Hoping that Dutch, Hosea or Arthur weren't listening, Sam gestured to Lily to close the tent flaps, despite Kieran's low hygiene at the moment.

"Quietly, please?" said Lily.

Kieran sat up, swinging his legs off the bed. He made sure his movements were slow, worrying that if he went too fast, Sam, despite how lanky and scrawny he looked, wouldn't hesitate to strike him down.

"Like I said, he finds you," said Kieran. "We don't know when he will show up to meet with us until the last second."

"The less people know, the less likely traitors will tell authorities…" Sam thought aloud. "Smart… But, how do we get his attention, then? I ain't joining them! That's for sure! I'd rather die!"

"Okay, okay!" Kieran raised his hands, showing him he wasn't going to try anything. Despite the fear in his voice, Sam wasn't faltering in his rough demeanor. "Well, I'm sure Dutch has told you, but if he hasn't… Well, h-he's got higher ups who've been with him a while… Maybe if you…" The buffoon's eyes darted left and right, struggling to come up with a better word than what he was thinking, "d-do something to them, he'll have to come find you?"

"I thought all Colm cared about was numbers," said Lily.

"Is that what Dutch told you?" said Kieran. He lowered his hands slowly, moving them to rub his sore arm. "He cares about numbers, but he needs people to be in charge of things, when he's not around."

Sam thought to himself. "So, if I kill these people, I might be able to find Colm? Er, he'll find me?"

"Or, one of them might know where Colm is, or what happened that night," said Lily. "We can talk to them on the way to Colm and find out who shot my daddy!"

The young man nodded, but then squinted again at Kieran. "You'd better not be lying…" he then said, sternly.

"I'm not!" Kieran pleaded. "I saved Arthur! I'm one of you now."

"You saving him is why you ain't dead yet," said Sam. He opened his journal to an empty page and grabbed a pen. "Tell me names, and what they do. Then…" Sam pinched his nose. "Please change your clothes."

Kieran told the young man what he could remember. Sam wrote down a list of six men in his journal. These were the ones who were the higher ups in the O'Driscoll Gang, and most likely responsible for what happened to Sadie's husband, and his uncle.

"I think you could start with the first one…" Kieran said. "Rick Sullivan. He's in charge of the recruits… willing and unwilling…" He shivered at what Sam could only assume was a memory and raised a brow at the word "unwilling." It could explain all the missing people in Valentine.

"I'll look into it…" said Sam. "Lily, go into town tomorrow and see what you can find out. I'm still not sure it's safe to go back after that robbery."

Lily nodded. "I'll go first thing tomorrow."

Colm O'Driscoll slipped through our fingers once more and I saw my own life slip through mine. That gentle buffoon we kidnapped up in the mountains took us to a cabin. We were planning to kill Colm - Well, Dutch wanted answers for what had happened in Valentine before we killed him - but he had just gone elsewhere. We shot a bunch of his boys and one was about to end my life when Kieran shot him. He took a hit himself, but got him back to the camp. I don't know if keeping him alive was the best option, but he didn't look like he had anywhere else to go.

This FEUD, it's bled out from Dutch and Colm's mutual hatred into a loathing that permeates all of us and all of them.

And Sam is no different. His hatred for the O'Driscolls has festered into something I'm not sure he can control if we don't stop him. He wanted to come with us, but we all agreed that it would only lead him into an early grave.

Still, I found quite a shotgun in the cabin.

I just hope Dutch made the right call taking him and his cousin with us. They stole from us, but had nowhere to go after their house was pretty much destroyed. I hope they'll be okay, while we drag them into our mess, just like Mrs. Adler.

"Will you go rest, please?"

Arthur closed his journal and tucked it away. He was sitting at his tent, and saw Abigail walking up to John who was sitting under the lone tree at the edge of camp, by the cliffs.

"Quit fussing, I'm fine," John grumbled.

"You almost got yourself eaten, you silly man!" Abigail scolded. She walked up slowly and placed a hand on his shoulder, despite the way he rolled his eyes and practically his head. "You're a long ways from fine."

"Just let me rest in the sun, it's good for me. Only… talking, ain't so good for me…" And with that, he turned back to reading the book in hands.

Abigail sighed irritably and walked away. "You silly little man…" she hissed.

"Whatever you say!" John said, dismissively.

It was the morning after their attempt to find Colm O'Driscoll. It was almost noon and Kieran had already been put to work around camp. The night before, Sam had kicked his arse out of their tent as soon as he was mobile and went to get new sheets for Lily's cot. Javier was planning with Bill and Charles over how to get Sean back from the bounty hunters, and they were getting ready to go look for Micah and Lenny, who had been missing for too long, now.

Sam, on the other hand, had hid himself away in his tent, while Lily had gone into town with Sadie. It was her turn to go into town to get the camp's mail, and she thought it would be a good opportunity to visit her father's grave while she was at it.

God only knew what Sam was up to in that tent of his. Once again, he had gone to bed after him, but was awake before he awoke. The tent flaps were shut, and as Arthur walked by it, he could only hear the small sounds of a scribbling pen. He wasn't sure if he could get answers without invading the privacy of someone else's tent, so he went over to Dutch to see if he had any idea of what they were going to do next. That was far more important than the plans of one young man, on a quest for vengeance like an idiot. If he and his cousin were going to stay, Arthur would rather have them head back out west. There weren't O'Driscolls out there that he knew of, and it was much more open and free. Maybe there, Sam could clear his head and get away from what happened here.

He just… didn't want Sam to end up like him.

"Arthur," Dutch perked up, as soon as his right hand man walked by his tent. Grabbing his attention, Arthur turned to his boss who was just sitting on the cot in his tent with Molly sewing next to him.

"Dutch… Miss O'Shea," Arthur greeted. "You doing alright?"

Dutch stood up from where he was sitting and walked to the entrance of the tent. "Well, it feels like we are finally getting back on our feet." Arthur stood beside his boss.

"You find a buyer for them bonds we stole?"

"Not yet, but Hosea's working on it." Not long ago, the two along with Bill, Javier, Lenny, and Micah, had robbed a train owned by the company of the one and only Leviticus Cornwall, before they had left the abandoned mountain town of Colter. They didn't find money, but found some bonds that could get them tons of it. Arthur and Dutch shared a moment of silence, enjoying the morning, and the peace they had, no matter how brief it could be. Then Arthur broke the silence.

"When we heading west?"

"Soon…" Dutch answered, but he sounded unsure. "I don't know…"

"Feels like… things have changed." Arthur placed his hands on his gun belt. "The whole world has changed. That they don't want folk like us no more. We're being hunted."

Neither of them could disagree on that, even if Dutch was stubborn about it. They ran from Blackwater, located in West Elizabeth and ran all the way to Colter. They had been trapped in a thick layer of snow for almost weeks, but they survived, just like they survived many other trials… Well, almost everyone. They still felt bad about Davey.

"We are smarter than them," Dutch replied with determination. "Only the feeblest of men take jobs in the government."

Arthur chuckled in response. "I hope so."

"Trust Dutch, Mr. Morgan," said Molly. Arthur nodded in agreement. "You have to."

"They got Micah."

The three turned to the camp's entrance and saw a young man riding into camp. He had a dark complexion and wore an orange handkerchief, a dark blue vest, a light blue jacket and dark pants. He, like pretty much everyone, had at least one gun and a holster. Everyone in the camp looked relieved to see him. He got off his horse and ran up to Dutch and Arthur who were rushing over to his side with Molly trailing behind. It was Lenny. He looked shaken up and out of breath. "Dutch… Arthur…"

"What's going on?" said Dutch.

"They got Micah. He, he's been arrested for murder," said Lenny. "He was in Strawberry and…"

"It's okay, son," Dutch interjected. "Breathe…" And at the sound of those words, Lenny nearly fell over from panic or exhaustion, resting his hands on his knees, while he bent over and caught his breath.

"They nearly lynched me," Lenny explained, as soon as he got a breath in. "They… they got Micah in the sheriff's in Strawberry… and there's talk of hanging him."

"Here's hoping…" Arthur muttered.

Dutch immediately looked in his direction. "Arthur."

"What?" he said. "The fool brought this on himself." Ever since Micah joined, Arthur could barely stand him. He had his doubts when Dutch started hanging out with him and even more so when he joined the gang, officially. "You know my feelings about him, Dutch."

"You think I can't see past his bluster to the heart inside?" Dutch said, as Lenny wandered to the chairs by the table to sit. "He is a fine man."

"No," Arthur then said, sternly. "I ain't saving that fool."

"I can't go. My face will be all over West Elizabeth. I am asking." He locked eyes with his disagreeable boy. "He would do it for you."

Arthur highly doubted that, but never once had he disobeyed an order, and this sounded like one. Dutch wasn't gonna let this go, for whatever reason. "I don't think he would, but… fine, alright…"

"Arthur…"

The outlaw walked over to Lenny. He was sitting at the table, still shaken up. "You okay, Lenny?'

"Yeah." Lenny took a deep breath. "Course I'm okay."

"You don't seem okay."

"You take that kid into town," said Dutch. "Valentine, not Strawberry… get him drunk…" And with that, he walked back towards his tent, "and Arthur… no crazy business."

Arthur shrugged. "I've given that up."

"And you get Micah out of that jail."

Dutch's right hand man nodded, but he sighed. Then he turned back to Lenny. "Come on, son." And Lenny stood up, while Arthur guided him to the horses. "I'll get to it, Dutch. Just… can't drop everything."

Lenny had been gone for a while. At least he was back now. He would bring him up to speed on what happened while they were in Valentine. Hopefully, no one had caught on as to who robbed the clinic.

Lily going inside the train station that was also the post office and asking around would only draw suspicion. It made sense, since she used to live in the town. So, Sadie went in there in her stead.

"Can I help you?"

Sadie nodded. "I'm here to pick up some mail."

"Of course. Now, may I get a name?"

"Yes." She huffed at the name she was told to say. "I'm supposed to pick up mail for a… Tacitus Kilgore?"

The clerk went into the back and checked. "Ah, yes. Here we are." Sadie flinched at the stack of mail that was placed at the counter. She had never been in a gang, but she also couldn't believe that this fake alias they were using actually worked.

Sadie saw Arthur and Lenny outside briefly, riding into town. For what? She didn't know. The widow made sure all the mail and parcels were safely in the pouch before she headed outside. Lily had gone off to visit her father's grave, but when she stepped outside, Sadie saw her being harassed by some of the local ranch hands.

"Is it true what they say?" one of the men said. "That you laying with dirty outlaws?"

"No!" Lily snapped.

"Then where you been since your daddy died?" said another. "In and out of town, all suspicious like."

Lily tried to run away, but another man was nearby to block her and pushed her almost to the dirt.

"You sent those men to kill us all!?" And she was knocked into the dirt with a yelp. "Well, did ya?!"

"No!" she pleaded. "I didn't!"

Sadie stormed up to the men immediately. She had enough of getting pushed around back in the mountains, and she wasn't gonna stand for it now.

"You get the hell away from her!" she shouted.

The men looked at Sadie and then laughed. "Or what?" one of them said. "What? You gonna-"

The widow didn't even give them a warning. She pulled out the gun she had and shot the man who made fun of her right in the foot. He lost his balance and fell to the ground, flailing and screaming.

"OR THAT!" she shouted. The men took off and the injured one joined them as soon as he scrambled back up and limped as fast as he could.

Lily just shook and the only noises that came out from her mouth were small whimpers as she sat up. Sadie ran up to her quickly and hid her gun. "You okay?"

"Th-They…" the younger woman said, as Sadie helped her to her feet. "They were my daddy's p-patients. They… They would… Why…"

Sadie just nodded, letting her know that she was listening and guided her to her horse. "Let's just go, before they sick someone on us."

Lenny had explained to Arthur that he tried to ask what Micah was up to, but he wouldn't answer. He was half-drunk when they got to Strawberry, which he couldn't believe, since Strawberry was supposed to be a dry town. They had run into some folks, one of them, Micah knew, and Arthur already knew the ending, which was that Micah ended up shooting the guy. After that, the older outlaw explained to him what had happened that had been gone, with Sam and Lily joining them.

They got into the town and hitched their horses by the saloon. Lenny wasn't so sure about this, seeing that all the madness in Strawberry started because of a drink, but Arthur insisted it would just be a few.

At least now, for a little while, Arthur could relax. They went into the saloon, where there was music, food, and most importantly, drinks! They went to the bar and waited for the bartender to get to them, while placing money on the counter.

"Just one or two… right, Arthur?" said Lenny.

"Course, just a drink… no big drama," said Arthur. He signaled the barkeeper by tapping his finger on the counter. "Can we get a couple of beers, please?"

"You… I don't want no trouble," said the bartender. It immediately clicked that this was where he and other boys had that huge brawl. It was also the place where he had met Sam, now that he thought about it.

"And you'll get none from me... I was defending myself."

The bartender was unsure, but got two bottles of whiskey from under the counter. "Tommy, he's…"

"He'll be fine," said Arthur. He got out some more change and slid it to the bartender. "Here, have one for yourself."

And with that, his attitude changed. "Thank you." And he went to tend to the other customers.

"So you saved those two from O'Driscolls?" said Lenny.

"They saved me," said Arthur. "Dutch said that their knowledge of this town and its people could be useful."

Lenny sighed. "Micah seemed to know a lot of people… that was the problem."

"How you mean?"

"I mean, I done seen a lot of crazy, crazy stuff, but Micah…"

"'I seen a lot of crazy, crazy stuff.'" The patron next to them was mocking Lenny.

"Will you shut up?" said Arthur.

"'Will you shut up?'"

"Be quiet, buddy."

The man just looked at them and then laughed. "They're dullards. My Lord… you men is dull…"

"Leave this fool alone," said Lenny.

"'Leave the fool alone'. People been leaving me alone for the last ten years. I'm bored with being left alone."

While Lenny was trying to get that idiot off his back, Arthur was just staring at his drink. He promised Dutch no funny business, but goddamn it! This man was getting on his nerves, but the last thing he needed was to start something and get Lenny caught up in something that nearly gets him killed again. Arthur turned to the man.

"Hey, buddy. If you don't shut up, I'm gonna rip your head clean off your shoulders…" Arthur hissed, "is that clear?" He saw him nod, and pointed at the door. "Now get outta here!"

"Clear?" the patron said, backing away and going around him and Lenny. "Clear… very clear. I'm on my way…"

Now that he was gone, Arthur and Lenny stuck around and had another drink or two.

Or three…

Maybe four…

Sam finished writing the descriptions of the top O'Driscolls that Kieran had told him about, he closed his journal and stretched, getting rid of any aches or pains he had from being hunched over and writing. He considered getting another table and a chair so he could write more comfortably in his tent.

He realized it had been about a week or so since Archie cut all ties with them. They had the camp, but the lack of them hanging out was new. Before the attack on Valentine, they would find time to do something, even before Mr. Downes was dreadfully ill. Speaking of him, he hoped he was doing okay.

After everything his Uncle Cliff had done for them, this was the thanks they got…? Maybe he should've expected this. He lived in Valentine, and as long as he was still within the county, he was bound by its curse, and perhaps the gang, as well.

He heard the familiar sounds of a horse. Sam didn't think much of it at first, but then he heard the small sniffles and cries of his cousin. He dropped his pen, closed his book and immediately stormed outside.

Some of the girls had rushed over to Lily, whose clothes were dirtied and her elbows and hands were red from injury, already turning brown from bruising. She was still shaking.

"Lily?!" Sam was at her side in no time. "What happened?" He did not hesitate to let her hug him.

"She said some awful men were picking on her in town," said Mary-Beth.

"They were some idiots who looked like ranch hands," said Sadie.

"They… I thought they…" Lily could barely speak, before she just cried. "I couldn't get any information. Sadie shot one of them… And I… They used to be Daddy's patients…"

"Shot?!" Sam then exclaimed.

Sadie sighed. "In the foot… Calm down."

Lily just cried some more.

"Shhh…" Sam hushed. "It's okay." Despite his gentle words, he was fuming. He knew what she was talking about. Valentine was a livestock town, but somewhat small, so pretty much everyone knew each other. Cliff had been good friends with many of his patients and they were at his funeral. "What matters is that you're safe. Thank-you, Sadie."

"No, thank-you," said Sadie. "I was getting bored sitting around camp all day."

Sam nodded. "Tilly, Mary-Beth, can you maybe get Lily something to drink? Maybe help her settle down?"

"Of course," said Mary-Beth. Tilly led Lily towards her tent, with Sadie following them. Mary-Beth ran to Pearson's wagon to get her a drink of something.

For a moment, Sam just stood where they had left. They had turned against their own? He wasn't surprised. He has been an outcast long before this. The young man stormed into his tent and picked up his journal, flipping pages until he came upon an old drawing of the layout of the big ranch in Valentine. It marked where people would stay, where animals were, and where the manager lived. He closed it and stormed out towards Aurora.

"Sam, where are you going?" said Dutch. His voice stopped the young thief in his tracks.

"Emerald Ranch," said Sam. "I need to talk to a buddy of mine." The man just stared at him, looking unconvinced. "If it goes well, I'll bring back money."

"Fine."

Sam mounted his loyal steed, Aurora, and rode out of the camp, determination burning bright. No one would ever understand the stuff his family had been through, and they didn't care. They were quick to blame anyone and of course it would be him and his family.

When he made it to Emerald Ranch, he slowed Aurora down to a trot, and then gave her a treat for her speed. He petted her mane before sliding off from her and walking up to the barn. There, he knew the man who ran the fence.

"Ah, hello Sam," he said. "It's been a while. Got something to sell?"

"Yeah, but… I need something. I need something that can… cause quite a scare. It's, uh…"

"Say no more! I've got just the thing."

Sam rode away from Emerald Ranch once he was done with his business and made it to the town of Valentine by nightfall. It was the end of the day, things were settling down, the farmers were going to relax or sleep in their houses that were on the site.

The young man did a quick scan of the farm area on foot, while leading Aurora by holding the reins. Most of the things they had were from Cornwall's money. The thought of what consequences could await him if he found out, sent shivers down his spine. Aurora must have sensed it because she suddenly nuzzled against her human companion and Sam smiled, petting her nose.

He just had to think to himself: He was one guy. Not an entire town.

Sam left Aurora behind the saloon that was close to the church, because it looked like the more popular Smithfield's Saloon was having quite the ruckus. At least, the law looked busy dealing with some drunkards that were causing a disturbance. Sam was too busy getting ready for what he was about to do to notice what was going on exactly.

"Th-there they are, there they are! Those are the men!"

"I got him… I got the bastard."

"Come here, you drunk fool!"

"Never!"

The voice echoed down the street, but Sam was too busy to recognize who exactly was screaming. He calmed Aurora from the shout and hitched her to a tree.

"You'll never take me alive!"

"Wait here, girl," said Sam. "I'll be back soon. He took off his hat and coat, leaving on the saddle, and pulled up a checkered handkerchief over his mouth and nose and then he started walking towards the ranch property, making sure no one saw him. He let his hair down, changing his silhouette, hoping anyone who managed to see him wouldn't recognize him.

"I'm an American!"

Sam had worked for some money on these cattle ranches here and there. Mostly, it would happen when they were short a man, and he just so happened to be passing by. He entered the stables, saw all of the horses sleeping, but had woken up upon seeing Sam enter. They were calm, seeing as Sam was being quiet. He led them out and one by one he slapped them to get them running out and away from the ranch. And before they knew it, the cows and sheep were running, as well.

The bottle he got from the fence smelled horrible. He's had his fair share of moonshine, but not this. Good moonshine would put hairs on one's chest, but as he was told when he got this stuff: "This would torch them right off." This moonshine was not for drinking.

Sam left a whole trail of moonshine around the perimeter of the side of the large ranch that pointed towards the train station, which was towards the direction he sent the animals running.

With a single shot, there was a wall of fire. It wasn't close enough to burn any fencing or buildings. Hurting people wasn't Sam's intention.

He just wanted them to be afraid.

The workers awoke with a start, upon hearing people yelling. And they ran out to see the flames, quickly grabbing whatever they could put it out. Then, some of the ranch hands had seen that their cattle and horses were gone, running past the train tracks and into the fields.

Everyone was running after their missing animals, leaving the buildings empty. Sam slipped into each and everyone one of the buildings where the employees stayed, his baggage getting heavier as he went from building to building.

Sam made it back to Aurora, putting his heavy bag on the saddle. He put his coat back on, tied his hair back once more and put on his hat. Then he rode off, taking the back way out of town, while the people in Valentine were drawn to the madness that had sparked at the ranch near the train station.

Just like when Sam helped Arthur rob the clinic, he rode through Cumberland Forest and waited at Twin Stack pass to make sure he wasn't followed. Once enough time had passed, he rode back towards the camp at Horseshoe Overlook.

Sam had the same blank, slightly annoyed expression when he made it back to camp. Dutch approached him and he smelled the stench of foul moonshine, but was puzzled to see that Sam wasn't intoxicated at all. Then Sam opened the bag and it was filled with small but somewhat valuable things: rings, pocket watches, bracelets, necklaces, fountain pens, and some were just clips of money. As soon as Dutch saw that, he stopped asking questions, but Lily was worried, upon smelling the moonshine on him.

"S-Sam!" Lily said. "Wh-Where-"

Sam interrupted her with a hug. He took a few deep breaths and then went into his tent and flopped onto his cot. His heart was still pounding from what he had done, but they deserved it! Turning against their own people... He, alone, was one thing, but when harm came to Lily, he just couldn't take it anymore. He had to protect her, but he wasn't sure how, seeing as he couldn't protect his uncle…

His mother…

His aunt...

Maybe it was the curse that such bad luck befell his family. Lily believed in it, but his uncle did not. For a long time, Sam believed that if he tried hard enough, he could make his own fate, regardless of some curse… that he could protect his family. Maybe he could have with Archie's help, but now he was gone… and the people who had laughed and chatted with his uncle had turned on his cousin.

The town wasn't with his family anymore.

Dutch never felt more proud. Sam hadn't been with them long, but he brought in a haul by himself. He still smelled the stench of bad moonshine when he walked towards Sam and Lily's tent. Maybe it was stuck in his clothes. He peeked in to see Sam fast asleep, seemingly exhausted when he didn't seem so when he first arrived back. The young man was lying on his side, facing his cousin. Lily was sitting at his side with a chair pulled up, rubbing his shoulder, like a mother comforting her child. It didn't even look like she cared about the smell, which had somewhat lessened in the past hour he had been back.

Speaking of which, Arthur and Lenny hadn't returned from Valentine yet. Dutch would have to wait until morning and if there was no luck, he'd have to send someone to look for them. He's had enough people go missing.

Upon closer inspection, he saw why Lily was so close to him at the moment. There were streams of tears that had come down from his eyes, like he'd been crying. He came into their tent quietly, making sure not to wake the lad. Lily had heard his footsteps, but didn't move.

"He alright…?" Dutch said, his voice kept low.

Lily gently took Sam's hat off his head and set it on the table next to the cot. "You know what he said to me before he fell asleep?" She didn't wait for Dutch to ask if he wanted to know. "'I did this for you.'"

"For what those men did to you in Valentine?"

Lily shrugged. "I don't know. He's barely slept lately, so I ain't surprised he fell asleep so fast." She held his right hand, limp from being in the grip of sleep, and rubbed his gloved palm in a pattern, almost like she was tracing over something. It was there that he saw that the boy was clutching that pocket watch in his other hand. "I know he's a bit of a handful and tries to act tough, but deep down he's sensitive." She bit back a smile and quickly turned to him. "Don't tell him I said that, or he'll kill me."

Dutch chuckled, but then held back from being loud. "I don't think he would," he said.

"I tried to tell those people that I had nothing to do with what happened in Valentine, but they wouldn't listen." She sniffled. "After all those years…"

"I know… but the people don't. They're afraid and are looking for something to blame. They can't blame it on a curse that you say exists, and there were too many O'Driscolls slithering about that night. They needed something that they can see and hear… and blame."

Lily sighed, and slowly placed Sam's hand back down. Dutch patted her shoulder.

"You should get some sleep."

The young lady rubbed her eyes. "I will." She stood up first stretching before turning to the tent's entrance. "I just need a drink first."

Dutch watched Lily make her way towards Pearson's wagon and the gang leader turned to the sleeping boy before him. His eyes were shut, and his breath was steady. The tears that had streamed down his eyes had long dried up from the late spring air. Dutch never had much of a family growing up, but if this young man really was what he suspected then maybe he found a missing piece of himself, the part he lost when Annabelle died. Life had been cruel to him, but he wasn't the only one. Hell, the gang was a constant reminder of that.

Sam kept his pocket watch on him at all times. The chain was attached to one of the belt loops of his pants. Even if it wasn't, there was no way Dutch was going to take it off his unconscious body. He just couldn't do that to him. Maybe when Sam was ready he'd show him.

Until then, Dutch just carefully pulled off Sam's boots and pulled the blankets over him.

"So even after what you saw, you still wanna rob him?"

Sam awoke to Hosea's voice. It sounded like he was arguing with Dutch again. At least their talks were more peaceful than John and Abigail argued.

"Leviticus Cornwall," Sam heard Dutch say, as he sat up, not remembering when he was tucked in the way he was. His boots were neatly set beside his bed and it looked like Lily had already gotten up for the day, because she wasn't in her cot. "He burns a town over what we can only see as a display of power. If anything, we'll do New Hanover a favor, taking his money."

Sam checked his pocket watch. It was about 9:00 a.m.. He swung his legs off the cot and sunk his feet into his boots.

"Or, he could find our camp and burn us all to a crisp!" Hosea asserted.

"I don't want to cause us trouble, Hosea, but we need money. Everything we had was in Blackwater. Once we have enough, we can lie low then head back west."

"But right now, we're heading east!"

Their chat faded away in Sam's ears as he reached for his satchel and pulled out his journal. He had yet to find anything on Rick Sullivan. From what Kieran told him, he was the man who recruited him into the O'Driscoll gang. If that was true, then he may be behind with all those people who had gone missing from Valentine.

Sam held himself as his stomach growled. He was so caught up with last night, he didn't remember the last time he ate yesterday. For once, Pearson's stew sounded really good right now.

The young man made his way across camp, feeling the warmth of the morning sun shining down on him. The pot was still steaming, a low flame from the fire was keeping it warm. Sam grabbed a plate and helped himself.

"It's okay, Charles," Sam heard Lily say, as he scarfed down the meat and veggies from the stew.

Lily was sitting at the table with Charles. They were both eating breakfast as well.

"It… I overreacted," said Charles.

"Well, I wouldn't say that," said Lily. "What those poachers were doing was wrong, and they were treating you like shit because you actually cared about those bison."

"It's not just that…" He sighed. "Anyway, I just… want to apologize. If you're still interested, we can go hunting again."

Lily nodded happily. "Yeah, I'd love to. Maybe Sadie can come with us?"

Sam smiled before he drank the broth from the stew and then set the empty bowl on the dirty pile on the grass. Then he heard the crunch of it from footsteps, and then smelled the scent of a cigar.

"Feeling better today, Sam?" said Dutch, who approached him.

"From what?" Sam then shrugged. "I just robbed a bunch of people and came back with a haul. I feel great! Those idiots didn't even see me."

Dutch tilted his head momentarily, as Sam just rolled his eyes and forced a smirk. Obviously, he knew it was a front to cover up the mess he was in last night, but he decided not to pry, especially with the other camp members around.

"Well, if you don't mind, I do have something I need you to do."

Sam nodded. "Sure. What is it?"

"Arthur and Lenny went into town yesterday, but haven't come back. They were just supposed to have just a quick drink."

Sam nodded. He vaguely remembered Lenny's voice while he was writing down notes.

"Well, if he's not in the saloon, I'll check the police office," he said. "Don't worry, I know the sheriff."

Dutch laughed. "Well, good. If they are locked up and you need help getting them out, just come back and talk to me."

The young man nodded. "Yes, sir."

Sam took this as the perfect opportunity to get to town and finally have a chance to find a lead on Rick Sullivan. Like most O'Driscolls he sounded like an award-winning bastard. He must be if he's willing to kidnap people and force them to join his gang.

On Aurora, he rode into Valentine, where he saw some of the ranchers still leading lost cattle and horses back to the ranch. Several deputies were talking to some of the workers.

First he went to Smithfield's Saloon and found the place empty. The bartender was sweeping up what looked like the remains of what felt like the huge fight from the day he first saw Arthur. Except it couldn't have been that, since that was taken care of what felt like a long time ago.

"We're not serving food today, because some bastards caused trouble again," the bartender said, as soon as the young man walked in, "but let me know if you're thirsty, sir."

Sam looked around a bit, until he felt his foot almost step on something. He bent over and picked it up, recognizing the worn leather and ropey material that tied around it, as he wiped away the dirt. It was Arthur's hat.

"Did you see a feller wearing this last night?" said Sam.

"Yup. The police dragged him and his friend off the street after assaulting a man."

Sam sighed. So, they were with the police… "Okay, thanks…"

He walked out of the saloon and down the street towards the police station. Now, he kind of knew what it felt like to be his uncle on those quiet nights when he'd get pulled from dinner or whatever he was doing to be told that his nephew got locked up for stealing, or doing something stupid again.

He saw the board posted outside of the police station. People were still missing and the few O'Driscolls that were identified were wanted. He didn't find anyone labelled "Rick Sullivan." The possibility of catching him for money sounded nice, but he'd never tracked down anyone like a bounty hunter before.

"Weren't they supposed to be here today?" the Sheriff asked, as he walked outside with a deputy.

"Oh, there they are!" The deputy pointed down the street and there was a man driving towards them on a bounty wagon. He had long bright blonde hair, his eyes were bright blue and striking. He wore a bright white brimmed hat, but it had seen its battles, along with the brown leathery vest that he wore along with a long sleeved white collared shirt. His gloves were black, along with his pants, his worn boots were brown, but were tipped with metal soles. Around his neck was a scarf or some kind of tie that was tied off with some kind of purple gem.

Next to him was a woman who wore something similar but she was wearing all black, a red collared shirt and she was wearing a black coat. Her hair was a lovely shade of orange, tied in a slight braid and hanging off the front of her right shoulder. Her lips were a ruby red color and her eyes were hazel.

"You boys looking for the Butchers Brothers?" said the man.

"Well, of course," said the sheriff. "Isn't everyone?"

"We've got them right here for you," the man said, as he climbed off the cart with his partner. "Rose, would you mind showing these gentlemen the evidence?"

The woman gave him a thumbs up and walked to the back, with the deputy following her. Sam stared as the doors were opened and the deputy flinched. The three were there, all tied up and still kicking to boot.

The sheriff nodded and turned towards his office to get the two bounty hunters their money. Then, finally, he noticed Sam standing nearby.

"What are you doing here, Sam?" he said.

Sam nodded. "Good day, officer," he chirped.

The sheriff sighed. "What did you do?"

"N-Nothing! No." He reached into his bag and pulled out Arthur's hat. "I'm looking for a friend of mine. He wore this."

Malloy nodded. "Yep. The idiots are inside, sleeping it off. Let me get these folks their money, and we'll talk."

Sam shrugged and just nodded, as the sheriff quickly stormed inside. The bounty hunter was leaning against the bounty wagon, while his partner that appeared to be called Rose was helping the deputy unload the prisoners.

"That's pretty impressive, sir," Sam said.

The man chuckled a little and pulled out a cigarette. He got out a match and lit it. After taking a puff, he spoke.

"Aw, bounty hunting ain't so hard," he said. "Any fool can do it. Even you, pipsqueak. Well, at least that's what my mentor said."

Sam made a half smile, but he wasn't so sure. He could shoot, but things were different when opponents shot back. Then a thought sparked in his head. If he was a bounty hunter, he may know more about the criminals in the area, but unlike the police, he may be more willing to spill the beans.

"Actually, I have a question for you," said Sam.

"Go for it."

"Do you know anything about a man named Rick Sullivan?"

"The O'Driscoll bastard? Now, why would someone like you be looking for him?"

"It's…" Sam looked around, in case anyone was listening. Rose was carrying a prisoner over her shoulder along with the deputy who had one over his shoulder, as well. Once they were inside, Sam felt like it was safe enough. "Kind of… a personal matter. I need to find him. He may know something that I need."

"There's quite a pretty penny on his head, too, though," said the man.

Sam stared for a moment, then he crossed his arms. "Then you can take the money, I just need him."

The blonde's eyebrows raised. He finished his cigarette and threw the remains on the muddy ground, and laughed a little.

"Well, isn't this interesting?" He glanced at Rose, who dashed back outside to grab the last prisoner before heading back into the police station. "What's your name?"

"Sam. Samuel Hawkeson." He reached out his hand.

"That doctor's nephew?" The man reached out and shook his hand. "Name's Brandon Marrows."

Sam was confused on how Brandon seemed to know that. He had never seen him in town before, and he didn't look like he was from around here. Cliff had made sure that he and Lily could remember faces. It made patients feel a little more special when they were recognized from previous visits.

"Well, Sam. If you're really interested, feel free to meet me at the saloon at Emerald Ranch," said Brandon. "We can talk more there."

"Emerald Ranch?" said Sam. "That saloon hasn't been active since… well-"

"Trust me," said Brandon. "There are plenty of things people don't see in the dark. Just come around nightfall sometime and tell the barkeeper what a 'discouraged man' you are, and they'll know you're with me."

The sheriff walked out with Rose. The girl got back on the front of the bounty wagon while the sheriff handed Brandon a stack of money. "Thank-you." He tipped his hat to the sheriff and joined Rose on the wagon. "You folks have a nice day." He gave a wink to Sam, with a tip of his hat, and the young man winced a little before he drove away.

Sheriff Malloy sighed. "Alright, kid. In ya get!"

Sam followed the officer inside, and recognized the familiar smell of alcohol. The three bounties were being kept a close eye on by two deputies, while they laid tied up on the floor. Any of them, who gave them sass were given a swift kick to the ribs.

In the cells, Sam could see Arthur and the man he could only guess was Lenny laying on the cell beds, out cold. They were bruised, and their clothes were dirtied, but they looked fine. Their guns, bags, and Arthur's spurs were sitting on the Sheriff's desk.

"Oh, look!" one of the deputies said. "Sticky Fingers is back. You here to turn yourself in, or take anything that's not glued to the floor?"

"That's enough, Wallis," Malloy immediately silenced the deputy. "Glad you came in today. Since we've got these three to deal with, we need to empty these cells." And with that, he kicked his heel on one of the cell bars making a loud metal banging noise that woke Lenny up immediately. Judging from his slow movements, the groaning and the way he grabbed his head, he was hungover. Sam would know from experience. He looked around and then saw Arthur.

"Arthur… You alive?" said Lenny. "Arthur?"

Finally, Arthur stirred, placing a hand over his head, trying to block out the sun that was shining down on his face.

"Shut up…" Arthur grumbled. He rubbed his sore head and groaned. "I wanna die…" It took all his strength to sit up. "Where are we?" He took in his surroundings and noticed the jail bars. "Sam?"

"Hello, there," Sam then chirped. "And you said I was trouble." He turned to the sheriff, while Arthur rubbed his sore head. "So, what's the charge? I'm sure we can work something out."

The deputy laughed. "Your good uncle ain't here to protect you no more, and certainly not your 'friends'."

"Wallis!" Malloy then yelled. "They were caught up in a bit of drunken violence. Luckily, no one was killed."

"We didn't start a thing!" said Arthur.

"Yes, you did."

"Well… I don't remember…"

Sam held back a snicker, but smiled. "So, how much?"

"Well, I would say ten dollars," said Malloy, "but we're also a little busy with something that happened to the ranch down the way."

Sam put his hands on his hips. "Yes, I saw some people dragging cattle and horses back this morning. "Did something happen?"

"Who is this guy?" said Lenny.

"Shut up…" Arthur whispered. "I'll tell you later."

"Well, we've got our hands full with that, the O'Driscolls, and with those two idiots." Arthur rolled his eyes in response, then held his head in his hands, regretting the movement. He kept his mouth shut, seeing that Sam seemed to know how to talk his way around the sheriff. "But the bounties won't stop going up."

The young man tilted his head. "So, you want some help?"

"Well, I've been in the field for years, son. And, I know that you don't hire a saint to catch a sinner."

Sam nodded and gestured to Arthur. "Well, when that feller over there isn't being an idiot, I'd say he's pretty good at what he does. Besides, like you said: No one was killed last night."

"Well, if he can get us what we need, we'll pretend this little incident never happened. We'll even pay."

The young man locked eyes with the sheriff. A part of him knew that he knew what happened last night, and he wasn't just talking about Lenny and Arthur getting intoxicated. He sighed.

"Think you can do that, Arthur?" said Sam.

Arthur sighed, still rubbing his temples, but nodded. "Sure. What is it?"

The sheriff gestured to the wall. There was a posterboard of bounties and Sam took the one that it seemed like Malloy was pointing at. It was a bounty poster for someone named Benedict Albright.

"He's a low down huckster," one of the other deputies said. After Sam was done looking at it, he passed the poster to Arthur through the bars. "He's been poisoning folks with his miracle cure from here to Annesburg. Killed more than Landon Ricketts without even pulling a trigger. Gets some kind of sick satisfaction out of it."

"Feller at the saloon says he saw him at the gorge straight north of here," said the sheriff. "I need him alive, though. I wanna make sure the people he widowed are compensated before he swings."

Sam nodded. "I think he can do that."

"Sounds easy enough…" Arthur grumbled. "Especially if there's money involved." He stood up as soon as he saw the sheriff bringing his stuff. Lenny suddenly felt nauseous and started spewing his guts into the nearby pot in his cell. Arthur looked away, and Sam was already stepping back.

"I'll wait for you two outside," said Sam.

Sam headed out. He whistled for Aurora, and briefly gazed at the church where his aunt and now his uncle were buried in the graveyard.

When Aurora didn't come, Sam stared down towards the Saloon and saw some of the ranch hands struggling to take her away. The horse was whining and trying to pull away. Aurora never did like strangers. It took quite some time for her to warm up to him when they met.

"Hey!" Sam shouted. "Leave her alone!" His shout distracted the men enough that Aurora managed to slip the reins from her attackers and run.

"We're just taking some compensation," one of the men. "Given that you stole our things last night."

Sam pulled down a gulp as the men walked closer to him. "I don't know what you're talking about." He chuckled nervously, when they got closer. "This, gentlemen, is a case of mistaken identity. Do you really want to blame something on someone else?"

The men weren't backing down. They didn't have weapons, since they were getting their fists ready, and Sam definitely didn't want to shoot anyone, after just talking to the police. It was already a miracle that he robbed the rival clinic and messed up the farmland near the train station and was still walking around town like nothing happened, but if he ran, he'd look guilty and how else would get stronger to protect his cousin?

Sam formed fists, muttering to himself. "Keep calm, hips square…"

"What's he saying?" one of the men said.

"Won't matter in a second," said another.

"And we need him alive… that's an important point."

"Alive. I got it," Arthur said back to the sheriff. He was walking out with Lenny now that he had his stuff back. He tucked the bounty poster into his bag, while Lenny leaned on the lamp post nearby.

"So…" said Lenny. "That was a quiet drink."

"First one was pretty quiet."

"Yeah, the first one was pretty quiet," Lenny said, stifling a laugh.

"At least it took your mind off goddamn Micah…" He then looked just in time to see Sam dodge a swing and then punch his attacker right in the face. The man fell to the ground. Arthur smiled, seeing Sam fight back. He remembered what he told him.

Suddenly, the other guy pushed Sam onto the mud. Before he could kick him in the ribs, Sam blocked it with his arms and toppled the man onto the ground. He tried punching him, until the other man who was still standing grabbed Sam from behind. His arms were around Sam's torso, pinning his arm's down. He kicked the approaching man with his legs. The first one got back up, and Sam cried out as he was pushed head first into the mud. His arms flailed, eyes held shut with the mud in his face, trying to grab or hit something, but barely got anything except for the punches and kicks he was getting.

"You're uncle ain't here no more kid!"

"Get lost!"

"No one wants you here!"

Arthur's mind became cloudy for a moment. He recalled words similar to that. It was a long time ago, but they still were fresh when he thought about it too much… remembered an image of a young boy in a similar situation.

Unwanted…

Unloved...

Nobody was stopping to help. Sam heard no one scream or anything, and even if they did, they, like when Arthur fought Tommy, were probably just watching this happen. He was no better. He stood there and watched, holding back Lily and Archie who wanted to help.

Sam was aware of things he had done before, but never had it ever come to this. Valentine had bigger fish to fry. Stealing in your own hometown tended to piss people off, but the people who dwelled in it deserved it. This, however, just proved to him how helpless he was to protect his uncle that night… Lily deserved someone stronger...

Maybe he did deserve this…

"Get the hell away from him!"

Suddenly, the three men stopped what they were doing and saw Arthur storming over to them.

"What?"

"I said get away!" he growled.

One of the men laughed. "Or what?"

"Do you really wanna test my patience today, boy? Leave my friend alone!"

Sam couldn't see anything, but didn't dare move, fearing if he tried, he'd get caught and beaten some more. So he stayed perfectly still, lying in the mud, his hands reaching only slightly, as if to grab something, but when he felt nothing they went back down.

He flinched, however, when he heard the word "friend."

The three men looked at each other and then looked back at Arthur.

"Whatever, we were done here, anyway." They began to leave, but one stayed for a moment and spat near the incapacitated young man. It took all of Arthur's strength and will to not shoot that man on sight for that.

"You okay?" Lenny said, as he rushed over to Sam's side, who had just given up and laid still in the dirt. He flinched again when he knelt down near him and Arthur joined the two. As soon as there was a hand on his shoulder Sam almost yelled out loud and flailed. Arthur grabbed his wrists and them still.

"Easy, it's just us," said Arthur. He pulled out his handkerchief and held Sam still as he wiped the mud off his eyes. Sam blinked his eyes open, seeing the two outlaws before him, and he, despite who they were, was relieved to see them. "You okay?"

Sam groaned when they went to help pull him up. His ribs and his sides felt like they were on fire. They stop to give him a minute to just sit. His clothes were all dirtied and the mud still covered parts of his face that Arthur took his time cleaning off.

"Why…" Sam coughed as his lungs hit his sore ribs from his heavy breathing. He made sure to not be looking at Arthur or Lenny, when he spat out mud or dirt that had gotten in his mouth. "Why… did you… They're gonna outcast y-you too." His voice was hoarse and quiet, hesitating to be any louder, because he feared he might cough again if he did.

Arthur just grinned. "I've been outcast for as long as I can remember. Now, come on."

Sam nodded, letting the two men help him up. "And you must be Lenny Summers." The young man stuttered before coughing some more, nearly falling over from the pain in his chest. Arthur held him up. They really hit him hard, but luckily he only coughed up saliva, and shook from the pain.

Lenny nodded. "Yes, and nice to meet you, I guess."

"Easy," said Arthur. Sam nodded, insisting he was okay, but Arthur wasn't letting him go, seeing how wobbly and unsteady his legs were. Sam was still heaving, almost hunched over in pain, with tears in the corners of his eyes, but he just managed to hold them back. Maybe he was just beaten in public, but he wasn't going to let anyone in town have the satisfaction of seeing him cry. He managed to suck in enough air to whistle for Aurora.

"So much… f-for… fighting…" Sam wheezed.

Arthur sighed. He couldn't fault him for losing. He was outnumbered and it was his first fist fight alone. In fact, he was impressed he lasted that long, let alone stayed instead of running. Aurora had showed up again, coming out from hiding behind the saloon, but Arthur's mind was made up. He called his horse and guided the younger man towards his steed.

"No, but I guess you ain't as cowardly as I thought you were. Get on." The young man was too sore to question that sentence, but he was going to go ahead and take it as a compliment. Arthur hoisted Sam onto the back of his horse. "We'll get Lily to take a look at you. Make sure they didn't break any ribs." He patted his knee and then got in the saddle. "Lenny, you ready?"

Lenny got on his horse. "Yeah, let's head back."

Sam's eyes were shiny with a thin layer of tears. His heart had skipped several beats when Arthur said the word, "friend." His heart was fluttering over it. Did he really mean that? He shook his head. Even if that were true, how long would that last? He moved his legs, making sure he was straddling the horse, while sitting behind the outlaw.

"H-Here…" Sam rasped. Just as Arthur took the reins, the young man reached into his bag. Arthur turned his head and saw the familiar shape and dark leathery fabric of his hat. He wondered why his head felt lighter this morning, despite the now dull ache in his head that still remained. "You dropped this."

Arthur took his hat back and smiled, before putting it back on his head. "Thank-you. Now, let's go."

They rode back towards camp, with Aurora following behind them. The only other person who had called him "friend," was with him since he and Lily were small. And now, he had left him to the wolves.

Sam sighed. He was too sore and tired to think about all that. For now, he just hung onto the outlaw, hands on his sides, finding it odd that he had begun to trust and enjoy the company of outlaws more than the town he grew up in, and let his mind drift off until he thought of nothing. Closing his eyes, he only heard the hoof beats of the horses, the rocking of the horse he was riding, the wind in his hair and felt the comfort of the once scary man who had called him "friend."