We talked until the sun was just starting to disappear behind the horizon, I didn't hold anything back telling them everything; if I was going to get their help I knew I had to be absolutely honest with these men.
"So tell us again Miss Cohen, why did you leave you daughter with Mrs Adler?" Hosea asked leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees, he's eyes watching me closely.
Taking a deep breath I looked up at the setting sun before bowing my head slightly, tears prickling at the corner of my eyes; though I would not allow them to fall here. I jumped slightly as I felt a hand placed on the back of my neck, I turned slightly and smiled as I saw Sadie stood there, she gave my neck a small squeeze in encouragement before kneeling down and looking up at me.
"These are good men Belle, you can trust them I promise" she whispered squeezing my hand tightly before standing again, returning her hand to the back of my neck
"I used to ride with a gang, much like the one you have here I'm sure, we were family and we loved each other. Another gang rode through and slaughtered them all including the man I was going to marry, as much as I wanted to stay and help he convinced me to get Cat and get out so that's what I did" I said quietly "When I came back I found not one survivor my entire family dead in one night. We were ambushed and we didn't even see it coming. That was when I left Cat with Sadie so I could go and find the bastards to took almost everything from me, it was only a few weeks ago I found out that gang was the O'Driscolls" I finished as my knuckles went white with the pressure I was digging my nails into my palms.
"Belle, Stop your bleeding" Sadie gasped pulling my hands up, looking at my hands I realised I'd drawn blood with the pressure of my nails digging in.
"Colm and his gang have no morals, he kills for fun and damns the consciences" Dutch snarled before moving to kneel before me and placing his hands on my knees "Belle you have my word we will get your little girl back"
Leaning forward I placed my own hands over his, finally allowing the tears to fall from my eyes; before lifting his hands and placing a soft kiss on the back on one of them.
"Thank you so much" I whispered.
Before long I was sat at a table with Arthur, Dutch, Hosea and a few of the other men, Dutch was explaining to them who I was and why I was there; most people looked sad for me and looked willing to help. All except one, a greasy looking blonde man who stood just behind Dutch, he's eyes watching me uneasily.
"So what, the widow brings come woman in claiming she's decent and we jump to her aid?" he spat walking around Dutch and leaning on the table "For all we know they both work for Colm" he snarled at me, he's eyes dancing around hoping he'd drawn a few people in.
"Micah.." Arthur started only to be cut off when I stood.
"You watch your mouth! Sadie and her late husband are good people and if you ever link me to that damn man Colm again, I'll cut your tongue from your mouth and force feed it too you" I hissed with venom, before taking me seat again.
"Though he does have a point, none of you know who I am. I just turned up and asked for help but I promise you I have no bad intentions I only want to get my girl back" I sighed, feeling a hand on my shoulder I turned expecting to see Sadie, but was surprised to see Arthur stood there.
"We know that Belle, Micah is just being a arse" Arthur sneered
I felt a hand pat my shoulder softly in comfort and I smiled softly, turning expecting to see Sadie but was surprised to see Arthur. I smiled up at him and patted his hand softly, before turning back to look at Dutch.
"Look it's a big ask I know it is, I am essentially asking you to go to war with me but I wouldn't be here asking if I wasn't desperate" I sighed "if you can't help me then I will completely understand" I finished leaning back in my chair.
"It's a big ask boss" said Micah giving me a sly dirty look, which I instantly returned.
"we are already at war Micah" Dutch replied "Miss Belle we will be happy to help you get your little girl back, it just comes as a bonus that we get to take out O'Driscolls to do it" Dutch said looking at me with a smile.
Standing up he raised he's hand and gave me a smile, I quickly stood myself before grasping his hand tightly in my own and giving it a firm shake.
"Thank you Dutch Van Der Linde your an absolute god send" I smiled softly.