The day was filled with joyous laughter and conversation, as an abundance of food went around. It was a wonderful noise and sight - almost as if it was in the days before Blackwater. Ethan slipped away sometime after his second helping, to give Gray some love and attention. After all they've been through, he realized that the horses have been through much worse. He entered the barn and slid the door shut behind him. The horses snorted a familiar greeting, though for some reason, he still couldn't decipher. As he rounded the corner and saw Bill standing against an empty stall, watching over the young boy tied to a post.

"He say anything yet?" Ethan asked as he leant against a stall.

"Naw, all quiet. Give it a few more days, we'll squeeze the whereabouts of Colm out of him."

"I ain't an O'Driscoll! I just took care of the horses!" The boy's voice quivered.

"Shut up!" Bill snarled, spitting his chew in the mud. "I'm gonna have fun with this'un."

Ethan raised a brow. "What're you planning to do?"

"I'm gonna roast his bird balls on the spit. Put a hot poker up his ass, maybe even brand him. You know how they castrate a horse?"

The idea of that taking place plagued his mind with grotesque visions and what made it worse was that someone could conjure up said things.

"You're a sick bastard, Bill." Ethan scoffed.

The older man shook his head, tossing the poker down on the ground and stomping away. Ethan crossed over and stood in front of the boy, who looked about as scared as a startled deer caught in the crosshairs of a crossbow.

"Kieran, right?" Ethan asked curiously.

"Kieran Duffy…please don't kill me."

"Don't worry, I ain't like that dumbass over there." Ethan said pointing at Bill.

"Thank you…" Kieran exhaled a shaky breath.

Ethan knelt down, giving the O'Driscoll a stern look.

"Don't get me wrong, I may not be sadistic like Bill, but if you do anything to put my family in harm's way, I will put a bullet in you. Understood?"

Kieran gulped and slowly nodded. Ethan stood back up, shoving his hands in his pockets and turned towards Bill.

"You on guard duty for the rest of the day?"

"Mmm, It's a shit job."

"Well, why don't you take a break? You've been teaching the kid a lesson all night and there's food to be had. So go eat and relax a while, I'll stay with him."

Bill looked skeptical. "Why?"

"Because I want to tend to Gray, and not have to listen to you tormenting the O'Driscoll all day."

"Well if ya don't mind, I am kinda hungry - kinda tired too."

"Go. Eat, sleep...be merry or whatever."

Bill snickered. "You ain't so bad, little Morgan."

"I'm not so little, Bill."

Bill pulled his coat tighter as he stepped out of the barn. Ethan watched him before sliding the door shut, keeping the cold and the abuse out for a while. He turned back to the kid, whose head was hanging low.

"Let me give you some advice O'Driscoll, Keep your head down, only speak when you're spoken to, and for the love of god don't piss off Bill."

"What're you going to do to me?"

"Nothing, gonna take care of my horse. I'd best get some sleep if I were you."

Kieran nodded and rested his head against the wooden beam, closing his eyes.

Ethan shook his head as he turned back to Gray, who snorted happily, chomping on some hay. He brushed his fingers up against his nose, then pressed a cautious kiss to the side of his head. Sometimes he had the tendency to move suddenly and the last thing Ethan wanted was to bust his nose again or worse, break a tooth. Ethan flipped a bucket over and sat down, taking out his knife and pistol. He began to carefully clean the hunting knife with a rag, not wanting to cut himself like last time or the time before that. When it came to cleaning knives, he was a tad on the clumsy side. He glanced up when he heard snoring.

He felt bad for the kid, considering that's all he was. He had to be no older than eighteen or nineteen and it pissed him off that Bill thought he could just rough him up - well, roughing him up is one thing, what Bill wanted to do was a bit perverted. That was none of his business though. However, he did find himself drawn to the younger kid, simply because he didn't look like an O'Driscoll. He wasn't the usual hardass type. He could tell right off the bat that he was shy, nervous and probably all around afraid of his own shadow. That didn't scream O'Driscoll, that screamed someone who fell in with the wrong crowd.

And it was obvious that Colm felt the same way or he wouldn't have made Kieran an honorary stable boy. He would have to talk with Dutch - if they kept him in the barn, the least they could do was give him someone who didn't enjoy torture. Even Micah would be a better candidate than Bill.

"Shit." Ethan cursed, as the tip of the knife poked his finger.

After taking care of Gray, Ethan was reluctant to leave Kieran with Bill again considering they needed the poor sod alive, but he had to talk to Arthur and Hosea. So he met with Hosea outside the main cabin for a quick smoke, while he kept a watchful eye on the barn.

"Hey old man." Ethan greeted.

Hosea chuckled. "Hey yourself."

He pulled a fresh cigarette out of his front pocket and lit it with a lighter that Hosea provided. After it was lit and he took a long drag, he tossed him the lighter.

"How's the kid?"

Ethan heaved a sigh. "Fine, I suppose, but Bill's in there now so it's anyone's guess."

"Dutch wants him alive...Bill knows."

"Well I don't think Dutch knows what he has planned," He flicked an ash off the end of the cigarette. "Some real perverted shit."

Hosea scoffed. "Don't surprise me, I caught him watching Karen and Sean once."

Ethan raised a brow. "Really?"

"He tried playing it off as he didn't know what they were doing, but any idiot could see what they were doing."

"Bill kinda breaks the mold in idiocy."

Hosea laughed as he reached for the bottle of whiskey near his foot. "You catch on quick."

"I spend a lot of time observing."

As Ethan leaned against the side of the cabin, he heard Hosea let out a sigh.

"Somethin' on your mind?"

"Listen, I know we say that we've been through tough times, but what happened in Blackwater…try to stop Dutch from getting all of you killed because I'm beginning to think he's finally lost his mind." Hosea said as he let out a cough. "I'm worried. Pinkertons, O'Driscolls, Bounty Hunters. The whole world is closing in on us."

Ethan gave a slight nod. He knew exactly what Hosea meant, the Blackwater malarky was the final straw. But it's not like they could all just up and leave, start new lives. They were all wanted men, hiding out in the frozen mountains.

"I'm gonna go inside...warm my ass up."

"John's awake."

"He is?"

Hosea nodded. "Last I checked."

Ethan nodded and patted his back. "You should also think about heading inside soon, it's freezing out here."

The difference in warmth was immediate as Ethan stepped into the cabin, though that was probably because of the multiple bodies occupying the small space. The room was still lively which was a nice sight to see, however one person caught Ethan's eye. Mrs. Sadie Adler, the woman that they had saved from the O'Driscoll's was tucked up in the corner, quietly sobbing. Karen sat beside her, keeping the poor woman company. Ethan couldn't imagine the horrors that she must have witnessed, nor did he want to. He knew that she felt out of place here, beside this gang of thieves and murderers.

"Mrs. Adler?"

The young woman looked up at Ethan, her eyes puffy, nose red and cheeks wet from constant tears.

"I'm real sorry about what happened to you and your husband."

"My Jakey…he was a good man." She said between sniffles.

"I know there's not much we can do on this mountain, but if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

"I don't care." She said as she buried her head in her lap.

Karen placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and looked up at Ethan.

"She'll be okay Ethan."

Ethan gave her a nod and moved on. John was awake just like Arthur said, though he was in a lot of pain - maybe it was better off if he was sleeping instead. Ethan sat down beside him, as he took off his gloves. Abigail left with a bucket and walked over to the fireplace.

"Hey."

"Hey yourself," Ethan smirked. "Didn't your momma ever teach you to stay away from wild animals?"

John chuckled, then clutched his side. "My momma was a prostitute."

"So? Don't you have any common sense?"

"Don't got none apparently."

"I can see that, just wanted you to admit it."

"Don't make me laugh, kid."

Ethan grabbed John's shoulder and squeezed. "I'm glad you're alive, even if you are a dumbass."

John smiled and looked up at the ceiling. "Some place we got here."

"Yeah it's something. Not sure what though."

"Heard Arthur talking 'bout that train heist," He hissed in pain. "You going?"

"Yeah, most likely."

"Be careful now-"

Ethan nodded. "I know, it ain't my first rodeo."

"Always joking...just like your Pa."

"It's in my blood."

John looked down at himself, then huffed. "I hope Jack don't inherit nothin' from me."

"Funny, I was just thinking the same."

"Hey now..."

"I'm kidding. Jack's a good boy...well considering." He chuckled.

"Where is he?"

"Uhhh-" He glanced over his shoulder, then back. "With Mary-Beth."

John smirked. "You been talkin' to her?"

He blushed. "No. Haven't had much chance."

"Better do somethin' about it then. Men like us don't get many chances in life."

"Heh...yeah."

"Listen...about the heist-"

"We're good. We have enough men to do the job right and to stick around while we're gone."

"Good, but that weren't what I was gonna say." He heaved an irritated sigh. "Make sure you watch Micah. He ain't right."

Ethan nodded and patted John's hand that rested over his stomach. John was always the guy in between Micah and Arthur, now that he was down for the count, it was up to Ethan. And he was learning that it was an important job.

His brow furrowed. "Who the hell is this Leviticus Cornwall anyway?"

"Some rich railroad tycoon. Apparently he's a real asshole."

"Ain't they all?"

Ethan smiled.

"Just keep your Pa and Micah away from each other, alright?"

"You know I'll try, but...I ain't making any promises." He forewarned.

"Couple'o loose cannon's them two...but you gotta try."

"I'll try. That's all I can promise."

"Good."

"Alright Ethan, John needs his rest." Abigail announced, patting his shoulder.

He glanced up. "Yeah...alright. I'm probably gonna rest myself."

"Go keep Jack some company for a while, he's been buggin' me about playing in the damn snow."

Ethan chuckled. "Not the kinda snow you wanna play in."

"Yeah," She rolled her eyes. "Tell him that."

It was the perfect excuse to spend some time with Mary-Beth and to keep Jack busy, while Abigail tended to John. He'd been looking for a good excuse anyway, but always found himself busy or distracted by this and that. It was partly the reason why he'd never made a move on her, that...and his inability to grow a pair.

John was right though; men like them don't get chances often or at all for that matter and maybe that was the reason he was so nervous. This was his only chance to impress a lady he liked and if he blew it, he was out of luck. He'd ruin any kind of friendship they had and that was more important to him than anything else.

He would rather do nothing at all and still be friends, then do something and lose a friend as great as her. He suddenly found that he hated this life more and more, if not for anything but the people they end up becoming. He was a lot of things, but a knight in shining armor he was not. Perhaps a great romance between him and Mary-Beth was never in the cards and...it was probably a good thing. This life was dangerous enough without having someone you love caught in the middle.

The next morning before the sun fully rose over the horizon, they were already riding toward their next fortune...or so they hoped. It seemed as if there was always a great promise, only for it to fall short. But they had to have faith that, at least, something would come through.

"Okay gentlemen...listen up, all of you," Dutch bellowed over the wind. "According to the information so kindly provided by the O'Driscoll's. The train is coming North, from big valley. We're gonna pick it off after it crosses the border into the Grizzlies. There's a raised spot that should give us a good vantage. Charles...you'll keep lookout for any outriders. How's that hand by the way?"

"I'll be fine!"

"Good! I'll take the driver and engineer, then run point," He glanced over his shoulder. "Lenny, Javier, you two take the front cars - deal with any guards. Arthur, Ethan, Micah, you three head straight for the back...that's what we're after - Mr. Cornwall's private car."

"You and me Morgan...little Morgan too!"

"Great." Arthur replied.

"You got a problem with that?" Micah snapped.

"Not if you keep your head for once!"

"You just worry about yourself!"

"Alright, enough - knock it off!" Dutch bellowed. "Now after Bill blows the track, we're gonna have to move fast. Is everyone clear on what they're doing?"

"Yep!"

"Crystal!"

"Yes boss!"

Dutch chuckled. "Good. Now come on, let's ride!"

Mary-Beth sat beside the fire, watching as it shimmered and danced, creating wild shadows across the pages of which she wrote on. She was stuck on what to write next, when Tilly curled up beside her, pillow, blanket and bowl of stew - or what they pretended to be food. They really weren't sure what it was, but it was hot.

"Whatcha writing?"

She heaved a sigh. "I'm not really sure."

Tilly smirked. "No stories about your beloved?"

"Oh hush. We ain't nothing but friends."

"Does he know that?"

"We have an understanding."

"Oh please-" Tilly nudged her with her elbow. "I see the way you look at him and the way he looks at you."

Mary-Beth blushed. "We're just friends. I mean he is handsome and I enjoy being around him...we're just friends."

"Is it because he won't make the first move?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Tilly covered her mouth as she tried to swallow the stew. It was watery with little to no flavor, kind of chewy and lumpy. Grass tasted better than this and she might've eaten some provided they could find any.

"I just mean...he's shy around girls - I've never even seen him with one...well, outside of us in camp. Maybe you should make the first move?"

"You think I should? I don't wanna ruin our friendship."

"Yeah you're right. Keep those fiery glances to yourself and in your journal. I'm sure you can live on that alone." Tilly replied, sarcasm lacing her voice.

Mary-Beth blushed again. "I'll feel it out. I just don't want to ruin anything between us. We have a love for books and writing, where no one else in camp does."

"Well I would, but I never learned to write. I can read, but I ain't that good."

She smiled and patted Tilly's hand. "I can always teach you. It ain't that hard."

Tilly nodded. "Whenever we get a little free time. Miss Grimshaw'll be on us like flies on manure."

"Well that's an unsettling thing to say while eating."

"Yeah well, this food is a little unsettling."

Mary-Beth giggled. "It does taste awful, doesn't it?"

Tilly nodded and pushed the bowl away. "If I wasn't so keen on not dying, I'd protest it."

"I think we all would. Maybe we can protest Pearson?"

"I doubt that."

Mary-Beth tapped her fountain pen on her chin. "Maybe that can be something Ethan and I talk about?"

"See, already coming up with solutions to your problems."

The gang traveled through the frozen tundra that had no plans of thawing any time soon. The sun barely made it over the horizon, before it was quickly hidden by thick gray storm clouds and they were shrouded in darkness once again. The naked forest provided no shelter from the blistering cold and howling winds.

This late spring snow storm was odd even for Mother nature, but at the same time was the very protection they needed; no one was stupid enough to go traipsing through the snow after them. "Out of the snow...finally." Arthur commented.

"We need to get this done fast now that it's thawing...before anyone gets up here after us." Dutch glanced behind him. "Ah...look at you boys. See? Now this is what I call a crew. Micah Bell, Charles Smith, Arthur Morgan, Ethan Morgan, Javier Escuella and what about our young Lenny here? Always the first man on his horse."

Lenny smiled. "Just happy we're back at'em, Dutch."

"You sure you're ready for this, kid?" Javier teased.

"Course I'm ready."

"Just stay calm and keep your eyes sharp," Dutch reminded. "That goes for all of you. No mistakes, not again."

"So we do this, then go back to Blackwater to collect?"

Arthur heaved an irritated sigh. "How many times are you gonna ask the same question, Micah?"

"That's a lot of damn money to leave sitting for too long."

"It would be crazy to go back there now!" Charles finally spoke. "The place will be swarming with Pinkertons."

"We go back when I say we go back and that's the end of it," Dutch said as a matter of fact, asserting his authority once more. "The money is safe, you'll just have to trust me." When no one spoke, he continued. "And if the O'Driscoll's are right, there'll be a stack of railroad bonds on this train. Good money once we work out how to cash them. Now everyone, shut up and get your mind on the job at hand. Come on!"

They traveled over some rocky terrain and down a path that was situated between the two mountains. They slowed down and fell into single file, as it became far too narrow. When they came around the bend the tracks came into view.

"There's the water tower."

The cowboys stopped along the ridge to assess the situation. Arthur turned to Dutch beside him, squinting as the sun reflected off the snow.

"Is Bill there?" Dutch asked.

"Yeah."

"You wanna head down? See how he's getting on?"

Arthur heaved a sigh. "Yeah sure."

He turned Bleu around and carefully maneuvered him down the path that was far too narrow for his liking. He was positive that he held his breath the entire way down, for fear it would knock him off balance. He carefully crossed the rushing stream to the other side, where more green poked through the snow. It was refreshing to see. He trotted the Tennessee Walker over to the track where Bill was kneeling down, working the explosives around the pillar.

"How you gettin' on?"

"I'm fine." Bill replied in a huff.

Arthur slid off Bleu and walked over. "You sure?"

"Of course!"

"Can I help a little?"

He heaved a sigh. "Alright, go ahead and set up the detonator near those rocks over there."

Arthur raised a brow. "Okay, sure."

"Now-" He pointed. "Just unspool the wire and then attach it to the detonator."

"Alright."

Ethan lowered the binoculars and turned to Lenny, who offered him a cigarette. He gladly accepted the distraction and lit it with a match, the lighter he usually used, Arthur swiped earlier in the day.

"I think my balls finally unfroze."

Lenny snorted a laugh. "Helluva thing to just blurt out."

Ethan smirked. "I was hoping to break the tension."

"Well it worked."

"Good. Mission accomplished."

"Not yet."

Ethan looked down watching as an ash formed on the end of his cigarette. Lenny was right - he always was. The mission was not yet accomplished and would take some serious effort on their part. He just hoped it all went according to plan, because he couldn't take another death.

"What're you plannin' to do with your take?" Lenny asked.

Ethan shrugged. "I don't know. Probably get me a good meal, a hot bath...some company."

"Man you're always talkin' like that, but you never do it!"

"I never had enough before! If this goes well, I will-" He shifted in his saddle. "I'll show you."

Lenny laughed. "Uh, I'd rather not see that shit."

"I didn't mean it like that," He took a long drag off his cigarette, then flicked it off into the snow. "Just meant, now that I got the money, I'll show you I ain't all talk."

"I'll believe it when I see you pay for a gal in the saloon."

"Alright...you won't be saying I'm all talk then."

Lenny smirked and finished up his cigarette.

"Boys, time to focus now." Dutch announced.

Arthur rode back up the mountain to the ledge and resumed his place beside Dutch and Ethan. He reached in his pocket for a cigarette and lit it with a match - his lighter somewhere he couldn't reach.

"You ok, kid?" Arthur asked.

Ethan nodded. "I'm fine."

"Oh, before I forget."

Arthur shrugged off his Carbine Repeater and passed it to Ethan. He looked at it starry eyed and nervous like, though no words were spoken. He took it and shrugged it over his own shoulder. The binoculars were passed to Dutch then, where he looked down the tracks and around the bend. Arthur and Ethan shared a look that conveyed more than words ever could.

"Gentlemen, cover your faces. The train should be here any minute."

The men pulled on their bandanas as requested...or demanded. And just as planned, there was a deep rumble in the ground, signaling the train's imminent arrival. Ethan could feel his blood pumping, heart thumping so loudly he could hear it.

"Gentlemen, it's time." Dutch announced.

The rumble coming from the train grew louder as it neared the bend in the tracks; the screeching and scraping of metal on metal was a high that not even whiskey or opium could provide.

"Good luck...all of you."

And just as the train began crossing the bridge, Bill pushed down on the detonator. The boys had their guns in hand, waiting for the explosion to rock the train to an abrupt halt, but seconds passed and nothing happened!

"Oh you've got to be kidding me!?" Dutch griped.

"Where did you find that moron?" Arthur growled.

"You said it was fine!"

"So it's my fault?"

"C'mon, we ain't got much time!" Ethan called.

Arthur jumped down from Bleu. "You're pathetic, you know that?"

He caught up with Ethan, Lenny and Javier who were sprinting back up the mountain, through the narrow pass that they just came through. They all pushed their limits, running as fast as they could back up the narrow slippery slope. It all happened in a blur and next thing they knew, they were hurtling towards the edge of the ridge, to what they all hoped was the train and not the ground.

"Oh shit!"

"Here we go!"

"Ahhh!"

All four men landed with a heavy thud on top of the train car and only Javier managed to fall off the side and onto the tracks. Arthur groaned as he stood, feeling an unusual tightness in his knee. One down, three left.

"Hey!" Ethan shouted."A little help!"

Arthur spun around and saw Ethan hanging over the edge of the train car. He slid over and grabbed ahold of his ankles, then peered over him. Lenny was hanging off the train, one hand gripping Ethan's and the other a metal bar. The aging gunslinger grabbed a hold of Ethan's legs, suspenders, jacket, anything to ground himself as he moved to the edge of the car.

"I gotcha! Stop yellin' now."

He offered his hand and together he and Ethan hoisted Lenny on top of the car. Lenny fell on all fours, huffing and puffing - probably thanking his lucky stars he was still alive.

"You're okay now, shake it off-" Arthur stood back up himself and pointed. "Alright boys, let's go slow this thing down."

"Where's Javier?" Ethan questioned.

"He fell. The others'll get him." He pulled out his revolver.

Ethan smiled. "Looks like it's you and me, big guy."

Arthur scoffed. "Keep movin', kid."

They carefully maneuvered their way to the edge of the carriage, then dropped down and entered the next one, gun's at the ready. Though the less noise they made, the better off they'd be. So Ethan and Lenny opted for using their knives instead. Lenny took down a guard, a stab through the back of the head - didn't see it coming, didn't even hear them coming. He was another good one for stealth kills.

"Don't linger, we need to stop this train." Arthur stated.

Ethan and Lenny ran ahead toward the open carriage, filled with many different crates and barrels - probably food and things that could break. They stopped at the opened door and assessed the situation before proceeding.

"Two. I see two guards." Lenny whispered.

Ethan nodded and peered around the corner, aiming his revolver at the guy, before pulling the trigger. Arthur was quick to take out the guy running towards them, so quick neither Ethan or Lenny saw it coming. He continued walking the open car, Ethan and Lenny behind him, guns drawn. And before they could enter the next one, Arthur was shooting another guard. The three entered the carriage and immediately took cover behind some barrels. A man began handing out threats like candy; Ethan and Arthur shared a chuckle as they reloaded. Lenny acted quickly and took out a guard that was sneaking up on them.

"Jesus Christ...warn a fella before you shoot the goddamn gun!" Ethan scolded.

Arthur barked a laugh.

They stood and hurried through to the next carriage, where another guard waited for them. Arthur took him down without hesitation, then ducked behind a crate.

"You good, ol' man?"

"Keep callin' me that, you won't be good."

Ethan snickered.

"The hell was Bill doing?" Lenny snapped. "He had long enough to set that charge!"

"Well...I hooked up the wire...but we won't mention that." Arthur admitted.

"I wouldn't worry about it now. We gotta stop this train!"

They climbed onto the roof of the carriage and carefully maneuvered their way on top of it, worried their next step may be their last. Suddenly, the train jerked to the left and Arthur lost his footing, falling back with a heavy thud. He cried out in pain.

"Shit - Pa!"

Arthur groaned in pain. "Fuck!"

Ethan skidded to a halt beside him. "Shit, are you ok?"

"I'm fine! Quit fussin' and stop the fuckin' train!" He waved his hand.

The young gunslinger grabbed his revolver, aimed and fired. The bullet went straight through the guard's chest, causing the man to stumble back and fall off the train. Ethan rushed to the edge and jumped down, landing with a heavy thud. He and Lenny hurried across the open carriage to another enclosed one, where a slew of guards awaited them. But Ethan had no qualms of taking them out, he was too worried about Arthur to worry about killing.

When they finally made it to the engine, a man came out of nowhere with a shovel and swung it, but Ethan's reflexes were young and smooth, so much so he was able to duck in time. Full of anger and fury, he ran full force into the man until they crashed hard. Ethan pinned him down and struck him with the butt of the gun, knocking him out. He then stood to his wobbly feet before hurrying inside the cab and yanking the lever, locking the brakes.

The train lurched forward, wheels screeching and whining as it slowed. It took a few minutes before it came to a complete stop however, and due to its size they ran the risk of derailing it. Which was something they didn't need right now, although, it could help to secure an alibi should they need one.

Ethan and Lenny jumped off the train and dove behind a few large rocks, knowing damn well the fight wasn't quite over just yet. Now, they had to deal with Leviticus Cornwall's men, minus one man. It was all up to them and Ethan hoped they were strong enough to take them all.

"Shit, there's more!" Lenny called over the gunfire.

"There better be some money at the end of this!"

Gunfire echoed off the mountain and through the trees, sounding like an explosion - one after the other. And every time they thought it was over, more guards poured out of the carriages that they had either missed or were locked down tight

"These bastards must be guarding something!" Ethan called over his shoulder.

"We need the car at the back, right?"

"Yeah! Keep pushing on 'em!"

A few men fell off the top of the carriages thanks to Arthur and his aim. Ethan took down a few more, as Lenny inched closer.

"Watch it - some shooters up top!" He warned.

Lenny ducked, aimed and shot, the bullet tearing through a throat and lodging in the head of another. Ethan inched closer to Lenny, shrugging off the Carbine Repeater Arthur lent him. He sheathed his revolver, deciding that the rifle would suffice for now...just until he found more ammo.

"You alright?" He asked.

"I think so!"

"Good."

And just when they thought it was over, three more guards poured out from the same boxcar. Ethan dove behind another boulder, cocking the rifle.

"Damn, he's got an Army! Who is this guy?" Lenny called over the noise.

Ethan took down a guard only a few feet away, sneaking through the snow and mud, as if he'd blend in. His head exploded and his body fell back, gun flying through the air. He stood up and hurried down the hill, where Lenny met him.

"Watch out!"

Ethan turned and aimed the rifle, trying to focus on the moving body cowering inside the boxcar. His heart was pounding in his ears, his hands cold and sweaty.

"Shoot 'em!" Lenny encouraged.

He pulled the trigger and the man went down, falling back with a cry. His body spilled out of the car half in and half out, jacket snagging on a nail.

"Oh shit, they're coming from the last car!"

"Stay focused!"

Ethan slid behind a snow covered boulder, using it to steady his rifle as he aimed. Lenny crouched beside him, using the boulder to steady his revolver.

"Hey look!" Lenny pointed. "There's the rest of the boys!"

"Thank Christ!"

"There's more ahead!"

Ethan steadied the rifle on another boulder, closer to the back of the train, where the fight was coming from now. He saw a lot of horses and men scattering into the naked forest, gunfire following them.

"Alright! Finish those sons of a bitches!" Dutch's voice echoed.

They hurried down the hill to regroup with the others and to finish the fight. But when they arrived, the last of the guards had already been killed. They lay scattered on the muddy terrain, covered in blood and gunpowder.

"Dutch-" Ethan panted. "My Pa hurt his leg. The train jerked and he lost his footing."

Dutch slid off the count and gripped Ethan's shoulder. "Are you ok, son?"

He nodded. "Yeah...almost lost my head up there-"

"Literally." Lenny added.

Dutch smiled triumphantly and turned to Charles and Javier. "Boys, go see if Arthur needs some assistance. You two, come with us, got some fellas holed up in this last car here. "

"Great." Ethan muttered.

"I don't think I got enough bullets." Lenny worried.

"We'll be alright. Dutch has a-"

"Well, well-" Dutch teased.

Ethan turned and saw Arthur being carried by Javier and Charles. Unbeknownst to Ethan and Lenny, he had been on the move on top of the train, taking out any guards they may not have seen or he deemed a threat. The pain had all but disappeared, though now that things were settled, his knee was throbbing.

"You alright?" Ethan called out. "What happened?"

"My knees ain't as good as they once was. No use in worryin', I'll be fine in a few days."

"And what are you boys planning to do in there?" Dutch bellowed. "We don't wanna kill any of ya...any more of ya. I give you my word, but trust me, we will!"

"I work for Leviticus Cornwall!" A muffled voice from inside called.

"Come on, boys!

"We got our orders!"

"Okay. You asked for it!" Dutch warned. "FIVE!"

"We ain't opening the door!"

"FOUR!" Dutch turned to the boys, smirked, then turned back. "Three...Two...One. It seems our friends have gone deaf. Wake 'em up a little!"

Everyone pulled out their guns, aimed, then pulled the trigger per Dutch's orders. Some bullets ricocheted off and landed on the ground, but most went through the steel compartment, where artificial light shone through the tiny holes.

"We ain't coming out! And you ain't got no way in!"

"That's enough!" Dutch held up his hand. "Mr. Williamson, give Mr. Morgan and Mr. Smith some dynamite...go blow that door open."

Arthur took the dynamite then turned to Ethan. "Here."

Ethan swallowed thickly and gave a nod. He handed Charles a stick of dynamite as they neared the door.

"Now it don't matter much to us, but you boys in there...may want to take some cover!" Dutch taunted.

Charles stuck the dynamite in one of the bullet holes and angled it just right, so that it didn't fall out. He turned to Ethan and gave a nod.

"Seems good enough. Now...we light the fuse."

Both he and Charles struck a match and lit the fuses. They hauled ass back to the gang, where they each took cover behind a large boulder. The door exploded and the once metal door burst into ash, falling to the ground. The men stalked toward the damaged car, as unarmed men exited with their hands raised.

"Alright, come on...just walk on out here," Dutch wiggled his fingers. "We don't wanna kill you...we just wanna rob your boss."

The men were lined up outside the train car and patted down to avoid any fatal surprises. Dutch ordered Javier, Bill and Arthur to watch them.

"Alright boys...get in there and search." Dutch ordered.

Ethan and Lenny climbed into the warm, bright train car and gawked at the sheer rich interior. They hadn't seen a place so nice in a while, probably never, if they were being completely honest.

Lenny gasped. "Look at this place! It's like a palace!"

"Now I've seen everything," Ethan turned to Micah and Lenny. "You two get the safe. I'll uh...I'll search the drawers."

"Oh yes, should be easy as cake." Micah sneered.

Ethan walked over to a side table and pulled open the drawer. Inside was a stack of money, which he pocketed. He walked to the other table and inside that drawer was a gold necklace. He heard a thump and shoved it in his pocket. He hurried over to the desk and grabbed the bottle of whiskey that sat on top, right next to a picture of a nice looking family. He picked it up and examined them closely, frowning as his thumb caressed over the young boy's face.

"Hey! You just gonna stand there all day or give me something to drink? I'm parched!" Micah griped.

"Me and Ethan did all the work. If anybody deserves it, we do."

Ethan smirked. "Yeah...didn't see you rushing to jump on the train."

"He's keen...I'll give you that."

He snatched a letter that looked important off another side table and then another stack of money. He walked behind the desk and on the bookshelf was another letter that looked important, he shoved both in his jacket pocket.

"Just a pile of papers!" Micah grunted.

Ethan bent down and opened the bottom cabinet, which revealed a metal safe. He smirked and gripped the sides, sliding it out and plopping it on the desk. He opened it and his breath caught in his throat...the bonds! He pocketed them and slammed the safe shut.

"Got 'em!"

"You sure?" Lenny added.

He smiled. "I'm sure. Let's roll."

May 5, 1899

Well the train heist didn't go exactly as planned, but it's in the books at least. The explosives didn't detonate, so we had to run after the train and take a flying leap. I guess that's where my Pa got hurt. I reckon it got worse with all the running and jumping, because next thing I know, he collapsed on top of the train.

I had to finish the task at hand which was stopping the train, but that wasn't even the hardest part. The hardest part came after...when we had to take out all of Cornwall's men. I swore up and down we didn't have enough ammo, yet somehow we had just enough. Well anyway, we killed all of Cornwall's lackeys, then took the railway bonds. Now we just need to figure out how to cash them - that's on Dutch and Hosea, I did my job.

Uncle John is getting better. He's still hurt pretty bad, still weak, but able to sit up and eat now. My Pa was calling him scarface, which Micah picked up on. Needless to say, I haven't heard Pa use it in a while.

I found a golden necklace on the train, in Cornwall's private car. I took it and I have plans to give it to Mary-Beth, though I'm not sure when. I reckon there's no good time to do it, especially in our line of work...er, life.

We don't exactly work and that's precisely the problem. We're rebelling against a new society and they don't want people like us, so we have to resort to...lesser qualities. If I didn't enjoy this life, I'd think it was sad. Maybe it is sad, but don't feel sorry for me. I'm living a life that I choose, not one that's expected of me.

I think that's why I admire Mrs. Adler so much. She was expected to get married at a certain age, but she waited until it was real love. They were expected to have a farm and raise cattle, instead, they moved to the Grizzlies, where life was a little bit harder than anywhere else.

It's too bad they didn't get to love each other a little longer. She's a fighter though and proves it everyday she's here. I'm looking forward to what else she has in store. The ice and snow is beginning to melt, so we'll be heading out soon. I can't wait. This frozen tundra is hell for all us degenerates - who even said hell was hot?

Anyway, I got to go. I need some sleep, my eyes are starting to burn.

E.M