"Try it again - here just sound it out."
Jack huffed. "Ta...ow...n."
Ethan smiled. "Now say it as a whole word."
"Do I have to?"
"Your momma asked me to teach you to read, so yeah."
"Okay," He turned back to the book, pointing his chubby finger under the word. "T...own."
"Good, but say it a little faster now."
"Town."
Ethan smiled and ruffled his hair. "Good job, kiddo."
He wasn't exactly sure why Abigail asked him to teach Jack to read, he wasn't the best teacher in the world, but he would try. It was the least he could do for her anyway, since John didn't give a damn about the kid.
"Now try this word." Ethan pointed to another word.
Jack scrunched his nose. "Eee...la...fa-nt."
"Close. E is supposed to sound like an L. So try saying it that way."
"This is hard."
Ethan chuckled. "I know the feeling. Try this last word and we'll take a break."
Jack heaved a heavy sigh for his tiny body. "L...a...fa-nt."
"Jack, you ain't even trying." Abigail griped.
Ethan turned. "He's doing fine. He's just confused by the English language and truthfully, so am I."
"It don't matter, I want him educated."
"It's gonna take a lot more than a few reading lessons."
She sipped her coffee, then nodded. "Well we got nothing but time."
He watched her walk away with her cup of coffee in hand, muttering a few greetings. He didn't understand the stress she was putting on Jack, he was only four. When he was four, he was just learning to dress himself properly.
"How about we take a little break?"
Jack slammed the book shut. "I'm going to pick some flowers."
Ethan smiled and looked down at his weathering boots, brushing off some dirt and dust, before lighting up a cigarette. He puffed on it for a while, as he let the early morning rays warm his chilly bones.
"He run off again?"
He glanced over his shoulder. "I told him to go."
"Well...I just wanna thank you for teaching him."
"It's nothing, he's a good kid."
She took a seat beside him ."I just wish he'd take it seriously."
"He's four, Abby."
She nodded. "I know."
"But for a four year old, he's smart as hell."
"I know that too-" She hugged her shawl around her shoulders. "Ya wanna know something?"
"It depends."
She breathed a laugh. "You act more like his father than his real father does. I don't even know that John cares about the boy. He says he does, but he don't want nothing to do with him."
Ethan flicked his cigarette, then mushed it with the tip of his boot. "I'm not in the position to judge the man."
"You knew him since you was a baby yourself, he's like your uncle."
"I know, but...as a man, you can't judge another man without knowing everything there is to know; his thoughts, his feelings-" He shrugged. "It's not like we talk about that stuff anyways."
"Well Arthur would know. He knows what John's thinking before he knows what he's thinking."
Ethan smiled.
"Where is he, do ya know?"
"I have no idea."
"A lot of good you are." She teased, nudging him with her elbow.
He clutched his arm "Ouch."
"Oh stop."
He smirked.
"I meant what I said, you're more a father to him than John is. You're all he talks about too."
"I don't wanna step on John's toes-"
"He don't care about steppin' on anyone's toes, so step away."
He shook his head. "It's more complicated than that. Jack ain't my kid, he's John's. If I start actin' like his father when he has a father, it's gonna get messy."
"He has a father but I ain't sure who it is. I just figured since John was the last man I was with-" She shrugged. "I ain't never been good at arithmetic though."
Ethan swallowed thickly, not knowing where she was going with the conversation, but he had an idea. She was implying that John wasn't Jack's father and that someone else was. It made him nervous for a lot of reasons, one being that he lost his virginity to Abigail when he was sixteen - four years ago. She'd been offering herself up to earn her keep around camp and she was happy for the most part, as long as she had a bed to sleep in, food in her belly and someone to gossip with.
Ethan originally had no plans to sleep with her, however it was almost a rite of passage for a boy his age. Abigail was willing and he was ready. He never told anyone about it, especially his father. Ethan was a lot of things, but stupid was not one of them.
"Abigail." Hosea greeted.
She smiled and stood. "Hey Hosea. I'll see you around, Ethan."
"See ya, Abby."
Hosea tipped his hat and took Abigail's seat next to Ethan. The morning was chilly, even as the sun began to rise. Ethan pulled out another cigarette and struck a match on his boot.
"I need you to go into town and gather some supplies. Your Pa went with Javier, Charles and Bill earlier, so you might run into them."
"Are you just sending me to check on them?"
Hosea chuckled. "If I am, that's my business and my business alone."
Ethan smiled. "Alright, I'll go."
"Just keep an eye on them. We've got to lay low for a while and Dutch is worried we aren't doing a good enough job."
"Well we aren't," He puffed on his cigarette. "But I'll make sure no one suspects us."
Hosea leaned forward. "Thank you, Ethan. That doesn't make me feel better, but I appreciate the effort."
Ethan clapped his shoulder, then stood and flicked his cigarette. "I'll take the wagon, that way I can get more."
"Good idea."
After parting ways, Ethan walked over to the wagon that was near the food wagon, under the tree. He checked the wheels, the shaft and the neck just to be on the safe side. He always took extra precautions when it came to using the wagon, because he didn't want to break down and draw any unwanted attention to himself. He suddenly heard a low growling coming from the back of the wagon and his hand instantly went to the gun strapped to his hip.
Being so far up in the mountains and traveling with many animals, it was easy to be hunted by wolves. He cautiously approached the back and rounded the corner, only to see Uncle lounging against the wagon, smelling of piss and whiskey. Ethan heaved a sigh and nudged his leg with the tip of his boot.
"Aye, wake up old man!"
"Huh, what?" He woke with a jolt. "What the hell do you want?"
"Don't work yourself too hard there, Uncle. Go find another dwelling to live under."
"I was thinking, Ethan."
He smirked. "Does it pay well?"
"Eventually."
"So while the rest of us are fighting to survive, you get to think all day?"
"Ah well, it's a strange world we live in."
Ethan patted Uncle on the back. "Well, I gotta get going. I have things to do."
"Where you goin' kid?"
"Valentine. We need some supplies."
"Oh...I'm comin' too."
Ethan raised a brow. "You are?"
He nodded. "Yeah - I got some errands to run."
"You sure you don't need to nap first? I hear it's a fundamental part of living these days."
"Don't mouth off to your elders!" He suddenly clutched his lower back. "Oh...Goddammit!"
"What's wrong?"
"My lumbago!" He spat.
Ethan held up his hands. "Looks like you've been napping too hard, maybe you shouldn't go?"
"I'll be fine. Let's just go." Uncle waddled over to the tree and plopped down.
"Oh no you don't, go get the horses while I grab something to eat. You ain't sleeping on my watch."
He huffed. "My lumbago-"
"I don't care."
He turned around shaking his head, not really wanting Uncle for company, but he was stuck with him. Sometimes Ethan felt like he was the babysitter and not really a part of the gang. He was always having to watch someone or go find someone or make sure they didn't cause too much trouble.
"Hey Ethan!" Karen called. "You bringin' the old man along with you?"
He looked up. "Yeah, kinda invited himself."
"Where are you going?" Mary-Beth asked.
"Into town, need some supplies for camp."
"You need any help?"
He smiled. "Who's asking?"
"We are!" All three replied.
"You three?"
"We ain't seen a real town in months!" Karen reminded.
"Yeah we're bored out of our minds!"
"And Karen's about ready to murder Miss Grimshaw." Tilly added.
"Well can Miss Grimshaw spare you?"
Karen raised her hands. "Can she spare us? What in the world, Ethan Morgan! Three healthy young women want you to take 'em out robbing and you're worried about house chores? Let's go!"
He heaved a sigh. "Fair enough, you got me. Come on, but listen, we gotta be careful - supposed to be laying low."
"Oh we ain't gonna do anything that gets us caught." Tilly assured.
"Yeah we're smarter than that." Karen added.
Mary-Beth smiled. "I just want to window shop, it's been a while."
"Alright, go get ready and wait by the wagon."
After Ethan grabbed a bite to eat and helped a very slow Uncle hitch up the horses, they left camp for the town of Valentine. The girls were excited and Ethan was a little excited too, if anything, to get some things he ran out of a while back.
"I can't believe we get to see civilization again!" Tilly exclaimed. "Feels like weeks and weeks."
Uncle turned with a chuckle. "Yeah Valentine...the very embodiment of civilization. You ladies will love it."
"Okay then. Does everybody know the rules? Hosea told me to keep a low profile if we go into town. So I'm asking you all to have a little respect and do just that."
"Alright, alright. Sheesh."
"Just take a left up here." Uncle instructed.
Everyone fell into a comfortable silence, watching as the early morning sun rays twinkled through the sparse tree foliage. The leaves were growing in again after a long cold winter, which would provide them with decent shelter during the summer months. They passed just under a broken tree that created a canopy over the road, where Ethan made a left. The road was desolate this morning, which made it easier to hide in plain sight.
The girls continued to sing and laugh at their silliness, when a stagecoach zipped by looking as if it might have a loose wheel. Uncle pointed and Ethan slowed down, watching as it flew over the tracks heading towards town.
"Goddamn people!" Uncle spat.
Ethan shook his head. "Must've had a deadline."
"I've missed this." Karen announced.
"Miss what? Crazy people?"
"Yes!"
"Whatever fits your fancy." Ethan mumbled.
"Off to Valentine!" The girls sang.
They continued down the beaten path and crossed over the tracks, the girls continued chattering about this or that, poking fun at both Uncle and Ethan. He didn't mind it actually, it was really refreshing. Karen then popped her head between the two.
"Ya know...you have a big heart."
Ethan snickered. "I do?"
"I mean, you're not all heart, but you have a bigger one than most people."
"A heart right?"
Karen slapped his arm. "Well I ain't talkin' about your dick! I ain't never seen it so I wouldn't know anyway."
Ethan blushed profusely as Mary-Beth scooted forward and placed her hand on his shoulder. "She's right, Ethan. You do have a big heart.
He dipped his head, hoping to conceal the ridiculous smile on his face.
"So how come Pearson didn't come with us?" Uncle asked.
"He didn't say and I didn't ask. The last thing I need to hear is another story of him out at sea."
Uncle cackled. "I know what you mean, he's a pain in the ass."
Ethan didn't want to say anything, but Uncle was a pain in the ass too; they all were at some point. Pearson, however, was a mean son of a bitch! He would no sooner slice your throat than take orders from you. Unfortunately, he didn't have much of a choice when it came to Dutch.
"Alright, be polite and for the love of God, don't swipe anything just yet."
"Well what was the point in comin' along if we don't get to swipe nothing?" Karen griped.
"I don't know, you tell me?"
They traveled slowly through town, absorbing the muddy atmosphere and quiet civilization. Ethan was nervous as they neared the main street, wondering if anyone might recognize them. Surely it'd been long enough...right?
He slowed the wagon down as they passed the saloon, recognizing the horses out in front. He slowed just in front of the general store and pulled the brake.
"Alright, remember what I said, right?"
Karen rolled her eyes.
Mary-Beth smirked.
Tilly giggled.
Ethan nodded. "Good."
"C'mon kid!" Uncle bellowed.
"This looks like a decent little town." Tilly commented.
"Yeah but-" Karen plugged her nose. "You smell those sheep over there?"
Mary-Beth waved her hand. "Or is that Uncle?"
"I heard that!" Uncle shouted.
Ethan clapped his back. "Maybe we should run you over to the hotel and get you a bath?"
"Next time."
"We might all die from your stench by then."
As the women wandered off to do their own thing, Ethan and Uncle entered the general store and a bell rang overhead. The three patrons in the store turned and shot them a look, then went back to their shopping. Ethan felt as if they saw right through them.
"How can I help you gentlemen?"
As Uncle walked over to the counter, Ethan walked to the display shelves and began his shopping. He grabbed a can of strawberries...make that two, he was quite fond of them. Canned corn and biscuits. He grabbed a pack of cigarettes and a bottle of whiskey too.
Ethan walked up to the counter and leered over Uncle's shoulder. "What'chu gettin' old man?"
"Cigars. Uh might wanna grab some bait over there and maybe a little something for the horses."
"Alright." He left his items on the counter and walked over to the smaller display.
He grabbed a few tin cans of worms, and a handful of carrots and oatcakes. He walked back and placed the items next to the others on the counter.
"That'll be $7 even."
Ethan raised a brow. "Prices went up since the last time I went shopping."
The shop clerk chuckled. "Every town is different."
After paying for the items he shoved them in his satchel, then he and Uncle left the store and took a seat on an empty bench just out in front. Ethan lit a cigarette, as Uncle opened the bottle of whiskey that he'd purchased.
"You're smokin' a lot more these days."
Ethan snickered. "You're stinkin' a lot more these days."
"In my youth, I was a suave gentleman, who they dubbed the one shot kid. All the ladies loved me."
"Yeah right."
"No, it's true!"
"Well I'm not gonna ask why."
"You're turning into a sad man just like your father," He nudged him. "But I know you love me."
Ethan rolled his eyes. "Yeah, you're my favorite parasite."
"Shut up," He passed the bottle. "Here's to your good health, kid."
Ethan tipped the bottle, then took a long swig.
"It's a funny world we live in. This time in my career, I pictured myself being married to an heiress-"
Ethan laughed.
"What? It's true! I had big dreams."
"Gentlemen."
Ethan and Uncle looked up as Mary-Beth hurried over, hushed voice, almost as if she had a secret. Ethan ran a hand over his face, hoping it made him look somewhat presentable.
"I think I've got something good."
"Yeah?"
"I snuck into this fancy house and acted like a servant girl - usually works. Someone was saying her sister was taking a trip from New York to someplace," Her eyes got big. "Train full of tourists, heading to Saint Denis and then they're cruising off to Brazil."
"Okay?"
"A train laden with baggage and passing through a bit of a deserted country at night, to get to the docks in time for the tides. I think in some place called Scarlett Meadows?"
Uncle waved his hand. "Yeah I know it."
Ethan rubbed the back of his neck.
"It's right out near New Hanover. It's real quiet out there."
Ethan nodded. "Sounds good." He glanced up. "Where's Tilly and Karen?"
She shrugged. "The hotel, I think. They were pickin' up some drunken fellers that they was gonna rob."
"What? Why?"
"It seemed easy," She turned to the hotel. "They have been gone for a while though."
Ethan heaved a sigh. "I guess I'll go see if there's any trouble."
He stood up and walked away from the two, clattering down the three stairs. This was the trouble he told them to avoid and they did the exact opposite!
"Ethan, there's Tilly!" Mary-Beth called out.
He turned and caught sight of her down an alley, being pinned against the wall by a man. Ethan shook his head as he hurried across the street.
"Thought I wouldn't find you huh, Tilly?"
"You can go kiss a damn snake for all I care...get off me!"
"Hey!" Ethan snapped. "Get your hands off her!"
"And who are you?"
"He's a friend of mine." Tilly answered.
"Get off her." He growled.
"Or what?"
Ethan didn't hesitate as he pulled out and aimed his Cattleman Revolver at the man in one fluid motion. He quickly let go of Tilly and backed up, hands raised.
"You wanna find out?" Ethan challenged.
The man turned to Tilly. "You're making a big mistake, girl."
"Just go!"
The man turned and walked in the opposite direction. Once he was out of sight, Ethan holstered his gun. Tilly rubbed her wrist, then turned to him.
Ethan pointed over his shoulder. "Go wait with Mary-Beth and Uncle across the street."
"Thank you, Ethan."
He hurried into the hotel, hoping to find Karen in the lobby or somewhere in the vicinity. Mary-Beth said she would be in here, but he feared what he may find.
"Can I help you, Sir?" Asked the receptionist.
"Uh, yeah, I'm lookin' for a woman."
"Ain't we all."
"She walked in before. Mid-twenties, medium height, curly blonde hair?"
"Oh yes, she went upstairs with some gentleman. Are you a friend of his?"
"Friend of hers."
Ethan marched up the stairs, hearing ungodly noises coming from the second floor.
"No trouble, please!"
He could hear screaming down the hall and hurried in the direction, his heart nearly in his throat. The door was locked, but the screams were coming from inside. He backed up and shoved his shoulder right in the middle, breaking the door off the hinges. A man stood over Karen, in his long underwear.
"Who the fuck are you?" The man spat.
"Get away from her!"
"Get outta here buddy, I paid!"
"Ain't paid to hit her! You fucking animal!"
The man lunged for Ethan but he swung first, his fist connecting with the man's jaw. He stumbled back and hit the back of his head on the bedpost.
He turned to Karen, as he shook out his hand. "What the hell were you thinking?"
"Trying to play him...but not very well as you can see."
"You alright?"
She nodded, holding her bruised cheek. "Yeah, I'm fine."
"You sure?"
"Yeah...nothing to worry about...just men is all. That stupid bastard was boasting about the bank."
He tilted his head to the side. "The bank?"
"I know small town banks are usually a waste of time, but this is a livestock town. There's lots of cash sometimes."
"Okay, let's just get out of here."
They descended the stairs together and Ethan made sure to tip his hat at the front desk clerk, hoping to ease his mind a little. The man was leery, but offered a slight wiggle of the fingers. He had that effect on both men and women alike. When they exited the hotel, Karen thanked him again. And it was no problem, if Ethan could defuse the situation before it exploded, he would certainly do everything in his power.
"I don't like being saved, but...when I need it-"
"I understand."
Mary-Beth, Tilly and Uncle approached them, the girls instantly taking note of Karen's appearance. And they looked horrified.
"You okay?"
"He just punched me is all. Ethan punched him harder."
He nodded. "Yeah. Alright then-"
"Hey...who's that guy over there looking at us?"
Everyone turned in the direction that Mary-Beth pointed in and sure enough, a man on a brown spotted nag approached them.
"Hey, weren't you in Blackwater a few weeks ago?"
"Me?" Ethan pointed to himself. "No, Sir."
"No you were! I saw you with a bunch of fellers!"
Ethan chuckled. "Me? No you're mistaken. I ain't never been to Blackwater."
"No, I definitely saw you!"
The guy rode off on the brown spotted nag, running through the muddy town. Ethan wasn't sure where he was going, but he felt numb from the neck down. He turned to Uncle and the girls, heart thundering against his chest.
"I don't like this." Uncle said.
"I don't either. Get the girls home, I'm gonna have a word with our friend." He walked to a horse tied off in front of the livery.
"Be careful, Ethan," Mary-Beth warned.
He nudged his new friend in the side, urging him into a fast trot and then a gallop. He heard some yelling near the livery and knew they were calling out to him, but he had no plans of stealing the horse. He was just borrowing it for a few minutes.
"Stay away from me!"
The man rode through the stables and the corral - Ethan followed as carefully as he could. The last thing he needed was to hurt this horse, himself or anyone else.
"Get back here right now!" He shouted.
He traveled through the sheep pen and made a sharp right. The man was shouting over his shoulder, but Ethan didn't care. He was fuming. He was gaining on him, as they went down a slight embankment. There was smoke off in the distance and it was either a train or a camp set up nearby. Ethan didn't want to push this horse too hard, as he didn't really know his temperament.
"I just want to talk!"
Then suddenly, the brown spotted nag reared and the man fell over the cliff. Ethan jumped off the borrowed horse and hurried over to the edge, where he could hear the man screaming for his help. He was hoping that he was dead rather than alive, that way he wouldn't have to deal with him.
But he didn't figure life would be that easy for him. He reached over the side and grabbed his hand, digging his feet into the dirt, straining his leg muscles so that they were rock hard. He pulled the man up over the cliff, then let go of his hand. He backed away and wiped his hands off.
"You okay, partner?"
"No...no I am not," He rolled over on all fours, then stood up. "I am a mess."
"Well, you ain't dead."
"There is that." He stood up and offered his hand. "Jimmy Brooks."
Ethan cautiously extended his own hand. "Edward Malcom. Why you tellin' lies about me?"
Jimmy seemed a little nervous, Ethan didn't know whether it was because he knew him or if he just seemed intimidating.
"I'm very sorry about that, I seem to have you mistaken for someone else."
"I have an unfortunate face. Listen, I think it'd be best if we both forget that this ever happened."
"I agree, this was rather embarrassing. You saved my life. You're a good man and...here." He reached into his pocket. "You want a pen? It's one of those steel ones."
He reached for it. "Oh, uh, thanks."
Ethan watched as Jimmy walked over to his horse and hoist himself into the saddle; he was still muttering gibberish. The brown spotted nag was reluctant to listen to his commands, which seemed to make him nervous. He bid 'Edward' a proper farewell, before plunging his heels into the side of his horse.
She finally got the message and took off back to town. Once Jimmy was out of sight, Ethan let out a huge sigh of relief, he knew Jimmy was referring to his Pa, considering they look alike. It made him panic a little. Even though he was wanted, his bounty was nowhere near as big as Arthur's, and if he started getting recognised as his father, then that could start causing problems not only for himself but for everyone back at camp.
He shook his head and turned to his borrowed horse, which he knew he had to take back to town. He trotted back, thanking the horse for helping him out. He purred in response, which made Ethan feel good about himself. He may not have a real connection to a lot of people, but when it came to animals, he certainly did.
"Hey, that's my horse!"
"Sorry, I had to catch up to someone. He's a real fine horse," Ethan reached into his pocket and pulled out a few dollars. "For your trouble."
The man took the money. "You really were just borrowing it, weren't ya?"
"I'm a man of my word."
"Thank you, Sir."
Ethan hurried back to the general store and noticed that the wagon was gone. He was kind of kicking himself for telling them to leave, because now he had to walk back to camp. But it was good exercise at least. The horses were still out in front of the saloon, tied across the street. Maybe he could hitch a ride with his Pa, it may be awkward but at least he wouldn't have sore feet tomorrow.
As he neared the saloon, he stopped to light another much needed cigarette when he heard some commotion coming from inside. He glanced up just as someone flew through the window and rolled off into the muddy streets.
"Ah shit!" He tossed his cigarette to the ground and rushed over.
