It was a cool day in March, on the Kirkland ranch. Arthur had gone out for another meeting, leaving Alfred in charged of ranch business, being watched by Mattie, so he doesn't mess up.
Alfred, dragging his feet, did his best at looking after everything. After all said was done, he went back inside to his room. Matthew went back also, finding it tiring having to make sure Alfred doesn't forget to have some of the staff to have the sheep graze.
'Honestly, what does Arthur see in him?' Matthew thought to himself, 'Alfred clearly doesn't want to be in charge and take over the business, he's more of a free spirit..'
"Really.. it feels as if our futures should be switched.." He spoke to himself, before drifting into a nap.
Flipping pages, with the smell of ink filled Alfred's room.
He decided to take an interest in Astronomy, books on it cluddered table. Some books were old, but thankfully he was able to score some newer ones, but it was mainly on constellations, wanting to be able to find his way incase he became lost, wanting to travel and tell were he was, and to impress Feli.
Alfred sort of had to hide the reasons behind this from Arthur, with him becoming more demanding on making Alfred heir to the business. He tried telling Arthur that running the ranch just wasn't for him, and how Matthew should do it, but alas, it didn't help.
For now, all Alfred could do is accept his fate, at least he could go and see Feli whenever he wanted, since Matthew might end up leaving New Mexico territory if his learnings come to good use, he could become a lawyer.
"Lucky bastard.. getting the chance to go where he wants.." Alfred groan, a bit jealous at the freedom that Matthew will soon get.
"And that's what inventory I have left, and what I'm expected to make.." Arthur explained to Murphy as his assistant took notes in his office.
"I see, oh right, I forget to tell you that you can cut on what you'll be giving to the Indian Reservation."
"Oh really, why is that?"
"Well, the government is finally acting up, all the children above age 5 will be taken to the boarding schools in New England." Murphy explained.
"I heard about the schools, there meant to civilize the little savages yes? When will this be?"
"In 4 weeks time, so you can just take your time, don't worry about it, I hear that you're still helping your younger brother with everything, right?"
"Alfred, yes, he's just been so difficult lately, he recently took interest in astronomy, which is a great way if exercising his math skills, but I don't know.." Arthur shook his head.
"Ah, family troubles.." He said with a smile.
"The only reason why I'm making him heir, is so he doesn't run off and become a cowboy, or a sailor.. He could get himself killed! Not to mention that's my blood running through his veins."
"Sounds like he has too much energy for you to handle, what about his brother? Ah what was his name again?" Murphy was snapping his fingers.
"Matthew..? Matthew.. he's more responsible, doesn't that energy to go out and make trouble."
"Right right, I know we drifted, but I think it's a good time to take a break from all this, and it sounds like you can use a break."
"I don't need a break, Lawrence-" He was cut off.
"Right before this meeting started, you told me how Alfred was watching everything, even with his responsible brother babysitting him, you still worry!" Murphy lectured him, before asking, "Now tell me Arthur, when was the last time you really had the chance to relax?"
Arthur thought for a moment, Murphy has his assistant leave, now that they were talking about other things.
"I don't think I should.." Arthur thought, thinking of his responsibilities.
"Arthur Arthur! You are my friend! You are part of the Ring! It breaks me seeing you like this.."
Arthur stayed silent.
"Now listen, I have his whole territory under my thumb, right? No one in D. C. cares what happens here, unless Mexico is declaring war or there's another civil war starting here, just as long as money is flowing there, and red skins are getting rounded up and land is becoming more available, that's all that matters.." Murphy when on.
Arthur listened.
"Now, I know how next door at the bar, the girls there can be filthy, but there are these two dryers here in Santa Fe, both messed up when it came to cleaning my clothes. One is Chinese and the other is Japanese.. both beautiful have beautiful women.."
Arthur spoke up, "I think another time, when I'm not so worried about Alfred.."
Murphy smiled, "Another time it is then.."
Billy and several other men gather at a landmark in the middle of nowhere.
"I'm glad ya'll could come, you being here tells be that your on board.." One spoke.
"Damn right!" Another spoke
Billy's blood was boiling.
Why were they there? What were they talking about?
"So? What did Wilson say Brewer?" Billy asked.
"He agreed to give us the power to make arrest, arrest those who were apart of Tunstall's murder.." The leader Brewer explained.
"Giving us.. the Regulators.. that sort of power.." One mumbled.
"We're not abusing the power Wilson gave to us. Now take these stars.." Brewer gave everyone a deputy star.
Everyone wore their star. Brewer continued.
"After we get everyone that was part of the murder, we are to give the stars back to Wilson, remember he gave it to us for justice!"
"And after that?" Billy asked.
"Then we go our separate ways."