A/N: It's been quite a month. Had to let go of some friends, and grieve, because, you know, it's basically still a loss, and it felt like I lost. It's probably a loss on both sides… even if the main toxic friend immediately started smearing me all over the discord, after I departed. I've told the friends who remained with me, as well as my siblings, that it felt like finally leaving a noisy place and entering a quiet room at last.

Also, my mom is being a bitch who didn't help me while I was sick with a stomach bug, but immediately prepared a little gift box when my trash-talking cousin got sick, and accusing my dad of cheating for no reason. And no, he's not out for long hours of the night. He's literally at home with me and my siblings all day when he's not at work.

Anyway, you know what makes me feel better? Writing some good ol' angst! Have fun! :P

As soon as Lily saw him, she became aware of everything around her: The chill in the air, the trees, the lights from the lamps and candles, the fog, and just how many graves were in this cemetery. It was quiet all around her.

Deathly quiet.

"Isn't this peaceful?" The man finally spoke after a long time of silence. "It's quite impressive after what happened by the docks and the marketplace?"

Lily gulped. The man knew about that? Did he know… who caused it, too?

"What are you doing here?" Lily asked, her voice slow, emphasizing every word. How did he know about that, when it just happened? It was obvious he didn't work for Brandon, otherwise he or Rose would have told her upon verifying his description.

"Just some work," the man answered, simply.

Lily tried not to move so much. She merely raised a brow. "You work here?"

The man shrugged. "Something like that. I'm preparing, mostly."

"For what?"

The man stepped down from the gazebo. Lily felt her heart throbbing in her chest all of a sudden, but she didn't move as he approached.

"You're very peculiar, Lily," he then said. "You love your cousin so much. In a few short months you've learned to kill so easily, and yet you still value the doctor's oath to heal and preserve life when the need arises, even sparing the man who broke your heart.

Lily still didn't move, even as the man walked around her. Her hand was hovering over her holster, but there was a feeling creeping up on her, telling the girl that drawing her gun wouldn't help at all. His eyes were on her. Lily knew this, even when he wasn't in her line of sight. Even as sweat built on her forehead and her palms underneath her dark gloves, she stayed still, taking deep calming breaths.

"Yeah, well… Things ain't so simple, now ain't it?" The girl didn't turn her head to look at the Strange Man. "Ain't no story book here. I didn't have a choice."

"And yet, here you are."

"And so are you. I can't be the only person who's like this. Why am I such a mystery to you?"

The Strange Man shrugged. "I honestly don't know why you're here," he said, as he walked back towards the gazebo."

Lily rolled her eyes. "Me neither."

"Well," the man said, as he kept walking towards the other side of the steps. "Be careful… especially with that bank."

Bank? Lily thought. Wait. He couldn't mean…

"Wait!" Lily called out. She started running after him. "What bank? Hey!" She quickly got to the gazebo where he had once stood and passed by, but once she was at the center, he was gone… nowhere to be found.

"You're alive!

Sam, Lily, Arthur and Archie kept their word, and helped the would-be hostage return home early in the morning. The sun was about to rise, but the sky was still dark.

The woman embraced her cousin. It made Sam's heart soar. It was like him and Lily.

"Thank-you!" the woman's cousin exclaimed. "Thank-you so much! If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to stop by."

Sam just tipped his hat. "Just get her inside, sir. I think she's been through enough tonight. Take care." With that, he rallied everyone back to their horses. They had been gathered up by some of Brandon's "discouraged people".

Lily, Sam, nor Arthur said another word to Archie as they rode back to Brandon's hideout. Lily in particular was especially quiet. Not only was she not making eye contact with Archie, but not with Sam or Arthur, either.

Brandon's place had upped its security a bit more. There were even more guards around, but at least the alleyway was much more relaxed now that the moonshine patrons had been sent home.

Once inside, Rose was cleaning her guns by the kitchen table. There was stew being prepared, as well, and Brandon had fallen asleep, leaning in his chair, feet on the table, and hat covering his face. Rose quickly elbowed him awake.

"Huh? What?!" Brandon sat up, putting his feet down and picked up his gun in the confusion.

Arthur was quick to push Sam behind him. "Whoa, easy cowboy."

Brandon blinked a few times and then slowly melted back into his seat, setting his engraved and decorated Scholfield back down. "Sorry. Well, judging by the city going on high alert, I'm guessing you took care of things."

"Yeah…" said Sam. "It's all done."

Brandon nodded. "Good." With that, he reached under the table and placed some cash on the surface. "This is for you, Archie. You can go home now."

Archie ran up to the table and grabbed the money. "Thank-you, sir," he said, gratefully.

"Of course," Brandon replied. "One of my associates will escort you. I'll send for you when I have more work you can handle."

Archie nodded. He held the money close to himself as he turned and walked over to the door. He glanced at Lily for a moment, who didn't even look back as he left. Still, Lily knew he grimaced at her bloodstained sleeve.

Once the door was shut, Sam immediately turned to his cousin, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"You okay?" said Sam.

Lily grasped the hand on her with her own. "Yes." It was a lie. They both knew it.

"Well, good job," said Brandon.

"So, what's happens now?" said Arthur. "You gonna look for Milton?"

"Sure," said Brandon. He smiled as Rose placed a bottle of whiskey on the table for him. "But I must remind you that locating a government agent ain't cheap, because of the risk factor. I might need more once we do."

Arthur scoffed. "More… And I thought we were the ones who was doing the robbing…"

Brandon rolled his eyes. "Well, I'll pay you for this one, should you choose to accept it."

Arthur sighed and placed his palms on the table. "What is it?"

Brandon leaned forward and placed his elbows on the table, gloved hands meeting one another under his chin. "Well, the job isn't from me. It's from a contact of mine. They'll be here later today just after noon in the bar. I know you've been gone for a while, so you're free to stay the night."

Sam smiled warmly. "That's kind of you. Thanks." This was great. They couldn't risk leading the O'Driscolls back to Shady Belle, especially after tonight. "Lily, you can have the couch. Arthur and I will sleep on the floor. When he got no response, he turned and saw his cousin looking at the door where Archie had exited through. "Lily?"

Lily suddenly flinched. "Oh! Sorry!" She turned away from the door. "Yeah… thanks."

"Yeah…" Brandon knew something was up, but didn't pry. He pulled the cork off his whiskey and took a sip. "Rose, could you get the spare bedrolls?

Rose nodded, and immediately got up from her seat to go get them.

Arthur and Sam's bedrolls were right next to each other's. Lily wasn't surprised at all. Brandon had turned in for the night after a quick meal, and headed up stairs. Rose stayed up a bit longer, keeping guard just outside of his room, until someone came in to take over for her.

Sam fell asleep before too long. With his cousin watching him and Arthur being next to him, while he scribbled away in his journal soothed Sam's worries, even if just for one night.

Lily smiled once Sam was finally asleep, a blanket up to his torso with his duster added as an extra layer. He didn't necessarily need it, but Lily knew the extra covering would give him some extra comfort. His head was facing the side, towards Lily. One arm was tucked under the sheets, the other was right next to his head, glove still on and everything.

Arthur closed his journal, once he was done with whatever he was writing. "It's about Archie, ain't it?"

"Huh?" Lily said, after a whole half hour of silence.

"You ain't the only one who's had their head a million miles away like that."

"It's… something like that?" said Lily. Though it wasn't the only thing. She leaned forward, her elbows on her knees. "I don't regret leaving him, but do you ever…. Do you ever wonder what could've happened if…"

Anything Arthur had to joke about faded from his face immediately. He gazed at the sleeping Sam. Lily could see, however, that in that moment, he wasn't the one he was thinking about. His eyes moved from viewing Sam and once again were on Lily.

Arthur answered honestly.

"Of course," said Arthur. "I have, and I still do." He rubbed his nose, relieved an itch. "Sometimes… but it was a long time ago."

Lily balled up her fists. Her shoulders stiffened as she sat back up straight. Her brows furrowed slightly, but the seasoned outlaw could see the rising fire in her eyes.

"It was a long time ago," Arthur stated again, his voice saying the words slowly and concisely.

There was a pause of silence. It was like a standoff, but with no guns. Arthur had been in plenty of these, actually: With Hosea, with John, Bill and Javier, and especially Dutch. At the end of the day, they still cared about each other, of course. That was why these would happen, and Lily was no different, but he knew he had to be careful. Any harm to Sam would only anger Lily, and if any harm befell her, even if he was just defending himself, it would hurt Sam all the same.

"I promise you, Lily," Arthur said, slowly, keeping his eyes locked on her.

The fire that began to build in the girl calmed. Arthur wasn't lying. Still, the heartbreak Lily felt that night was still as fresh, now that she had seen Archie again. Tears welled up in her eyes, causing her to turn away from the outlaw. They threatened to spill as they obscured her vision. She would never wish this kind of pain on anyone she loved.

It scared her.

"He knows about Mary," Lily spoke softly, voice cracking under the pressure of her sorrow.

"I promise you," Arthur stated again. "I don't regret my choice, and as long as you don't, either, you just need to stick with what you chose. Trust me." He started staring ahead, seeing the fire in the kitchen stove, keeping the stew warm. "Even what you think is right will still hurt."

Lily finally wiped her eyes as the tears finally grew too heavy and fell from them. She stayed quiet for a moment.

"I know…" the girl responded, quietly.

Arthur looked at Lily, warmth in his hardened outlaw eyes. "You should get some rest."

Lily nodded. "I will… I just need a few minutes."

The older man nodded. "I understand." With that, he scooched into the borrowed blanket Rose had given him and laid down on his bedroll. "Good-night."

Lily leaned on one of the couch armrests, an elbow resting on the surface, her palm on her cheek and her eyes closing as more tears emerged from them.

Lily didn't even realize she had fallen asleep, until she awoke the next morning. She picked her head up from the arm rest she'd been laying on, finding she'd been covered in a blanket. However, Arthur and Sam's bedrolls were empty. Brandon was up, coffee in hand and walked over with a spare mug.

"Good afternoon," he said.

"It's noon?" said Lily. She generously took the mug, letting the steam rising up from the beverage and tickle her nose.

"You seemed to really be needing the rest, so your friends declined to wake you," said Brandon.

Lily huffed. Curse those boys and their need for chivalry.

"Well, they're in the saloon right now, if you want to join them," said Brandon. "They're with my contact."

As Brandon headed back into the kitchen, Lily took a sobering sip of the coffee she was given. Last night played through her mind again and she remembered…

That man…

"I need to speak with that gentleman again," Lily suddenly blurted.

"Excuse me?" said Brandon.

"The one who spoke to me about that man. I need to ask him something."

Brandon set his mug on the table. "Ms. Hawkeson. I can't do that."

Lily tossed the blanket that was on her aside and stood. "Why the hell not? If it's because of money for information, then-"

"No." Brandon then sipped from his mug once more, when he saw his response silenced the girl. He swallowed and sighed. "You need to let this go, Lily. Not even my most skilled associates can pin anything on this person you brought up to Rose."

Lily felt a shiver go down her spine. "What do you mean?"

"The man you spoke with was on his way back out west, but then… Well, it was weird."

"What?" Lily asked, her voice getting louder.

"He's dead, Lily."

Rose escorted Sam and Arthur to the saloon from the backdoor. The table where those people were playing cards in the back had been cleared out and two men were sitting there, waiting for the pair of outlaws.

One of them was older, his skin a darker complexion, his black and slightly gray hair was straight and long enough to touch his shoulders. He was dressed mostly in black and the hat on his head was simple. Even so, his eyes were brown, with a warmth in them. The younger man next to him had similar eyes, but they weren't as warm and inviting. He had his hair tied back, wore a blue vest and red flannel shirt, with gray pants. His arms were crossed as he glared daggers at Arthur and Sam.

Once the pair were seated at the table, Rose gestured at the men. She then paused, looking around for a moment.

"They're Rains Fall and Eagle Flies," a "discouraged man" in the back hollered from the other side of the bar.

Rose sighed, but gave a thumbs up at whoever said that and proceeded to guard the back door Sam and Arthur came in from.

"You're… natives?" Sam asked, slowly. "Wait. You're with the Wapiti."

"Is that a problem?" the younger native asked, hotly.

"N-No," said Sam. "My uncle just said to stay away from natives."

This only made Eagle Flies glare even more. "And why is that?"

And yet, Sam wasn't intimidated. He kept looking him dead in the eye and responded clearly. "Because they don't like outsiders."

The fire in Eagle Flies calmed to an ember. "Wise words," he then replied.

"Now, my son," said Rains Falls. "That's not always true. And we need their help." He placed his hands on the table, neatly gathering his fingers together.

Arthur shrugged. "Well, that's what Brandon sent us for."

The chief looked at Arthur. "You're one of those men we saw on the wagon train… crossing the river at Cumberland Falls… and at the party, you were upstairs."

It was then Arthur did remember them. These two had approached the mayor during the party.

"Oh, oh! The redskins! I have no sympathy for them because whoever is stupid enough to be tricked by the Americans… they get what they deserve, huh?"

He just almost didn't remember because of the stupid sparkling champagne and Bronte's obnoxious voice.

"Well, you have great powers of observation," Arthur replied.

"Yes, my people, if we are even a people anymore…" said Rains Fall, "we fought hard… we've made peace treaties… and those treaties were broken… and we've been moved and punished and… punished and moved."

"I see," said Sam.

"And now I am told we are to be moved again. But, we signed a peace treaty about this three years ago."

"This will lead to war," Eagle Flies said calmly, but everyone could hear his anger being contained by a thread underneath his voice.

"No, my son, it will not," Rains Fall assured, placing a hand on his son's shoulder. Sam unknowingly touched his own shoulder, as seeing the sight of the father and son reminded him of his uncle. "We cannot fight another war. They have got stronger… and we have become weaker."

"It's because of oil," said Eagle Flies. "That writer at the party, Mr. Miller, said there were prospectors who were with Mr. Cornwall and the government who sent reports saying there's oil under our land."

Arthur nodded. "So, you want us to try and steal it?"

Sam straightened up in his seat. "From Cornwall?!" he almost shrieked.

"Yes, I already know, Sam," said Arthur. "Gentlemen, I'm very sorry for your predicament, but we've got problems of our own with Cornwall."

Sam snapped his head around to look at Arthur. "Well, I didn't mean it like that."

"We can't afford having Cornwall on our backs again."

"We've already got…" Sam paused. He got up and gestured for Arthur to follow. They stepped over to a nearby corner. "We've already got the O'Driscolls and the Pinkertons on us. What's Cornwall at this point?"

Arthur shook his head. "No, I ain't no do-gooder, Sam."

Sam rolled his eyes. "Not this again. It ain't about that Arthur!" he hissed. "We need Brandon's money and his information on Milton."

"You need information on Milton," said Arthur. "It's vengeance, Sam. I'm with you to stop the O'Driscolls, but vengeance don't keep no one fed," he said pointing at Sam, accusatively. "Ain't you the one who brought up how we need to avoid Cornwall?"

Sam was unmoved and grabbed Arthur's hand, putting it down. "And you say you're no do-gooder…" he grumbled. "I'm sick of being put down and pushed around by people with power and money." This time, he was the one pointing at Arthur accusatively. "Ain't turning a blind eye to this go against what you stand for? Colm O'Driscoll is nothing but a low down scumbag, but Milton is nothing but a coward behind a badge, just like Cornwall is nothing but a coward behind a pile of oil, sugar and money. This so-called 'detective agency' has done anything but help people, and so has the goddamn government."

The two were silent for a moment. Once again, Arthur was in a stand-off with no guns, and he was stumped. Sam was right about a few things, but he could tell the taste for vengeance was still fresh on the young man's tongue, as well. Still, Arthur knew what kind of man he himself was and he wasn't the kind who would help people in need, despite knowing the horrid things people with money and power can do and knowing that vengeance was an idiot's game.

Sam didn't bother waiting for a response from Arthur. He was clearly at war with his own brain at the moment, and Arthur didn't notice Sam move until he left his line of sight.

"I'll do it myself if I must," Sam said, as he returned to the pair at the table. "I may not look it, but… I can be quite persuasive with things I need in my hands."

Rains Fall nodded. "Thank-you, Mr. Hawkeson. We will pay you handsomely for this."

Suddenly, Arthur was back at the table.

"How much?"

Eagle Flies let out a sigh. "Told you, they're all mercenaries."

Arthur chuckled. "There's a price on my head in two states, my friend. The government doesn't like me anymore than it does you. Like you, I've been running for as long as I can remember…" The smile faded from his mouth and his voice flattened out, sounding more grim, "and like you, my time here is nigh on done."

Rains Fall thought for a moment and then nodded. "We understand and we will pay. Meet my son in a couple of days near Citadel Rock just west of the oil fields."

Sam nodded. "Got it!"

"We are grateful for your help."

Suddenly, another gentleman entered the room. It was the writer Eagle Flies mentioned was at the party: Evelyn Miller.

"Gentlemen, that appointment with the senator…" he said, "we should head over there."

"It's a waste of our time and his," Eagle Flies growled.

"No," Rains Fall spoke up. "We must try everything. Come along." With that, the two stood up and headed out with the author.

Arthur elbowed Sam in the arm. "Can't believe you!"

Sam shrugged. "You didn't have to join in."

"I'm here to make sure you don't go getting yourself killed like an idiot."

Still, Sam just grinned as he stood up and patted Arthur on the head. "Aw, that's so good of you to do."

Arthur swatted at Sam's hand quickly, before getting up. "Shut up!" he snapped, as Sam snickered.

"Well, they're paying and so is Brandon."

Arthur sighed and nodded. "Well, that's true. Alright, then what do we do."

"Well, we're gonna need guns, maybe a few of my special medicines in case of an emergency, and to look scary," Sam said, counting a list on his fingers. "Once we get to the oil fields, I'll see what we're working with." For now we should go back to camp and get our stuff ready.

Sam didn't even wait for Arthur's response before he headed out through the back door, Rose graciously opening the way for them. Once again Sam didn't hesitate and here Arthur was, fighting himself in the corner. Quickly, he pushed the thought aside and was off to follow Sam back to camp.

Lily seemed better than last night as they rode back to Shady Belle. Still, it broke Sam's heart that she hadn't smiled since last night.

Once they were back at camp, Arthur went upstairs to inform Dutch where they had been, while Sam went with Lily to their room that was also the infirmary to get some supplies. Everyone kept their spare ammo with Arthur's wagon, but since he had a room now, they just left it in there. So, Arthur had ammo covered.

"Are you sure you're feeling better?" Sam asked her. The girl was sitting on her cot, her head down.

Lily didn't know how to respond without being obvious. In truth, she was scared. The man she kept running into at cemeteries and churches clearly was something out of the ordinary. She just didn't know how to express it without sounding crazy.

All Lily could do at that moment was just nod in agreement.

Sam sighed. "Alright, alright. I won't pry, but why don't you sit this job out and just relax?"

Lily gasped and raised her head to see her cousin. "But, what about-"

"Don't worry. I've got Arthur with me," Sam replied, confidently. "And I don't want you at risk if your head ain't in the right place right now."

Lily could agree with that. She lowered her head once more. The last thing she needed right now was having her cousin even more worried about her than he probably was already.

"Just be careful," Lily finally spoke up. "Cornwall has never been much good news to us, even when we was still living in Valentine, and now that the gang has made him angry, I really don't think it means anything good."

Sam nodded, giving a smile that he only ever gave to Lily and probably Arthur now at this point. It was like the sun.

"Of course. You stay here and rest. I know you need to just think for a while."

Lily nodded. "Thank-you." A knot in her stomach unraveled at those words. She had been so busy hating herself for being jealous that she hadn't stopped to realize that Sam was still putting aside time for his family. So, she finally smiled to reassure her cousin, and her probably most loyal friend.

"I'll be back before you know it," Sam declared. He gathered his satchel, now reloaded on medicine, money, and other things, tipped his hat and turned to the door.

"And Sam?!" Lily called. Sam immediately stopped, turning his head enough to see her. "Um, it probably don't mean much 'cause of the company we're around these days, but… Arthur's a good man. I'm glad you have someone like him."

Sam looked back, facing ahead of himself, a hand rubbing the back of his head. He could already feel his face burning. He would've been lynched of Lily said something like that in public, and Lily would've been as well for encouraging it.

But it wasn't unwelcome.

"Thank-you," Sam said, before he finally left.

Sam headed up the stairs to the second floor. The floorboards creaked under his boots, but Sam didn't mind, given how old this house was. As he approached Arthur's room, he noticed Tilly walking away from it with a stack of letters in her arms. They said their greetings before Sam opened the door to Arthur's room.

"Arthur, are you ready yet?" Sam said, peeking into the room. "It's gonna be quite a journey back to New Han…"

The young outlaw sighed upon seeing the room empty. However, on the table in between the two windows rested a lone letter written on a single sheet of paper. It was normal for mail to already be opened in the confines of the camp. All mail was delivered to the same alias, so anyone in charge of giving them out had to check them to see who got what. And well, Sam couldn't help but snoop. It was just out in the open after all, but…

He immediately wished he hadn't…

This was the only time in his life he wished he wasn't so nosy when it came to mail. Even before he and Lily stumbled into the gang, he enjoyed reading the letters that he'd get from his thieving escapades.

The writing on the letter was heartfelt and written with such neatness, but with a flavor of elegance. It was probably a woman's work, as the hand-writing was more curvy and less straight. They spoke of "Jamie," of regret and they were… currently in Saint Denis at the moment. They wanted to see Arthur?

Once at the bottom, Sam saw the sender's name: Mary.

Sam lowered the letter he was holding in front of his face to the surface of the table. Mary Linton. She and Arthur were once… sweet on each other.

Sam remembered. She was that beautiful woman Arthur met up with at Chadwick Farm in Valentine. Arthur rarely spoke of her to him, even to Dutch or Hosea. There were clearly a lot of things between them, but unlike the strangers he would read about in those stolen letters, he didn't pry into the letters of his loved ones.

Still, it bugged Sam that this woman was writing to him, let alone asking for his help. It was weird that Arthur was willing to help the last time he saw her. The young man frowned, his heart began to pitter patter in his chest.

No. Sam didn't need to question why he'd help her. That was just what he did. He helps the gang, the two men who raised him, and even complete strangers sometimes. Mary was still a friend to him, he supposed, despite the nosedive their relationship ended up taking in the end.

This was just a plea for help, right? Sam suddenly couldn't find himself to just leave the letter where he had found it and his hands began to tremble as troubling thoughts clouded his vision and judgment. The more he held it, the more paragraphs and sentences he read over and over. All he could think about was how Lily stayed behind to be with Archie. The days he spent… worrying if she would return… or if she would not… deciding that she would rather be with him.

Sam shook his head. No. Arthur was loyal to the gang, to the men and women who fight and bleed by his side, to Dutch, to Hosea, to John, and to him.

And yet, Sam had noticed it, since the first time he entered his tent, and he noticed it now as he stood awkwardly in Arthur's room.

He still had her photo.

Just then the door started to creak open. "Was looking for you. You ready?"

Arthur's voice nearly made Sam jump. He turned his head to see the seasoned outlaw peeking from the door.

If Sam wanted to protect Arthur, why was his heart twisting in a million directions at what he was about to do? He folded the letter and tucked it away in his pocket before turning to him.

"Was looking for you, too," Sam replied, forcing his usual chipper attitude. With Arthur by his side, the pair headed out to meet with Kieran, who was probably tending to their horses right at this moment.

Sam gripped the strap of his satchel with both hands as they walked.

This was for his own good… right?

Cornwall's Oil Fields were all the way back in New Hanover. It would be a long trip, but Sam and Arthur didn't mind. Plus, they would get some time away from goddamn Micah. That was probably the only good thing about Sam's need for vengeance.

To be honest, it would be nice if Milton was off their backs. There was no telling how long they would be able to hide and Shady Belle, but Arthur just wasn't sure about the way Sam was going about it.

Regardless, Brandon and that pair of natives were offering money. Anything to help the gang, Arthur guessed.

It was close to the evening when Sam and Arthur departed from Shady Belle, so it was no shock of how dark it was as they made their way through Lemoyne. They were sure to be quick and get through the swamps of the Bayou before nightfall. It probably would've been easier to just go through Rhodes, but they couldn't set foot in that town anymore for obvious reasons.

It felt like it had been forever since Sam was back in his home state of New Hanover. Lemoyne had hot humid weather, where it was much more dry and cooler back home.

With the sun having gone down, Arthur advised that they should find somewhere and set up camp for the night. At first, Sam thought about the Heartlands somewhere, but one look at the great big land made the two immediately reconsider, especially remembering the O'Driscoll incident.

Arthur was investigating the area with his binoculars. He kept looking… a bit too long. He lowered them, and even though he didn't look at it, Sam could see how stiff Arthur was. Even as he set down his binoculars, he still had his eyes on the field. Hell, even Sam dared to stare up at the cliff where it all happened.

"Maybe we should just… head to Citadel Rock," said Arthur.

"Good plan," Sam immediately agreed.

Citadel Rock was like a small crop of land that was rising up from the ground. As the name would suggest, it was a stack of a couple of rising cliffs, but it had a good view of the open lands of New Hanover, and more importantly, a good view of the eyesore that was Cornwall's Oil Refinery.

While Sam led the horses away so they could do their business and eat, Arthur found a spot and set up their little camp. By the time Sam made it back, the tent was set up and Arthur already had a fire going. Luckily, Sam brought some more kindling, as well.

"Been a wild few days…" Sam commented, as he sat down by the fire.

"Ain't nothing new," Arthur replied as he grabbed a whiskey out of his satchel. He saw Sam staring, but luckily, he brought extras. Sam got out some of the food Lily packed for them. "How's Lily?"

"So, you noticed, too, huh?" said Sam. "She wouldn't really tell me, but I know it had to do with Archie. Seeing him again after all this time, after everything she had done to help him…" Sam paused for a moment. Now that they were away from the light polluted city of Saint Denis, his heart warmed to see the stars again. "I can't imagine." Sam shrugged. "We'd all been friends since we were kids, but since he and his parents knew of the shenanigans we got up to, it always felt like, no matter what we did, it just weren't good enough. I don't know. Even if Uncle Cliff never died, it was bound to blow up in our faces eventually."

"My money, my life, me... I wasn't good enough."

"No," Arthur answered, his voice still low. "I understand. "Should we watch out for him?"

Sam huffed. "I don't think so. Physically, I don't think he'd dare lay a finger on Lily. If we have to work with him, though, I just worry what'll happen if we leave him alone with her." As Sam stared at the fire, he rubbed his temples with his gloved hands. "God, I was so worried about you, I didn't think about what happened at the graveyard. That bastard probably said something to her didn't he?"

Arthur held out a hand. "It's already done, Sam," he said. "Lily's stronger than she looks, you know that." Though this was probably the "protective brother" attitude Sam had going on. Arthur had some knowledge about it. Sure, he was an only child, until John showed up becoming his "brother" of sorts.

At Arthur's words, Sam took a deep breath and his shoulders noticeably relaxed. "Fine. I just don't want him to hurt her again." His eyes were fierce as he stared at Arthur. "He already knows what I'm capable of."

Arthur nodded. He most certainly did, especially when he came back to him and didn't complain about a shard of glass in his side for half a day.

"He won't," said Arthur. "I promise."

Sam nodded. "Yeah, thanks… And for coming out with me."

Arthur scoffed. "I'm only here for the money… and to make sure you don't end up doing anything stupid."

Sam scoffed back, almost as if mocking him. "Fine. I'll take the first watch, you stubborn idiot."

Arthur chuckled as he stood up from the ground. He dusted the grass off himself. "You're realizing that now, huh?" As he walked past Sam, he nicked off his hat and messed with his hair until the younger outlaw swatted at him. Still, Sam could only smirk as he picked his fallen hat back up.

Arthur got comfortable in his bedroll, leaving his boots by the entrance of the tent and his hat off to the side. Sam already had a rifle in his lap, and was ready to keep an eye out for any trouble. He probably would've volunteered to take the first watch, if the younger man wasn't just as stubborn as him.

Sam knew very well what kind of man he was, but Sam didn't seem to care. He took full charge of Arthur's recovery when he hobbled into camp half-dead from Colm's special guest treatment. Arthur wouldn't say he was angry at Dutch over what happened, just disappointed. It was like Sam was visibly upset for him.

Sam began to hum one of Javier's guitar songs from outside while he cleaned his rifle. Arthur felt like he could completely relax around him and let him take the wheel for a while. He taught him well enough.

Arthur thought to himself more, even as the need to sleep began to slow and muddle his mind. Sam was a thief and after the death of his uncle, he was violent. To be honest, that was mostly Arthur's path after the death of his father.

Even so, Sam was kind. He didn't have to think when they met Rains Fall and Eagle Flies. Even though he knew what Cornwall was capable of, he was still going through with this plan to steal the important documents to help the Wapiti.

Despite his thirst for an eye for an eye, Sam still knew what the right thing to do was. He was way better at this whole good versus evil thing, unlike Arthur's constant need to argue with himself in his own head, and in his journal, as well.

Arthur didn't even realize his eyes had slid shut until after a few minutes. He let them stay shut and drifted off, a smile on his face knowing that Sam would protect him and he welcomed it.

Sam kept glancing over his shoulder, just to make sure Arthur was actually asleep. It was nice to see him relaxed. He turned back to the fire and his hands, he was once again holding the letter from Mary.

At that moment, the flames seemed so tempting. They were warm and inviting as if beckoning him to do what must be done.

So, why couldn't he? He couldn't even bring himself to just tear it up. Why?! He'd stolen letters before! Why was this different? He already held onto this thing longer than he should've…

Sam could only tuck the letter away in his coat once more, before hiding his head in his hands.

Little Sam was six-years-old as he watched from the window of his uncle's clinic. His mother had come to visit him again, but now, after one swift week, she was off again, mounting her horse, before riding off into the unknown. Violet was with the boy, knowing how sad he got whenever the time came.

"Auntie Violet?"

"Yes, Sammy?"

"Why can't Momma stay?"

"Your Momma's work is very dangerous, dear. You must stay here where you're safe. Do you understand, kiddo? But, don't worry. Your uncle and I ain't going nowhere."

The boy stared up at her, the woman's smile stern, but caring, when all of a sudden the image of her warped, and before he knew it, he was eight-years-old, sitting in the living room, holding an infant girl in his arms. His little cousin. Practically, a sister to him. Then his uncle walked slowly into the room. His eyes were weary, his face red, like he'd been crying for who knows how long.

The boy looked up at him, tears threatening to spill, as well.

"Uncle Cliff?"

"I'm afraid… your aunt has gone to a better place."

Then, it was dark. Little Sam's arm hurt and he hid face in his bed, until he heard the voice of his mother.

"Sam, I have to leave."

He knew that voice. Even though the little boy bore witness to what she had done that night, he still loved her. It was enough to get him out of bed, and overcome the scary woman, his mother could be.

"Already? No! Momma…"

And now, instead of standing in front of his mother, he was before his cousin, fully grown... and so was he. They stood in the grassy, dry fields just outside of Valentine, just outside of the home of the Downes family. He remembered. Thomas had just passed away, surrounded by the people he loved.

"I have to, Sam…"

"I'm gonna stay."

"What?!"

"Just a couple of days. Look at him. He needs me."

Just as Sam opened his mouth to speak, he saw the wooden floors of his old living room once again. He was on the ground. He looked up, vision blurring, but saw the silhouette of that man: Agent Milton. He stood before his uncle once again, as he was once again forced to relive the night his uncle was taken from him.

"I'm not giving up my family. Dead or not."

Sam opened his eyes just before the sickening sound of the gun fire at his uncle that had been etched into his memory. During the night, Arthur and Sam had switched tasks, so they both were able to get some rest.

Sam needed a minute and pressed a hand over his chest, his heart pounding beneath, the letter still tucked away in his pocket and up against his dented pocket watch.

Speaking of, he took a moment to check the time before putting on his boots. It was 11:00 a.m.

His hair was still ruffled from sleep and he felt like he could do with more, but when he waddled out of the tent on his knees, placing his hat on his head, Arthur was there for him. The smell of fresh coffee was in the air, along with some bread rolls out on a pile of napkins.

Sam caved into his sluggish legs once he was next to Arthur. He sat cross-legged, as Arthur sat by his side, handing him a mug filled with coffee.

"Mornin'," Arthur said, his voice gruff but gentle.

And as Sam picked up his drink, he found himself leaning against Arthur's shoulder, and soon felt Arthur's hand around him, rubbing his arm. Slowly, his jitters from his waking dreams faded away, and his beating heart slowed down.

Sam suddenly felt stupid in what he was thinking. Everything would be fine if he showed him the letter. Like Arthur said, "It was a long time ago"... right?

But he still had that doubt poking him from the back of his mind.

Just as Sam began to move his hand to his coat pocket, there was the sound of a horse in the distance. Quickly, the pair pulled away from each other, seeing a horse and their rider, Eagle Flies. He was courteous enough to let his horse stay by Soleil and Aurora, before dismounting and making his way to them. He had a knife on his belt and a bow slung over his back. Arthur stood up to greet him, while Sam finished his meager breakfast.

"You came," Eagle Flies said, as a matter of factly.

"Course we did," said Arthur. "Said we would."

"Coursth we wold," Sam mumbled between bites. "Ith be unprofreth-"

"Finish your food, Sam," said Arthur. Sam rolled his eyes, but kept to where he was, munching away. This actually managed to get Eagle Flies to smile, if only a little.

"So, that's him," said the native. "The O'Driscoll Slayer."

Arthur chuckled. "Apparently, so."

Sam growled a little. Putting a bite of his bread roll in his mouth, he pulled out his journal and turned multiple pages until stopping on a page with a layout of the nearby refinery drawn by hand. It was basically the same as the one he used when he stole the oil wagon with John, but it was updated, noting the patrols, places, and how often wagons were going in and leaving.

Eagle Flies nodded. He crouched down to inspect Sam's journal and pointed to a corner.

"It's in the Foreman's office," he said, standing back up. "His name is Danbury. He has the files in the office above the refinery room."

Arthur got out his binoculars.

"It's that window with the blinds drawn up," Eagle Flies continued. "If the files are as incriminating as we believe, Mr. Cornwall's men will destroy them if they know you're coming."

"Don't worry," Sam said, before sipping his coffee. "They won't even know I was there. Which files am I looking for?"

"There'll be a report from Leland Oil Development Company."

Sam nodded. "Okay. We'll wait until night falls. They won't be able to see as well. There's a gap in the fence I might be able to squeeze under."

A carriage passed by their little campsite. It wasn't long before it entered the property of the refinery.

"Or hide in a wagon," Eagle Flies pointed out.

Sam grinned. "Not a bad idea…"

Wagons continued entering and leaving from the oil refinery, even into the night. One in particular rode up to the gate. A guard was just outside, standing under a dimly lit lamp.

"That you, Al?"

The carriage came to a stop.

"Hey, Tom…" said the driver.

"Picking up?"

"Yup… supposed to meet the early train to Saint Denis."

"Okay… you better get a move on, then."

The driver nodded and he drove on ahead into the property. Lots of people were going back and forth, despite how late it was getting, the carriage they just let in shook as its wheels rolled over the wooden planks for a path before stopping up at an empty space.

"Alright," said the driver, "I'm going to start loading up."

Then, from the back, Sam emerged, his feet quietly touching the ground. The young outlaw found himself near the opposite entrance he rode in from, but that was fine. Sam grinned, knowing that it only made things just a smidge easier.

He entered from a small back door. The thick smell of oil and tar stuck in his nose and he was only in the storage area. Someone was shoveling coal into a furnace in the back. It was most likely to power up the machines.

Staying close to the ground, Sam crept into the main room, his boots stepping on cold stone. Machines were whirring around him as he crept past the unsuspecting workers and onto the stairs.

Sam was up on the second floor and could see the big electric powered lights. They were almost blinding. Sam could see the foreman's office in the back. So, he continued, creeping past the guards and seeing many of those blue barrels. They were the same ones he had seen in the remains of Limpany and the photos Brandon sent over from Clemens Point. There were other machines and valves and all Sam could do was pull down a gulp and keep going. He was in it, now. There was no turning back.

Sam read the sign above the Foreman's office door. "DO NOT DISTURB" it said. If Sam wasn't busy being quiet, he'd probably laugh. He didn't even knock on the door, and just let himself in.

"Hello, Danbury," Sam announced, like he was just greeting an old friend. He closed the door behind him and shoved the nearest chair under the door knob. The office was small, with a desk, a shelf in the back and some boxes lying around, along with spare chairs other than the one on the door.

"Sir, can you not read the sign outside?" the foreman asked sternly. He looked up from his desk and suddenly noticed the chair on the door.

"I'm from head office, sir," said Sam. "I need some papers."

Danbury squinted. "No, you're not! Who the hell are you?"

Sam sighed. With the swiftness of the wind, he drew his Scholfield, making the foreman flinch.

"Make this easy on yourself, sir," said Sam. "I need the files by the Leland Oil Company. The ones about the Wapiti."

The Foreman had his hands up. "I… I.."

"Sir, do you really wanna die tonight over a few measly papers?" said Sam. "I'm a man of medicine, in a way." He pulled out his knife with his free hand, stared at the blade with the one light in the office. "I know how to make your death all the more… entertaining." he said with a sadistic smile.

"Okay! Okay!" the foreman cried. "It's here!" He reached into the drawer in his desk and put the file on the surface.

Sam put his knife away and swiped the file from the man's clutches. He looked in it briefly to make sure it was the real deal. Then, he tucked it away in his satchel.

"Good boy…" Sam sneered.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. The doorknob twisted, but didn't open.

"Danbury? Mr. Danbury, are you okay?"

"You're fine," Sam whispered. "Otherwise, I would love to see how the floor would look painted red."

Danbury trembled. "Yes, it's just… I'm working… all's fine."

Sam smiled. "Good job. Now, not another word about this to no one, Mr. Danbury. I'll remember that name. I've got a pretty good memory. It's my gift and a curse."

Sam stepped over to the window. He undid the latch and pulled it open before climbing out. With the roof slanted, Sam used it to slide down and land on the ground with his feet.

"Hey, hey, hey, hey, hold it right there."

Immediately, to Sam's right, three guards showed up holding rifles.

"Weapons on the ground and hands in the air," said a guard.

"Uh, this is a mistake, gentlemen," Sam said, nervously, swinging his satchel behind him.

"Now," said the guard. "We won't tell you again."

KABOOM!

A loud explosion nearly knocked everyone off their feet. A wooden tower nearby went up in flames and when it did, Sam immediately took cover behind some barrels.

Then, the guards were shot down from behind. Sam had been ready to shoot them himself, but his face lit up upon seeing Arthur emerge from the dark, smoking gun in hand.

"Arth-"

Arthur raced over and grabbed him by the wrist. "Let's go! Eagle Flies is this way!"

The pair ran towards the burning tower. More shots rang out, but arrows were flying free from the tower. They started running together, shooting down horsemen and met up with Eagle Flies on the other side. Aurora and Soleil were there, waiting for them.

"Did you get the documents?" Eagle Flies asked.

"Yes, but we need to go!" Sam yelled. He got on Aurora and immediately started for the field. Eagle Flies took off after him, while Arthur brought up the rear, holding off guards while Sam rode with the documents, with Eagle Flies guarding him.

The gunshots rang out as they rode out into the wilderness. With a rifle in his hands, Arthur didn't let a single one of Cornwall's men get even close to them. They kept galloping until they reached Twin Stack Pass.

"Thanks for the explosion," said Sam.

"I was happy to see some of that oil burn," Eagle Flies replied. "So, you met Mr. Danbury?"

"Yes," said Sam. "He was more than happy to cooperate." Once everything was quiet, Sam looked around. "Th-Thank-you. Both of you. He let out a sigh of relief, almost hunching over in the saddle. "You saved my life." With that, he happily reached into his bag and handed Eagle Flies the documents. "I'd be more than happy to waive the fee for this, but… I…" He paused and glanced at Arthur. "We have other obligations to people who need us."

Eagle Flies nodded. "I understand." He stared downward at the files. "I hope… well, I don't know what I hope… but who knows… maybe these will be of some use." Putting the files away, he pulled out a big stack of bills. "Here's your money."

Arthur took it in his hands, gingerly. "Thank-you." And the pair waved to Eagle Flies, who waved back before taking off on his horse.

Arthur counted the money, seeing each bill like he was turning pages in a book. He turned and saw Sam who had dismounted and was giving some snack cakes to Aurora for doing so well. The outlaw sighed and dismounted, as well, before he made his way over to Sam.

"Here," said Arthur. He held the money out to him. "I think you deserve this more than me."

Sam shook his head. "We did it together, Arthur, and you saved my life. I guess we're even in that department.

Arthur sighed, watching Sam mount his horse. "You didn't even have to think before you jumped in to help those folks."

Sam shrugged. "So?"

Arthur sighed. "You're a good man. I don't even know why you even-"

"Arthur stop!" Sam immediately snapped. Instead of being warmed by such words, Sam's heart just twisted. He stared downward, and then took a deep breath. Finally, Sam reached into this coat. It was Sam's turn to use Arthur's response to being told such a thing. "I'm not a good man." And he slipped the letter out from his pocket and held it out to him."

Arthur stepped over and took the letter. "What the hell is…" Once the outlaw had it, Arthur only needed to glance at it once, before knowing who it was from. "Mary?"

"While I was looking for you yesterday, I found it on your table…" Sam confessed. "And… I kept it."

"You did what?!" Arthur growled. Immediately, Sam could feel the change in the air. He hadn't been like this to him since they first met. "How long ago was this letter sent?!

Sam couldn't even look Arthur in the eye. "It was… yesterday."

"Yesterday?!" He stormed up and stood even closer to him. Sam suddenly felt so small as Arthur stood in front of him. In his eyes, that reminded of calming waters, he saw the wild rage building within. "Who the hell made it so you could decide what mail I can and can't receive?"

"I…" Sam realized he was trembling. Despite learning to shoot, to kill, to use medicine and poison in his new deadlier ways, despite saving Arthur's life and falling in love with him… he realized that he was still an outlaw. A scary man. A scary man that he loved, but even so… Love was… complicated, and now he was mad. He was mad at himself for falling into this foolish hole. "Why does it matter?" said Sam. "You and Mary aren't going steady anymore. Why is she still writing to you? I was just trying to protect-"

"Don't give me that, boy!" Arthur bit back, sternly. "You don't even know who the hell she is!"

"'It was a long time ago'," said Sam. "You said so, yourself!"

"You don't know what you're talking about…" Arthur growled. "Whether I talk to that woman or not is none of your business!"

"I was…" Sam started. He held his hands up, the expression leaving his face completely. "I guess it doesn't matter, does it?"

Arthur turned away, and he tucked away all the money in his satchel. Even with the sudden animosity, neither party moved.

"Arthur?" Sam spoke up. He felt horrible for what he did, and hearing what he did coming out of his own mouth, only made him feel even worse. Arthur wasn't rich, he didn't do anything to Sam or anyone he cared about to deserve what Sam did. As far as his code was concerned, Sam robbed an innocent, but more importantly.

He stole from the very man he was in love with.

Arthur climbed onto Soleil. Sam looked down at Aurora's mane, the white almost glowing in the moonlight.

"...Why do you still have her photo, Arthur?" Sam then asked.

Those words gave Arthur pause. Lily had warned him a few times and once again during their stay at Brandon's little safehouse. He knew Sam had his reasons, but it wasn't right. His unwillingness to answer, probably wasn't helping things for him, either.

Mary was… well… It wasn't right.

Arthur took hold of Soleil's reins. "Best we ride back to camp separately. Can't have any of Cornwall's men following us."

Sam felt his heart sinking down in his chest. "But-"

"That's an order, boy!" Arthur snapped. With a flick of the reins, he and Soleil were off.

Sam didn't get moving for a while. He sat alone on his loyal horse, Aurora. He petted her mane, wanting to smack himself for what he did, but he was an outlaw. He didn't get to feel bad. Outlaws did bad things all the time. In trying to prevent it, he basically made his fears come true.

All Sam could do was finally get Aurora started on a trot, starting his search for an alternate route back to Lemoyne.

A/N: So, that's Chapter 47. Ye... :3