"Hey Hosea,you remember that time we sent Arthur out fishing? He came back with three beautiful bass?" said Dutch.

"Not this again…" Arthur groaned.

Three fishing lines were cast over the beautiful waters of the Flat Iron Lake. Dutch, Hosea, and Arthur weren't far from their new home base out in Lemoyne. So, they took a boat, got their poles and decided to enjoy the silence out on the waters.

"I don't think I do," Hosea said, smirking a bit.

"Oh yeah, you do," said Dutch. "He was maybe twenty, twenty-one. Walked in all full of himself, we had a big feast, toasted him all night."

"This was fifteen years ago," Arthur said, as he reeled in a Largemouth Bass. The irony.

"Oh I remember now," said Hosea.

The gang leader just chuckled. "Then the next week, Arthur and I are at the market, and the fishmonger calls out, 'So how did you enjoy those bass?'" And he laughed out to himself while Hosea just smiled.

"Look," said Arthur, "you can fish, or you can go drinking all day, rob someone and buy some fish."

Hosea took off his hat, looked to the sky while airing out his hat a bit, and then put it back on. "Well, the sun seems to be setting. I reckon we should head back before it gets dark."

"Alright," Dutch said, reeling in his fishing line with the others, "think we got a decent haul here. Pearson will be happy."

Hosea sat down in the boat once his fishing rod was packed away. "We should keep the boat, not too far back to camp from here."

"Good idea," said Dutch, sitting down in the boat. "Could be useful."

Arthur sat down in the middle and took hold of the oars. "What about the horses?"

"Oh, they'll find their way back." That was fun," the gang leader declared. "Thank-you boys. Now Hosea… How about a song?"

"Okay…" said the elder, "alright, I've got one for you."

Sadie had been going out more often, since Dutch had given her permission to go out again. It looked like she needed it, as she was much more calm and quiet when she was at camp, now. Other than the ruckus that happened in New Hanover, and the stuff with Sadie and the Lemoyne Raiders, the gang was once again enjoying some much needed quiet and peace. As the sun was setting, the only sounds the camper members could hear were the sound of the animals, the water, and Jack's joyful laughter as he played.

"Well, when's the last time we've ever had a man doing laundry?" Tilly teased. Despite this, she smiled and sat down to get back to her sewing as she watched Sam using the washtub and board to clean up some clothes. They were sitting in the shade by the wagons where the ladies' tents were, so Sam took off his hat, so he could work easier.

"Huh?" Sam looked up. "No man does laundry around here?"

"Well, we're always stuck here with chores, while the men go out and get money," said Karen. "Was that not the case where you lived?"

"My uncle was always busy working the clinic with patients," said Sam. "We had to share all the work. So, Lily and I would take turns making dinner, so Uncle Cliff wouldn't have to lift a finger when he got home after a long day."

"That's nice…" Mary-Beth said, warmly.

Sam smiled, but it didn't stop the eyes he could feel on him from goddamn Micah. It wasn't anything new, though.

"I think I saw one of them Foreman Brothers again," said Tilly.

"Foreman?" said Sam.

"They're the gang you used to run with?" said Karen.

"They ran with me," Tilly insisted. "After I got away from them, I met Dutch." She sighed, continuing her folding. Why out of all places, we came here?"

"I don't… follow?" said Sam.

"Oh, play dumb, Sam. I'm a negro. You know what that means in these parts."

Sam sighed. "I know. I'm sorry. We'll do everything we can to protect you. That, I can promise. And hopefully, we won't be here long. We'll get out of here as soon as possible."

Tilly sighed, but she seemed to be a bit more calm.

Lily wandered over to the girls and Sam, just as Tilly was helping Sam hang up some of the last clothes to dry.

"I'm back," Lily said, cheerfully. The girls seemed more on board with Lily and Sadie's recent change of wardrobe. "I looked into the Grays and Braithewaites while I was in town, but mostly heard the latest gossip."

"I see," said Sam. He raised a brow, seeing that a white dove with a tiny light blue bandana around its neck was on Lily's shoulder. "What's that?"

Lily shrugged. "I don't know. It landed on me, but won't go."

On closer inspection, he saw that it was holding an envelope in its beak, with the words simply reading, "To Sam." As soon as Sam took the letter, the dove flew away.

Sam picked up his hat and dusted off his hands. "Excuse me, ladies." And he walked towards his tent, with Lily in tow.

"Since when did you learn about sleuthing?" said Sam.

"It's not sleuthing," Lily said, a smirk on her face and rolling her eyes. "It's gossip. A girl's natural talent."

While the pair retreated to their tent, Dutch, Hosea, and Arthur made it back to Clemen's Point. The small boat rowed onto the lake's edge and glided into the dirt. The three men dismounted, content with their catch of fish and share of shanty's they sang on the way back.

The gang leader smiled, watching as Hosea gathered the bag of fish and Arthur put the oars down.

"I think… I… well, I mean we… are gonna be okay." With that he stood, standing up that hopeful look in his eyes that Arthur found joy in when he saw it, even as a boy. "I know… I always know…" He waited until he stumbled off the boat to continue, "whenever I got… you two by my side… things are gonna be just fine."

Arthur took the bag from Hosea and went to drag the fish to Pearson's wagon. He had an embarrassed grin on his face as he did, though.

Hosea went along with Arthur, while Dutch stayed behind to enjoy the view of the lake and the small crops of land that were in the distance, and in the distance he could also hear the sounds of the camp.

It was peaceful. Dutch could actually hear himself think, for once without the thoughts of Pinkertons, the law, and the fate of his gang. It was like back when it was just him, Hosea, and their unruly son, little Arthur Morgan. Of course, Hosea had Bessie here and there before she officially started running with them…

And Dutch had his Annabelle…

He turned to Sam's tent and saw the young man and his cousin walking towards it. If he truly believed in his words, then maybe it'd be okay if he knew… He loathed that feeling in the back of his mind.

Or would he lose him, too?

"You're back!" a voice exclaimed. Molly was walking out in a rush to see him. "How did it go, darling?" she said, joy in her voice, red hair blowing in the wind and red lipstick gleaming slightly from the light of the setting sun. "Did you and the boys-"

Dutch sighed. "I'm… I'm sorry, Miss O'Shea, but I… I need some time to myself." With that he turned towards camp and walked by her, not even giving her a second glance.

The letter Sam received from the dove didn't even say anything. Inside the envelope was a map containing a map of the state of Lemoyne. A few landmarks were noted, but the only thing circled was a certain spot a little ways away from Rhodes. It was a tiny house drawing in the Bayou Nwa region of the state.

Sam set the map aside for the time being, knowing he would have to investigate that later. Right now, he had to go meet with the sheriff in town. Dutch refused to let Sam go alone with just Lily and Sadie. Sure, Sadie had experience with a gun, but she was a loose cannon in his eyes. Hunting was way different than being an outlaw, and Lily and Sadie were still inexperienced. That, and he thought that Hosea and himself could charm them into letting their friend Sam found behind bars out of jail. Luckily, with Dutch's skill of persuasion, it hopefully wouldn't be hard. Bill came along, too, just in case.

Sam learned that the man currently behind bars at the Rhodes Police Station was known as Josiah Trelawny, but… despite how long he's been working with the gang, Dutch didn't seem to know much about him. He seemed to disappear and appear in different places all the time, but seemed to know things that would be valuable to the gang whenever he did appear.

However, when they got to the sheriff's office, Sheriff Gray and his deputy Archibald weren't the only ones there. Leaning against the sheriff desk and chewing the fat with the officers was no one other than Brandon Marrows. Lily and Sadie met up with Rhodes and were chatting outside.

"Brandon, there you are," said Sam. "You're the bounty hunter they asked for?"

"Of course I am," the blond said with a grin. "I do have a knack for getting in touch with the right people."

Sam huffed, as he looked at his snarky grin, with his arms crossed. Other than rolling up his sleeves Brandon hadn't changed much in wardrobe since going towards this region with a warmer climate.

So that was how the police knew he was probably in the region, and gained knowledge of his deeds fast.

"Who the hell are you?" Bill growled.

"Of course you do," Dutch said, speaking over the man. He tried to sound casual, but his stare was saying otherwise. It looked like Sam and Dutch's minds were thinking alike. Brandon hadn't laid a finger on any of them or the gang, but he's proven that he and his underground group of gathering information was a force to be reckoned with. They would be wise not to underestimate them. He could've easily divulged Dutch's true identity and the presence of the gang in the Lemoyne, so why hadn't he done it at all?

"Now, Sam," said Brandon. "I believe we have something to discuss about the O'Driscolls. Why don't we let the old men chat among themselves."

Dutch nodded, urging Sam to go, while he stayed behind, and the young man followed Brandon to the back. Then, the door opened, and Arthur came walking through the door. With all the people outside, it was almost like there was a party in the making.

"Oh, and here is my dear friend, Arthur Callahan," Dutch announced. Arthur nodded, remembering the fake names they had come up with. "Boy is a hunter… boy is a killer." He stood up from his chair and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Arthur, this is Mr… oh, I'm so sorry, Sheriff Gray."

"So, here's the deal," Brandon said as Sam stepped outside. "The O'Driscolls have been spotted harassing travelers near the border of Lemoyne and New Hanover." He reached over to his horse and pulled out a map. "Has that O'Driscoll you picked up talked at all?"

So he knew about that, as well. It wasn't like Sam was surprised.

"We haven't questioned him about this area yet," said Sam, "but I doubt he has any. O'Driscolls tend to stick to New Hanover and parts of West Elizabeth.

"Well, how many people are left on that list of yours?" said Brandon.

"Four," said Sam. "These next two I'm after actually have the same last name."

"Which is?"

"Laslow."

Brandon thought to himself. "I think… I've heard that name somewhere with the O'Driscolls. You might wanna drag him to the station at some point to give us some information. Anyway, I reckon we can find them near a traveling camp up near a stable by Dewberry Creek. I was going over the matter with the sheriff when you showed up. Give me a minute to get the horses ready, and we'll go."

Sam nodded and headed inside. Sheriff Gray had stepped out with the deputy and he saw Dutch getting badges out of a draw.

"I told you we was moving up in the world," he said. "Deputies."

"What?" said Sam.

"You have finally lost your mind," Arthur hissed.

"Amongst these drunkards, hillbillies, and slavers… we're bound to be moralizers in a place like this."

"Isn't this a little too involved?" said Sam. "I thought we was trying to keep a low profile."

"I'd like to call it hiding in plain sight," said Dutch. "We get in good with the local law, we get in good with the Grays."

"O… kay?" said Sam. "What about the Braithwaites?"

"Hosea's on that. You just focus on making the Grays happy for now… O'Driscoll Slayer." He laughed and patted Sam on the shoulder.

"Please don't call me that…"

"Then stop this stupid game," Arthur muttered.

"Arthur," Dutch said, sternly.

"I mean, if getting rid of them will get in the Grays good graces, why not?" said Sam.

Sam sighed. "I know you're not in the revenge game and…" He took a breath before imitating his voice, "'revenge luxury we can't afford'."

"Dutch-"

"He's gotta do this, Arthur," said Dutch. His soft gaze hardened, sternly staring into Sam. "Besides, he knows the rules."

Those eyes. The light disappeared from them when he got that serious. Once again, Sam was reminded, beyond the man who had taken him under his wing, was a gang leader. A criminal. A killer. A man he owed his life to for trying to rob him, and was only spared for saving his "son." He was Dutch van der Linde. And he, and his fellow gang members were bearing down their eyes towards them.

"The gang comes first." Sam recalled those words clearly.

Sam lowered his head. "Yes, sir."

"Good," said Dutch. "Now, Arthur, Bill and I are gonna see about these moonshiners." Already, Sam could sense the calm and charismatic charm in his voice returning. Meet us back at camp when you're done."

"Yeah." He raised his head, locking eyes with Arthur and his disapproving demeanor before walking out the back door of the office.

"Can we go, already?" said Sadie.

"Now we can," said Brandon. "Come on, Rose."

The girl nodded. She had taken off her coat for the warmer climate, but was still wearing some pants and a red collared shirt with a black ribbon for a tie. She smiled at Sadie and Lily's new clothes before riding on Brandon's white horse.

Together the four rode out of the town of Rhodes, heading north.

"So, you killed Maclean?" Brandon said ahead.

Sam nodded. "Yes. We found him without your help, so-"

"Oh, I don't mind. First come, first serve."

"What about the other guy?" said Sadie.

"They hung him in Strawberry last week," said Brandon.

"You think they ran out over here because of Cornwall?" said Lily.

"Maybe," said Sam. "But, I don't know what they did to Cornwall to make him go after them, too."

"True or not, we still don't know where their base of operations is out here," Brandon said, his dark gloved thumb on his chin. It was there briefly before he gripped his reins again. "They've been scattered around Lemoyne, but we haven't been able to pin their location. The camp has had some issues with some of them, but nothing too much. I was hoping we could question them a little and lend some help. We might be able to find some of the men you're looking for."

"That would be great."

Lily smiled. After all this time, she could forget about any distractions and focus on being helpful to her cousin, but just as importantly, she could protect the closest thing she had to a brother.

Soon, the group saw a plume of smoke up ahead. It could only mean they were close to the camp.

"We're close," said Brandon. "They like to set up camp near the stable to keep their horses safe.

The closer they got, the more Brandon was sure something was off. The smoke was there, but it was very quiet.

Then they saw stabled horses running amok outside. The group slowed their own steeds to a halt. No one was there tending to them, and the stable itself was empty.

Lily looked around, seeing many horse tracks, but some of them were human.

"What happened here?" said Sam.

"The tracks…" The group picked up on Lily's voice. "They go that way." She pointed towards the direction of the smoke.

Sam felt his heart drop.

"Search the camp!" Brandon suddenly ordered, his voice slightly shaky for once. They rushed ahead towards the camp, moving through the grass and trees.

But they were too late.

The camp had been ransacked. Tents and carriages were destroyed, supplies were spilled out on the floor, and the air carried the thick scent of smoke and blood.

The group came upon the scene and found the camp an entire mess… with bodies. Brandon knelt down inspecting the scene, trying to see past Sam's shock.

"Damn…" he muttered.

"Wh-Who… Who did this?" said Sam.

Brandon blue eyes darted around while he searched for clues. He found blood smeared on trees and walls. Some of it looked deliberate. The word "idiots" was written in blood on the side of a carriage more or less.

"This… They did this… just for the hell of it," Brandon said, almost breathless.

Before anyone could have a reaction to Brandon's words, they heard a voice.

"Help..."

"What was that?" Sadie said, throwing an arm in front of Lily.

"Help me…"

They ran towards the source of the voice, finding a man in a half-destroyed tent. Sadie and Rose flinched at how much blood was on the ground, but instead of flinching away like normal people would, Sam raced in with Lily. There was a gunshot wound in the victim's chest, and he had stab wounds on his arms and legs. Sam immediately opened his bag and tried to help him.

"So… c-cold…"

"Can you save him?" said Brandon. It was the first time Sam actually heard him sound a bit panicked. He didn't answer, trying to apply pressure to the man's chest. "Hey!"

"I'm trying!" Sam then blurted out, harshly. "But he's losing too much blood! H-His pulse is getting weaker."

"Who did this?" said Lily. She knew all she could do at this point was hold his hand and just… be there. Despite her efforts to stay calm, Lily was tearing up. "Who tried to kill you?!"

The man coughed, spitting out blood. It was clear that the gun shot had damaged his lungs. His body was weak, but he gripped Lily's gentle gloved hand tighter and tighter as he spoke his part.

"Las… low…" And after that, he closed his eyes, his grip loosened, and he never opened them or spoke again.

Lily gasped. Seeing the man's eyes close and the hole in his chest, only brought her back to that fateful night. It happened to Sam, as well.

"Noooooooo…" she cried, just like on the same day they had to identify Cliff's body. With that, she ran out of the tent, but Sadie was there to stop her and just hold her in her arms to try and calm her down.

Sam had felt the same, seeing the man dead there… The cuts on his arms and legs probaly meant he was tortured. If it weren't for the blood, Sam would've thought he was just sleeping. If it weren't for the blood, Cliff would've looked like he was just sleeping.

Then, it occurred to him. The name the man said before he passed before their eyes…

"Laslow."

"Cliff…" Sam scowled, his teeth showing as he frowned and were held tightly. He stood, hands still bloody from his in vain attempt to save the man and exited the tent.

Lily was calming down, thanks to Sadie, but she needed a few more minutes. Brandon and Rose were investigating the scene. The redhead was showing her blonde partner some potential clues, when Sam stepped out. The young man looked around, seeing that most of the dead had similar wounds.

His mind drifted back to the sight of his dead uncle. He died from a gunshot wound to the chest.

Could one of them be…?

"Who's Laslow?" he then said, grabbing Brandon's attention. His words shot at him like bullets, demanding an answer immediately. "At least…" Sam reached for his list. "Seth and Sergio?"

"I'm gonna look into it," Brandon then barked back. "But, from what I've seen they're a couple of sadistic bastards. I'm gonna have to report this to the sheriff."

"W-We should… at least cover their bodies," Lily said, lifting her head from Sadie's shoulder. Her eyes were still wet with tears.

Brandon nodded. "Of course. Rose, grab and spare blankets or tarps lying around. I've investigated enough. Best we leave the rest to the law for now."

"We can't!" Sam then raised his voice. "We need to know where they could've gone! If we come back empty-handed, then what good was recruiting us? People are dead!"

"Sam-"

"I came out to cause a bloodbath not to see the leftovers of some other person's," Sadie said sternly.

Brandon pursed his lips and raised his brow a little. "I… see." He leaned over to Rose. "Where does he find these people?" he whispered. "Look, there ain't much we can do right now."

"I-I looked around, but there wasn't much of a clue as to where they might have gone," Lily stuttered, trying to keep her gaze away from the bodies.

"I see," said Brandon. He whistled, it actually kind of sounded like a bird. Then, a white dove landed on his shoulder. He had the dove hold a small envelope and fly away.

"It's you…" said Sam. Brandon turned back to him and saw the young man pointing. "You sent me that map."

"I don't know what you're talking about. At least, not here."

Sam closed his mouth, knowing what he meant.

"Anyway, we don't have any leads right now, but the sheriff is still counting on us. So, my suggestion is that we split up for now and gather information. Besides, I think your Lily needs it."

Sam looked at Lily. She looked much calmer, but still shaken. He sighed.

"Fine…"

"C'mon!" Sadie pouted.

"We'll find them, Sadie," Sam said, walking up and guiding Lily by her shoulders. "For now, let's just… get Lily home."

Lily sniffled. "I'm sorry."

"No," the young man said, gently. "If it weren't for your reaction, I think I wouldn't have put together some kind of clue. I'll tell you about it later."

The job to take down the moonshiners went well. They even got to keep a whole cart of it. Not only that, but Dutch managed to smoothly talk his way into letting Trelawny out of police custody. So he rode along with them until they were close to where he was staying.

"Where have you been?" said Dutch.

"Around..." Vague as usual.

"And where you staying?"

"I'm renting… a caravan on the edge of town behind the church. It's horrible, but no one comes looking. The whole town is trapped in this interminable feud between the two families."

"Sam told us the jist of that," said Arthur. "The Grays and the Braithwaites, and something about gold."

"So that's the fellow you mention you picked up back in Valentine?"

"Well, it was him and his cousin, Lillian Hawkeson," said Dutch. "Their guardian was shot during an O'Driscoll raid."

"Sad. At least they found you."

"Oh, no. It's more, we found them. Sam's a bit impulsive, but he's been alright so far."

"That's good to hear," Trelawny proclaimed. "I've heard about bounties from some fellers I met at a camp near the state line… said there was talk of it in bars in the north and west for five hundred miles. There was talk of super agents, or some such."

"Super agents…" Dutch scoffed. "I'd love to meet one. It's just talk."

"I'm sure it is, but I couldn't not tell you."

"Well, since you're here, I was hoping you could do something for me."

"Of course, Mr. van der Linde. What is it?"

"I need you to look into a man named Brandon Marrows. He seems to know about the gang and everything we do."

"Oh, I think I've heard that fellow!" Trelawny exclaimed. "Weird man, but seems to know all."

Arthur chuckled. "Just like someone we know."

"Oh, very funny, Arthur. I see your comedic routine hasn't changed at all. To some he's a bounty hunter, to others a trader of good, a hunter, or a moonshiner."

"Moonshiner?" said Bill. "Could he be with them Raiders?"

"I don't think so," said Dutch.

"Very well," said Trelawny as they approached the fork in the road. "I'll see what I can do."

"Stay out of trouble."

"Thank-you, gentlemen." And with the best bow he could do while on horseback, he turned away and rode towards his current place of residence. Dutch hoped that Trelawny would find something.

One way or another, he would find out what Brandon's deal was.

Dutch steered the wagon towards camp. Arthur was just glad the day was over, but the moonshine would be nice to have. Maybe he'd take a swig or two when no one was looking.

Once they were back, they parked the wagon. The sun had just gone down and the main campfire had been lit. Pearson's stew was still warm, a steady fire lit underneath the cooking pot. Seeing Sam, Lily, and Sadie's horses grazing in the fields told the group that they had come back.

Arthur sat himself down at the main campfire. He saw Sam there, too, whiskey in hand. Kieran and Sean were also there, the former looking shaken up.

"Hey," Sam said, as Arthur took a seat.

"Sam."

"Well, hello there, 'Sheriff Morgan'," Sean teased.

Arthur looked down at his badge before glaring. "Shut up." He looked towards Kieran. "What are you shaking for, O'Driscoll?"

"I ain't no, O'Driscoll," Kieran whined for the millionth time.

"Relax," said Sam. "I told you I just want to know about the Laslows."

"Who the hell are they?" said Arthur.

"They're two men on my list," Sam explained. "Brandon took us out to investigate, but all we came up with were the remains of a camp and the people in it were dead."

"Damn…"

"Lily was pretty torn up about it. I told her to go rest for a while. They wrote 'idiots' on the side of a wagon in blood. Like, they just did it for fun!" He gathered his fists like he wanted to do something, but knew he couldn't. "They… They were all mostly shot in the chest. So, they might have died immediately, but some of them had cuts on their arms and legs, like they tortured them."

"I know…" said Kieran.

"What the hell do you mean?" said Arthur.

"I-I mean… th-that's what the O'Driscolls do, mister," the former O'Driscoll answered quickly. "Them Laslow brothers weren't the first to become that sadistic and they certainly won't be the last under Colm's watch."

"So, they're brothers," Sam said, thinking to himself. If what he was thinking was true… which one of them did it?

Which one of them shot his uncle?

"So… what's he like this, Colom or Colm, well whatever he calls himself, anyway?" said Sean.

"Honestly?" Kieran asked, hesitantly.

"Yeah, honestly."

Kieran shifted a little, hands gripping the crate he was sitting on.

"He's, uh… uh… wh-when he talks to you… when he talks to you nicely, it's like the sun is shining," the young man answered, "and when he's mad at you, it's like the devils gonna be… be upon you. That's how I'd put it."

"Sounds like a parent almost," said Sam.

"No, not at all." Kieran shook his head. "It's… It's different. His leg began to shake, like a nervous twitch. He was tense. Well, more than usual. "He changes… he's happy and you're happy… he's mad and you're upset and you don't know why. He's unfair, and unkind… but as long as it isn't directed at you… you don't care."

Sam's mind drifted back to that night at Valentine, the houses he had seen torn apart by his men, and even the woman who tried to attack Charles.

"He turns his men into monsters," Kieran continued, as Sam recalled the scene at the camp of travelers. "Somehow, he… makes them love only him."

Sam blinked. His mind returned to the present. He saw the campfire, Kieran, along with Sean and Arthur.

"He scares me…" Kieran spoke softly. "I mean, you boys scare me, but you're still like… like human beings… he's… it's hard to explain."

Sean had been staring intently, but then he just shifted a bit on the log he was sitting on and forced a laugh. "Well… he sounds like a right idiot if you ask me. Real pleased with himself."

"He scares me…" Kieran repeated.

"Well, he don't scare me. Silly fool you are."

"I know."

"I thought you barely knew Colm," Arthur questioned.

"Well, er, yes but I heard plenty," said Kieran.

"Is that right?"

Sam thought to himself. They also didn't hold back on leaving outside to slowly freeze to death, either. And that woman at the small homestead… Who knows what they were planning to do with her before he and Dutch showed up.

Were the Laslow boys behind the attack on the small camp of travelers? He didn't know. From the sounds of it, they were all sadistic bastards.

Was Kieran also capable of such behavior? It seemed impossible, but thought the same about that woman until she tried to attack Charles. He seemed scared, but he needed answers, and Brandon and the sheriff might not care how afraid he was.

Sam suddenly made a weird face, like he ate something bitter or sour. Why did he care about Kieran's well-being all of a sudden?

Either way, those Laslow men could know something about the man who shot his uncle… or one of them could be the man!

"Do you know anything about those Laslow brothers?" said Sam.

Sean snickered. "What's the matter, Hawkeson? Does his little story have you quivering in your boots?"

"No, I just have a suspicion I need to confirm."

In reality, he was scared, but it's not like he could do anything about it. He had to press on for his own sake… and for his uncle who died protecting him. After all, only a monster would kill a man who heals the injured and sick! A father who raised a daughter, and nephew like a son.

"Well, uh… given that they're brothers, they seem to like working together…" said Kieran, "but that doesn't mean they're not cruel to each other sometimes. S-Sergio is louder and in charge of things when it's just the two, but he's actually y-younger last time I checked. Seth is, like, quieter, but… that don't mean he's more approachable. He'll probably stab you as a warning." The young man sighed and shook his head. "But, they're both sadistic bastards. I don't know… if they was always like that… or… or if Colm made them like that."

Sam lifted his gazes from the burning flames he saw in front of him, and he saw Arthur staring at him.

With those disapproving eyes.

It made Sam unable to look at him directly.

Will I be able to do this? Sam questioned himself. He had been able to with the last two men, but Arthur coming with was…

Wait. Why had Arthur gone with him back then?

Ever since Sam started on his little vengeance spree, Arthur had always been disapproving. In fact, Hosea was, too. Dutch is somewhat on his side, but of course, he had his reservations. After all, he was the leader of a gang. They had to come before his personal desires.

"'Revenge is luxury we can't afford.' But, if we want these O'Driscolls to stop harassing us, we have no choice. Maybe for once, we may be able to…"

He couldn't stop until his uncle's killer was dead. If this staredown Arthur was doing some kind of test, he didn't like it.

"Don't tell Arthur… please."

"Well, we certainly can't let them keep running around," Sam then answered.

"So, you're still gonna go after them?" said Arthur. He had raised his voice, like it was an objection masked as a question.

Sam shrugged. "Of course I am. They might harass us while we're here, as well, and Dutch said to stay in the good graces of the Grays."

Arthur shrugged. "Whatever you say."

Sam stood from his spot. "Excuse me, gentlemen." And with that began to wander to his tent, still feeling Arthur's disapproving eyes on him.

Sam didn't understand. Why did Arthur care so much about his plot for vengeance? Surely, he had more things to worry about now. The gang's burdens were everyone's burdens. He didn't care if it was a so-called "idiot's game." This was his game, even if they started it, and he intended to win it. Yet, those words that hadn't left his mind were resurfacing and making him wonder.

"...revenge ain't really worth your time, is all I'm saying. But if you three need to learn that lesson the hard way, so be it."