The next day, Latham Cole had gathered the citizens of Colby to not only announce the railroad's progress but also the news of Blake's "death" and his partnership with Joe. He ordered Butch, Frank, and the Sinners to stay behind in the train; they could only open a window in order to hear his speech.
That day as well, Cole had the maid tailor a new suit for Butch, and newer outfits for the others. Scuzz's old, ragged and torn attire was replaced with a dark blue vest, an off-white shirt, belts, dark pants and polished boots. Freighter had a dark purple vest with a white shirt, two belts, and dark pants and boots as well. Jake refused a shirt but he did ask for a dark vest tinted with a purple-pink color (however, it was requested that he button the vest or else), dark pants and boots. Walliwitz was difficult to get tailored (not only because of his hunchback, but also because of his behavior problem); however, they were able to get him a moss green vest, an off-white shirt, an some overalls with dark boots. Edgar on the other hand, not only got a black suit identical to Cole's, but he recieved gold sleeve cuffs and a gold chain necklace, and a new cane with a gold handle.
Frank refused and just had her wash his clothes along with the bonnett.
The gang watched as Cole, Joe, and Seth stepped up by the podium. Freighter cracked the door open for them to listen. They all helped themselves to drinks while they awaited to hear what Cole had to say. The door on the other end opened and they turned to see Rebecca and Danny all dressed and clean. Rebecca stood by Butch and asked, "What do ya think he's up to now?" Butch just shook his head and replied, "God knows..."
As the applause quieted down, Cole gave the people a smile and approached the podium and announced, "My good citizens of Colby! I have terrific news!"
"Here it comes...," muttered Butch.
"Our progress for the railroads is about to come to a close!"
Applause arose and then came to a halt.
"We will be done by the middle of next week, and there, we will have our locomotives up and running!"
"Bullshit...," muttered Jake as he took a swig of whiskey.
"On top of that, I have something else to bring. I have just gotten word, that the notorious Blake Thuuman has been found dead!"
That made the crowds cheer. Butch and the gang hung their heads low. "From my newest business partners, Mr. Jose "Joe" Montezuma, and Seth, who discovered her body, said that from the heavy feeling of guilt being weighed on her, she had decided to take her life by the noose!"
Oh did that make Butch snap his head up in anger. Rebecca saw him clench his fist because of this.
"God rest her soul..."
Cole's speech went on for about two more minutes before the crowd roared with cheers and applause. Cole and Joe tipped their hats and they stepped down along with Seth following them suit.
Just as Cole had entered the train: "What the HELL was that?!" An angry Butch called out as he grabbed Cole by the neck almost strangling him. The gang quickly began pulling Butch away from Cole.
"Whoa whoa hey hey!"
"Easy there, boss!"
"Calm yer ass, ya ol' bastard!"
"Please jes' stop!"
They successfully pulled him away and restrained him and allowed Cole to get some air back. "Bartholomew! What the hell was that?!"
"By hell ya know wha' I mean!"
"Wh-What?!"
Butch struggled against the gang to attempt to punch Cole right in the face.
"Th' hell was all tha' fuckin' bullshit 'bout Blake for?!"
Cole gave Butch a baffled look. "...You? You still care about the girl?"
Butch stopped struggling and the gang let him go. He turned his face away from Cole. He didn't say one word. "... Why on earth would you- Of all people- still care about the death of a child? Blake's dead and there's just absolutely nothing you can do about it...!"
Butch looked at Cole right in the eyes; his glare spoke death. "'Cuzz she's...-"
"She's what?"
"... Like a daughter to me."
Joe and Seth smirked and the gang remained silent while Cole became even more baffled. "A- Daughter?" Butch didn't move. "Why?"
The car became as quiet as a graveyard.
"...Nevermind," Butch said finally. He turned and exited the car.
"Goddamn lyin' snake-faced motherfucker...," he cursed soundlessly, slamming the door behind him.
...
...
...
Dusk was starting to arise across the Texas desert. The gang stopped and set up camp for the night.
John and Tonto gathered fuel for the fire while Blake started it with a flame spell. Japhet and Tonto brought the gang their dinner.
While the gang ate, Blake felt the need to ask about Red and Davison's past with each other, and about Jake's unspoken past. "So. How exactly did you two know each other?" Blake asked to Red and Davison. The two stopped eating and looked at each other. "I-I mean- it's fine if none y'all wanna talk 'bout it. I was jes'-"
"No. We'll tell you," Davison interrupted.
Red looked at Davison and lowered her head saying, "It's been such a long time, though..."
...
...
...
In 1853, my brother and I were on our way home from Texas. Our family lived in New York so we had to travel by train. The ride was going very smooth, nothing seemed to be life threatening… That was, until that happened.
Something must've been on the rails, our train hit it, and it caused the trail to go off the tracks. I can't emphasize enough how awfully scared I was during and afterwards. Once the wreckage was cleared up after a few days, I didn't see my brother until afterwards. I found him in the hospital in a nearby town. I was relieved… until that moment.
That moment, when I got to see him… He didn't know who I was. I… I thought he was joking, but he really acted like he never knew me… Or our family. I… I felt devastated. We tried everything to make him remember us. We finally made contact with a doctor up in the New England states. His name… It was Dr. Ambrose Davison.
We sent Jake to his institute a few weeks later. Jacob came back home a year later. He wasn't cured or anything… something back at the institute triggered his memories again. His treatment was supposed to last longer than that but…
…
…
…
"He broke out into a fight and where he got hit-" Davison added pointing to his temple, "-had knocked him out but he suddenly had remembered what had happened prior to the derailment."
Blake and John sat there taking in all the information being said. Tonto just listened.
Red smiled at Davison. "Was a miracle he didn't get killed again," she commented. Davison nodded and replied, "It's amazing what the brain can do, Ms. Herrington."
"So, basically, if it weren't fer Doc, Jake wouldn't've been here…?" Blake asked.
Red chuckled, "That sounds about right."
Tonto looked around the area and suddenly said, "Night falling. We must rest for the night." Davison nodded and said, "He's right. There's going to be thieves and God knows what else out here at this time."
John replied, "I'll keep watch tonight."
Blake quickly put out the fire while everyone got to sleep.