Moved, again. This time to a remote area surrounded by forests and caves and secrets deep in Beaver Hollow. Arthur and Charles had to clear it of an animalistic gang called the Murfree Brood, rescuing a poor young lady in the process. When the rest of the gang had pulled up they were unfortunately witness to the aftermath, though Charles had thankfully cleared up the worst of it, Javier and Bill had to help with the remainder of the bodies while everyone else set to making the place habitable. They were set up at the mouth of a massive cave, and though it would be more convenient to hole up inside the cave itself the stench wafting from the rock walls was unbearable. As Evelyn took in her surroundings, she shivered. The land itself felt cursed, soaked in the blood of innocent victims and the blood of the Murfree's themselves. She made sure Annabell stuck close to her side, terrified the girl would wander off and fall off of a cliff, or get eaten by a cougar, or, perhaps the most likely, snatched by any remaining Murfree's.
The atmosphere amongst everyone felt slightly tense, Evelyn was unsure as to why but she tried her best to ignore it as she set to building her tent that was situated between Abigail and Jacks tent and Arthur's wagon. Annabell helped her by handing her mother the spines and stakes. In no time the white tent stood tall, if not slightly wonky, and Evelyn filled it with her bedroll, clothes, blankets, and set up the small bed Arthur had built Annabell back in Shady Bell though it took up a good portion of the space. She left her finished tent and strode over to Abigails to offer a hand when she caught sight of Arthur who'd just returned from dropping that girl off. She sent him a smile when she caught his eye and he returned it with small, tense one. She turned away as he got caught into a conversation with Dutch. She frowned, idly helping Abigail unfold blankets as she got lost in thought. Abigail had been silent, growing more sorrowful by the day as Dutch continued refusing to help get John out of Prison. The man's refusal, and insistence on waiting until the right moment, had caused a rather large tension between Dutch and the other members. She noticed a sort of divide between the gang members, people naturally filing themselves into two separate sides. With Dutch, or against. They gave no room for middlemen, even though it didn't even seem like anyone was truly against Dutch at all. What's worse is that Arthur was unfairly pitted against as the leader of the 'rebellion' causing spats with Javier, Susan, Bill, and especially Micah, anytime Arthur would be within earshot.
Evelyn's musings were cut off by a feminine yell on the other side of camp. Molly O'Shea stumbled drunkenly into camp, reeking of whiskey and haggard with her clothes crumpled and hair flying out of her braid. Her eyes, alit with a blaze of sorrowful anger glared hatefully at Dutch. Everyone gathered around, watching curiously. Evelyn ushered Jack and Annabell into Abigail's tent and joined the crowd.
"So Dutch," Molly slurred. "Did'ya miss me?" She hollered. Beside her Uncle looked at her in pity.
"I found her drunk in a bar in Saint Denise." He explained. Dutch nodded to him, his spine straight and tense. He sneered down at Molly.
"You're back. How jolly, miss O'Shea." He said sarcastically.
"It's Molly you sack o' shit!" Molly spat, stumbling to stand in front of him. She went on a drunken tangent, flailing her arms around. Dutch ordered her to calm down, though the redhead paid him no mind.
"I wont be ignored, Dutch Vander Linde! I ain't him," She pointed angrily to Bill, then turned to Mary Beth and pointed again. "Or her," She stopped on Evelyn, who was latched to Arthur's sleeve, her eyes wide as she watched on. "And I ain't her, I ain't the perfect little mascot!" She sneered hatefully. Evelyn flinched, confused and hurt. Arthur grasped her hand in comfort and shifted to stand in front of her. Molly turned back to Dutch. "I ain't any of your little stooges."
Dutch stepped forward, his face growing red. "Enough, woman!" He yelled. Molly laughed, a hollow and awful sound.
"I'll spit in yer eye, I will." She paused. "I did! I told them!" She ranted. Dutch's eyes grew dark and cold. Silence fell upon the camp. He stepped forward.
"I'm sorry?" He growled. Molly continued, unaffected.
"Yeah I told 'em, and I'll tell 'em again. Now I've got Gods ear!" She cackled, unhinged,
"You told who, what?"
"Mr. Milton, and Mr. Ross," She slurred, "I told 'em about the bank robbery. I wanted 'em to kill you!" She continued, screeching. Dutch whipped out his pistol, furious.
"You did what?"
Molly faltered, tears pouring from her eyes. She pointed at herself frantically. "I loved you, you goddamn bastard! Go on, shoot me!" She howled, sobbing now. Arthur sidled behind Dutch, leaning into his ear with a hand on his shoulder.
"She's crazy, she ain't worth it." Arthur told him, almost pleading. Dutch and Molly continued yelling until Arthur yelled at Molly to shut it. "You don't want to do this, she's a fool."
Dutch glared at him incredulously. "Arthur?" He growled.
"Just get her out of here!" Arthur growled back. Molly continued on cackling crazily.
"You know the rules! You-"
Dutch was cut off with a boom. Evelyn watched, seemingly in slow motion, as Molly went from laughing hysterically to silent in an instant. She flew back, her stomach, now see-through thanks to a gaping bloody hole, gushed with blood. Evelyn flinched, warm blood splattering on her face.
Silently, Molly's body thudded to the ground, her mouth still gaped open in a silent scream and her eyes dulled and glossy. Miss Grimshaw stepped forward, cocking her shotgun. She threw a glare at Arthur.
"She knew the rules, Arthur. What the hell is wrong with you?" She spat at him. Arthur looked away, strained. He gazed down at Molly's body, running a hand down his face and sighing heavily. Evelyn choked back a sob, touching her face and bringing her hand back to see it covered in blood. Her wide eyes trailed over to Molly, crumpled in the dirt and bleeding out. Grimshaw ordered the men to clean the mess and burn the body, but she paid them no mind. Arthur took her hand and tugged her away from the scene. He led her away from camp, propping her up onto his horse and mounting up after her. He called for Annabell, who quickly left the tent and ran for them, letting Arthur scoop her up in front of him on the saddle. He left the camp quickly, ignoring the glares shot at him from Dutch, Bill, even Javier and Susan.
They rode fast and hard for a short while, circling behind the camp and following the river until Arthur finally pulled Midnight to a stop in a small clearing besides the river, just below the massive waterfall feeding into it. He helped Annabell down, then dismounted and gingerly lifted Evelyn off the horse and onto her feet. Evelyn stared at their surroundings in awe, Annabell immediately running towards the river to splash around. Arthur led her to the water where Evelyn could wash her face of Molly's blood. They sat in silence afterwards, watching Annabell frolic in the river as they sat up against a boulder. The roar of the waterfall served as a soothing sound barrier and Evelyn quickly felt herself calming down. Her heart still raced, and her mouth still stung with the sour taste of shock and anger at what had just transpired. Even a fool should've seen that Molly was drunk and crazed out of her mind, saying anything to get a rise out of Dutch, even if it was a lie that would cost her her life. She wondered if maybe that was what Molly was hoping for. Tears stung at her eyes, and she sniffed.
Arthur sighed, bringing up his knees and resting his arms on them.
"What a goddamn mess." He sighed, taking off his hat and ruffling his hair. He was clean shaven once more and his previously wild mane was tamed to curl just below his ears. Evelyn brought her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them.
"What's happening, Arthur?" She whispered. The man shook his head, his shoulders slumped like he was under heavy weight.
"I don't know. It's not good, whatever's goin' on. We ain't comin' out of this alive, Evelyn. 'Least not all of us." He answered grimly. Evelyn gripped his hand tightly.
"Whatever it is that's happening, I wont leave you. We'll figure it out, together." She insisted. Arthur chuckled dryly, shaking his head.
"And get you and Annabell killed too? No, I'll get you away from here before that happens." He finally lifted his head to look into her eyes.
"Arthur, please. Don't send me away. I'll send Annabell away, somewhere safe. Maybe with Jack and Abigail too. But I can't leave you. Not after I just got you back." Her voice caught as her throat tightened and tears once again tried escaping her eyes. Arthur looked away and searched through his satchel. He procured afat band of cash, then another.
"I got enough money to get you somewhere safe, get you a life started somewhere else. You, Abigail, Sadie and the children can get away from this. Let me do this for you." He plead. Evelyn searched his eyes. They were bloodshot and tired, the blue-green depths clouded with confusion and sorrow. She shook her head, pushing the offered money away and crawling over to him to wrap her arms around him and bury her face in his chest.
"I can't." She choked out, voice muffled in Arthur's cotton shirt. "I can't leave you. If I left, you wouldn't come back." She drew back to glare at him, her eyes red and her cheeks soaked in tears. "I can't leave you do kill yourself doing Dutch's bidding. I wont, Arthur Morgan." She said, her voice strained and deep. Arthur was silent, looking down at her. He sighed, tucking the money and the satchel away and returning her embrace.
"Okay. Okay." He relented. "But, if things go as south as I'm thinkin' they will, I'll haul you over to Sadie and make you be safe."
Evelyn chuckled, sniffling.
"You think Sadie would listen to you over me?" She challenged. Arthur finally smiled.
"If it's for yours and the girl's wellbeing, I'd be surprised if she doesn't haul you away herself." They shared a chuckle. Annabell called to them from the river.
"Mama! Mister Arthur! Come swim with me!" Evelyn laughed and rose to a stand, tugging Arthur along with her. She stripped out of her boots and pants, leaving on her undergarments and her long-sleeved shirt before joining Annabell in the water. So close to the shore meant the current was a nice calm, as opposed to the rushing water further in. Annabell cheered as Arthur joined in, having taken off his shirt and boots to wade towards them. They spent the next few hours chasing away the sadness and fear, splashing in the cold water with Annabell and Arthur trying his best to teach her how to swim. Evelyn ventured out into the deeper waters so she could fully indulge in swimming, watching over the two with a soft smile on her face as Annabell once more spluttered into the water and Arthur saving her.
Watching Arthur interact with Annabell gave Evelyn an otherworldly sense of happiness, getting a glimpse into what life could've been like if Annabell had ever had a loving and functional father. She blushed, shaking the thought from her mind. She couldn't put such an expectation on Arthur, it was unfair to him. Men just didn't take in bastard children, no matter how much they might like the mother. She still had to keep her guard up, despite having full trust in him. The sun began making its descent, and Arthur had to call in the two ladies to call it a night, much to the loud objections of Anna. Evelyn lifted the girl in her arms, making her giggle, and trudged out of the water, her hair and shirt sopping wet and clinging to her every curve. Arthur cleared his throat and looked away.
They got dressed, Annabell wrapped in a spare shirt and Evelyn borrowing Arthur's coat. They made their way back to camp, ignoring the angry glares and questioning glances. Javier made a snide comment to Arthur, feigning surprise and commenting that he was surprised they came back instead of running away. Evelyn glared at him, making him scoff and turn away. She looked up to Arthur, who let no emotion onto his face. They ate dinner on their own and retired, Evelyn and Anna in their tent and Arthur at his own.
Evelyn couldn't stay asleep, awake at every noise. She wasn't sure if she was more scared of the possibility of the Murfree Brood enacting revenge, or the angry camp members.
The next morning saw Arthur and Sadie gone, and Abigail tittering nervously. Evelyn glanced questioningly at the woman who made her way over to her.
"Evelyn... I... Well. Will you ride with me? MaryBeth has the children, I trust her." Abigail asked, fumbling nervously over her words. Evelyn, who woke after Annabell did, looked over to see the two children gathered around MaryBeth who was reading a book to them. Annabell gasped in horror to something MaryBeth said, while Jack laughed victoriously. At the sight of the children occupied and happy, Evelyn turned to Abigail and nodded.
"Of course Abigail, where to?" She asked. Abigail shook her head and led her to the horses, Athena already tacked up and ready to go. Presumably thanks to Abigail.
"Not here. I took the liberty of gettin' your horse ready, figured we'd ride together. Hope that's alright." She said sheepishly. Evelyn quirked a brow at her.
"What if I would've said no?" She asked. Abigail shrugged, mounting the horse and offering her a hand.
"I woulda asked to borrow her?" She said, hauling Evelyn up into the saddle behind her. Evelyn laughed. They galloped away, saying nothing as they got further and further away from the camp. Leaving the camp felt like a physical relief was lifted from their shoulders, the further away the more carefree they became. As the broke out of the tree line and rode into a clearing near the train tracks and a lake, Evelyn finally broke the silence.
"Abigail, what's all this about? Where are we going?" She asked. Abigail glanced at her over her shoulder.
"Sadie and Arthur snuck away this mornin'. I'm guessin' to break John out of prison. I want to help as much as I can, and I figured I'd bring you along as well. I know you don't like him much but," Abigail paused, taking a deep breath. "But things have been real strange in camp lately. I don't know who we can trust besides ourselves any more. Even Dutch. I just hoped you'd understand." She finished. Evelyn frowned, looking ahead of them. She started to recognize the faint outline of Saint Denise. Anxiety started to curl in her stomach at the proximity.
"I understand. Arthur and I talked about the very same thing last night. I'm worried, Abigail. But of course I'd help in any way to get John home. He means a lot to you, and to Jack, so he means a lot to me, too." Evelyn reassured the woman in front of her. Abigail reached back to squeeze Evelyn's hand in gratitude.
"It means a lot to me. I know I been distant lately but you're my closest friend. I knew you'd be there for me." Abigail said, ending the conversation as she steered Athena to go off the road to the left, slowing down to stop in front of Sadie who appeared to be preparing a boat. Said woman looked up at them, then did a double take and settled on an angry expression.
"What the hell are you two doin' here?" Sadie asked, dropping the rope she was messing with to cock her hand on her hips. Evelyn hopped off of her horse and helped Abigail down who rushed over to Sadie.
"Look, Sadie, I just want to help. I brought Evelyn with as an extra pair of hands." Abigail said, stubbornly lifting her chin in the air. Sadie laughed and shook her head.
"Absolutely not."
Abigail huffed, glaring at the blonde woman. "I have to help, if John don't get back, Jack would be heartbroken!"
Sadie shifted her weight and looked behind Abigail to make eye contact with Evelyn and cocked an eyebrow at her.
"Evelyn, shouldn't you know better?" Evelyn laughed, lifting her hands in surrender.
"She basically kidnapped me, I had no idea." She ignored Abigail outraged gasp. "But, I agreed to help, if there's any way for me to."
Abigail smiled victoriously, then sobered and clasped her hands in front of her.
"Sadie, I really must come. Thing is... I just... He's my husband!" Abigail plead. Behind them Arthur finally made an appearance and approached them, looking confused.
"I know." Sadie replied.
"I insist!" Abigail retorted. Sadie scoffed.
"Insist all you like, it ain't happenin'!" Sadie noticed Arthur who stood with Evelyn. She gestured from him to Abigail. "Arthur, tell her!"
Arthur stood confused. "Tell her what?"
"That she ain't comin' with us. And neither is Evelyn."
"I-"
Arthur shook his head and chuckled. "You ain't comin' with us, neither of you." He gave Evelyn a pointed glare, who shrugged, unfazed.
"But-" Abigail tried once more.
"But nothin'!" Arthur boarded the boat, helping Sadie as she continued lecturing Abigail. "It'll be safer and faster just the two of us, plus John'll be calmer without worryin' about you." She gave a slight glare to Arthur and Evelyn. "Arthur, too." Arthur rolled his eyes.
"You two get back to camp. And Abigail, try not to drag Evelyn into your schemes. She's already a hassle enough." Arthur joked, trying to take the edge off the tension. Evelyn rolled her eyes. Abigail stuttered, rushing to the edge of the dock as they started floating away.
"I ain't the crying sort," she yelled after them. "But... I'm real grateful!" Sadie chuckled.
"We know. We'll bring him back to you!" She waved goodbye, Arthur following suit.
"Thank you!" Abigail finally yelled out as they grew smaller in the distance. She sighed, turning back to Evelyn and giving her a sheepish smile.
"I'm sorry to drag you out here for no reason, Evelyn." She apologized. Evelyn smiled and drew the woman in for a light hug, leading the way back to their horse and hopping on, then helping Abigail onto the back.
"It's never a problem to spend time with you, Abigail. Plus, I knew the outcome as soon as you told me what you were doing." She laughed as Abigail slapped her shoulder.
"You're a mean, spiteful woman Evelyn Kings."
They arrived back at camp with curious glances from the others that they just brushed off. They went their separate ways, Abigail retiring to her rent to finish some stitching and Evelyn heading over to Pearson. Pearson greeted her with a strained smile, taking a break from butchering meet to wipe his hands on his apron and nod at her.
"Hey Pearson, how are you doing?" Evelyn asked, busting herself with helping him clean some of the mess. He sighed.
"I'm doing as well as everyone else, Mrs. Kings. How can I help you on this fine day?" He said with false joy. Evelyn smiled at him sympathetically as she threw away potato peels into the compost bin.
"I was wondering how Arthur's new satchel was coming along. I hope I'm not bothering you." Pearson perked up, wiping his hands once more and tittering away to his wagon where he rustled around before reappearing with a triumphant huff. In his hand was a hand crafted satchel, skillfully crafted with bison fur donning the flap and a supple brown leather making up the sack. Pearson called it his Provisions Satchel, one of the many options of his handmade bags. Evelyn had commissioned him to make one for Arthur after his satchel was cut and stolen by those kids. It'd taken her a while to gather all of the materials, Charles procuring most of them for her.
She grasped it with a happy smile, examining it closely.
Pearson sat anxiously, watching her expressions closely. "Well, what do you think?" He asked.
"It's perfect, Pearson. Thank you so much! I'm sure he'll love it." Evelyn gushed quietly. She didn't want the others to eavesdrop on them, as harmless as their conversation was she just wasn't comfortable with them all anymore. The thought made her sober. She tucked away the satchel into her tent and returned to help Pearson for the remainder of the day, idly preparing a stew with him as he answered Annabell's many questions with grace. The girl was curious as to how to prepare and cook meals, a fleeting interest that was sure to spark out quickly but Pearson was all too happy to brag and boast on his culinary prowess, even if it was to a five year old girl.
About two hours in and a commotion caught everyone's attention. Sadie and Arthur rode in, looking tired and worn. Behind Sadie sat John, donned in a black and white striped prison suit and looking as beat up as Evelyn had ever seen him. Abigail rushed over, a full smile brightening up her face.
"John! Oh, you brought him back to me!" She cheered, running into the man's arms and looking him over. Sadie and Arthur hung back. Dutch stormed over, his face clouded in anger.
"John!" He yelled. Evelyn jumped at the sound. "What are you doing here?" He demanded. John spat, squaring his shoulders and stepping forward, his brow set in a frown.
"Good to see you too, partner." He said sarcastically. Dutch stopped in front of John, Micah slinking behind a few feet back.
"I meant I hadn't sent for you yet." Dutch said. Arthur stepped forward, spitting a dark substance onto the ground.
"I went." He answered, sounding bored or tired Evelyn couldn't tell.
"But I said that-" Arthur cut him off.
"Yeah I know what you said. I felt different." He said simply, stalking over to stop next to John. Now Arthur and John stood together, a sort of stand off against Ditch and Micah. Evelyn gripped Annabell closer to her.
"Is that so?" Dutch asked, drawing out the space between each word slowly. He gestured to John, sneering. "And when freeing John brings down all of the law on us, what then Arthur?" His voice rose in volume.
"We'll I guess we'll have another fight on our hands. Arthur growled out. They were in each others faces now, Arthur refusing to back down and Dutch's eyes ablaze in anger.
"Loyalty, Arthur. It ain't." He faltered, and Evelyn wondered if the fight had fizzled out. "I had a goddamn plan, Arthur!" Dutch shouted, perhaps louder than when he had shouted at Molly. Everyone flinched, except Arthur who never took his green-blue eyes off of Dutch's.
"John... John." Dutch relented. "You are my brother. You are my son. I was coming for you..." John, exasperated, gestured vaguely.
"They was talkin' of hangin' me, Dutch!" John retorted. Abigail placed a calming hand on his arm. Dutch backed away.
"They was talking. They was talking." He mocked, then scoffed and turned away, Micah on his heels. "And now they may come and hang us all." Dutch finally spat and sulked away to his tent, dismissing them. John and Abigail took their leave, leaving Arthur and the rest to stare after Dutch. Arthur coughed, spitting once more. Evelyn looked to him in concern. He shook away her concern and gestured for her to follow him, and he led her and Annabell a bit of ways away from camp where they sat in companionable silence, Evelyn looking at him in concern.
Things weren't good, and they were only getting worse.