Chapter 21 -Finding Colt
It has almost been two weeks since Colt has been taken. Tomorrow would mark the two-week mark. The Pinkertons would be arriving to grab Colt the next day. The sun was high in the air as Bill Charles and Lenny rode through the Cumberland forest. They were about to arrive at Fort Wallace when Bill when into the trees. The other two look at him but follow him through the woods. Bill gets off his horse and hides behind a tree as the doctor that has been tending to Colt was leaving. The doctor gets on his horse and heads for Valentine. "Why did we stop?" Lenny asks.
"Because bases like that usually have a medic living there, they wouldn't hire one," Bill says.
"You think the O'Drisscolls took Fort Wallace?" Charles ask.
"There's a chance. I recognize that doctor from when I took Lenny for his arm. Let's head to Valentine and get some answers," Bill says. The other two nod as they get back on their horses and ride through the trees until they were away from Fort Wallace. It only took them 15 minutes to get to Valentine. They hitch their horses outside the doctor's office. Bill walks in, followed by Lenny and Charles. The doctor looks up.
"Hello, how's that arm?" The doctor asks Lenny.
"Just fine," Lenny says. Charles locks the door, and the doctor looks at them.
"Is there a problem, gentlemen?" The doctor asked, scared.
"Why were you leaving Fort Wallace. They have medics there," Bill says.
"They just wanted help," The doctor says slowly. Bill grabs him from across the desk and slams his head on the counter. He pulls out his revolver and aims it at the doctor.
"Liar. Why were you at Fort Wallace?" Bill asks again as he pushes the gun up against the walkers head.
"I can't say. They'll kill me," The doctor cries out.
"What do you think I'll do," Bill says.
"Who'll kill you?" Charles asks. The doctor says silence for a second.
He sighs. "The O'driscoll's they took for Wallace," The doctor says.
"Why did they need you?" Lenny asks.
"I can't say please they will kill me," The doctor says.
"One last time before I lost my patience. Why do they need you?" Bill snarled at the doctor.
"They have me taking care of a man that they caught," The doctor says.
"What is the man's name?" Charles asks.
"Colt. I heard them talking. The Pinkertons are coming early morning to get him. He's being held in a cellar. They think they are getting someone from the Van der Linde gang. That's all I know, I swear!" The doctor exclaims.
"I assume they pay you," Bill says as he lets the doctor go.
"Yes," The doctor says weakly.
"Take it and head for West Elizabeth. This is going to hurt," Bill says.
"What-" The doctor doesn't get to finish his question as Bill hits him over the head with his gun knocking the man out. Bill smiles for the first time in two weeks.
"We got 'em," Bill says.
"Come on. We have to get back to camp. We have very little time to plan. We have to attack at night," Lenny says. The other two nod as they get on their horses and ride out of Valentine, going as fast as they can back to camp.
Fort Wallace
Colt was hanging. He could taste the blood in his mouth and the overwhelming pain all over his body as Colm comes down the stairs. "Well, your friends never found you. Shame more, the better, but they'll pay us for you. Tomorrow morning Colt. Your life ends tomorrow morning. Enjoy your last night," Colm says as he leaves. Colt stares at him, and for the first time since this had all started, he allows himself to cry.
Camp
Bill Charles and Lenny ride into camp at full speed. They stop their horses. They don't bother hitching them. They see Arthur Sadie Dutch talking. "Colm said Colt would be dead by the end of the week. That is tomorrow," Dutch says as they other three come over.
"Dutch, Arthur. They are in Fort Wallace," Bill says. The whole camp says.
"What are you talking about?" Sadie ask.
"Colm and his men. They are in Fort Wallace. They have Colt. The doctor told us he's alive. Pinkertons are coming to pick him tomorrow morning. We have a small window during the night. The doctor said that they are holding him in a cellar," Bill says.
"You found him?" Arthur asks in disbelief.
"Yes," Lenny says.
"Holy shit. You, boys, are amazing!" Dutch exclaims with a smile on his face. Arthur smiles.
"We need a plan Dutch," Sean says.
"That is right. We do," Hosea says.
"Are we sure this is the best move, boss. This could be a trap," Micah says. Arthur and Sadie look at the man with looks that could kill.
"We don't have time to debate. This is our only chance to save Colt," Hosea says.
"Hosea's right. Colt would give his life for anybody here. You can stay if you want, Micah," Dutch says.
"I'm just being careful. I owe Morgan. I guess I have to repay that debt," Micah says.
"Damn right, you do," Javier says.
"So, what's the plan, Dutch?" Sean says. Dutch looks around for a moment before he looks down.
"I'm not taking the lead on this. Mr. Morgan and Mrs. Adler are," Dutch says. They both look at him, shocked.
"You two have spent every waking moment looking for him. This is your mission. So what's the plan? Mrs. Adler, Mr. Morgan?" Hosea asks. Everybody turns to the two who look at each other and nod.
They were both ready to save Colt. The problem was they might have to fight two army's to do it. This was their chance. This is where they make their stand. It was time to teach Colm and his gang of scum a lesson.
That's it for this chapter, guys. This was really fun to write. Next chapter the plan and possibly the final fight. I don't know yet. This part of the story is coming to a close soon. Now I have a question as of right now when the gang falls, who do you think will side with Colt and who do you think will side with Dutch. I know this chapter had a different Dutch, but I'm kind of showing all sides of Dutch. Tell me what you think. As always, suggestions are welcomed. Until next time.
