The girls made it back to Shady Bell before too long. They were welcomed back with high spirits. Lily was embraced by her cousin and some of the others, like Pearson, Swanson, and Javier. Miss Grimshaw and her girls were near Tilly the whole time while they got her some fresh clothes and a hot meal.
Abigail, knowing Tilly was okay and in good hands, stormed into the house and up the stairs. She pushed past Kieran and almost stepped on Uncle, who was sleeping on the floor in the foyer.
She wasn't sure about leaving John alone with Jack. Sure, he went out of his way to get him back from Bronte, but it was also easier to say something than to do something. That state of mind, however, had her meeting with a surprise.
"Alright, John Marston," Abigail said, as she opened the door. "Where the hell is-"
Abigail forced herself to be silent. She entered the room and found her husband asleep on the bed with little Jack cuddled up next to him. His hat was over his eyes and an arm was wrapped around his little boy.
Abigail sighed in relief. She would never tell a soul whether or not she smiled at the sight. Seeing as they were taking up all the space, she was content to sleep on the floor with Jack's bed roll tonight.
The boys were informed about Tilly's run in with the Foreman Brothers. All of them were rallied up to punch whoever dared to lay a hand on poor Tilly, but she assured everyone she was fine. Sam did a proper examination on her just to be safe.
As much as Lily was relieved, she let Sam take care of Tilly. She wasn't necessarily mad, just… disappointed. Molly hadn't said a word since they got back. Luckily, it wasn't hard to find her. She was always moping in the same spot: The sitting room inside Shady Belle.
"Molly, you shouldn't feel bad over what happened to Tilly," Lily informed her. It's like you said: He pointed a gun at you and-"
"Shut up!" Molly then piped up from her spot in the corner. She wasn't even sitting on one of the couches or chairs, and choosing to sit on the floor, her knees pulled up to her chest, not even caring if it made her look undignified. Her eyes were red from crying and lack of sleep, and even though she tried to do herself up for tonight, it was all coming apart as the night dragged on. "Don't you talk down to me!"
Lily sighed. She placed her hands on her hips. "I wasn't," she tried to speak calmly. "I'm trying to help you. I've been a fool about love, thinking he would still love me no matter what I became, but-"
"Yeah, well, I guess I am too!" Molly pouted. She was hugging herself.
"For believing in someone?"
"For believing I was better, somehow!"
Lily held out her hands, like she was approaching a spooked animal. "Molly, I know what you're going through. I know you feel like no one is with you, but that's not-"
"I can't!" Molly then shrieked. "All of you laughing at me or feeling sorry for me! I just can't!"
"You can't handle that?"
"I was supposed to be better!" Molly stood up, and gestured an arm out. "Better than all of you!"
Lily huffed and grabbed her arms. "I already told you. Out here, your status doesn't matter."
"Well, it should!" Molly shouted. "Do you know what I've done to be out here?! To be with him?!"
"Is that what you want? You know he doesn't want that," Lily replied, frowning, her eyes fixated on her with the hazel hue apparent, despite the darkness of the night and the only lights from floor lanterns. "I'm doing everything I can, while attending to my duties. Things are different out here, and everyone has to do their share. No one is special here. Even Uncle and Swanson put something into the camp to keep it running. The girls want to be there for you, but you push them away."
Molly leaned back against the wall behind her, not caring that they were windows. Still, she didn't respond.
"So, tell me what it is that you want," Lily continued. "I'm trying to help, but you need to help me help yourself. Whatever it is, I'll try my best."
Suddenly, Molly pushed herself off the wall. "I want you to LEAVE ME ALONE!" she shouted.
Lily flinched at her outburst, bloodshot eyes, and shrill voice in her face. She stepped back, seeing the tears fall from Molly's eyes.
Then, as quickly as the moment came, it was gone. Once Lily's heart rate slowed down enough, she lowered her hands to her sides. Her frown faded away and all of a sudden, the sorrow she felt for this girl was numbed.
"...Fine." And Lily turned on her heel and left the sitting room without another word.
Molly took a moment to regain her composure. Then she looked in Lily's direction, surprised that she actually left. She held her teeth tight, trying but failing to hold in the scream that came out from her mouth, while she stood alone in the sitting room.
Lily walked into the infirmary… only to see Arthur turn to Sam outside, after seeing Kieran off to his tent. He held out his hand, ordering the sneaky Sam to return his hat. The younger man had it behind him, and held it away as Arthur reached for it. Finally, he just grabbed Sam and pulled the younger outlaw close to himself. They kissed while Sam finally placed the hat back on Arthur's head.
Lily had enough and just shut the curtains.
Sadly, as expected Molly was sleeping in the living room the next morning. And sadly, as expected, Sam again didn't sleep in his cot. He was probably up in Arthur's room… again.
Lily just sighed. She got up from her cot and went to get dressed. Somehow, despite Molly's outburst, Lily wasn't entirely mad at her. She heard his laughter upstairs and turned her gaze skyward.
It was from Dutch.
The sun was shining on a new day with minimal clouds and the weather was surprisingly nice and warm. Arthur had been asked to speak with his mentor on the balcony and there they were, soaking in the morning rays, with Arthur holding a cigarette and Dutch with his usual cigar.
"I took a look at the trolley station," said Dutch. Arthur recalled Bronte mentioning it to him at the party about places with money.
Arthur leaned against the railing of the balcony. "I ain't never robbed in a city before." Despite that being fact, he was still smiling, and Dutch could hear it in his voice. He was excited, and honestly, so was he.
"Well, you leave the planning to me," Dutch replied. "You'll ride with me?"
"Always." Arthur's answer was almost immediate. "Is it just you and me?"
"No, we'll need one more I reckon."
Arthur thought for a moment, and took a deep drag of his cigarette. He exhaled, letting all the smoke flow out. "I say Lenny."
"Not Micah?"
"Well that depends if you want a massacre or a payday."
Dutch sighed. "Now I wish there was something I could do to make the two of you get along better."
Arthur just sighed. Despite what happened back in Rhodes, the O'Driscoll incident, and everyone flat out arguing about kicking Micah out, Dutch was still adamant on keeping Micah around, let alone wanting him to get along with the bastard. His mentor had outlandish plans before, and he could be stubborn, but this? What was the deal of keeping this loud mouthed loose canon around, anyway?
"Well, that's easy," Arthur answered, "make him change." And with that he finished his cigarette, throwing the rest onto the ground to put out with his boot.
"Very funny…" Dutch shook away a few ashes on his cigar. "I'll gather Lenny and we'll scout out the trolley in a few days."
Arthur was just relieved Dutch didn't ask Micah. "Thanks. " And he left Dutch alone on the balcony.
At least, he thought he was left alone.
"Hello, Dutch."
The gang leader turned around to see Lily standing in the doorway to the balcony. Unlike with Molly, he smiled when he saw her.
"Ah, Miss Hawkeson," said Dutch. "To what do I owe the pleasure."
Lily softened her glare for a moment and timidly walked up to him.
"Um, if it's alright with you," she spoke, shyly. "I needed to ask you about something."
"Of course, dear," said Dutch. "What can I do for you?"
"W-Well, I've just been worried about Molly," Lily answered, meekly. Her hands were together, pressed against her chest, while she stared at the gang leader, her mouth small but frowning. "She's been so sad and I thought you could know what was going on."
Dutch scoffed. "Honestly? I haven't the foggiest idea of what's going on with that woman." He turned back to the balcony, and that's when Lily's soft look faded away and she scowled.
"You don't say?" she then said, dropping her innocent act.
"Hm?"
"She seems to really like you, but you've been distant and she seems upset."
"I've just been very busy, Ms. Hawkeson," said Dutch. "There's pressure on us, and prices on our heads. So please, forgive me if I don't have time for the feelings of one woman."
"She has no one to turn to, Dutch. She left her family in Ireland for you."
Dutch turned to Lily once more, pushing himself away from the railing. "Miss O'Shea made that choice." He took another inhale of his cigar. "I didn't force her to stay out here with us. If she really thinks her life is ruined because of me, then she's more delusional than I thought." With his cigar finished, he dropped it on the floor and put it out with his darkened boot. "This isn't the time to be pointing fingers. We need to stay together. Is she really trying to tear us apart right now?"
"I'm not saying that," said Lily. "But you need to be honest with her."
"About what?"
Lily placed her hands behind her back. "Well, do you really love her?"
Dutch swallowed. Lily could see it. Somehow, this man who had probably stared death in the face many times and gained a following of people who trusted his wisdom and Hosea's as well, was nervous at Lily's question.
Still, it was upsetting for the young woman. If it was true love, he wouldn't be taking so long to come up with an answer.
"Hey, Lily." Sam showed up, stuff and sorting things in his satchel. "We're going to be late to meet up with…" he slowed down upon seeing Lily and Dutch, "Brandon… Uh, am I…" He pointed back and forth between the two, "interrupting?"
"Hello, Sam," Dutch said, his gaze not moving away from Lily. "Miss Hawkeson here was just leaving."
"But-"
"It'd be rude to keep Brandon waiting, Ms. Hawkeson," said Dutch. "Whatever we were discussing can wait until later."
Lily was about to speak again.
"Yes, sir," Sam said with a nod. "Come on, Lily."
Lily sighed and started turning away with Sam, but her head faced Dutch for just a moment longer. "Sure…"
Lily tried not to bring down Sam's chipper mood. He was halfway down the stairs by the time she caught up and slid down the railing for the other half of their descent. He was out the door and was first to meet up with Arthur by the horses. Kieran was dropping off their steeds by the front.
Molly watched them go from the sitting room. Lily didn't even look at her as she walked out.
"I can't see you again, Archie."
"You can't see me, or you don't want to?"
Lily sighed as their horses trotted onto the paved streets of Saint Denis once again. She took up the rear while Sam rode alongside Arthur. The sun was shining, people were out on the streets, horses and carriages were passing around them, and even birds were soaring overhead.
"What the hell is Tahiti?" Sam questioned, his voice raised at the mention of such a foreign name.
Arthur shrugged. "I don't know, but Dutch said it's some kind of tropical paradise, or something. I dunno."
"You believe him?"
"Dutch plans ain't never been very sane," Arthur said, shaking his head, "but, I trust him. When it pans out, it really does."
"Yeah…" Lily muttered, her scowl apparent as the road into the other side of town. "I'm sure our leader knows exactly what he's doing."
Sam and Arthur exchanged glances. They began to slow their horses down.
"Uh, you alright?" said Sam.
Lily shook her head. "Nothing, just… rough time last night."
"Oh." Sam looked ahead once more. "Well, hopefully, whatever Brandon has for us today won't be too hard." Sam was doubtful that his cousin was okay, and Arthur knew it, as well. The younger man hoped he could coax it out of her once they were alone.
Finally, the trio arrived at a saloon. It was different from Bastille. For starters, it was smaller and in the poor side of the city. There were fewer people inside and the checkered floor looked like it hadn't been clean in sometime. In fact, there was the smell of animals inside, but judging from the amount of people playing blackjack in the back of the saloon, it was clear that the patrons weren't here for good food, drinks and service.
Among the people in the back was Rose, enjoying a glass of wine that didn't look like it was from the subpar establishment, and reading a book. As soon as she saw Sam, Arthur Lily approach, she lowered the book with one hand and pointed to the back door.
Arthur was there first and opened it. Brandon was reading just outside of the safehouse he hid in after the stabbing incident. The color was back in his face and he was leaning forward on a crate he was sitting on without wincing from pain.
In addition to him sitting there were two of his associates who were holding rifles. There were also people enjoying what smelled like moonshine, but at least they were in an alleyway.
"It's fine!" Brandon interjected as his guards raised their weapons at the trio. "They're with me." He stood up and made his way to them. "Glad you two could make it," he said, shaking Sam's hand. Hugged Lily. "And I see Mr. Morgan is joining us today, as well."
Arthur shook hands with Brandon. "Stuff changed… but Sam ain't stopping."
Brandon nodded. "Well, I'm not sure what that means, but Sam will be under our protection. Your presence is still greatly welcome."
Sam raised his eyebrows. "Protection?"
"We'll talk more inside."
The safehouse was relatively the same compared to the last time Sam and Arthur were there with Dutch and John. Someone had cleaned up a little and when they were inside, Brandon closed the door, securing it with not one, but four locks.
"Upped your security?" Sam asked.
"Had to," said Brandon. "We see more turncoats every week. It's… Frustrating." The blonde shook his head. "We've got things mostly under control for now." He went and seared through a few of the cupboards. "Only our most trusted know where Fike, Lem, and Cripps are right now."
"Really? Where?" Sam quickly asked, grinning.
"Sam this is serious!" Brandon then said, sternly. He turned back to him with a paper in his gloved hand and set it onto the table that everyone had gathered around. Someone had made a sketch of Sam. The words "WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE" were scrawled out by hand at the bottom, and there were several holes in the page, as if made by knives.
"A wanted poster?" said Sam.
"Of Sam?" Lily asked, a little worried.
"Don't look printed…" said Arthur.
"It wasn't made by the state or the local city," said Brandon. "It was made by the O'Driscolls."
Sam gulped, but just kept staring at the sketch.
"One of my men managed to get this away from one of those drunken bastards," said Brandon. He locked eyes with Sam. "They want you, Sam. You've caused quite a stir after what you pulled off at Lone Mule's Stead."
"O'Driscolls have wanted me and Dutch dead for years," said ARthur. "This is no different."
Sam just kept staring. "Well, what was I supposed to do?! Let Arthur stay in Colm's hands, getting beaten and tortured? They was gonna hand him over to the law. I spent nights not being able to sleep." He held his teeth tight, keeping his mouth closed while grimacing at the memory. There was blood on the floor, the man who cried out in agony from Sam's torture before he left a birdshot in his shoulder, and the O'Driscolls were drinking and laughing while Arthur was in agony. He hated it. He didn't like killing them how he did, but he didn't regret their deaths.
He wouldn't - couldn't lose someone he loved again.
Then he felt two hands. One one each shoulder. One was big, calloused, but warm. Arthur. The other was smaller, encased in dark leather and had slender fingers. Lily.
"Ain't no one getting Sam," said Arthur.
"They'll die before anyone touches him," said Lily.
Sam was almost moved to tears by their words. They reminded him why he was out here.
He just sighed in relief. "Thank-you." He looked Brandon in the eye. "I also need information on another person, as well."
Brandon raised his brows. "Is it another O'Driscoll?"
Sam shook his head. "No."
"Sam-" Arthur tried to interject. He lowered his hand from his shoulder and reached for his palm.
Sam yanked it his hand away. "He's a goddamn hypocrite and a murderer!"
Lily placed her hands on her chest. "He found out who killed my father."
Brandon leaned forward, placing his gloved palms on the table. "So, he wasn't an O'Driscoll after all."
"He used their raid to do it like a goddamn coward!" said Sam. "All so that he could get a lead on Dutch van der Linde! His name is Andrew Milton, and I want him dead!"
Brandon stepped back from the table. "The Pinkerton?"
"You kill me… you'll be running for the rest of your life."
Brandon realized he had been staring at nothing for a moment too long. All eyes were on him. He brushed his vest.
"You… do realize this is a government official you're talking about."
Sam wasn't phased at all. "Government official or not, I'm sure he'll bleed all the same," Sam said without moving his teeth. "My uncle was a good man, who healed the sick and injured, regardless of who they were or what they've done. He was unarmed and unthreatening to this man, but he took his life all the same. Andrew Milton is not a man of law, he's a murderer!"
Lily looked at her cousin. Hearing him speak what he'd do for her father brought the sting of tears to her eyes.
"The Pinkertons are no laughing matter, Sam," said Brandon. "Even our group has trouble with them. They're sneaky, and they don't exactly do things by the book."
"That's why we have to stop them," said Sam. "Or, at least deal with the man in charge, leading them. You said you dealt with vengeance before, and while I still want that," said Sam, " I want to protect the people who helped me and Lily even more. If he's a threat, then he needs to be removed. I'm not sure Cliff was the first innocent man killed by him, but I don't think he'll be the last."
Brandon nodded. "It won't be cheap," he finally submitted. "I've dealt with government dogs before, but it's not easy." His hands shook and he placed them back onto the table. Sam caught this. His jaw dropped a little, but he didn't pry. "Right now, I do have a thing on our O'Driscoll issue."
Sam nodded. "Alright."
Brandon nodded. "I have someone who could help us with finding our last two targets: Kaven Owens, and the other Laslow brother."
"Who is it?" said Sam.
Brandon glanced at the staircase. "Go ahead and come down."
Upon hearing footsteps, Sam, Lily and Arthur all turned to see who it was. All three of their jaws dropped. They stared, until Lily opened her mouth.
"Archie?"
"Aw, hell no!" Sam immediately spat. "I'm more of an idiot than I thought!" He grabbed Lily's hand. "Let's get out of here!"
"Wait!" Archie pleaded. He rushed down the rest of the stairs and held his hands out. "Please, I need your help!"
Sam turned his head to Brandon. "Really? This is the feller you got?"
Brandon just looked between the two boys. "Right. You know each other."
Sam scoffed. "Thought we did, until we found out he and his mother only care about themselves."
"I didn't have a choice," said Archie.
"Yes, you did!" Lily then interjected. She turned away from Archie and faced the table once more. "Just tell us how he can help us," she said to Brandon.
"You serious?" said Arthur.
Lily shrugged. "It's not like we have much of a choice… er, we do, but it's either work with him or find another lead, while risking Sam's neck." Finally, she turned her head enough that Archie could see her face. "Unlike you, I won't throw away the people I love."
Brandon nodded. "Alright. Archie, tell them what you know."
"The O'Driscolls are scattered throughout this town, probably to avoid the law. Despite that, they're still doing crimes," said Archie."
"The O'Driscolls have been harassing people like Archie, here, saying they have to pay for their protection," Brandon added.
"And Momma and I barely have anything," Archie admitted. He hung his head low, sounding so defeated. Yet, no one in the room seemed shocked or even felt bad about his predicament. At least, not on the surface. "And then I found Mr. Marrows, here."
Brandon cleared his throat. "Pardon that. It was more like I found him. He's not the only one, either. In exchange for his safety, he's agreed to work for me and provide information, which he kindly has." The blonde reached under the table and placed a map of the city on the surface. "Archie has told me of some of their locations." Pen in hand, he circled a spot that was near the water. "They have a supply stock here. They come in from the outside of town to deliver it, so they could be taking things from trains in Rhodes or be using a ship and sailing around the Flat Iron Lake. And Archie, here, isn't the only victim. My sources say that people have been going missing and it usually happens around here." The blonde leaned forward and circled a cluster of buildings. "It's actually not far from here. So, that's what I'll need. Disrupt these operations and we'll draw out these remaining leaders. Who knows? We may even find Colm."
Arthur chuckled. "Guess he's the one running, as well. We outta split up to cover more ground."
"W-Well…" Archie tried to speak. "Lily and-"
Sam immediately snapped his head towards Archie. "Not a chance in hell! Lily is not going anywhere with you!"
"That's up to her, not you! Stop treating her like your property!"
"Then stop treating her like she's yours!" Sam began to roll up his sleeve.
Arthur grabbed Sam's arm. "Lily goes with me," he finally cut in.
"What?!" both Archie and Sam yelled in unison.
"What?" said Lily.
"Arthur didn't react to the obvious incoming opposition. He stared Archie down, green eyes seeming to pierce into the younger man's soul. "But if anything happens to Sam while you're out, I'll make sure your mourning mother stays in black on your behalf. You think on that, boy."
Despite taking a step back, Archie tried to remain strong, refusing to let his voice waver. "Maybe you shall, sir. And maybe other events will transpire."
"Mark my word, boy," his voice lowered, but still elicited a growl. "Vengeance is an idiot's game."
Brandon rubbed his temples. "Just get this done, and I'll get to work on your government agent."
And so it was. The team split up to cover more ground. Lily and Arthur set out to find the missing people, while Sam and Archie took care of the supplies for the O'Driscolls.
"Can you believe him?!" Lily finally said, when they were finally away from everyone. They were making their way west . In fact, it looked like they were heading towards that church Arthur found Sam at the other day.
"Sam said a lot of things," Arthur said, shrugging. "Did you actually think that boy would take what Sam said seriously?"
"I would!" Lily insisted. They approached a street and looked both ways before crossing to the next corner. "Sam almost beat the hell out of him."
"You'd think going halfway across the country would be enough."
"Maybe they just couldn't afford it…" Lily remembered. "Maybe if they didn't throw that money away out of pride, they'd be out of our faces right now."
The pair turned and walked under an archway, which showed them to the market. That being in mind, Arthur already started having a pretty good idea of where people were getting snatched up by O'Driscolls.
Arthur held out an arm and stopped Lily where she was. "I got this. Let's find somewhere to hide."
Lily didn't say another word and followed him. They kept their heads down, but Lily saw the green garb of O' was on their shirts or they wore green handkerchiefs or their accents were heard throughout the constant chatter in the market. They blended into the crowd. Arthur could only grin. Colm's men couldn't be this stupid, right?
Well, if they were, it would just make his job easy.
Sam refused to say a word to Archie as they went to the docks. It was west of the open market where Arthur and Lily had gone. A lot of workers. They were tying knots, tying small boats to the wooden decks, loading and unloading ships and wagons, hellos and good-byes were being made by the ships. Idle chatter could be heard, along with the sound of seagulls. The smell of fresh water from the big Lannheche River was thick in the air.
Sam looked at his map for a moment. "This way," he said, not batting Archie an eye. They walked down south for a lot before Sam just sat down at a bench outside of what looked like a local bait and tackle shop.
"What are we doing?" Archie asked.
"Shut up and listen!" Sam hissed. Keeping his arms close to himself he pointed and across from where they were sitting was a two story simple building on the docks. There were O'Driscoll patrolling around it, their matching green color making them blend in as more dock workers. "That's their supply unit, isn't it?"
Archie turned to him. "You noticed that from over-"
"Eyes forward!" Sam grabbed Archie from the back of his head and made him face forwards. "You want us to get caught?"
Archie could only scoff, but he listened. Using only his eyes, he was able to see Sam sketching in that book he always carried.
"If I know anything about these guys, it's that they like alcohol." Archie's heart skipped a beat as he saw that same old smirk. "And I know how to use that to our advantage."
Despite everything, Sam was still himself. Beneath his angry exterior, the same one that almost beat his ass, was still the same plotting little prankster. The thought was enough to bring a tear to one of Archie's eyes.
There was no way back. Was in deep trouble now, and the same went for his mother. And Sam… and Lily… they were… outlaws.
Still, maybe he could stand to get into shenanigans one more time… for old time's sake.
Once nightfall came around, both Sam and Archie raced up the side of the target building. They split up, one man going in each direction and meetup at the door. Archie looked around while Sam picked at the door. Once Archie heard the door click, he raced in hoping to just get things over with, but he was met with the end of a gun.
"I knew it, you little shi-"
Suddenly, the O'Driscoll jolted back and crashed into a stack of crates. When he tried to get up, he seemed to be staring past Archie. Then his eyes rolled back and he slumped back against the crates. Archie turned around and saw Sam walking in with a varmint rifle.
"Sam!" Archie tried to yell, but Sam covered his mouth. Archie took his hand away, but Sam wordlessly walked over to the collapsed man and picked something from his neck. "You-"
"Tranquilized him," Sam said, holding up the dart. "And it's more than he deserved. Just get him out of here and somewhere safe."
Archie suddenly was having second thoughts as he placed his hands under the O'Driscolls arms and dragged him out. Sam really was different while still being the same. Had he… killed anyone while they had been apart? How many? Back then, Sam would only only use his gun to scare anyone running after him.
But this time, Sam only shot once. While Archie was relieved for the quick save, his heart was still pounding in his chest. He didn't even hesitate.
"Sam, he owes us money!"
"And he ain't well!"
"Put the gun down, Sam. He owes us money, and I don't care that you know them or his family. You ain't gonna shoot-"
"Hey, Sam said, as Archie came back from dragging away the unconscious man. The smell of whiskey was thick in the air… and so was gunpowder.
The lids had been taken off. Some of them contained meat, bread, and fruit while one side was dynamite and whiskey. Sam had one in his hand drinking it without a care in the world.
"Watch your step," he said. "I poured this whiskey everywhere."
Archie gulped, but smiled. He knew exactly where this was going.
He grabbed some food for himself and his mother before h e and Sam rushed out of the building. Sam grabbed a match and let it catch a flame on a nearby crate.
"Bullseye!" Sam whispered, as he tossed the lit match through the open door.
"LET GO OF ME!"
A woman shouted, as two O'Driscolls dragged a woman towards the pawn shop. She was wearing a white blouse with a dark coat and a black gown. Her coffee colored hair was tied up in a bun.
"Please, I have a family!" the woman begged.
"That's the plan, lady! Your husband is gonna give us thousands!" the O'Driscoll snarled. "If not, you'll at least give us a good time."
The woman saw the green door. Tears welled up in her eyes as she feared it'd be the last time she'd be outside.
Then the man was yanked away from her. The other escorting them could only yell for a second before choking on his own blood and slumping to the ground with his buddy.
Standing over the dead O'Driscolls were none other than Lilian Hawkeson and next to her was Arthur Morgan. Despite the blood mess, the woman didn't care.
"Oh, thank-you!" she cried, holding herself. "Those people were gonna-"
"Hold it right there!"
Arthur and Lily turned around and saw more of Colm's goons showing up. Lily walked up and pulled the innocent woman behind her.
"I don't believe it!" one of the O'Driscolls said, as they pulled their guns out. "It's Arthur Morgan!"
Lily gulped. Sam would lose it if they grabbed him again.
"I'd ask what you all are doing right now," said Arthur, "but let's be honest. Y'all ain't above kill the helpless."
"Shut the hell up!" an O'Driscoll yelled back. "You ain't getting away this time, Morgan.
KABOOM!
A loud explosion rang out, startling everyone. The O'Driscolls argued amongst themself.
"What was that?"
"It came from the docks!"
"Ain't that our supplies out there?!"
As Colm's men bickered amongst themselves, a few of them turned and noticed that Arthur and Lily had vanished, along with the hostage.
The whistles from the Saint Denis Police Department echoed the streets. Arthur and Lily ran off with their rescue down a one way street and hid in a nearby alley. The police passed by them on horses.
"Are you okay, miss?" Lily whispered. Arthur kept staring into the street, waiting for the coast to clear.
Just as the woman nodded, there was a tap on Lily's shoulder. The lady screamed, as Lily pinned whoever it was against the wall. Arthur was forced to cover her mouth.
"Whoa! It's just us!" Sam said, who was behind Archie.
"Oh." And Lily let Archie slump to the ground.
Arthur let the woman go. "What happened?"
"We blew up their supplies!" Sam said with a smirk. "Er, I did."
Lily smiled. "Well, good. You saved our bacon. And this lady, too."
Arthur glanced into the street again. While everyone could still hear the police whistles, the street was cleared of them. "We shouldn't head back right now," said Arthur. "Might lead the police or the O'Driscolls to Brandon."
"Of course," Lily agreed. "Miss, you should come with us. We'll take you home once it's safe."
The woman just nodded and silently followed the four of them.
Arthur was right. Sam and Lily knew they should listen to the more seasoned outlaw, especially with situations like these.
So, they followed Arthur's lead and went somewhere safe to hide for a while. Against their judgment, or their nerves they went to the Saint Denis Graveyard. Upon arriving, they wandered aimlessly, came across some people paying respects, mourning, or just sleeping after a drunken night or not having a place to go.
Eventually, they found a spot by some dim lights and they took a rest. Sam and Arthur took watch and Archie kept an eye on the woman they rescued.
Meanwhile, Lily was just securing the area before taking a seat on the steps of the shrine. She peeked her head around a corner, when she heard Sam and Arthur.
"Why didn't you tell me?!" Sam tried to shout but managed to do it as a whisper. "I should've been there! What if they took you again?!"
"Sam!" Arthur raised his voice enough that it might as well have been just normal talking. "I'd rather have them go after me than you right now. Colm wants you."
"I told you!" Sam pleaded. "I can't take it if-"
Arthur silenced him by pressing a finger to his lips. "And I ain't gonna take it if something happens to you. I ain't going nowhere. You know that. It's gonna take more than a few of Colm's idiots to get me." He placed his hands on Sam's shoulders. "I am grateful that you saved me, and you're trying to protect me, but let me do the same for you."
Sam stepped back, his face drifted down. "I'm sorry…"
Arthur tilted Sam's chin up. "We're outlaws, Sam. I"ve been at this longer. I know what I'm doing. Just let me help you."
"A-Alright…" Sam stuttered. "That don't mean I'm gonna stop worrying about you."
"You've got better things to worry about than me…" said Arthur.
Sam leaned forward and just hugged him. "Shut up…" he mumbled into his shoulder. "You are worth worrying about, you idiot."
Arthur just sighed. But still, he hugged Sam back, not letting him know what he said warmed his heart and made him smile.
Lily sighed and averted her gaze. The woman they were with seemed relaxed somehow. She was sitting at the steps of one of the crypts.
"You seem better here," Lily remarked.
"My cousin comes here all the time to visit his late wife," she replied. "I accompany him sometimes, so I'm pretty used to this place."
"I see."
"Were you hurt?"
Lily looked and saw Archie walking up to him. She was unphased by his presence, but Archie felt shivers go down his spine.
Lily's sleeve.
It was covered in blood.
Lily lifted her bloody hand. "I slit the throat of one of the bastards that just tried to grab this woman."
Archie just grimaced. The old Lily… His Lily… would never have done something like that. Despite his shock, Lily stood and walked up to him.
"What do you want?" she asked.
Archie just stared at her. He missed the way she was always smiling. She wasn't now. Not with him. Was it the same with Sam? The older outlaw? He didn't know.
"I'm sorry," he then said.
Lily was silent. It lasted for what felt like minutes… maybe hours.
"Sorry for what?" she said, tilting her head. "Kicking us out? Not helping us?" Her face softened a little. Archie was relieved to see it. She was still her sweet self, but he was sorry that he was making her feel so hurt. She wasn't angry. Just hurt.
"All of it," Archie answered. "I thought… Momma said-"
"You abandoned me," said Lily.
"I-"
"That's what you did. And don't kid yourself," she said, softly, while shaking her head. "You had a choice."
"What should I have done? Left Momma? Joined your gang of-"
"I don't wanna hear anything you have to say about those people. They have treated me far better than you have." She raised her bloodied hand. "And if I become a killer because of that, so be it. I killed that man in your house to save you!"
Archie frowned. His lip trembled. He didn't like what his Lily was becoming. "But that's-"
Lily lowered her hand, but then, despite the blood, Archie reached out and held it. "We're different, now, Archie." And she yanked her hand back. "Let us go."
"Lily…"
"It's better for both of us." And with that, she turned away and left for a walk on her own. She walked past Arthur sitting on the ground with Sam falling fast asleep against him. She paid them no heed. She paid heed to no one. She didn't notice the sudden incoming fog, the stray dog that barked at her walking around into said fog, or the stray cat running away from it.
Lily didn't notice, until she felt a chill. The fog got thicker and thicker until she came up on a gazebo near the center of this maze of the dead. The young lady stopped in her tracks. There, he was, wearing his Sunday best and his combed mustache. The Strange Man who knew her.
"You…"
"Hello, Lily…" was the man's response.