Arthur wakes to a throbbing head and a sore back. While he's used to sleeping on the ground, it's usually not on bare wood. Maybe he should have bothered to spread out his bedroll. There is a foul taste in his mouth and his body feels heavy. He hears quiet steps and after blearily opening his eyes, sees Charles tying back his hair, already dressed for the day.
With a groan, Arthur sits up and makes a low noise in surprised appreciation when Charles steps over to hand him a mug with coffee. Charles looks a bit more tired, movements a tad slower than usual after their night of partying. Still, he looks lengths more awake than Arthur feels and is apparently ready to head out and work. However he's capable of that, it's quite enviable, really. Arthur sips on his coffee and then blinks, remembering something.
"Charles, you want t' head to that dead farmer's place with me? Nephew is sellin' furniture." He asks, squinting a bit as he slants a brief glance at the window to gauge the time. It looks early. Early enough that he might be one of the few unfortunate bastards already awake after that party last night.
Charles nods. "Of course. When do you want to leave?"
"Whenever you're ready." Arthur takes larger sips of his coffee, before getting to his feet with a small grunt. There is a loud crack along his spine, which even Charles has heard, considering the way the man eyes him. Arthur waves him off. "'m fine."
"Let's head out then. If you want, we can go now." Charles motions for Arthur to go ahead. Outside, they both take a short stop to wash out their mouths and Arthur finds himself standing there for a moment longer, looking at the ranch and the rising sun, pale morning light already spilling over the land. He looks over the barn, the stable, the horses out on the pasture, glances over the chicken coop with the chickens and eyes the first field they begun to plant. This is their home and a sudden feeling of deep relief and pride rises within him. They created this and they made it this far. Damn it, but they deserve every last bit of it.
Everything is still quiet, he sees Kieran already carrying bales of hay to feed the horses - how the kid is already up and working is entirely beyond Arthur. He catches sight of Lenny stepping outside and stretching, of Sadie smoking on the steps of her small cabin, looking half asleep - she said it would be best to give her room in the main house to little Jack, who'd grow up soon enough to want his own space. Besides, no one would ever think to deny or begrudge her her own space. Everyone else seems to be asleep or still inside. It's rather early too and while Arthur isn't surprised to know that he personally hasn't slept for long, even with how drunk he was, it is a bit surprising to see some of the others already up and about. Lenny, noticing him, waves and Arthur throws a lazy half salute back at him. Sadie merely, vaguely waves her cigarette in his direction and he can't help the way he has to smile at that.
A part of Arthur hopes the novelty never fades. The novelty, the relief and gratitude to see everyone alive and with him. To finally be here, where they're as safe as they can be and far away from that mess with the Pinkertons and Cornwall. He hopes he'll never take any of that for granted, hopes he will always wake up and step outside to take that deep, near refreshing breath at seeing folks alive and healthy. Happy and together, not torn apart and forced to escape in order to save their lives.
His thoughts slide to Tilly and Trelawney, Miss Grimshaw and Javier, to Pearson, Molly, Swanson and Uncle. He hopes they'll be alright. Hell, he even hopes it for Bill and maybe, a little bit for Strauss too, in a way. Hopes they're going to stay alright. Maybe, since Arthur and the others left, Dutch's going to be more careful. A part of Arthur doubts very much that Dutch is just going to stop, just because he has lost manpower, but he hopes he'll do things differently. Maybe, this time, Dutch will even truly manage to see his plans through and emerge victorious on the other side. Maybe he's going to one-up Milton and Ross and get that money he so very much desires.
A gentle clap on the shoulder draws him from his thoughts. Charles gives him a questioning look and Arthur merely gestures for them to go ahead, feeling the man's warm hand slide away. They walk over to the pasture side by side, greeting the others along the way. Lenny seems happy to take it a bit slower, to amble over to the stable to help out Kieran. Arthur's going to need to learn mucking stables, caring for fields, and all the other things that have to be done around here. At least, due to the workers, he now already knows how to build fences and partly how to build buildings. It's going to come in handy if anything ever breaks or needs to be repaired around here.
"We'll head out to get some things." Arthur tells Lenny and Kieran, while they harness the shires. "We should be back before or around noon."
"Take care." Lenny says with a nod, sounding just a bit rougher from last night, already picking up a hay bale. Kieran gives them a shy smile and a small wave in parting. Arthur returns it with a half salute, before getting on the wagon. Charles easily hoists himself up as well and with a click and switch of the reins, the horses start pulling.
It's nice, really, to be out this early for something so peaceful. The air still feels slightly night-cool and birds are singing, fluttering about. There is a soft rustle of the wind in the trees and the sun throwing light through the leaves to let dots dance across the ground. It feels different from the other times Arthur rode out in the past. It misses the undercurrent of missions and dangerous or mean jobs lying ahead. In all honesty, it feels really good, even if there is a part of him that never entirely relaxes, always wonders if he's doing enough, if the money really will be enough. But, yes, being out like this, with Charles at his side, it's nice. Very nice even.
"We'll probably still have to head into town." Charles speaks up, drawing Arthur from his thoughts. "We won't get nearly enough at that farm. Nevermind wallpaper and whatnot."
Arthur exhales. He honestly never knew that creating a home entailed so many things. "Yeah. Though I think the women already talked about doin' that. Abigail mentioned it before. We'll need things for our place too."
And that is still so very strange to say and think. Here Arthur is, talking about picking out drapes and wall paper and so many other things. In a way, it baffles him a bit, but mostly...mostly it's a damn gift. To be here, to do something so very mundane. To get the chance to think about what they need and if they're going to buy a painting or something to hang up so they have something on the walls. Their pictures are going to end up in their rooms, most likely, after all.
Charles, considering the look on his face, thinks something similar. His expression is slightly wistful, as though he's kind of always wanted all that and yet didn't think he'd come this far. Arthur gets it, in a way. Before this miracle of a second chance, he didn't think he'd come this far either, not truly. But they're here now and they do finally get to have this.
"That's going to take a while." Charles muses and Arthur can't help the short chuckle that escapes him. Oh yes, picking out everything they need will take quite a while. Well, unless the shop in town has such limited options they can decide within moment. Arthur doubts that though. When it comes to decorating homes, there are always a lot more choices and options than one would think.
Comfortable silence settles between them, only broken when they point something out to each other. Arthur remarks on some strangely growing trees or some of the birds of prey he sees circling above them once or twice. Charles in return remarks on the wildlife tracks he can spot or what he thinks about the woods and surrounding area. From his estimate, there should be enough game that they can hunt for the ranch then and again with no trouble.
The farm of the deceased old man comes into view just as they started to talk about some of their childhood memories, their conversation slowing to a stop. The nephew is already awake, looking a bit harried and impatient, as he sticks his head out the front door to see who arrives.
"We're here to ask if you're still sellin' furniture." Arthur says as he slows the wagon to a stop. The man already waves him to come before he even finishes speaking.
"Yes, yes, of course. Here, follow me, there is still quite a bit left." He turns on his heels and Arthur exchanges a look with Charles, before they follow him. The nephew certainly is right, he hasn't sold much yet. Which might be because, as far as Arthur knows, they're the only recent additions to the area and most folks aren't in immediate need for things.
Most of the furniture is in really good condition too, some are even painted, not that Arthur personally cares about that, but it is a nice touch. The nephew doesn't seem to care much about getting proper prices, he is, like George said, selling under value. Arthur couldn't care less about that if he's honest. Instead, he feels rather weirdly proud of himself when he even manages to wrangle the price down a little and they shake hands on it.
"Just load up the wagon and I'll send you whatever you can't fit." The nephew says, stepping back. "I'll see about getting the livestock sold in town too."
"Livestock?" Charles speaks up and for the first time, the nephew looks less like he wants to shoo them out of the place as soon as possible and more like they're saving his neck.
"Oh yes, are you possibly interested in them too? My uncle had four cows when he died, they're still here. I intend to sell all of them at the local livestock market. There should be another auction at the end of the week."
Charles glances at Arthur, who gives him a small nod, before he turns to the furniture. Charles leaves with the nephew to take a look at the animals. Arthur, meanwhile, starts to carry things outside. He doesn't load things yet, because he wants to have as much of the stuff in one place before he starts squishing as much as possible onto the wagon.
By the time Charles returns, looking vaguely satisfied, Arthur has carried out six chairs, a large table and three mattresses - the old man had two fully furnished guest bedrooms along with his own bedroom, though he rarely ever received any guests.
"They cows are a bit thin, but healthy otherwise." Charles says, heading back inside to help him carry the bedframes next. "I bought them, for what amounts to nothing. This guy really wants to leave as soon as possible. He doesn't give a damn about making a profit"
"His loss, our gain." Arthur says. "But we'll have to make a second trip for the cows."
Charles makes an agreeing hum. "Thought so too."
In the end, they manage to get most of the bought furniture on the wagon, but the nephew definitely has to send the largest pieces to them. Arthur honestly doesn't mind, the man offered and it should arrive within the day, considering how eager the man seems to get rid of everything concerning his uncle. All they have to get later is the cows.
On the way back, Arthur and Charles exchange a smile that turns into a grin and then chuckling that Arthur can't really explain. Maybe they're laughing because it's such a great morning, with such beautiful weather and things are fine. They truly are fine for once and something about that is so incredibly freeing.
Arthur feels Charles's hand landing on his shoulder, giving it a happy pat and small squeeze, his chest warming at the contact. The smiles seem to stay on their faces and for the first time in a long while, hell, years maybe, Arthur feels light and happy. Content. More than that, he feels a growing confidence that this time, things are really, finally, turning out great for them. They'll make something good out of this life and they've left all that tragedy, that pain and hurt behind them.
"Hey, Charles." Arthur's voice is a bit quieter than he means it to be and their knees press lightly together as Charles shifts to turn towards him. "Ya happy out here?"
"Yeah." There is something warm in Charles's voice and somehow, it feels like it might curl right around Arthur's heart, making him duck his head as he smiles. "Yeah, Arthur, I'm happy."
"Good. That's." He can't quite help but clear his throat."Good."
He looks up and Charles starts to grin and then they're both laughing and this time, Arthur really has no clue why, but he feels so damn happy, it doesn't matter.
"And you?" Charles asks when they quiet back down again and he lightly bumps their shoulders together with a lopsided smile. "Are you happy?"
"Yeah." The word is softer than Arthur intends it to be and it rings true. "Right now, I really am."
"Good. You deserve it."
The smile stays on Arthur's face all the way back to the ranch and whenever he glances at Charles, he sees a small, content smile on his face as well.
Back at the ranch, it seems like everyone else is awake now as well and folks lend a hand to empty the wagon as quickly as possible, surprised and delighted. It's decided to bring most of the furniture into the main house for now, to give a bed to Hosea and Jack and the third one ends up with Sadie - John and Abigail need a bigger one anyways.
Considering they're still in the habit of eating together and have only one fully stocked kitchen, the table ends up in the main house as well, even if it doesn't have enough chairs for all of them yet. But it's a start and their homes are only going to grow from there on.
"We should ride out too." Sadie says, giving their homes a scrutinizing look. "Get the drapes and wallpaper before we get the rest of the furniture."
"I'll head back with Charles to get the cattle we bought." Arthur says. "We'll take the horses, you can have the wagon, if you want."
"Need any help?" Sadie asks and Arthur rubs over his chin, thinking, before shaking his head.
"Nah, we should be able to handle them." He has herded animals before, a few brief times, but he thinks it should still be alright. Sadie gives him an understanding nod, while Hosea already organizes their trip into town.
"Will you two catch up to us when you're done?" He asks, just as Arthur and Charles return from fetching and saddling their horses. "We'll leave in a few minutes and John and Sean are going to stay to watch over the place. The rest of us are going to head into town and you could join us when you're done."
"Sure, sounds good to me." Arthur gives a nod after exchanging a look with Charles. Hosea pats his arm with a smile and briefly clasps Charles's shoulder when the man nods as well, before he returns to getting ready.
"Ready?" Charles asks and Arthur nods, swinging up into the saddle. Considering that few people are on the road, they ride side by side. After a few minutes of silence, they start throwing forth and back ideas of what they can get in town. They talk about what furniture they need, the bathtub they're going to get - the largest one possible, they're both no small men - and if they should just buy soap in bulks to have them stocked.
They also talk about how much they should stock their kitchen, considering they both are moderately decent at cooking at most - grilling and seasoning game while out on the road is one thing, cooking whole meals is quite another. They decide not to stock too much, especially since it looks like dinner will still be served at the main house.
The nephew looks more put together when they arrive this time and Arthur can't help but think that his clothes are too fine for trudging around on the countryside. Then again, it's not his business. They give him the money for the cows and the nephew tells them to just take them, as he returns to the farm house.
Like Charles said, the animals look a bit thin, probably because they weren't fed very well since their owner died. But they seem healthy otherwise and respond easily to being herded. It helps that Charles knows how to do this as well and together, they move the cattle from the farm without trouble, keeping a steady, calm pace.
"Hey." Charles gets his attention just as they reach a bend in the road, nodding to a clearing in the woods to their right. "I think we can head through here for a shortcut."
Arthur eyes the opening between the trees and then nods. "Sure, let's go."
He gives a small nudge to Storm and they turn the cows to the side. The clearing stretches ahead of them and after a little while, they reach another road, the path curving around a small hill just a few paces down. Charles seems to know where they are, since there is a brief look of quiet satisfaction on his face. The clearing really must have been a shortcut.
There is a comfortable quiet between them, only broken by quick words to keep the cattle together and moving. Arthur thinks that, if this is the rest of his life, herding cattle, spending hours on horseback, heading home at the end of the day and spending time with those he cares about...it would be a damn good life. He glances over at Charles from under the brim of his hat, sees the way Charles's shoulders look relaxed and something peaceful but attentive is on his face as he guides Taima. If Charles is at his side and is happy, Arthur thinks it would even be a real damn good life.
Charles looks up in this moment and gives him a smile. Arthur returns it without having to think about it, feeling one corner of his mouth tick up further than the other, almost making the smile into a grin and he ducks his head a bit.
Yeah, a really damn good life.
The next moment, Arthur notices that something is up. Storm lifts her head and snorts, ears going back, her back tensing slightly under the saddle and he notices the cows slowing down, attention caught by something. He exchanges a quick glance with Charles, who already has shifted to let one hand rest over his revolver. At Arthur's nod, Charles nudges Taima to go ahead, while Arthur keeps an eye on the cattle and their surroundings.
Charles disappears behind the bend of the road ahead of them and Arthur feels his shoulders shift and square, becoming ready for anything. It doesn't take more than a few moments before Charles returns, face now serious and grim and Arthur joins him at the bend of the road.
"Two dead." He says and helps Arthur keep the now nervous cattle together. "Maybe a few hours at most. It looks like a robbery."
"Shit." Arthur feels a frown falling over his face and he clenches his teeth slightly when they head around the bend and he can see it as well. There is a small wagon, one wheel broken and splintered and he can see a few bullet holes in its side, the horse who pulled it nowhere in sight. There are two dead, lying in front of it, just like Charles said. Two men, though one of them looks closer to a boy than a grown adult. Father and son, most likely and considering the similarities of their features. The earth is churned up a bit around them on the road, several hoof prints visible, along with the dull glint of some cartridges.
"We should tell the sheriff." Arthur says after staring at the two bodies for a long moment, their clothes smudged with dirt and blood. It looks like they were hit by more than one bullet each. This was messy. Or rather, messy on purpose. He can't see either of the dead with a gun nearby. They most likely had been unarmed in the first place. Whoever attacked them not only had easy targets, but also shot someone defenseless. Damn animals.
"Let's hurry back." Charles says and urges the cows to go faster. Arthur joins him a moment later, briefly wondering if those two are going to leave a grieving mother and wife behind or if maybe, they had lived alone before dying.
This also happened closer to their ranch than Arthur likes. Sure, there is still a ways to go until they reach their home, but really, that doesn't mean anything out here. The peaceful, light mood is gone, replaced by something tenser and grimmer. Their silence feels heavy now and Arthur wonders if those deaths were caused by the gang in the hills. Their attention certainly is sharper than before and occasionally, their hands fall closer to the guns at their belts.
Charles and he get the cattle back to the ranch without trouble and John, who greets them with a small grin, immediately turns serious at seeing their faces.
"Everythin' alright?" He asks, closing the gate of an empty pasture after the last cow went through, the animals almost immediately lowering their heads to start grazing.
"There are two dead farther up the road." Arthur says. "We'll tell the sheriff. You watch out around here. I don't think that anything's goin' to happen for now, but...be careful."
"Sure." John nods, face and body shifting to alert and attentive, hand falling to the revolver at his hip. "Don't worry, I'll keep watch."
Arthur nods and turns Storm around, Charles falling in beside him. With a last wave to John, they leave the ranch again, galloping down the road at a steady but brisk pace.
"Who do you think did that?" Charles asks just as the town comes into view. "The gang in the hills?"
"I don't know, but I think so. 'specially with what Frank told us." Arthur answers, throwing Charles a glance. "Do ya want t' come to the sheriff with me or head to Hosea an' the others?"
"I'll go with you." Charles answers.
They slow the horses when they reach the first buildings, throwing a few nods and greetings at the residents, as they figure out where the sheriff's office is. It's thankfully easy and quick to find and they hitch the horses up outside, before stepping on the front porch. The boards creak heavily, but the door is near silent as Arthur pushes it open.
He sees the sheriff right away, an elderly man with a serious, no-nonsense kind of face and sharp eyes. He sizes them up and already rises to his feet before the door closes behind them, tipping his head in a greeting without letting them out of his sight for a second.
"Gentlemen." He says, voice slightly rough and Arthur catches a brief glimpse of a thick silver scar at the side of his neck. "How can I help you?"
"We're the new residents." Arthur explains and sees understanding brighten on the sheriff's face, something about his guarded, closed off expression easing up a little. "At the ranch north west of town. We, uh, found two dead today, when we were out."
At this, the sheriff's face turns grim, shoulders shifting to tenser and his gaze sharpens. "Where?"
Charles gives him the exact location and the sheriff sends two of his deputies out with quick, curt words, before turning back to them. "Tell me everything you know."
"There ain't much to say." Arthur starts, slightly spreading his hands. He's a bit relieved that the sheriff doesn't suspect them of foul play with the dead, but then again, he doesn't know of any criminals which would head into the sheriff's station to announce a crime they committed while trying to blame it on someone else. "There was no one around when we arrived, but it looked like more than one rider was there during the attack. They were killed by gunshots."
"Sounds like the gang." The sheriff murmurs under his breath, briefly rubbing a hand over his mouth and Arthur sees a small, thin scar at the side of his hand. His eyes flick up to look at Arthur and Charles again, thoughtful and slightly calculating. He looks over the weapons they carry, their scars, their stances. Arthur isn't sure if he likes it and can't resist shifting just a little to firm his footing. "Say, you look like men who know the rougher side of life. Who know how to handle it."
Arthur just tilts his head, noncommittal. The sheriff gives him a tight-lipped, humorless smile, eyes still entirely serious. They don't take their gazes off each other for a second though and Arthur keeps his breathing calm and quiet, careful and cautious.
"There is a wanted poster for the leader of the gang. His name is William Jamison, he's been wanted for a while now, but no one could catch him so far. His gang tends to move from area to area and their hideouts haven't been found before. If you or anyone you know is interested in capturing this bastard, it would be a great help to us. There are only so many deputies I can send out and only so many patrols I can run myself. It also pays well."
Arthur exchanges a quick glance with Charles, who inclines his head the barest bit and Arthur turns back to the sheriff. "Sure, sounds good."
The sheriff nods and opens a drawer, before pulling out a wanted poster. "The poster up at the wall was taken by two bounty hunters three days ago." He explains and then grimaces slightly. "No one has seen them since. I warned the locals as well as I could. Be careful with those guys, I mean it when I say they're trouble." He then holds out his hand. "I'm Theodore Stanley."
"Arthur Morgan." Arthur shakes his hand and Stanley nods, before holding his hand out to Charles, who takes it.
"Charles Smith." He says, gaze attentive and voice calm.
Stanley gives him a nod too. "Nice to meet you. If I have any more questions, I should find you at your ranch, correct?"
"Yeah." Arthur agrees. "We'll let you know if we hear or see anything else. Good day, sheriff."
With that, they leave again, the sheriff once more returning to his tasks. Once outside, Charles and Arthur both take a look at the bounty poster. Jamison is wanted dead or alive, for multiple murders, rape and burning homesteads. He sounds like a right bastard and the bounty is five hundred dollars. Alright, he definitely should be dangerous.
"Do you want to look for him?" Charles asks and Arthur furrows his brows, then nods.
"Yeah, before he gets it into his head to attack us. Besides, the sooner those hills are safe again, the better." It certainly would be good to remove that kind of threat. They don't know where those guys are hiding yet, though they know the life of an outlaw all too well, sniffing out the gang should be manageable. "Want to do this together?"
"Of course." Charles answers without a second of hesitation, before he looks thoughtful. "But I think we should take at least one more person along. Preferably two, just to be on the safe side."
That certainly sounds like a good idea. "Let's go look for the others. We'll ask them about it when we have everythin' an' are back home." Then he gives a small, wry huff. "Can ya believe it, headin' to the sheriff now instead of runnin' from 'im."
There is a small tick of a smile on Charles's face and he gives Arthur's back a warm pat. "Things change. In this case, it's for the better."
Arthur nods, tilting his head down a bit. "You're right 'bout that."
How very right he is.
They find the others rather quickly, especially once they catch sight of the wagon. The thing is already half filled with stuff they need, along with some furniture and boxes. The shires certainly are at ease, looking like they're dozing off a bit, not the least bit concerned with what is going on around them.
Arthur and Charles join Hosea and the others as they are picking out furniture from the catalogue, already done with deciding on drapes and wallpaper.
"You go and take care of that." Hosea says with a smile, looking jovial and lighthearted. Jack especially looks very excited, standing on his tiptoes, his hands gripping the edge of the counter to look at the catalogue with Abigail.
It all makes Arthur feel lighter, light enough that he smiles back at Hosea and finds his thoughtful, worried frown from before smoothing a bit. Hosea, who still notices his mood, gives him a questioning look and Arthur answers with a small shake of his head. They'll talk later, about the trouble in the hills. For now, he wants them all to have this. To be excited about filling their new homes with life. To just...fulfill some dreams maybe, to have the fun and joy of picking out things for themselves.
"Come on then." Charles says, voice quiet and warm and Arthur follows him to where they can pick out drapes and wallpaper.
It's not as bad as he feared at first. The amount of choices and options are decent but not overwhelming and it helps that Charles and Arthur both end up liking and agreeing on similar colors for their living room. Even if it is a bit - maybe more than a bit - distracting to have Charles so close. Arthur looks through wallpaper options, with Charles's shoulder almost touching his as the man looks over things along with him, their voices quiet as they lift up choices they think might be a good idea. Arthur almost feels as though he can feel the outline of an arm against his side and he catches Charles's scent, mingled with the dust of the road and the smell of the horses, warming his chest and the back of his neck.
They end up picking a wallpaper in a gentle yellow color with some tiny white flowers with green accents dotted on it. It looks nice enough and also not overwhelming. Kind of sunny actually. And considering how much Arthur values the sun now, treasures the sight of beautiful sunrises and sunsets, of every day he gets to see, it is only fitting.
For his own room, he ends up picking some light blue colors and, since he does have some sense for what fits together, thank you very much, he picks drapes to match. The man selling everything merely compliments their choice and when they inform him of just adding it to the order of the others, tells them that everything would be sent up to the ranch.
"That's that taken care of." Charles says once they step back out of the shop and look towards the furniture store. They most likely will have to order things there too, like the others, considering that the store most certainly won't have enough in stock.
They head in together and get greeted by the others, who appear to be mostly done. Sadie waves them over with a small smile, while Karen and Lenny look ready to go. Abigail and Jack seem to contemplate some displayed paintings at the side of the room. There is unfamiliar, soft laughter and Arthur glances up, catching sight of Kieran and how joy lights up his face and Mary-Beth, standing at his side, is chuckling herself. Something about hearing Kieran laugh relaxes a part of Arthur and it feels like he finally managed to mostly do right by the kid. He exhales near silently and feels maybe a little bit more peaceful inside.
Sadie and Hosea help them look through the catalogue of the shop owner, speeding along the process of finding what they need. The owner looks so positively pleased and happy about them all being here and paying, he is more than helpful whenever they ask him something.
Arthur honestly isn't picky about things. He just wants a proper bed, a sturdy dresser and a smaller kitchen table with two or three chairs, possibly. A mirror for shaving and a nicely large bathtub. But he also wants to really make this their home, so he suggests a few more things he sees and likes and Charles has something to add as well, like a first aid cabinet and a couch for the living room, along with some cabinets for trinkets and maybe books they'd like to put there.
All in all, it goes pretty well and Arthur and Charles even find two nice carpets to take along right then, getting them loaded onto the wagon once they pay for it. While the others wrap things up and Hosea sees about paying for the furniture order, Arthur nods towards the general store when they step back outside.
"Let's pick up some more things we might need." He says. "Like clothes and towels and whatnot."
"Sure." Charles gives him a small, brief smile, one that softens up his face with warmth. Arthur finds that he really likes that smile and he wants to try and see it appear as often as possible.
"Hey, Karen." Arthur calls out to her, seeing as she's not particularly busy at the moment, waiting by the wagon along with Lenny and Mary-Beth. "We'll catch up to you guys later."
"Sure thing. Have fun." She gives them a lazy grin and a wink, but she looks satisfied too, shoulders at ease and there is a languid quality to the way she stands. Arthur honestly doesn't think he's seen her this relaxed without at least a couple of drinks in and half asleep before.
It eases his heart, seeing that this, too, is something that makes her happy. That building their new lives here is something she finds joy in. It's everything he wants for all of them. To have the chance to be happy without having to run all the time. He just wants them to be happy, that's all.
Lenny and Mary-Beth throw them parting waves as well and Arthur heads over to the store, Charles easily keeping pace. Since they don't have to leave with the others, they take the time to look through things. The store is a decent size and the clothing selection is quite nice too. Arthur starts out with some essentials, getting soap, buying shaving cream - his is running out - and picking up a bit of canned food and some cheese.
He's pretty practical about shirts, especially his work shirts, picking up a blue and white one, a new vest that kind of looks rather nice and a new pair of pants, considering his current one is turning a bit ragged. Actually, he should even have a few more clothes than just that considering his new dresser. He can afford it too, with the money he has left for himself.
Charles seems contemplative about two shirts and ends up picking both of them. They get some treats for the horses and when Arthur adds a couple sweets to the pile as well, he catches the small, near soft smile Charles gives him. It makes him duck his head a bit and he feels a smile of his own sneaking onto his face.
They both know the sweets aren't for Arthur after all. Well, not just.
~*~
"That does seem worrying." Hosea murmurs, frowning. They're sitting outside on the porch of the main house, having discussed the gang in the hills. "Do you plan to go after the gang leader? It sounds pretty dangerous."
"Yeah." Arthur rubs his fingertips over his chin, feels the rasp of his beard and a hint of the small scar there. "Charles an' me would go after him an' help make the area safe again." He tilts his head slightly to where the others are gathered inside the main house, muffled laughter and faint words floating out. They're in a great mood, singing and chatting animatedly. "Maybe ask if someone else wants to come along, if ya can spare someone."
"I'm going to ask them. Sadie might definitely join you." Hosea says, still frowning a bit. "Just...are you sure? Both of you? This isn't our life anymore, you don't have to do this if you don't want to."
"If it keeps everyone safe, I'll do it." Arthur answers, before waving a hand when he hears a mosquito getting too close. "I'll be careful. Well, as careful as I can."
"Me too." Charles leans forward a bit, looking just as serious as Arthur feels. "They kill folks and they did it closer to us than I'm comfortable with. We ignore them, they might as well try coming for us at some point. Especially when they think we have money, considering everything we've built here."
"Well, we don't really have all that much left now, but I guess it still would be enough to lure degenerates like them." Hosea admits with a small sigh.
Unbidden, Arthur suddenly remembers Eliza and Isaac. Killed for ten dollars, their lives snuffed out for something that seems to be so very, terribly little. He still remembers it clear as day, heading up to their home and the ice that seemed to spread through his veins, stealing his breath at the first glimpse of their graves. The grief and shock, the anger and guilt.
He won't see the same thing happen again to people he cares about. Never again, if he has any say in it. They survived the east, they made it out of there and Arthur will be damned before he lets this gang in the hills undo all the hard work they all put into their new lives. He will not bury a single one of them before their time.
"Alright." Hosea nods. "Do what you think is right. I'll talk to Sadie and let you know if we can spare someone else." He lightly claps his hands on his thighs and after an exhale, he pitches his voice to something that sounds less troubled than he probably feels. "Will you head back in with me or are you going to sleep?"
"I'll head to sleep." Arthur says and Charles makes an agreeing sound. They get to their feet together and Arthur gives Hosea's shoulder a small squeeze, feeling him relax slightly under his grip. Hosea gives him a small smile and for a moment, he looks tired and old. Worried too, but also trusting that they'll somehow be alright.
"Good night, both of you." Hosea says, giving Arthur's elbow a gentle, brief touch and he waves to Charles, who already stepped off the porch.
They say good night to Hosea and then head to their home together, soft quiet hanging between them. Their steps are accompanied by the noises of the night, an owl hooting from somewhere and he glances over at the stable and pastures. The horses are outside, most of them lying down. The cows are lying on the grass as well and Arthur sees Cain sniffing along the side of the stable, before lifting his head and trotting over to the main house.
The moon glows above them, a sea of stars stretching across the sky in so many constellations, Arthur is never sure if he learned even a handful of them. He only realizes he's stopped and just looks at the pastures and ranchland bathed in moonlight before him, when Charles steps to his side, close enough that their arms brush slightly.
"It's beautiful, isn't it." Charles murmurs and Arthur feels his shoulders relax a little at the rumble of his voice, head tilting slightly towards him.
"It is." Arthur agrees quietly. There are a dozen of things one could say about this view, but words feel too clumsy in his mouth. And even if he could find the right thing to say, Arthur doesn't know if he could ever truly convey the way this sight feels to him. To know that under other circumstances, he'd never have gotten to see this. The honor of still walking this rock, of feeling the gentle night air brush his nape, to get the chance to, hell, fall in love, it can't possibly be put into words.
A warm hand lands on his back, fingertips pressing slightly against his shirt and Arthur barely resists the urge to lean back into the touch.
"Come on." Charles lets the touch slide to the side to give his shoulder a small pat and Arthur feels a sudden rush as his fingertips seem to spread warmth along his skin. "Let's get some sleep."
Tongue feeling dry in his mouth, Arthur wordlessly follows Charles. Like last night, they don't yet bother heading into their own rooms. Maybe it's because everything is empty and feels kind of big, with all that space waiting to be filled. Maybe it's because they're both still used to closer quarters after all the time with the gang. And maybe, Arthur hopes, it's also because Charles likes having him around this much, to lie side by side and have a soft conversation before they fall quiet.
Arthur, his bedroll spread out tonight and hat resting somewhere beside him, stares up at the dark ceiling. His thoughts are quieter tonight, as he listens to Charles's breaths deepen and the slightly muffled, quiet snores starting up a few moments later. It still takes him a while longer to fall asleep, but the dreams waiting for him are gentle.
~*~
"Alright, everyone has everything?" Arthur asks as he checks his supplies on Storm one last time. He isn't taking too much in the first place, considering they're just head out for a bounty hunt and not a journey to the next state.
Charles, who is already on Taima, gives him a nod. Sadie swings up on Bob in the next moment, giving her horse's neck a pat.
"Course, Arthur." Lenny answers and mounts as well. Arthur gets into the saddle, giving a small wave to Hosea and Abigail, who are sending them off. Sean is in the stable, learning to muck them, though Arthur has seen the tense, frustrated expression on his face this morning. Kid hates that he can't come along and Arthur hopes his brain doesn't cook up nonsense ideas like being useless now. He'll have to help him learn shooting again soon, considering he's healthy enough for it once more.
"We should be back in a few days." Arthur calls to Hosea, who gives a nod. Abigail looks worried for them, but he can see the way she tries to give them a smile.
They ride out together, the sound of the hooves on the ground a well known rhythm to Arthur. They ride up to the area where some of the gang members has been riding and start searching from there. It hopefully shouldn't take them too long, since Charles is damn good with finding trails and tracks and Arthur himself isn't too shabby at it either. It's actually a skill he's reasonably proud of.
They start with riding down the most worn paths around the area the members have been seen, to see if they catch any hoof prints leading elsewhere. It's as good way to start, considering there are no hints to where the actual hideout could be.
It doesn't take long for Arthur to realize why it is hard to find the gang. The woods of the hills are thick and while there are well trodden paths, the hills seem to be filled with unexplored areas and miles of possible hiding spots. Anyone could possibly hide out here for months and never be found.
"At least there are no caves, if we'd had to search those too, that would take forever." Lenny says when they set up camp at night.
"That we know of." Sadie says with a small snort, before taking a drag of her cigarette. She's looking into the fire with a thoughtful look, as they all fall quiet. Charles is dividing up the rabbit he hunted, seasoned with some herbs Arthur found growing at the side of the road.
It's nice, not quite the sort of meal they would have at the ranch, but it's tasty, hot and a part of Arthur feels right at home out here, under the stars, with the smell of the campfire surrounding him and the horses chewing grass just a few steps away.
"I'll take the first shift. You guys catch some rest." Charles says and Sadie settles back, adjusting her hat, one hand resting close to her gun. Lenny lies down as well and Arthur does the same, his bedroll close to where Charles sits, rifle at ease.
As soon as he falls asleep, he finds himself in Beaver Hollow, rain pelting down and something loud splits the air. At first he thinks it's thunder, the sky dark, until he realizes it's gunshots. His body feels heavy, moving so sluggishly he barely sets one foot in front of the other, struggling for air as he tries to run, tries to save John and his family. Storm is there the next moment and they're racing through the dark forest and John is somewhere, but he lost sight of him and there are so many gun shots, someone screams. Storm goes down, his whole world turning as he slams on the ground, wheezing for air that won't fill his lungs. No matter how hard he tries, he just can't breathe -
Arthur snaps awake with a rough rasp, finally sucking in a deep lung full of air. He doesn't understand what woke him up, until he feels the hand on his shoulder gently tighten its grip. He reaches up without thinking, clamping callused fingers over warm, strong ones, maybe gripping a bit too tightly and he is vaguely aware of a tremble in his fingers. His skin feels clammy, even in the rather nice night they're having, with summer heading their way.
"Arthur?" Charles's voice is quiet and gentle, as though he tries not to spook him and hopes to calm him back down. For a moment, all Arthur can do is take another deep breath, feeling something like a phantom burn in his lungs, suddenly remembering how it felt when it hurt to breathe. He thinks he can taste blood on his tongue and swallows heavily. His heart is still racing, but at least his breathing steadies a bit again. Charles keeps his hand right where it is and Arthur can't really bring himself to let go yet.
"That seemed to be one hell of a dream." Charles murmurs and Arthur blinks, dragging himself from the place where he's half caught between memories. He tilts his head to see Charles beside him, one knee on the ground, the rifle set aside. He doesn't lean over him, which is a good thing, Arthur doesn't know how he would have reacted to a person right in front of him after waking up from that.
"Yeah." His voice sounds rough and maybe just a tad shaky. A quick, darting glance shows that Lenny and Sadie are still asleep, Lenny's mouth standing slightly open and Sadie's breathing is deep and even, the lines of lingering grief on her face smoothing over a bit in her sleep.
He notices Charles hesitating, before, very slowly and with near painful care, he shifts to sit down beside him, giving his shoulder another gentle squeeze. Arthur slackens his grip and exhales, something tight in his chest finally easing. He lets his hand fall away a moment later and rubs it over his face instead. When he sees the look Charles gives him, so damn understanding, Arthur just sinks into his bedroll, breathing finally evening out fully and his racing heart calming down again.
"Want to talk about it?" Charles asks quietly and he slowly pulls his hand away as well. Arthur misses it pretty much immediately and the spot feels like it's rapidly growing cold. Though now, Charles's knee is slightly brushing his elbow.
Arthur shakes his head, his tongue feeling like it's sticking to the roof of his mouth. He still feels a cold sheen of sweat on his chest, but he has no idea how he could put anything he dreamed about into words. Most nights are like this, with his mind is throwing memories at him.
"Alright." Charles sounds understanding and gives him a reassuring look. "Just know if there's anything, you can talk to me."
"I know." This time, he sounds a little less rough. And Arthur does know. It's one of the things he knows for sure, like the certainty of the sun rising in the morning and stars appearing at night. Like he knows Storm will carry him through anything. He can count on Charles.
Charles blinks, as though he realizes just how much Arthur knows it and believes in him, something like surprise flitting over his face, followed by an expression Arthur can't quite decipher, before it's gone too. Then Charles settles back a bit, still not shifting an inch away, but clearly returning to watching their surroundings. Arthur takes a slow, deep breath and runs a hand through his hair, pushing it back.
"Try to sleep a bit more." Charles murmurs. "You still get too little of it."
"You noticed that?" Arthur mumbles and there is a soft, slightly amused huff.
"You're often awake before I am and I've always been an early riser." Charles gives him a small, lopsided smile, before it softens to a more concerned look. "You deserve to rest, Arthur. Leave things to us for a bit. Let me carry some of the weight too."
Hearing that strangely helps, Arthur finds. It makes him sink a bit more into himself and he closes his eyes again. At first, Arthur isn't sure if he'll really manage to sleep again, but ends up dozing off to the sounds of the surrounding woods and with Charles still directly beside him.
He wakes briefly, when Sadie takes over watch. "Everything quiet so far?"
"Yeah." Charles answers and Arthur hears him move, the rustle of his bedroll spreading. Still close to him, maybe even a bit closer than he normally slept. "I noticed nothing out of the ordinary."
Quiet settles and Arthur drifts back down again.
~*~
"I think we should split up." Sadie suggests a day later, when they reach a split in the road, three paths leading separate ways. "We can cover more of the area that way."
Arthur agrees and yet he's hesitant to separate. Lenny leans forward in his saddle, most likely seeing that he's reluctant.
"We can agree to meet again in a day or so and head down the third path together." Lenny suggests and okay, they're right. Doing this would be faster and allows them to cover more ground.
"Alright. But if you find them, don't engage without us." Arthur says and Sadie gives him a friendly, stronger pat on the shoulder.
"Don't worry. And you too, you find these bastards, you come get us." She says, giving him a clear look. Arthur nods and she lifts her chin, before leading Bob down to the left. Lenny follows her with a reassuring smile towards Arthur and Charles.
"Let's go then." Arthur murmurs and they head down the right path. Hopefully, they'll find the gang soon. Arthur certainly understands why the sheriff is unable to send his deputies out too much. Just alone searching through the hills would take too long, especially if they want to take care of troublemakers in town and the surrounding area too.
Things are largely quiet between them. Both Arthur and Charles keep an ear out and one of them checks the ground while the other looks around, to see if they catch any hints of people passing through. Hoof prints in the soft earth, broken branches or maybe even a trodden path that could lead them to the gang's hideout.
"They shouldn't be too far in the hills." Charles murmurs when they set up camp that evening. "They would be too far from the homesteads and town otherwise and as far as I know, the forest stretches for miles before the next farm or town appears again."
"Yeah." Arthur looks up from feeding Storm. "We shouldn't light a fire tonight. Just in case."
Charles makes an agreeing noise and they settle down in the beginning darkness, sharing some cheese and bread as dinner. Soon enough, there is little light to see by, the forest a sea of formless black around them, with only a bit of light from the stars and moon shining down on them. Charles offers to take the first watch just like always.
At one point, Arthur hears Storm clop closer and her nose brushes his arm, before she takes a few more steps, shuffles around a bit and just as he's about to look up and check, she sinks to the ground. Carefully lifting one arm, his fingers brush her fur and he realizes she's lying almost right next to him. He can almost feel the comfort and gentle satisfaction that radiates off of her, especially once he starts to scratch her shoulder as much as he can with his short nails. Arthur hears some soft rustle of grass as Taima stays close too, maybe dozing while standing beside Charles.
Arthur listens to Charles softly murmuring something to his horse, a smile in his voice. Still, it's hard for him to fall asleep. Something about the lack of light and the heightened danger of them being on unknown hunting grounds, going after folks who might have the upper hand, sets him on edge.
"Can't sleep?" Charles asks, keeping his voice low, when Arthur tries to readjust his position once more. It's not that it's necessarily uncomfortable, he's slept in far worse places, but he just can't seem to settle down. Arthur merely makes a noise. A moment of silence spreads, before he hears Charles shift and tips his head to look over, even if he can't see much in the dark of the night.
"I've been thinking." Charles speaks up, a bit slowly, as if he's half thinking about not bringing it up after all. "About everything that happened and...are you alright, Arthur?"
There is no way Arthur doesn't hear the things Charles leaves unsaid. He thinks of the nightmares, some of which Charles noticed or outright witnessed. Yeah, he gets why Charles asks.
He thinks of all his sleepless nights from back with the gang and how even now, he doesn't really stop, it feels like there is still too much to do, too much that's still uncertain. He remembers the night of the party and rambling away about dying.
Then his thoughts slide to everything he didn't mess up this time around. He thinks about what he managed to do right, the people he managed to do right by, who he managed to save and who he avoided to hurt. Arthur doesn't know if he's much of a good person, but he tries. Tries to be better than who he once was. Tries to make people smile instead of cry. Just...tries as much and as hard as he can to really, truly, make something of this second chance.
"I think I will be." He sits up with a sigh. "Maybe." He stops, rubbing a hand over his face and Charles waits, patiently and quiet. It's a bit easier, out here in the woods, with so little light and with just the two of them. It's a bit easier somehow, to say some things that usually get stuck somewhere between his chest and his throat. "It's, I got these things stuck in my head. Sometimes. Of folks dying an' everythin' goin' to shit."
"Bad memories?" Charles asks, voice going warmer, almost softer in a way. While that type of voice makes him feel more exposed somehow, at the same time, he trusts Charles. Trusts him in a way he trusted so very, very few people in his life.
The sigh that escapes him has a strange hitch to hit. "I dream an' I remember things." Arthur interlaces his hands, giving his knuckles a bit of a squeeze. His voice drops to something rough and quiet. "I'm still worried, 'bout a lot a things. Feels like I can't really stop worryin', you know?"
A warm hand finds his shoulder, a steady, welcoming weight and Arthur sinks a bit into the touch before he knows it.
"If there is anything I can do to help, you can count on me." Charles promises quietly. "Always."
"I know." Arthur hesitates for a moment, swallowing and his mouth feeling dry, before he reaches up and gives Charles's hand a small squeeze. The man doesn't pull back, instead, it feels like he presses his palm a bit more against his shoulder and a breath caught in Arthur's chest escapes with a long exhale, taking some of the tension with it.
"Thanks." Arthur murmurs and even though Charles can probably barely see his face, he tips his head forward a bit in a reflex to make his expression harder to see. "For, you know, bein' here."
"Wouldn't want to be anywhere else." Charles answers and there is a small smile in his voice, something sure and warm. It makes Arthur feel lighter and he feels a small smile on his face as well. "Is there anything that helps your nightmares?"
"Well, findin' the bastards in the woods would be a good start." Arthur says, half joking and half serious. "But, they'll calm back down on their own, don't you worry."
Most likely. It would take a while, but Arthur has seen and experienced enough to know his nightmares won't stay forever. Oh, they'll come back time and again, memories are vindictive bastards, but there will be a time when they won't haunt his every step. Won't loom over his shoulder. There will be a day when he can look at Sean and Kieran, at Lenny and Hosea, and not get that lightning-fast flash, that memory of them being dead. There will be a day when he looks at them, at all of them, at the ranch and his first thought won't be how glad he is that there isn't a second Beaver Hollow. It's a goddamn marvel already, how things turned out this time, and one day, it won't be as haunted by his regret and guilt anymore.
He only notices his touch on Charles hand tightening a bit when Charles shifts a little. Arthur barely is aware of holding his breath, holding still and his heart picking up a beat, as Charles seems to hesitate for a moment, before, carefully, turning his hand. His fingertips brush the side of Arthur's hand, a warm, large, callused palm gently pressing against his, when they suddenly hear the sound of fast, approaching hooves. Light illuminates them, from lanterns hanging at saddles, as two horses rush through the undergrowth of the forest and over the road to where their camp is set up a bit away from the path. Arthur finds himself leaping to his feet, rifle clutched in one hand. Charles is right at his side, already braced for a fight, before they both realize it's Lenny and Sadie and they exhale with a rush.
Arthur steps forward, his heartbeat settling back to something a little less adrenaline driven, though his tension stays. "Everything alright?"
"We found a camp of theirs." Lenny says, a grin on his face. "Not the complete gang, from the looks of it, but it's a start."
Arthur grows serious, feeling something like the beginnings of grim satisfaction, mixed with a quiet sense of determination rising in his chest. To finishing this before that gang can hurt anyone he cares about. "Lead the way."
~*~
They decide to leave the horses when the shine of campfire starts to faintly glow between trees and through bushes. Their horses are still within earshot, should they need them, but proceeding without them is going to be quieter and saver for the animals.
Arthur already has a revolve in hand as he creeps towards the light. Sadie and Lenny have their rifles poised as they follow him in a crouch. Charles has his gun out as well, his steps barely louder than whispers on the leaf covered ground.
"We'll need at least one alive." Sadie murmurs and Arthur nods, as she sidles up to him. Charles is a step ahead and Lenny falls in at Arthur's other side a moment later.
"Let's spread out a bit." Arthur suggests quietly. "Keep out of view. When we're all in position, we attack once I fire the first shot."
"Got it." Lenny whispers back and there is barely so much as a rustle of leaves as he sneaks off. Sadie gives him a curt nod and is near silent on her feet as she moves to a better point of view.
Charles and Arthur move forward a bit more together, before splitting up as well. This close, Arthur can overhear the conversations of the gang members. There is rowdy laughter and he can hear rough grins in their voices as they tell of their latest conquest. Two boast of robbing a traveling merchant, laughing as they recount how they left him with nothing but a slit throat.
Arthur hunkers down behind a large tree and keeps his breaths steady as he starts to lift up his gun. A quick glance to both sides show him that the others are ready, having picked their own spots. Taking a breath and exhaling it, Arthur opens fire.
The first shot catches a guy in the side of his neck, his laughter dying off with a sound that gets lost in startled shouts. Flames flare brighter as someone accidentally kicks something into it when diving for cover and Arthur ducks back to avoid getting shot at as the gang opens fire in return. A sharp whistle and the splinter of wood, something tinkling off the brim of his hat tells Arthur that one shot got particularly close.
The second a moment of quiet rings out, he fires again. The noises ring in his ear, familiar and bright like the flames of the campfire, consuming his mind and silencing his thoughts. His heart beats a strong battle filled rhythm against his chest.
From the corner of his eye he sees two gang members running towards Charles, one falling and just as the other is about to tackle Charles, knife drawn, he crumbles to the ground as well. Arthur curses as he has to duck behind cover once more, bullets whizzing past and yells swelling around him, threats mixing into the bang of guns.
Pulling out his second revolver, Arthur moves to shoot again, standing his ground and ignoring the burn of something grazing his leg. Seeing the rest of the decimated gang members duck behind cover, Arthur throws a quick yell and rounds the tree. Sadie leaps over the log she crouched behind, Lenny and Charles following to take the last ones out.
"We need that one alive!" Lenny shouts with a quick nod towards the man that's been yelling commands, while mostly staying behind cover.
It's easy, to duck behind the others as they fire to give him cover and head for the man. There is shouting and yelling behind Arthur, something breaking with a great, splintering crack and he reaches the man, who is just a moment too slow to reload his rifle. He tackles the guy just as he raises his rifle, slamming them to the ground while wresting the weapon aside. There is a punch to his side, a kick against his leg, when Arthur raises a fist and punches him in the face, dazing the guy enough to finally subdue him.
The others are at his side a moment later, helping him tie the guy up, Lenny relieving him of his knife and revolver with swift hands. Arthur gives them all a quick once over, but they're all unharmed. Then he turns back to the captured gang member, clothes smeared with earth and his breathing ragged as he stares at them with burning, hate filled eyes.
"Now." Arthur says, slightly out of breath as he straightens. The quiet that rings out now, for a moment, seems almost as loud as the previous gunshots. A log breaks in the fire, sparks flying up and the man sneers up at him. "You're gonna tell us just where we can find your boss."
"Fuckers." The guy growls, blood trickling down his chin from a split lip. "I ain't tellin' ya nothin'."
"You see." Arthur smoothly drops into a crouch. He pitches his voice to something low and slightly rough, feels his shoulders square to loom over the guy. It's easy to dig out his menace and let it settle over him like a well known lover, to let darkness seep into his words and ice into his gaze. He hates being like this, but he'll be as ugly as he knows how to if it means no one touches those he cares about. "We can make this quick, or we can make this painful. Frankly, I don't care which an' we got all night. But if ya tell us where we can find your boss, we're not gonna have t' find out just how much it takes t' break ya."
He can see the guy wavering, sees his gaze quickly flicking to Lenny, Sadie and Charles behind him. Arthur knows exactly what he sees in their faces and he watches as the man realizes he has no chance to get away. Not from any of them. His gaze moves back to Arthur, but he still seems unwilling to give his boss up just like that.
"How 'bout this." Arthur says, gesturing, before the guy can open his mouth, and he smiles at the man, though it's mean and more a baring of teeth. "You talk an' we won't start by draggin' you half a mile behind our horses. Or maybe we're goin' to break your fingers first. Don't need them for talkin'. Let's see how much breakin' and beatin' it's goin' to take to make you talk. An' let me tell you somethin'." His voice ices over and he lets the smile drop away to make place for the dark thing that still lives somewhere in his chest, rising as easily as he breathes. "I'm real good at it."
Arthur sees him swallow, sees the give in his gaze and knows he has him.
"B-Boss is up on Witch's Ridge. By the three-forked tree, past the river." The man swallows. "Ya ain't standin' a chance against 'im. He's real bad an' he'll tear ya apart. Did the same t' the bounty hunters before ya, skinned them fuckers alive. One screamed till the bitter end, the other died halfway through."
For a second, Arthur's mind flickers to Beaver Hollow and the gang that had lived in those hills. Murfree, if he remembers correctly. They skinned and tortured people too. It won't be the first time he's around crazy bastards like that and it's high time folks like that are being put in the ground once and for all.
Arthur rises back to his feet, lifting his revolver and shoots the guy clean between the eyes. They can't let him go and they can't afford to have one of them riding back to town to have him imprisoned.
"Witch's Ridge is not too far." Charles says. "I met a hunter while I was out a week or two ago and he told me about it. I know how to get there."
Arthur gives him a nod and holsters his gun again. "Lead the way."