: What do you want, Micah?
Micah: Ah, why you gotta be so angry all the time?
Jonah: Only when you come around, Micah, is when the overwhelming feeling to kill you gets stronger.
Micah: You better shut your mouth, boy.
Jonah: Or what?
Micah: Or you're gonna be talking out of two holes.
Jonah: You can't talk out of a gunshot wound, idiot.
Micah: You're just so smart, aren't you?
Jonah: Smarter than you, that's for damn sure.
He drew his gun on me but I did the same just as quick. The women, hearing the commotion, came out of the building to investigate.
Micah: Put your gun down, Morgan.
Jonah: Ladies first.
Grimshaw: Stop it, both of you!
Jonah: Tell that to him.
Micah: Shut up.
Sadie: Jonah. Put the gun down.
Jonah: Can't do that, Sadie. Not until he puts his away.
Sadie walked up to me and put her hand on my face. I glanced at her but quickly moved my gaze back to Micah.
Sadie: Put the gun down.
She ran her other hand down my arm, towards the gun. She slowly pushed my arm down. I didn't resist and just let her. Once my gun was holstered, Micah put his gun away. Sadie removed her hands and led me to our room. Micah stalked off angrily while the women went to go inform the leaders of what happened.
We got into our room and Sadie sat me down on my cot. She then sat across from me on her cot.
Jonah: I'm fine.
Sadie: I don't believe you.
Jonah: Fine.
Sadie: So you don't want to talk?
Jonah: Nothing to talk about.
Sadie: What happened with Micah?
Jonah: He started it.
Sadie: You are such a child.
She laughed as she spoke the last sentence. I smiled and laughed with her.
Jonah: But seriously, I swear he just walked up to me to start something. If you were there, you would understand.
Sadie: I believe you.
Jonah: Finally.
END OF CHAPTER 5 - The Aftermath of Genesis
Word Count: 3,058