A/N: Yeah, yeah. I'm late by a day. Sorry... Oh mah gosh! I was busy flipping out about the Animal Crossing update and DLC. :

Once the sun had risen, the boys made their way back to camp. Arthur's head was still sore, so he rode with Sam on his horse with Soleil following closely behind them along with the others. They took different paths, meeting up and separating again, just to make sure they weren't followed back to camp by the law or anyone suspicious.

Once they were back at camp and safely in Arthur's tent, Hosea fussed over Arthur's little head injury, while he and Sam tended to him. Sam insisted he'd be fine with some rest, and the old man was going to make sure that Arthur did just that.

"So, sorry about this, but this is just what my uncle usually does with concussions," said Sam.

Arthur raised a brow, but nodded.

"What's your name?"

"Arthur Morgan."

"Do you know where we are right now?"

"Horseshoe Overlook in New Hanover, near the town of Valentine."

"Yep. He's okay," Sam said, jotting down the last of his notes. "Just take it easy until the nausea and headaches are gone."

"Don't worry," Hosea said, just before Arthur could open his mouth to speak. "I'll make sure of it."

Sam stifled a laugh, while Arthur was staring daggers at the elder. Dutch was by later to check on him, as well, and Sam left them to it.

Hosea had gotten Arthur some tea, saying it was for the pain. He drank it, and fell asleep in less than half an hour. The elder was smirking, with the gang leader batting him a skeptical eye, knowing that he had tricked their son into drinking something to help him sleep.

Sam wasn't a doctor in writing, but he still made an effort to at least act like he was. Members of the gang were coming in more often now regardless of how small the reason. He kept files on everyone, and was finishing up writing up the one on Arthur's head injury. Dutch made sure that he didn't specify how exactly it happened just in case someone got their hands on it, but it would be safer if they knew everyone's medical history just in case of known conditions and allergies.

While he was away, Kieran had left the piece of paper he was made to write on.

Maclean Leander takes no nonsense, even those he causes his own. He has long brown hair, and wears a gray cap. And like many O'Driscolls, he wears green at least somewhere on his body, but he's mostly seen with a white scarf, since he stays in the colder areas in West Elizabeth. He spends most of his time in the rooms he sets aside for himself, and only lets people in there just to yell at them, kind of like Colm in a way. Well, not really. It's complicated.

He oversees jobs that Colm ain't overseeing. He mostly stays up near or in the mountains. Even though he ain't the leader he acts like it when he's left in charge.

I wouldn't be surprised if he helped lead the attack on Valentine. I don't know if he did. I was tied to that tree when it happened, and I saw them dragging you there when you was unconscious.

Sam sighed, sitting at his cot. Still no Lily, not that he was surprised. He was more dedicated to the cause than she ever was. She never had to think about who her parents really were, or where they were, or why his uncle who, when Sam was an infant, was a complete stranger for all he knew. Yet, Cliff decided to take care of him, despite knowing what his mother did… and possibly his father.

But Lily was in love.

It made people do many things.

Stupid things.

Hurt people.

All for love.

But he was no better. In fact, one could argue he was worse. He wasn't hurting people for love. He was hurting them for money, for vengeance. The vengeance was for the uncle he loved, and he knew he loved him back, even though Sam knew that what he was doing was selfish. He didn't care. He was tired of life trying to kick him into the mud and make sure he stayed in it. Still, as he thought about what he had done, he swallowed down a hard lump in his throat, and tried to hold back the tears. If he stayed in his tent too long without any patients, people would start wondering what he was doing, or Miss Grimshaw would get mad that he wasn't doing any work. She already smacked Mary-Beth for giving her lip.

Charles helped Sam with doing the chores Arthur would've done, if he wasn't incapacitated. After they were done, he returned to the campfire for a break. Among the people sitting there for a rest, it was Hosea, and even Reverend Swanson.

"Hello."

"Reverend."

Swanson just sighed. Sam did the same, putting his palms on his knees. "I'm not my cousin. I won't shoo you away. You've been gone a few days. What happened?"

Swanson just shrugged. "I've made rather a fool of myself again." Sam wasn't really sure in what way, but the way his hands were shaking and his inability to fully relax, he could only assume it was… well, the usual.

Sam shrugged. "I guess the same." He turned to him slowly. "Um, if you don't mind me asking… How did you get here?"

"Could ask the same," said the reverend. "I just went down a dark path. Still am… And chances are I will be again in less than a week."

Sam sighed. "Yeah."

"It happens," Hosea then interjected. "After Bessie passed away, I was drunk for a year… I wouldn't worry too much about it." He turned to Sam. "Good job on that robbery, Sam. I know what you did back there couldn't have been easy."

"And… the reverend would be okay with that?"

"Considering what I've done, I am in no place to judge you, let alone anyone here, Mr. Hawkeson," said Swanson. "You all are just trying to survive another day, just like everyone else, whether it's a sin or not."

"He's right, Sam," said Hosea. "It's okay to feel bad about it, but you gotta keep going."

Sam nodded, but didn't really say anything in response. Somehow, they knew he got the message, and it was okay to feel the way he did.

"Well, get in there, idiot!"

Sam's head snapped around to see Micah practically throw Kieran into Sam's tent. Hosea growled frustrated at the man's behavior. The young man quickly stood.

"Um, excuse me," Sam quickly said to the two men.

Sam walked back into his tent just in time to see Sadie holding down Kieran with her heeled boot and Micah spouting insults at him.

"What the hell are you two doing?!" Sam yelled.

"The job, remember?" Micah said, smiling. "The next target is Maclean, and I'm waiting for O'Driscoll to spill his guts."

"I already told him what I know, mister!" Kieran practically squealed. Sam ran over and grabbed the paper.

"He wrote it all here!" said Sam. He pushed Sadie off the other man. "Can you not pick on him, at least in my tent?" By the arm, he pulled Kieran up and had him sit on Lily's empty cot.

"Still had fun stepping on him," said Sadie. "So, what does it say?"

"He could be up near the mountains back in West Elizabeth. Seems they hid there and sent their men to New Hanover."

Micah scoffed. "All the way back up in them damn mountains?!"

"Maybe," said Sam. "But we need to pinpoint a direct location. I say we look around a bit, but I need to ask Dutch about it."

Micah nodded. "Sounds like a plan, and Dutch likes those."

"Why don't he come with us," Sadie said, staring dagger at the ex-O'Driscoll shaking in Lily's cot.

"Said he ain't a fighter," said Sam. He went to look at a map of West Elizabeth. It was covered in marks from the attempt to catch Rick.

"I don't much welcome someone to stab us in the back," said Micah.

"I wouldn't do that!" said Kieran. "I already proved myself."

The blonde man stifled a laugh. He leaned in close, making Kieran whimper softly as he tried to lean away. "The only thing you've managed to prove is how quickly you'll turn on your friends. You ain't proved nothing!"

Sam huffed as he sifted through his maps, marking places they've been and places they could check out. He kept glancing to make sure Kieran hadn't been harmed yet, but when he turned to Sadie and Micah who were still making threats to him and eying him like wolves who have spotted a meal, he felt his heart sink a moment.

Kieran was scared. And Sadie and Micah were like the men all that time ago who were kicking him while he laid face-first in the mud.

"Alright, that's enough!" Sam snapped. He hated not having Lily around to keep the peace while he worked. "If you forgot, we need him alive to tell us shit, and he already wrote everything down on this piece of paper for me. Kieran, you can go."

"Okay…" Kieran whimpered. He stood, trying not to bump into anyone on the way out.

"But mark my words…" Sadie grumbled. "He only needs his tongue to talk…" And that sent Kieran running.

"And since when were you up for defending scum like him?" said Micah.

"Since I wanted the two of you to stop acting like children," said Sam. "We need to pinpoint where they are exactly, so I say we go up to where Kieran said he usually goes and do some recon. Plus, if we find him, we won't need to lean on Brandon for this one."

"Well, hopefully he won't mind us dragging the fool's lifeless body down from that mountain…" said Sadie.

Sam shrugged. "His help is nice, but if we can get this guy without having to lean on him, it's fine by me. We're not under a deal for Maclean. I'll run this by Dutch and we can get Charles and go. Get your stuff ready."

Sam walked out into the afternoon sun. He glanced at Arthur's tent and he seemed to be relaxing. Hosea walked up to him with some tea and they began to chat, even exchanging some laughs.

"Are you okay, Dutch?" said Molly. She stepped in from the entrance while he was reading another one of his books on his cot.

"Why, whatever do you mean?" he said.

"It's just… I've seen you, and… you seem distracted lately."

Dutch just sighed. Of course, he knew what it was about, but he couldn't bring Molly into this mess. He wasn't sure if she was the jealous type.

"Of course I'm okay, my dear. There's a lot going on, but I'm doing my best."

Molly smiled. She walked over and placed her arms around him. "Well, I'm always here if you need anything."

"I know," said Dutch. "Thank-you, my dear."

"Dutch, we got another lead," Sam said, walking towards the tent. He slowed down in his footsteps, upon seeing the pair cuddled up. "Am I interrupting?"

"Molly, would you give us a moment?"

The red head stood and left the two alone. After that, Sam began to explain his plan to Dutch. He made sure to bring his maps and go into detail.

"It'll be me, Charles, Sadie and Micah," said Sam. "I would invite Arthur, but I ain't too sure he's in the revenge game, and he's still recovering from that bump on his head. I'll make sure everyone's bundled up if we have to go into the mountains."

"That's what I'm afraid of," said Dutch. "Everyone was freezing their asses up back up there."

"Well, if we're right, he won't be in the mountains. And we're not running from the Pinkertons up there or stuck waiting for thaw to get out wagons. It'll just be us, horses and some guns. And Micah and Charles will be with me."

Dutch took a moment to think about it, and Sam just waited patiently. He knew he couldn't just stop him. He was in pain, and he was entitled to justice, like he was.

"Three days," the gang leader then stated. "You have to promise me you'll come back after three days. Even if you get super close, I need to know you're still kicking. You hear me?"

Sam formed a pout. He wasn't a child. "I don't know if three days is enough…" Dutch shot him a glare. "Okay. Three days." Still, the man said nothing. The young man took a deep breath and reached out his hand. "I promise." The gang leader smiled and shook his hand in return.

"Good." And with that, he opened his book once more. "Now you better keep it, boy."

"I will."

Sam was back at his tent in no time and ordered Micah, Sadie, along with Charles to prepare their things. Sam picked up whatever ammo he had laying around, packed food and supplies from Pearson's wagon, along with some of his own medical supplies… and poison. Lastly, he took his jacket, which he wore for the winter months, just in case, but considering how cold it could be up in Ambarino, he packed some spare clothes to wear as extra layers, and encouraged the others to do the same thing.

Arthur watched from his tent. He knew what was going on, but even if he said something, he knew there was no stopping him.

"How are you feeling?" Abigail said, walking into his tent. She got some tea for him, which he graciously accepted. The bleeding on his head had stopped, but Hosea insisted on keeping the wound covered in bandages for a little longer.

Arthur shrugged. "I'm alive." He gestured to the fools about to set off. "They're heading out, but nothing I say is gonna stop them."

"I'm just worried for Mrs. Adler. She's been quite upset. I talk with her when I can, but I don't think I'm getting anywhere."

"Does she have any other family we can take her to?"

Abigail frowned and shook her head. "I don't think she has anyone…"

The four set out from Horseshoe Overlook going west. The path took them past Valentine and past the Downes' Ranch. Sam had thoughts of stopping to see Lily, but he wasn't sure if she wanted to see what he had become: A murderer. He did it to defend a friend, but that friend was also a criminal. He didn't care, but he cared about Lily, and all he wanted was for her to be happy.

"You wanna see her?" Micah called out as they passed the ranch.

Sam shook his head. "No. Mrs. Downes don't want me around her property."

"You sure it ain't about Lily? Can't say I blame ya…"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, here you are busting your ass to find her father's killer, when she's off trying to play Romeo and Juliet with some farm boy."

"He's also my friend." Sam bit his lip, then just grimaced. "Was my friend."

"So much for loyalty… You, Sam, have been proving yourself, but she hasn't done a thing."

Charles did his best to hold back a growl.

"I have to let her deal with her own troubles," Sam responded, as calmly as possible. "Holding her back will only push her further away."

"Do you always gotta dig into people's skin when they're alone?" Sadie grumbled.

"Do you always have to be angry?" said Micah.

"Alright, stop it!" said Sam. "We've only three days to do this, because Dutch is being weird, but he's still the boss. If he says three days, so be it, but we're not gonna get anywhere if you two don't stop bickering!"

As they approached the river, the four slowed down and carefully tread through the water. Sadie huffed in annoyance, glaring while refusing to look at Micah.

They entered West Elizabeth, deciding to stay north of Mount Shann and go towards the small ranch they had helped Brandon clear out. Perhaps there could still be some activity. Luckily, the wilderness across from the ranch was thick enough to hide out in it. There was a small cabin, but it looked like no one had been living in it for a long time, so they decided they could hole up in there, with two people guarding outside, and the other two resting inside, if they wanted to.

It was the afternoon once they got the camp set up, so everyone decided to eat something, before starting their survey of the area. Charles was up to guard the camp and Micah was getting ready to search for O'Driscolls.

"Won't be long before it's dark," Sam said, more or less to everyone. Sadie was by the fire cleaning her repeater, while sitting near the steps. "You know, Mrs. Adler, the trail might lead us up the mountain." He frowned at the slight tremble in her hands. You don't have to come with us if you don't want to."

"Oh, don't give me that!" Sadie huffed. "My husband and home were taken from me, and you want me to just sit back and cry about it?"

Sam shook his head. "Of course not. I was worried the possibility of going back up there might be hard on you."

"I can't let that stop me," said Sadie. "I haven't seen anything stop you. You was more ready to fall apart than I was and now you're killing everyone."

The young man winced, eyes darting to the side. "I wouldn't say… everyone." He shuddered at the thought.

"Just know… Nobody's taking nothing from me ever again."

"Sam!" Charles called. Even from a distance, he could get his voice across without having to speak very loud. He was climbing down one of the many cedars.

"Yeah?"

"I saw something." He handed Sam the binoculars and looked in the direction he was pointing at.

"Well, what is it?" Micah said, walking up to the small crowd. He pulled out his own pair and joined the viewing.

Up ahead, over the plains and past the small rivers, was the old ranch grounds that they had taken out with Brandon. There were O'Driscolls that had come out of the house and others were looking over the bodies. They were clearing them out.

"Didn't think they were kind enough to do that," said Sam.

There was one man that appeared to be ordering them around, matching Kieran's description: Tall, gray cap, white scarf and long brown hair.

"I think that's our guy," said Sam.

"Then, what the hell are we waiting for?!" Sadie hissed.

"Easy. Just like stealing, killing requires patience and time."

While he couldn't hear it, he could tell he was yelling and barking orders. And then, everyone saw another man riding into camp, escorted by two lackeys. He had a white collared shirt, a black vest and shoes. His hair was long, gray, mangy and greasy, and his hat was dark decorated with a fancy band.

Sam's jaw dropped, having seen him from the newspapers. He could almost just start laughing out loud, and jump straight up the cedar tree he stood next to, as he watched him dismount the horse and yell at Maclean, gesturing to the bodies that were scattered on the abandoned ranch grounds.

"Holy shit…" said Micah. "You see who that is, Hawkeson?"

The man smacked Maclean something fierce and he fell to the ground, while Colm began to order everyone around. They scattered throughout the property

Sam swallowed some saliva, holding himself from either smiling with excitement, or grimacing in terror. "Colm O'Driscoll."

"Are you sure?" said Charles.

"Yes." The young man had been glaring at his face, as he studied the newspapers since his uncle's passing. A passing that did not happen by natural terms.

Sadie was already cocking her gun. "Then let's get them!" she grumbled.

Micah just laughed, before turning his sights to Sam. "What do you think, 'boss'?"

Honestly, Sam wasn't sure. He had been awaiting the day to meet with Colm and now here he was on a silver platter. He had two seasoned outlaws and Sadie, but he didn't have Brandon or Rose. His skill was still not enough to face up to a man like Colm O'Driscoll, at least not yet. There was a reason why people feared him and his gang, why he was able not only evade the law, but even escape from it several times, and launched the attack to tear Valentine to shreds.

"We doing this or what?!" said Sadie.

Sam closed his eyes, as he lowered his binoculars, stifling tears, but furrowing his brows. "No."

"What?!" both Sadie and Micah said.

"We're here for Maclean, not him."

"But Colm is right there!" said Micah. "Better for Dutch we get this bastard now, don't you think?!"

"And we don't have the man-power to do that!" said Sam. "Colm's been evading Dutch for years, and judging from what he said, we shouldn't underestimate them. If we go back to camp for help, he could be gone by the time we get back. I say we stick to the plan. We wait for Colm to leave and we can go after Maclean."

Charles nodded. Sadie just scoffed and stomped into the tiny cabin. Micah just shrugged. "Fine. Whatever you say."

Sam nodded. "Let's check every few hours and make sure he's gone."

"What about Dutch?" said Micah.

"I'll talk to him when this is over. If he gets mad, it's on me."

Micah just chuckled and left Sam to his thoughts. He could feel Charles' eyes on him, and just walked off to gather some more firewood. He then looked over at him again.

"Keep an eye on Sadie, alright?"

"Sure."

After bringing some more kindling, Sat down by his bedroll and looked over his sketches of the ranch's layout. Charles had yet to signal him, so he knew he still knew that Colm hadn't left yet. As much as he wanted to go after him, part of him was listening to what Hosea told him. It wasn't that he didn't want revenge, he just didn't want to be stupid.

The mountains could bring a freeze, but it wasn't cold enough that Sam felt the need to put on some of his warm gear. With any luck, there wouldn't be a need to use it.

The night, however, brought a chill.

Sadie had the right idea and was wearing her sweater and gloves, along with a warm shawl. Her long blonde locks of hair were providing her neck and head enough warmth. Sam was just content to sit by the fire, warming his freezing fingertips.

"You alright, Mrs. Adler?" Sam said, as she took a seat next to him.

"No…" she said, as a matter of factly. "Why do people keep asking?"

"Because, there's people concerned about you."

Sadie just sighed. "Well, they can stop it. All the pity in the world isn't making it better."

The young man just stared at the fire, and silenced himself. The blonde sniffled. "Your cousin didn't deserve what she got, either. She's such a sweet girl."

"I thought so, too," said Sam. He wouldn't dare to speak ill of her in front of this woman, no matter how it made him feel.

"A year ago… a drifter walked into our home. He was blonde, blue eyes, and didn't have much. He was just looking for work. So, my Jakey gave him some." She lifted her gaze from the fire and locked her's with Sam's. "You wanna know what I said to him? 'If you try to rob us, or steal from us… I'll kill you.' Tch. So much for that, huh?"

"Sadie, there were a lot of O'Driscolls. You were overwhelmed."

"I would've killed them all!" the blonde shouted. She held her teeth tightly, holding back more tears. "At least…" She trailed off, picking up her repeater and seeing the faint reflection of herself in the metal. "Why didn't they kill me?"

Sam shrugged. "I don't know," he spoke, softly. For a moment, she just let her sit in her emotions. "But, please don't say stuff like that."

"Why? So you'll feel better? I've lost everything and you're worried about how you feel?"

"Because you're not the only one who's lost everything!" He stood up from his spot near the campfire. "Guess you was too focused on yourself. I had a home, a family. Slowly, all of it faded, and now my uncle was ripped from my life like all the others, and my home was ruined beyond repair. Did you forget I was Lily's cousin?"

"I don't know. You was so busy killing and stealing, I didn't think you-"

"I kill because I care! I probably care more than Lily who decided to go play failing rancher with Archie, while her cousin owes his life to Dutch." He took a shaky breath, letting his voice go quiet. The woman stared up at him as he tried to force his sullen look away. They let the silence return. "You should get some rest. Charles should tell us if he sees something…" And with that, he walked into the cabin.

Sam had been on edge all day, waiting for when Colm, Micah, or Sadie would see Colm leave and they could finally try and take down Maclean. He flopped onto the bed, back hitting the mattress trying to control his breathing, as tears came down from his eyes. As his muscles settled and he calmed himself down, his brain finally registered how tired he was. He wasn't sure if he should sleep, but he needed his strength. It was like what told himself after he shot that lawman. That wasn't his first kill and what would happen soon, wouldn't be the last, as well.

When Sam opened his eyes, he was in the storm again. It was like that one night all those years ago, but he was still himself, but in the distance he could see his uncle.

"You betrayed me!" he yelled.

Sam stood up, knees shaking as he did. "Why?!"

"I taught you to heal! To keep people alive! Not destroy them!"

"I had no choice!" Sam yelled.

"But I had one to rescue you that night!" Cliff spat. "Now, I'm fixing it." His eyes narrowed, and suddenly as he stepped up to Sam, he was suddenly as tall as a mountain towering over the boy. And that was what Sam felt like. A child, cowering in fear as the growl of wolves approached him. "I should've left in that storm all those years ago, where I found you! SAM!"

The shout scared the young man that he flailed, falling backwards into the cold dark abyss. But he could still hear the echoing of his own name being called.

"Sam! Sam, wake up!"

Charles was shaking his shoulder rapidly. Sam's pale eyes shot open and he sat up from his bed. He was still rattled from the dream, but hoped Charles didn't notice.

"Ch-Charles?" said Sam. "What's wrong?"

"It's Sadie," he said. "She's gone."

"What?!"

The two ran outside and mounted their horses. Sam followed Charles away from their campsite and out the shroud of trees.

"Where's Micah?" Sam asked.

"Micah was the first to follow her, they headed north."

"Damn it, Sadie!"

Sam's jaw dropped as they approached the ranch, his heart pounding, palms sweating as he held the reins on his horse. His teeth were showing as they rode towards the property. He didn't blame Charles for not being able to stop her, but he was just angry at Sadie for not being able to control herself.

The barn was on fire! Quickly dismounting their horses, Charles and Sam raced onto the ranch, when the native man dragged Sam undercover by some barrels as shots rang out.

"Shit!" Sam hissed.

"Shoot back!" said Charles.

"Right."

There were O'Driscolls running out from the cabin, but upon seeing two intruders, some were booking from another door. Charles, skilled with a bow, shot them down. Sam narrowed his gaze, trying to take them down, or at least injure them with the shattered window glass. He ducked back down, flinching at returning shots.

Then the two heard screams from inside the barn.

"That's Sadie!" said Charles. "Go get her!"

Sam growled. He shot back and finally hit that sneaky thug in the chest before racing towards the barn, keeping himself low and throwing himself onto the ground to avoid stray bullets. He stood up just in time to swing the doors open and dodge some plywood that almost fell on him.

"WHERE THE HELL IS HE?!"

"I don't know!"

Sam entered the building just in time to see a barn of dead O'Driscolls, and Sadie grabbing a man with a nose bleed by the shirt. Her shirt was burned and torn and tattered, and there was blood soaking through her skirt. The smoke was thick in the air, and Sam could feel the heat of the flames.

The back door opened, and Sam readied his gun, only to see that it was Micah.

He shot anyway.

But, he just hit the doorframe. Seeing Micah jump was the only bit of satisfaction Sam felt at the moment. The outlaw, shocked, locked eyes with him, only earning a cold stare of silver irises back.

"We're leaving!" Sam stated. "Now!"

The O'Driscoll was thrown to the ground before Sadie put a bullet in his head, but when she walked towards him she hissed and almost fell over, grasping her leg. The young man was there to catch her, when Micah raced past the pair shooting at incoming enemies that were riding on horseback.

"Let's go, ladies!" Micah bellowed.

Sam helped Sadie limp to his horse. She had an iron grip as she looked away from the flames. Charles was there to help once the coast was clear and to help Mrs. Adler onto the back of Aurora. Then, they rode away, but before they could turn back towards New Hanover, there were a whole bunch more O'Driscolls heading in their direction.

"Where are y'all heading off to?" one of them yelled. "Get 'em!"

Despite the dire situation, Sadie was still trying to shoot with a free hand.

They turned around, ending up going west instead of east. Sam's heart was pounding, almost clouded out by the rhythm of the horses hoof beats. He gazed up at the night sky, barely able to register a sea of clouds as they then headed up north into the mountains, forced up there by the thugs they had been pursuing…

A/N: Back into the snow, y'all! Whoo!