Shout out to Ronin Kenshin! So glad you're liking the rewrite so far!

This chapter is rated M for sexual content.

Chapter 31: The Fishing Trip

Lilly sat next to Hosea on the steps of the Sheriff's office. She'd noticed coming into town the color of the road and it sent a chill down her spine. She really hoped what she saw about Sean wasn't an actual prophecy. She'd sent Brian and James out for hunting shortly after Arthur left to chase down the criminals. She chomped on more salted meat and pickles she got at the local store. She even picked up a couple glass bottles of cola to drink, and as an afterthought, a journal to write down the 'images' she got while dreaming. The cola was heaven mixed with sugar as she took a drink, groaning happily. Hosea laughed at her. "Be careful, Lilly."

"Oh I know. Moderation. I'm only drinkin' the one; the other is for Arthur."

Hosea laughed again. "You know, you should try other foods to deal with your cravings."

"Cravings?" Trelawny asked from the back of the prison wagon. "Lillian, do I detect the heavenly glow of a mother to be?"

Lilly looked over at him with a smile. "Yep. Arthur and I are expectin'."

"My! Congratulations. But weren't you-"

"Yes, but not anymore!" Lilly giggled.

"Lilly, you ever wonder if Brian and James know what you're actually sayin'?"

"I know they know what I'm sayin'." Lilly chortled lightly. "I mean, you seen 'em. They listen very well for wolves."

"That they do. And the size of 'em...they're past legendary for sure."

"Ya should'a seen people at the ball Sir Patrick held. They were horrified!" Hosea and Lilly laughed loudly, then looked over to the road and saw Arthur and the deputy. "There's our own personal criminal hunter back from the chase."

"Ok good, they're back," Lilly heard Archibald say. "And that's your friend, right? And your wife?"

"Yeah," Arthur said.

"How was the chase, my darlin' husband?" she snickered.

Arthur gave her a quick smile. "It was fine."

"Can you grab Anderson off your horse and carry him in for me?" Archibald asked. Arthur did as he was told and grabbed the limp body of a man off his horse then dumped him in front of the steps. "Mr Gray! We got him!"

Lilly heard the door slam open and she jumped a little. "Very good," the Sheriff said.

Dutch followed behind him. "I told you Arthur would deliver. Man has a passion for justice."

"That's wonderful," the Sheriff said.

Lilly approached Arthur and kissed his cheek. "My husband, the dashin' outlaw chaser."

Arthur chortled at her. "You smell like pickles."

Lilly handed drink she bought. "Cola?"

"Yes, thank you." He popped the top off and drank some. "Mmm, that's good."

Lilly took a bite from her snack. "God, I love salt. Possibly more than I love you."

Arthur cackled. "You are full of shit."

"No, I'm full of babeh."

Arthur wheezed out a laugh. "Yes. Tell me, how many 'babehs' do you think we'll have in our life together?"

"Le minicíocht ár gnéis? Fiche ar a laghad," she whispered. [With the frequency of our sex? At least twenty.]

"Oof. Is breá liom é nuair a labhraíonn tú Gaeilge," Arthur responded. "Cé mhéad atá grá agat don ghnéas?" [I love it when you speak Irish. How much do you love the sex?]

"B'fhéidir gur cheart dúinn an turas iascaireachta a scipeáil? Taispeánfaidh mé duit cé mhéad is breá liom do choileach taobh istigh de theach mo chearc," Lilly said in a suggestive voice. "I could really use it. We haven't in some time now, but now I feel better these days." [Maybe we should skip the fishing trip? I will show you how much I love your rooster inside my hen house.]

Arthur chortled and stroked her cheek. "Maybe we should do that."

"Come along now," Dutch said. "I will keep this fellow on the straight and narrow."

"Well, come back and see us sometime soon," the Sheriff said. "Excuse me, gentlemen. My lady," he turned and walked towards the office. Now Beau, these better be ugly rumors," he said to the young man on the porch. "Is it true you were seen talkin' to that wretched Penelope Braithwaite?"

Trelawny pointed at Arthur and Dutch. "I can't thank you enough."

"Where have you been?" Dutch asked lightly, the group wandering down the road as Trelawny and Dutch chatted away.

"Around."

"And where you stayin'?"

"I'm renting. A caravan at the edge of town behind the church. It's horrible but no one comes looking. The whole town is trapped in this interminable feud between the two families. His lot, Grays, and Braithwaites."

"Interestin'."

"Two old plantation houses and falling out over rebel gold and marrying cousins and not marrying, that sort of thing."

"Arthur, Hosea, you start pokin' around. See what you can find out about that."

"Wait, what about me?" Lilly asked. "Don't tell me I'm hangin' back from this too!"

Dutch laughed. "Oh, 'course not! You're gonna follow Hosea's lead on it. Remember, you're expectin'. Can't have you gettin' shot up, can we?"

Lilly got what he was saying but shooting and killing were two of her best attributes. "I know, but..."

Dutch stopped and put a hand on her shoulder. "Lilly, I know you and Arthur went out shootin' people yesterday, and that's fine, but we just want what's best for you and the baby."

Lilly scowled. "Ya think I don't know what's best fer me or the baby?"

"No, I didn't mean it like that. I only meant that...this is all very new to you. You never had time to consider any of this," Dutch said knowingly.

Lilly's lips parted. Did he know? Lilly looked at Hosea, who gave her a sad look, and her eyes lowered to the ground. So they both knew. "No, I never did. But-"

"Lilly, you are so much more than a killer and you know this."

Lilly quirked her pinched lips and nodded in agreement. "Alright, Da."

"Good. Now, Trelawny, what else ya got?" They all resumed walking.

"I have missed you boys...and my lady. I've heard about bounties," Trelawny said with a touch of humor.

"There's been a bounty on my head for thirteen years. It'll take 'em months to find us down here. And it seems like we can have a little sport."

"Well they're good bounties. Especially Mrs. Morgan's, here. I heard it's been raised to one hundred fifty thousand now."

They all stopped and Lilly got a hollow feeling in the pit of her stomach. "Jesus, Mary and Joseph."

"Where you hear this?" Hosea asked glumly. They resumed walking.

"Some fellas I met at a camp near the state line said there was talk of it in bars in the north and west for five hundred miles, but that's for all of your bounties, not just hers. There was talk of super agents, or some such."

"Super agents, haha! I'd love to meet one," Dutch said. "It's just talk."

Lilly gulped. She was never going to be safe from that man. "They'll come after all of us for me and you know it. That Agent Milton followed me to Ireland. Offered to leave you and the gang alone if I went willingly."

"Are you kiddin' me?" Dutch said angrily. "Well, that sure as shit ain't happenin', Lilly. Only way they're takin' you is over our dead bodies. Well, maybe not Trelawny here, but-"

Trelawny laughed. "I wouldn't dream of turning you in, my dear, but I couldn't not tell you."

"Stay outta trouble," Dutch said to Trelawny as the British man walked up the hill.

He turned around. "Thank you, gentlmen, and my lady." Trelawny gave a fancy bow before heading to the caravan with a rather sprightly gait. The rest of the group headed back down the hill.

"Okay, so, these two plantation families," Dutch continued. "Arthur, you start sniffin' around the Gray's place, see what the story is there."

"Yeah, I passed by it earlier with our friend Archibald," Arthur said.

"Good. Hosea, Lilly, you see what you can find out about these Braithwaites."

"Alright," Hosea said. "Thank you, Arthur."

"Quite a fishin' trip," Arthur said with a sarcastic tone.

"There's still time," Dutch remarked. "I'm up for it."

How 'bout you two lovebirds?" Hosea asked. "Or would you rather practice makin' more "babehs"?"

Lilly giggled hysterically as she blushed. "Athair! Were you listenin' to our conversation?!"

"Yes, but I still don't speak Irish. It was the tone I was listenin' to."

Lilly's mouth dropped. "You dog."

Hosea, Dutch and Arthur laughed. "Let's go fishin'."

Dutch and Hosea were directed into the hallway just outside Lilly's door. The doctor faced both the men and sighed. "Sirs, I'm sorry, but I didn't drag you away about the bill. It's about your daughter."

Dutch's face went pale and his breath caught. "Is she goin' to be okay?"

"She's fine, I assure you. But...there's something I think you both need to know."

Dutch put his hands on his hips. "What is it?"

"Your daughter. She's barren."

Dutch and Hosea looked at each other then back at the doctor. "What?" they both said.

"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid the damage she had to her womb is irreparable."

Dutch rubbed his face. "The fall did this or the stick?"

Hosea's mouth gaped. "Dutch, I think calling it a stick is an understatement."

"Well it's not a branch!" Dutch snapped. "I can't...Jesus Christ!" Dutch walked down the hallway a few steps, then stopped.

"I truly am sorry, gentlemen. As for the bill, I'm going to waive it."

Hosea looked at him. "Why?"

"I do that from time to time for special cases and Lilly's is most certainly special. Just don't go telling anyone I do that, heh heh."

"We won't. Thank you, doctor." Hosea went and put hands on Dutch's shoulders. "Should we tell the gang?"

"Yes, I think they should know. Especially Arthur. I mean, you saw what they were doin'. Should we assume it's a relationship?" Dutch asked, choking back tears.

"No, I think it's just her flirtin' game. But I gotta say, I never heard any of the boys talk about her, uh, declothing for them. I think that's only for Arthur."

"You think so?"

Hosea laughed. "You know damn well those two were made for each other. We both knew from day one. It's only a matter of time before they both see that."

"You're right." Dutch looked down towards the common area. "We better go inform everyone."

"Yes." Both the men walked down the hall with heavy hearts, their slow steps showing just how they felt.

"So, you're goin' back to see that Sheriff Gray?" Arthur asked as the group trotted along the road.

"Yeah, I don't see why not. They don't know who we are down here," Dutch replied.

"He didn't seem the sharpest of tacks. Neither did that deputy."

"If he thinks we can be useful to him, he can certainly be useful to us. A little hidin' in plain sight."

"I feel like we're always hidin' in plain sight," Arthur said with a grumble in his throat.

"But sometimes more smartly than others."

"This is the spot, down here to the left here," Hosea said.

Arthur and the rest trailed down to the lake. "Arthur, I need to tell you somethin'," Lilly said. "Privately."

"Okay. Hey Dutch, Hosea, we'll be there in a minute."

"Okay," yelled Dutch as the couple hung back.

"What's goin' on?" Arthur asked with concern in his voice. Lilly giggled, got off her horse and yanked Arthur off his. "Woa, what are yo-"

Lilly kissed him hard and Arthur wrapped his arms around her. Lilly grabbed his head and snogged him for a few moments before pulling away. "Sorry, but I needed that. "

Arthur chuckled deeply. "Did you, now? Well give me more."

They resumed the heavy kissing. "I don't know what's, mmm, come over me..."

"Might be your, mmmhmmhmmhmm, emotions causin'...a...ruckus."

"Yeah, that's gotta be it," Lilly breathed. "Mmmm."

"We gotta go fishin'," Arthur said with a chuckle.

"But I need ya," Lilly said with a pout. "We havena done anythin' for weeks because I been sick."

"And I need you, but let's go fishin' first, then you can have me all to yourself, okay? And we'll give you dramamine before we uh, engage ourselves."

Lilly nodded, biting her lip with a grin. "Okay. Hehe, the way I will have with you afterwards, Mr. Morgan."

A low, raspy chuckle erupted from Arthur's throat as he put his arm around her. They led the horses down to the lake where Dutch and Hosea were.

"Well, you two look happy," Dutch said, smiling from ear to ear.

"Well, we are," Lilly remarked as Arthur grabbed his pole. "We're newlyweds and we're gonna have a kid. What's not to be happy about?"

"Okay. Come on Arthur, let's get her in the water."

Lilly laughed and walked to the boat. "Why over exert yourselves, boys?" Lilly pushed the boat around and into the water with ease, then held on. "Alright, get in."

Hosea laughed. "I take it you want to row, too?"

"I could, but I think I'll let one of you do that. Wouldn't want ya to look like sissies out on the lake."

"Sure thing, Princess. Your chariot awaits," Hosea said, grinning lightly with an arched brow.

They all laughed and got into the boat. Arthur offered to row. "You boys are too old for real labor no more."

"And you're too dumb for anything else," Hosea replied.

"Athair..." Lilly warned playfully.

Arthur wheezed and cackled as he got ready to row. "You're still too quick for me, old man."

"I enjoy pickin' on children. Now take us to the deeper water. Pray for good luck and stupid fish."

"What about stupid luck and good fish?"

"That'll do too."

Arthur started rowing. Lilly looked out on the lake and smiled. "Well boys, it ain't Horseshoe Overlook but it's still beautiful out here."

"Not like Ireland, though?"

"No. I can't wait for you and Da to see it!" Lilly said excitedly.

"You should'a seen Jack's face when we showed him the photos you guys sent. He got so excited!"

"That makes me happy. And you, Da? Athair? You're sure you'd prefer that over a million dollars?'

"Of course! Your plan is a much better plan! Now we just need the money to get there," Dutch explained happily.

"I think here's good," Hosea said. Arthur stopped rowing.

"Alright. Good luck gentlemen, and lady."

"Should really come here at dawn or dusk. That's when you catch the best fish." Lilly huffed and stood, removing her gun belt, hat, satchel, and boots. "Lilly, what are you doing?"

She rolled up her jeans and smiled. "Fishin'. This is how I fish." Lilly jumped in and went swimming.

Arthur laughed. "That's kinda how she fishes now, I guess. When we took Jack fishin', she caught a big sucker with her bare hands...and then the wolves stole it."

Dutch and Hosea laughed, getting their poles out. All three on lake lures and cast out. "This isn't a river, though. How is she gonna-"

A sturgeon flopped into the boat and Lilly came up with a smile. "I caught one."

Dutch and Hosea's mouths went agape but Arthur cackled. "That's my girl," he said.

They all reached camp and Arthur was true to his word. Lilly had him all to herself. As soon as they got to their tent, she pounced on Arthur and they began kissing after her dose of dramamine. Arthur brought her to the bed and laid down on top of her, kissing her jaw and neck. "Mmm, it's been too god damn long," he said.

"Yes, it has," Lilly replied, suckling on his earlobe. "My pu-"

"Herr Morgan? Mrs. Morgan?" Strauss said outside.

"Yes?" the couple said.

"When you have a chance, I'd like to speak to you both."

"Sure," Arthur said. "First chance we get, we'll talk," Arthur responded. Lilly yanked his head down and kissed him with a giggle. They started unbuttoning their blue shirts and black pants. When Arthur untucked and pulled up Lilly's undershirt, he stopped. "Uh, Lilly?"

"What's wrong?"

"Your uh...you look different."

Lilly glanced down and her brows crinkled. Her areolae were no longer a light pink shade but almost a light brown. "Oh, that. Abigail said that's normal." Suddenly she grinned. "Touch my nipple, see what happens."

Arthur chuckled and he pinched one. It made Lilly gasp loudly and Arthur's eyes opened more, his eyes showing pleasant surprise. "More sensitive?"

"Uh huh." Arthur bent his head down and sucked gently on the nub. Lilly hissed, arched her back and moaned loudly. Her arm slapped the bed from the intensified feeling and when Arthur grasped her other nipple with his fingertips, Lilly squealed in delight. It felt so good. Arthur's tongue flicked along the protruding skin and Lilly slammed her arm on the bed again, making it shake. Her fingers gripped the sheets tightly and Arthur slipped his hand down her pants. When he touched her clitoris Lilly squirmed. "Oh God," she moaned deeply.

Arthur kissed both her nipples as he massaged her nub and Lilly felt her climax approach. When Lilly unexpectedly came, she sighed with a groan and Arthur cackled. "That was quick."

"I know," she breathed out. "Can we fuck now?"

"Ha!" Arthur yanked off his clothes, pulled down her pants, nestled between her legs, and pushed his cock into her womanhood. "Jesus Christ, Lillian. You're hotter, too."

Arthur went in and out with smooth, slow strokes as he continued to kiss, suckle, and tongue flick her nipples. Lilly's back arched again and her legs opened more before enfolding around Arthur's waist. Suddenly he shifted her legs up to go over his shoulders and as he pumped into Lilly, her moans got louder. This was a new move and it felt really, really good. The more Arthur leaned forward, the better it got and the faster his strokes became. Lilly felt her climax reach up and over and she cried out in his mouth from the pleasure. He lifted his upper body and pushed her legs closer to her own body and when he went faster, Lilly gripped the bedsheets furiously. He thrust in and up inside her.

"Oh shit, oh shit, oh shiiiiiit..." Lilly grabbed a pillow to muffle her shouting as she came again. "Mmmph! Umm grrr, rrr hrr! Yrrr mmkmm mmm hmm shmmm mmmsh!"

Arthur laughed with confidence. "What was that?"

Lilly removed the pillow for a moment. "Oh God, Arthur! You're makin' me come so much!"

Arthur laughed again and kissed her before brushing his lips on her ear. "Tar arís, mo ghrá. Tar do mé arís." [Come again, my love. Come for me again.]

"Téigh níos deacra le do thoil!" [Please go harder!]

Arthur went deeper into her and Lilly's climax came and went with spasms, making Arthur growl into her neck. "Mothaíonn do coinín chomh maith sin nuair a thagann tú." [Your pussy feels so good when you come.]

When Arthur first started speaking Irish near the beginning of their relationship, she was happy to hear it. When she found out he'd been learning it for four years, Lilly became his forever. And when he spoke it during sex, it made her body a lot more susceptible to orgasm harder. And Lilly did so, again and again, as he pushed into her heavily and quickly, speaking sweet nothings in Irish to her the whole time.

"Labhair níos mó," she begged. "Teastaíonn sé uaim. I gá duit, Arthur!" [Talk more. I need it. I need you, Arthur!]

"Agair, Lillian! Agair do é, bhean!" [Plead, Lillian! Plead for it, woman!]

"Le do thoil! Le do thoil focáil dom! Impím ort!" [Please! Please fuck me! I beg you!]

"Tú cailín salach," he whispered with a deep chuckle, thrusting harder and faster. "Tú salach, cailín salach. Is breá liom é nuair a bhíonn tú chomh salach. An tusa mo chailín salach?" [You dirty girl. You dirty, dirty girl. I love it when you're so dirty. Are you my dirty girl?]

"Tá! Tá mé do chailín salach!" [Yes! I am your dirty girl!

Lilly came again and cried out into the pillow. Shortly after, Arthur grunted loudly and gave her one more deep thrust before settling on her, pushing her legs down into a relaxed position. Heavily breathing and sweating, Arthur rolled onto his back and laughed with satisfaction. "That was amazin', darlin'," he cooed. "I'm sayin' to hell with anythin' else next time you want it."

Lilly laughed. "Then we'll never get anythin' done."

Both of them laughed heartily. Lilly rolled onto her stomach and kissed her husband. "I love you, fhear céile." [husband.]

"I love you too, bhean chéile." [wife.]

Lilly giggled and kissed him again. "You do me proud with your grasp on the Irish language. You're actually quite good at it."

"Is it that shockin' to you?"

"Yes. You can barely speak English."

"Shut up," he said, hitting her head with his pillow.

Lilly's jaw dropped and she gave him a scoff full of humor. "How dare you strike a countess, Earl of Moycullen!"

Arthur wheezed out a laugh. "You and your jokes, woman." He kissed her softly. "Come on. Let's go see Strauss."

They both redressed themselves and when they came out of the tent, the wolves were in camp. Brian was letting Jack ride him around and James was hassling Mr. Pearson for some scraps.

"No James, I told you no!" Pearson shouted with a mighty laugh.

James pawed at him and Lilly strolled over. "James! Knock it off, ya silly buachaill!" she said sternly but affectionately. [boy!]

James whined and Pearson guffawed. "It's alright, Lilly. I don't mind spoilin' the boys." Pearson grabbed a small chunk of meat and tossed it to James who chowed it down greedily.

Lilly laughed. "Alright, but if he gives you any trouble, you shout for me."

"Will do."

Lilly looked around for Strauss and saw Arthur already talking to him. She ambled on over and Strauss grinned. "Ah, Mrs. Morgan! Wie geht es Ihnen heute?" [How are you today?]

"Mir geht es gut, Mr. Strauss. Und wie geht es dir?" [I'm fine, Mr. Strauss. And how are you?]

"Mir geht es gut. Fühlst du dich besser? Ich verstehe, dass Ihre Schwangerschaft bis jetzt etwas rau war." [I am fine. Do you feel better? I understand that your pregnancy has been a bit rough so far.]

"Oh, just a wee bit, Leopold. Just a wee bit. But yes, I am feeling better."

Strauss laughed. "That is good to hear. But now, to business. It turns out the pursuit of freedom is not a cheap business. Not for us and not for some of the locals."

"Sharkin' already?" Arthur said with a sigh.

"I prefer to call it banking."

"You ain't the one handin' out the beatings."

"No, but as for that, I would rather the beatings not happen unless necessary, which is why I would like both of your permission to let you, Lilly, to continue collecting the debts."

Lilly and Arthur looked at each other and she smiled. Arthur chuckled and scratched his cheek. "You really did reassess your business, huh?"

"Yes I did, thanks to you, Lilly. However, now that you are with child, I am concerned for your well being. So perhaps, Mrs. Morgan, your husband could accompany you on the debt collections."

Lilly beamed brightly at Arthur. "I know you, Da and Athair are all about me not gettin' into trouble but can we please do this, Mo Fhear Álainn? Please?" She bat her eyelashes, pouted, and put her palms together, interlocking her fingers as the universal sign of begging. [My Beautiful Man?]

Arthur chortled at her. "You're such a little shit with your brown nosin'."

"I ain't brown nosin'. I'm appeasin' my husband's pride on his good looks."

"Ha! Okay, okay. Yes, we can do it. But any sign of trouble, I take over. Understand?"

"Yes, mo chuisle." Lilly clung to his arm and kissed his cheek before looking at Strauss. "So, who is on your list?"

Strauss opened his ledger and thumbed through it. "Refinery worker turned hunter by the name of Winton Holmes. You'll find him up in the hills north of Strawberry. Ah, an apprentice undertaker. This one working in Rhodes. His name was Gwyn Hughes."

"And how many of them do you think will be able to pay?" Arthur asked.

"Hmm hmm, with enough encouragement, both of them."

Lilly grinned and grabbed the list from Strauss. "Wir werden das Geld bekommen. Auf Wiedersehen, Herr Strauss," she said, tipping her hat to him. [We'll get the money. Goodbye, Mr. Strauss.]

"Auf Wiedersehen, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan."

Lilly went rushing off toward her horses Doc and Liath. "Hmmm, which one of you boys should I take with me?"

"Take Doc. He's scarier," Arthur laughed.

"Hmm, catchin' prey off guard is a good tactic."

"Hey, I thought I was your only prey?"

"You are my only prey, but there are categories now."

Lilly mounted Doc and Arthur got on Tessa. "Really?" Arthur scowled playfully. "That's horseshit."

"Now now, when I'm huntin' for food, what should I call the animals I hunt? My prospective food sources?"

Arthur cackled. "Fair enough. So, what category are people in debt?"

"Debts."

"Simple. I like it." Arthur looked around. "You want the pups to come with?"

Lilly watched Jack still playing with Brian but James came padding up to her. "Maybe just James. Brian is occupied at the moment with mo nia." [my nephew.]

James, Arthur and Lilly headed out of camp towards Rhodes.

"Still don't look quite right," the couple heard a man say as they passed by a building in the city of Rhodes.

Lilly looked at the young man. He was working on a wooden casket. "Hey, didn't Strauss day we was lookin' for an apprentice undertaker?" Lilly asked quietly, pointing in the boy's direction.

"Yes, I believe so."

Lilly smirked at Arthur. "Hmm. You want first dibs?"

Arthur sighed. "Yeah, I'll go first." Arthur took a step away from her, approaching their quarry. "Gwyn Hughes?" he asked. "You start pickin' up a box for yourself," the kid backed up into the corner but Arthur pursued him, cornering him, "if you don't got that money you owe Leopold Strauss," Arthur said in a low voice with a threatening undertone.

Lilly shuddered from the excitement. "Oof, he's good," she giggled to herself.

Gwyn dropped his tool and held up his hands. "Well, I-I don't...I-I...I need more time."

Lilly had seen Arthur threaten people before, but this was different now. Now, Lilly was very aware at how much it turned her on to see Arthur being a true alpha.

"Doesn't everybody?" Arthur snarked. "That casket for you or do you want another?" Arthur threatened.

"Wait! Wait wait wait wait wait! I...I can get it for you. But, uh...well, uh...come with me to the churchyard. And stay close."

Arthur followed. Lilly and James caught up with him and Lilly grasped his arm. "You're such a man, Arthur," she giggled quietly.

"Ah, don't I know it," he replied in a low, gruff whisper.

Lilly frowned. "You don't sound so enthusiastic."

"I'm not. Not about this. I can threaten any bad man as good as the day is long, but threatenin' innocent folk is not somethin' I enjoy."

Lilly quirked her mouth. Now she felt bad for getting randy. "I'm sorry. Maybe I should'a taken this one."

"You can take the next one."

"This...it ain't exactly right what we're doin'," Gwyn stuttered.

"You ain't the first to put his hand in the collection box and you won't be the last. Rest a little easier knowin' churches been takin' more than they need off poor folks since time began," Arthur preached.

"Well, like I said, well," the boy paused his mouth like he was trying to sugar coat something unseemly. "The morality of the matter is a little more confusin' than that," Gwyn huffed nervously.

They closed in on the entrance of the churchyard. "Okay," Arthur said. "You head into the church, we'll keep watch."

"Well, it ain't in there. It's under here. I'm diggin up Mrs. Claypole," Gywn said in a guilty tone.

"Jesus!" Arthur hissed.

"Well, she got a bunch of jewels in there that she don't need."

Lilly stopped with a look of shock on her face. "Ya canna go diggin' people up fer money! What's wrong with ya?!"

"Shh!" Gwyn said. "Keep it down."

"But yer desecratin' someone's restin' place, ya gobshite! Do ya know how...I ain't lettin' ya do somethin' that immoral!"

"Ain't you both debtors?" Gwyn stopped and looked at them both. "Who are you to talk about morals?"

"Oh ho ho," Lilly laughed in disbelief. "Listen here, ya little bastard. The only reason I'm here is tah play nice," Lilly stalked up to him with a glare. "And the only reason he's here is tah beat the shite outta anyone who I deem fit fer an arse kickin'. And ya seem tah be gettin' real close tah gettin' one. From both of us."

Arthur guffawed and clasped his belt. "Please do not upset my wife, Mr. Hughes. She is Irish, so her temper can be, heh heh heh, quite unpleasant."

Lilly looked back at Arthur. Lilly said something similar to Uncle Levi's men when they robbed his train. She eyed him and Arthur gave her a knowing smile and a wink.

"Hmph," she said before looking back at Gwyn who had an frightened expression. "I'm waitin' fer me apology, Mr. Hughes, or do I hafta get me wolf here tah "coax ya" intah apologizin'?"

James made a low growl and Gwyn jumped back. "I-I'm sorry, you're right, I apologize. But how am I supposed to pay you if you won't let me dig up a dead lady?"

Lilly sighed. He had a point. She didn't want to make a habit out of paying off debts for people, so she took a step forward. "Just make it quick, boy. I ain't known fer me patience."

Gwyn hurried up to the church and Lilly followed along with Arthur and James.

Hoooo, so many translations to add. Thirty-one chapters down, and erm...thirty something chapters to go lol. Thanks for reading. Review, fav, and follow!