"Here, boy! Here boy!" Jack said with his gentle voice.

Arthur's memory on what happened last night was a bit fuzzy, but he remembered laughing with Lily, talking about stupid things, and then Sam showing up. He woke up, rubbed his sore head, and wandered out to see Jack by Dutch's tent.

"Whose dog is this? Whose dog?"

"Well, well… Where did he come from?"

Dutch walked out and stood near Jack while a dark-haired dog walked up towards them. Jack was gently reaching out his hand.

"I don't know…" the boy said, "he just wandered in… hi, my friend, hi."

"Well, then he's ours, I guess," said Dutch. "For now."

Jack's eyes lit up. "Aw… That's so great… hey, boy…" The little kid stepped closer. "Hey, boy." Once he was close enough he gently petted the dog's head. "What should we call him?"

"Well, he's a wanderer… he probably did something bad…" He thought for a moment and then pointed at the mutt while he declared a name. "Cain… his name is Cain."

"Okay… hey, Cain…" Jack said, giggling as he ran his hands through the dog's fur. "What did Cain do?"

"A real bad thing… so he never stopped wandering…" Dutch said, smiling.

The dog walked past Arthur and just wandered into the camp, like it already owned the place.

"Arthur… a dog," Jack exclaimed. "A dog!" And the little boy ran towards the animal to play.

"You sure about letting him keep that dog?" said Arthur.

Dutch nodded and sat down in his chair. "Of course. The poor kid's been through a lot."

Arthur didn't disagree. They had been doing their best to keep Jack safe from all that was going on, and all that moving around must be hard.

Plus, a dog could be a nice addition to the gang.

Arthur spent the morning doing some chores, while trying to work through the hangover the moonshine left him with. It wasn't anything new, and certainly was nothing compared to the night in Valentine with Lenny. Someone must have stopped him before he drank too much, and could only remember Sam approaching them and being the only one sober.

Sam had done his best to distract himself. He had gotten up, done some stretching, cleaned his weapons, and got himself some breakfast. Though, he tried not to wince as he watched some of the boys trying not to stab themselves with a knife, playing Five Finger Fillet. Sure, there was blood, but Sam had been around worse, working at a clinic, and there were plenty of people playing that game in the saloons of Valentine. He laughed along and was placing bets. Hell, even Micah had come by placing his own bets.

Okay, Sam thought. It's a new day. Gotta stay focused on your main mission. Gotta get to the police station and talk to the sheriff. Hopefully, he's got something to report now. Not gonna think about the Pinkertons, the murders, the money, or…

"Mornin'," Arthur said, briefly walking past the table.

Sam sighed and just downed the rest of his coffee.

"I'm just gonna head out early today, boys," he said, before standing up. He was quick to assemble Lily and Sadie, both of them ready to return to camp in case they needed back up. Charles and Micah were in on Sam's little group, as well, after all.

But before they could go…

"O'Driscoll!"

Kieran was brushing the horses, and nearly dropped the brush he was using upon hearing the voice. He wished he could jump behind the horses for his defense, but to his horror, he was approached by Sadie Adler.

"Let's go!" she said, harshly before yanking him along by the hair. Her grip was so strong, the former O'Driscoll feared that she would tear it off, and wouldn't be surprised if she really did.

"Wh-What did I do, miss? I swear! I didn't do nothing!" Kieran practically screeched across the camp. People were looking, Bill was laughing, but other than that, no one did anything about it.

"Would you shut the hell up?!" Sadie yelled back. She didn't let go until she was at the hitching post where Sam and Lily were waiting. "The sheriff's been asking about you. Maybe he'll ring your neck for us."

"B-But I said-"

"With you, you ain't in a democracy," said Lily. "Just be glad one of us is willing to have an O'Driscoll ride behind them."

"I already told Sam what I know," Kieran stuttered. He wasn't sure what to do with his hands, so he just kept them close.

"The sheriff prefers to hear it from the horse's mouth. It ain't our call."

"Hmph. And he said you won't swing if you talk," Sadie grumbled.

"B-But, I already-"

"This isn't a request!" said Lily. "Now, come on, before I tie you up and drag you there!"

"Okay! Okay!" said Kieran.

"Okay, so… who does he ride with?"

"I have a horse."

"How do we know you won't just run away when we go?" Sadie hissed. "No. You stay in killing distance!"

"Kieran rides with me, alright?" Sam's flat voice cut through the commotion. "Can we go now?"

"Alright, sheesh!" said Sadie. "Someone's in a hurry."

So, Kieran, rubbing his scalp, awkwardly walked past the pair of angry ladies and climbed onto Aurora, riding behind Sam, who tried not to even flinch when Kieran put his hands on his shoulders, and rode towards Rhodes.

Kieran somehow managed to tune out Sadie and Lily talking about him, while he looked around, thinking that any minute someone would come out and jump him or something, but after a while, he just tried to stop having a freak out. He realized that it had been a long time since he had even left camp. After the incident at Six Point Cabin, he just spent his days in the camp, trying to stay out of everyone's way. His only safe haven was occasionally Mary-Beth, who was the only one he thought truly had a kind soul.

Finally, they entered the town, and Kieran finally got to see some civilization again, as well. The townspeople weren't outlaws or the law. They were just normal people, and new faces. None of them look too shady, and none of them looked like O'Driscolls. Then, Sam and the girl stopped their horses at the hitching post by the police station.

Kieran gulped, before Sadie shoved him forward towards the police station. There, Archibald was waiting for them.

So, Kieran sat down with the deputy and opened his mouth, telling him what he knew about the O'Driscolls. He took signals from Sam, somehow through looks, he knew not to tell him about his quest for vengeance.

"They usually only stay in places in West Elizabeth and several places in New Hanover. I don't know what made them come all the way out here."

"I see," said Archibald. "Then it could mean that something happened that made it so."

Kieran shrugged. "Maybe."

Suddenly, the door swung open and the sheriff came stumbling in. "It's the Bayou!" he almost slurred.

"What?" said Sam.

The sheriff stumbled some more but found his way to his chair. Sam just huffed, smelling the alcohol on him. Well, it wasn't like he was going to count on the police, anyway.

"Them O'Driscolls are hiding in those damn swamps!" said the sheriff. Brandon's lovely lady friend said in a note to send some people out there. A small homestead in the Bayou Nwa has some workers who've been getting harassed near Lagras. The Hagen Orchards!"

"Finally!" said Sadie. "Where those bastards at?"

"Mr. Marrows and his friend are on their way there. You should meet up with him. I'll send some of my men, as well, just as soon as some of them get back from their patrol."

"I see," said Sam. "Lily, maybe you can go and get Charles and Micah? We might need their help."

"Of course," Lily said with a nod. "I'll meet up with you at the homestead."

"I-If that's it…" Kieran stuttered. "C-Can I go back now."

"Hell, no!" said Sadie. "You was running with them, you might as well kill 'em and prove you ain't about to stab us in the back."

"L-Look, f-fighting ain't my strong suit."

"And I don't want an O'Driscoll anywhere near Adonis," said Lily.

"B-But-"

"Well, the way I see it, you either fight them and prove you ain't with 'em," said Archibald. "Or, you die, and we'll have one less O'Driscoll problem on our hands."

Everyone started laughing while Kieran whimpered in horror. Sadie, Lily, even the so-called protectors of Rhodes. Everyone except Sam.

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

"Get lost!"

"No one wants you here!"

He just saw himself.

"You won't die," Sam then said.

Everyone stopped their laughter and stared at the young man. Kieran wasn't sure if he just heard what he thought he just heard, and was just stunned. Sam still looked onto the former O'Driscoll, making sure his words were clear.

"Just stay near me and do as I say, and I promise you'll be fine," Sam sounded sincere. Then, he turned his head away from the former O'Driscoll. "Tch. You're good to me dead, otherwise. Lily, get Micah and Charles already."

"Ah, sorry!" The girl saw herself out of the police station.

"We'll take care of it, Sheriff," said Sam.

"Just be careful," said Archibald. "Those swamps ain't safe with the gators and snakes, but it really ain't right when the sun goes down because the Night Folk."

"Night… Folk?"

"We ain't really sure what they are," said the sheriff, "but they're vicious and dangerous. Best to stay inside or clear of the swamps when the sun is gone."

"Uh, sure," Sam was still confused, but seeing as he was new around here, he would just have to take their word on it. He walked out with Kieran, and Sadie followed shortly after.

Kieran couldn't have been hanging onto Sam any more tightly as they rode west from Rhodes. Across a tunneled bridge, they entered the swamps. It was more humid and the air was thick with the smell of mud, dirt, and water. However, it was much more green. The trees were tall, practically towering around the outlaws, greenery and moss were growing on rocks and trees. Near the lakes, rivers and ponds, alligators could be seen relaxing near. The sun was out and it was still early, so there was probably no need to worry about these supposed "Night Folk."

Then, when they were almost there, they saw someone on a horse, galloping towards them. The white stuck out like a sore thumb in the swamps. It was none other than Brandon Marrows, who brought his mount to a stop near them.

"Brandon?" said Sam.

"You're just in time," Brandon said, petting his horse's sunny colored mane. "Rose and I just arrived at the place. It's worse than we thought."

"What?!"

"There's no time to waste!" the blonde explained. "I'll explain everything when we get there. Come on!"

The thick forest of tall trees cleared up quite a bit as they neared Hagen Orchards. There was a homestead surrounded by a white fence with tall trees practically hanging over the house. There were many fruit trees and berry bushes to the side of it in a field. Unfortunately, a lot of the fence had been torn down and some of the new spouts had been squashed, along with some trees and bushes being torn apart. The house had some bullet holes, and shattered windows. The front door had been broken down, laying on the floor.

They were just in time. As they approached the property, the group heard screaming and saw several people running from the house.

Sam and Brandon were the first to get down from their horses.

"Get behind us!" Brandon yelled to the civilians.

Just as the people listened, O'Driscolls were quick to follow after them. Both boys opened fire on the men, making them fall backwards onto the ground. Dead.

"You folks okay?" said Sadie.

"Yes," said a lady.

"Where are the others?" said Brandon.

"Your red-headed friend took them somewhere to hide."

"Do you know where?"

"There's a small house in the back of the property by the river."

"Let's head there," said Brandon. "Stay near us. Everyone."

Kieran trembled and just followed Sam and the others. There weren't many O'Driscolls around, but those two weren't the only ones. There were more bodies on their way. Brandon was leading them, while Sadie and Sam kept their eyes open.

"Th… They…"

Sam turned his eye slightly to Kieran. "What?"

"They were… They're…"

"What?!" Sadie snapped.

"These were just scouts!" Kieran nearly answered, screaming. "They were just sent to check out the area. If what I'm thinking is true…"

"Then their main force isn't too far behind," said Sam.

"We can talk once these people are safe," said Brandon.

The group made it to the small fishing house, but heard more screaming. The workers following them, along with Kieran hid behind some leftover crates and some bushes, while Brandon, Sam, and Sadie rushed towards the house.

Sam went around the house, staying low and soon found himself in the back porch that was a dock by the swampy river. He could see Rose in a window, who had jumped onto an O'Driscoll, but another one came in and approached. Sam stood up and shot through the window. The bullet hit the thug in the arm, but glass shattering was enough of a distraction for Rose that the criminal she had pinned down, threw her off. Holding onto her revolver, she shot him, before he stood up. The second reached for his fallen gun, when a knife flew through the air and got him in the throat. He fell to the ground, sputtering and choking, while Sam climbed through the window, with more throwing knives in his hand.

"You okay?" Sam said, reaching out his hand.

Rose stared up a bit dazed, but accepted his help onto her feet and nodded. They raced out of the back room and met up with others. Kieran and the civilians had followed Brandon and Sadie inside, and there were other workers who were hiding in there, as well.

"Is this everyone?" said Brandon.

"Everyone who didn't run or get shot," said a man.

"And where's your boss?"

"He went out to Lagras," said a woman. "He takes up fishing as a hobby and went to go buy some supplies, but he's probably staying where he is considering how loud the gunshots were."

"Then we should take them there," said Sam. "It'll probably be safer for those folks."

"No," said Brandon. "If we leave, they could just come back and just take over this place, or follow us and attack Lagras next. The town ain't big at all. It's just a few fishermen and women, shops, boats and some gators."

"But they're innocent people!" said Sam. "If they get caught in the crossfire-"

"If we evacuate them to Lagras, the O'Driscolls could just head there, and more innocent people will be in danger. We'll be proving to them that we fear them and we're letting them push us around. Is that what you want, O'Driscoll Slayer?"

Sam growled, his teeth showing and his eyes narrowing at the blonde before him. He killed, sure, but he had his boundaries.

He could hear the whispers from the people around him, from the blonde's statement. Did Brandon really think he cared about what people thought of him, no matter what "title" he apparently had.

"These are innocent people who have no part in this," said Sam.

"I can't stay here," said Kieran. "If… If they see me here-"

"Shut it!" Sadie snapped. "I ain't running, neither." And with that, she walked over to Brandon's side. Rose just shrugged and joined him, and as usual, without a word.

Kieran didn't move his body or his mouth, knowing that either way he'd probably get yelled at.

"We're staying," said Brandon. "We can hold this place, but you need to leave, then go."

Sam rolled his eyes, but a sigh left his mouth. "I'm not leaving these people."

"Everyone, if you know your way with a hammer, help us barricade this place," Brandon then announced to the civilians. "We're making our stand here. Any O'Driscoll who steps inside this place will die."

Lily soon showed up with the boys. As soon as she explained what was going on, Brandon and Charles got to work helping the civilians prepare the place for an incoming attack, while Micah and Lily stood guard.

Kieran wasn't sure what to do. They wouldn't let him go simply because it was an inconvenience to them. He wasn't sure what else to do to prove himself, and even if he could, it was too late. Those horrible bastards would probably be upon them any minute, now.

One way or another, this attack was happening and he would have a front row seat.

Kieran just stayed close to the ground, sitting with the workers who had just found themselves in this terribly unfortunate situation. However, they were keeping their distance from him, so he did the same. Charles didn't say much or even look at Kieran, and that was the best he could get these days, but he got dirty stares from Sadie and Lily, and Micah would sneer, like he was thinking of all kinds of ways to torment him.

"Kieran, you'll stay in here with the others," Sam said, walking up to him. He handed him a gun.

"O-Okay," said Kieran. He was okay with that, even if he didn't have much of a choice. He watched Sam walk over to a nearby desk. He was setting up, cleaning his weapons, loading up on ammo and preparing his knives… and poisons. Kieran could only pull down a gulp.

Sam could feel eyes behind him. He didn't have time to be annoyed, or even focus on the fact that the man behind him was a part of the gang who killed the closest thing he ever had to a father.

"You… scared?" Sam spoke, his voice quiet. He sounded civil for once with him.

"Y-Yes," Kieran answered honestly. "I've seen what they do to people… especially traitors."

"You're not the only one in danger here," said Sam. "I'm… scared, too. I… I've pulled the trigger many times, but that night, I never thought I would have to on another human. Take that fear and use it, Kieran. That's all I've learned so far… and it's gotten me here. So, think whatever you want about it."

And with that, Sam walked outside from the back door. The people stared, seeing him as the only armed man in the house. He was their last line of defense, but hopefully, he wouldn't have to be. Somehow, after that talk, Sam's words were ringing truer.

So, he did as he was told and stayed inside the small fishing house.

It wasn't long before the O'Driscolls began their approach. They went through the main house, finding no one except their own lying on the grounds dead, and searched the lands for the perpetrators.

They began their approach towards the fishing house, noticing how barricaded it was. They dismounted their horses and pulled out their guns, beginning their march.

But then, a pair of arrows, shot by Charles and Lily, flew through the air.

"GET DOWN!" an O'Driscoll yelled.

The O'Driscolls tried to run out of the way as they landed. Sticks of dynamite were attached to them exploding upon hitting the ground, knocking them back.

"Come and get some of this, you maggots!" Micah yelled. He took to the front lines with Sam, while Brandon was on one side of the house with Rose and Sadie was on the other. Plus there wasn't much defense for the enemy. They had taken the time to clear away any barrels or hay bales they may have had.

"They're in the back!" Lily shouted.

Sam and Micah were puzzled as to how that was possible. The young man urged Micah to hold his position, while he made his way to the back.

One window that was directly behind the odd pair was still open, so Sam stepped back, still firing, and jumped through upon finding an open. Another gunshot rang out, so Sam fell onto the ground in his attempt to dodge it. He got up, brushing off any debris and picking out tiny splinters and crawled, as gunshots began to pierce through the building. The civilians were cowering in fear, screaming. Kieran was in a corner, holding the gun close, but had his eyes held shut.

He opened them, however, when he made eye contact with Sam, who, while noticeably trembling, kept going.

Kieran tightened his grip on the weapon in his hands.

Sam made it to the wall all the way in the back and stood up near the door, pushing it open with his hand, while keeping his body against the wall. The O'Driscolls were shooting from boats. That was probably how they got here from the water. He could barely get a shot in because there were so many of them.

"Heads up!" Sadie yelled. She threw a stick of dynamite, Lily and Charles followed with them attached to arrows, Brandon and Rose even joined in. Sam took aim and managed to shoot a few of the explosives before they landed. The loud explosion disoriented many of them, some scrambled to get out of the boats in time, while others weren't so lucky, and took a tumble into the gator filled river.

Finally, Sam stepped outside, getting an opening to take down some of the people still standing. Micah rushed out with both of his revolvers, laughing as he took them down.

"They're dropping like flies!" he exclaimed.

"Just keep killing these bastards!" Sam said, a grin on his face. Sam couldn't believe it, but somehow he found some common ground with this bastard on the battlefield.

The last few were shot, and Charles aimed his bow up high and far to hit the few O'Driscolls trying to make their escape.

"Stay away from me!" Kieran's fearful voice cried out through the place. There were a few gunshots and screams. Sam, however, stepped forward, his breathing speeding up and he dove in through the window.

"Hey, where ya going?!" Micah shouted, before anyone could try and figure out what to do.

Sam tumbled through the window, throwing a poisoned knife at the first O'Driscolls who saw him and the second. He turned to the third, before he could draw his gun and shot him in the head. Some people who were hiding there screamed.

"I-I didn't! Th-They was gonna kill me!" Kieran shrieked.

Sam opened the door, seeing three men in there, the third one holding Kieran by the shirt, with two dead O'Driscolls in there. Sam didn't remember shooting them, so it had to have been Kieran.

"Better that than ratting us out, traitor!" the other voice said, an Irish accent thick in his voice.

The man grabbing Kieran was tall, and wore a long black coat, a gray vest and pants, and his boots had seen its share of hard times, seeing how scraped up they were. The man's eyes were narrow, his green scarf unkempt, but his hair was neatly combed back.

Sam's breath was shaky. He had to act now. He grabbed two throwing knives from his satchel.

The O'Driscoll pulled out a gun. The others aimed their weapons at the civilians in case they tried to do something. He smiled with a sadistic grin growing on his face as he pointed the gun barrel into Kieran's chest.

Sam's right eye twitched.

This man…

Was he…?

"I'm going to enjoy this…" the man said.

There was a whoosh through the air, and before the man knew it, his two henchmen had knives in their backs and were coughing up blood, before stumbling to the ground. Then there was a blue blur and the man was taken to the ground by Sam. The gun tumbled out of his hand and the two men were wrestling on the ground for a bit.

"I'll break your fucking neck!"

"I'll break yours first!" Sam shouted, his voice getting louder. "You son of a bitch!" He took a hit in the face and then found himself pinned down.

"Idiot!" the O'Driscoll said. But then, Sam spat in his eyes. Shocked, Sam grinned and punched him in the gut before repaying him for the hit in his face. Before the O'Driscoll could react, there were hands on his neck, thumbs knowing exactly where to press down on his windpipe, while Kieran scrambled away. His enemy tried to pry them off, hands on Sam's wrist, but they were too tight.

Brandon quickly opened the door.

"Sam! Let him go!"

"Sam!" Lily's voice said through the window. Micah was outside, laughing at the spectacle.

"Guess you had it in you after all, Hawkeson!"

He had a gun. He was gonna shoot Kieran in the chest, like those other people.

Like his uncle?

"You… bloody… idiot!" the O'Driscoll rasped.

Sam then gasped and backed off from the fool, standing up. Lily and the others joined up, while Rose and Charles tied up the man, who was coughing and gasping for air.

"He's gonna shoot him in the… the chest… I thought…" Sam stuttered, his breath still heavy as he tried to catch his breath.

Lily walked up to him and lifted his head a little. "You thought it was him."

"But it's not…" said Sam. "He's not the man. I didn't realize it until I actually listened to his voice."

Micah turned to Brandon. "What's going on, Marrows? Why didn't you let Sam kill him?"

"He's a Laslow brother," said the blonde. "Seth Laslow to be exact."

"That doesn't explain why you didn't let me kill him," said Sam.

"We need answers. We need to find out where they're holed up."

Seth just chuckled, trying to stifle the coughs that still left his throat. "Good luck with that…" Rose just gave him a knee to the stomach before she and Charles dragged him out.

Once Sheriff Gray showed up with some of his men, they began to question the workers and got Seth into a bounty wagon. Lily led Sam outside to calm down, sitting him down in a chair and wiping some of the cuts he got from all that scuffling. She did the same for the others, even Kieran and Micah.

"I'm sorry if I scared civilians," Sam said to the sheriff.

"It had to be done," said the sheriff. "You saved them. All of you did. I'll see to it that you're properly compensated for your service."

Kieran finally found the courage to come out from the fishing house. The law was dealing with the bodies, gulping at the knowledge he could've been one of them.

"Kieran," Sam said, before turning his head to face him. "Are you okay?"

The young man was shocked to hear it, but he nodded to answer his question.

"Where did he come from?" said a woman.

"The way he killed him…" said a man.

Sam rolled his eyes, but just stayed calm and smiled. "So do other people. There's nothing really special to it. I wouldn't worry."

Brandon was leaning against the wall of the bounty wagon. He grinned and stood up walking up to address the shaken up civilians.

"He's more than a killer," Brandon announced. "When the O'Driscolls attacked his hometown, they nearly killed him! He was left on the floor bleeding from his head, barely able to call out for his sweet uncle before they shot him. But, he came back from the brink of death to slaughter every single one of them!"

Sam looked up, mouth a bit skew, while being unable to think of what to say next. There was more murmuring and chatter amongst the people.

"So, don't be afraid," said Brandon. "When your boss returns, you can rebuild, and get back to farming the best orchard on this side of Lemoyne. That's how we fight back. We show these damn O'Driscolls we ain't afraid."

There were some nods and more chatter. Some people were already getting started with cleaning up the place. One of them informed the law that they were going to fetch the owner. Sam was just glad they were dispersing.

"'From the brink of death'?" said Sam.

Brandon smiled, holding a cigarette to his lips. "I think they liked it." And with that, Rose and Brandon got to the front of the wagon, getting on to transport their prisoner.

Micah chuckled. "Well said, Marrows."

"Think they'll be okay?" said Charles.

Sadie shrugged. "They'll be fine. Let's get back to town and make that O'Driscoll squeal."

"Good idea, Mrs. Adler. With any luck, he might even tell us where Colm is," Micah said, boldly.

Sam sighed. "If only…" He let his feet take his weight on the ground and stood. "We should make sure they get back to town safely."

Kieran was allowed to ride behind Sam. He was tired, and decided to bring up the rear with Charles, and Micah, Lily and Sadie up front. Sam prayed they wouldn't kill each other up there.

With the adrenaline wearing off, he felt aches and pain from today. He continued facing forward, sometimes he wondered how he was still breathing after these fights. With Seth in custody, hopefully, he would finally get some answers into finding his uncle's killer. Kieran still looked as pale as a ghost, but he was just relieved to be going back to camp.

"What the hell happened here?!" the sheriff then yelled.

Upon reaching the town, they found people running away, or lying dead or disoriented all around the Rhodes Saloon. They looked like dead Lemoyne Raiders.

Sam and the others would learn later that Arthur and Hosea got into some "fun" in town, trying to "sell" the moonshine they took from the Lemoyne Raiders back to the Braithwaites, but ended up using it to get the patrons of the Gray owned saloon drunk.

Everyone went off to relax for the evening, but Sam went to Dutch's tent to report his findings. Arthur was there retelling what happened in town, and Micah was also there offering his insight. Sam told him everything about what happened at the orchard, including the O'Driscoll attack, Kieran, and the civilians. He mentioned Brandon, but didn't really notice anything weird…

"I thought he was the man, but as soon as I actually listened to his voice, I remembered that he wasn't. My uncle's killer didn't have an Irish accent."

"You said you didn't know what he looked like," said Dutch.

"The clearest thing I can remember is his shape, but I still remember his voice. Clearly. He didn't have an Irish accent. He sounded like someone from up north or east, maybe. Micah thinks Seth may lead us to Colm."

"Trust me, Dutch," said Micah. "I know a thing or two about making people talk."

"Sure," said Dutch. "Just don't do anything that'll piss off the sheriff."

"Yes, Boss."

"Now, about those two families…"

Sam looked at Arthur. "You saw the Braithwaites, right?" said Sam. "What are the rest of them like?"

"Some old woman seems to be running things up in there," said Arthur.

"Moonshiners, hypocrites, both rolling, we believe…" said Dutch.

"In gold…" said Micah.

"But we still don't know where the gold is, if there is any," said Arthur. "And in the middle of it all there's some inbred retelling of Romeo and Juliet."

Sam crossed his arms. "I don't mind a treasure hunt. Maybe if we uncover the mystery of the feud, it'll lead us to it."

"So, it may be in our best interest to stay in the good graces of both houses until we figure it out," said Micah.

"You sure?" said Arthur.

"The old man already went back to give the last of the Moonshine to the Braithwaite hag, anyway, as some kind of peace offering. I think it's safe to say we're already on the boat."

"Then, we'll have to be careful it don't sink," said Sam. He nodded in agreement, with Micah, of all people.

Arthur knew how "buddy, buddy" Micah was trying to get with Dutch, but now Sam?

"You sure?" said Arthur.

"Why not?" said Dutch.

"Because we got lawmen in three different states after us."

Dutch shifted in his chair, sitting up straight. "Last thing I want is to get us into trouble… but we need money. Now we have the opportunity here to put ourselves in the middle of something ain't nobody gonna know we was here. Because even without us, these fools are gonna kill each other anyway. We gotta convince these families that we're on their side, until we can find that gold from wherever it's hiding. Before they figure out it was us that done it, and not the other lot… we'll be long gone." His brows furrowed, and Arthur didn't like the way Sam and Micah smiled at what Dutch said next. "Think of it as payback for my daddy."

"Your daddy?" said Sam.

"He died fighting the south during the war."

"Oh. I'm so sorry."

Arthur had been told about Dutch's parents many times. He lost his father, who fought for the north when he was young, and ran away from his mother when he was thirteen. They never saw eye to eye, but still loved her in a sense.

Still…

"Payback?" said Arthur. Dutch nodding only confirmed his question. The outlaw shook his head. "I ain't in the revenge business, Dutch. Least of all for something that happened a long time ago." He tried to ignore the way Sam rolled his eyes.

"Well, I guess we all gotta pay for something," said Dutch. "Now, if the three of you will excuse me, I've got to write a letter." He waved goodbye and retreated into his tent for the night.

"Eh, we'll be fine," said Micah. "Great work out there, Sam. Didn't think you'd save that O'Driscoll."

"He might still be useful," said Sam. "That's the only reason I did it. Well, I also thought he was the killer."

"You could learn something from this kid, Morgan," said Micah. "He knows how to roll a bit looser."

"He didn't shoot up half a damn town, Micah," said Arthur.

"Aw, come on. That's all in the past now, ain't it?"

Arthur sighed. "I guess so," he said, doubtfully. He didn't really have much to say to Micah, so he also decided to retreat to his tent for the night. Pulling off scams with Hosea was fun, but it still takes a lot out of him.

Sam was staring, watching him walk away. He was trying not to care what he thought. He didn't know what it was to want vengeance like he did, and he wasn't going to just let it go.

But why did his disapproval still hurt?

"Aw, don't mind him, Samuel," said Micah. "Come on. Let's go get a whiskey."

"Uh… okay," Sam never thought he would accept an offer from Micah Bell, but he wasn't going to turn down a beer, even if the beer in camp was for everyone.

Arthur sat down on his cot, taking his gun belt off for the night. He took his journal out from his bag, before setting it down at his bedside. He saw Micah drag off Sam towards one of the whiskey crates, arm around his shoulder.

Arthur stood up, deciding that he needed a drink, as well. Whatever Micah was planning with Sam, he didn't like it one bit…