A/N: Hello. I am back. Here is chapter. :P
There is smut after the second line break. Have fun!
Things calmed down around the camp, at least for now. Micah was still being an asshole, though, and Arthur and Lily wouldn't stray far from camp. It gave them ample time to go hunting with Charles, allowing them to get food and other supplies for the camp.
It had been about a week since Sam's kidnapping, subsequent torture, Kieran's untimely demise, and the attack on Shady Belle. Lily didn't tell Sam about the state of poor Kieran's body and she wondered if she ever should.
Physically, Sam was healing up nicely. The black eye and bruises on his face and body started fading away. The wounds from his torture were looking less red.
But, even though it had only been about a week or two, it felt like it had been forever since anyone had seen Sam laugh or smile. With Kieran's grave nearby, people would see him visiting it almost as much as Mary Beth would.
Dutch had finally given Sam the okay to leave camp, but he wouldn't let him go alone, and he was told to stick to something easy. Lily wasn't sure about this, but Sam didn't want to just lay around camp.
"Dutch is gonna rob that trolley and bank soon," said Sam. "I wanna see what fine pickings we can get before that happens."
Lily couldn't stop him from leaving, but hearing him mention the bank gave her pause. She'd been so caught up in Archie's betrayal that she had almost forgotten about the bank.
As much as she wanted to say something to Dutch or Hosea, she was worried they would either not believe her or just brush it off as nothing. If anything, Hosea might be more likely to listen.
Lily had gone back to the infirmary and written down everything she knew about this stranger who seemed to almost always approach her when she was at a church or in the graveyard next to it. He knew her and Sam and she had seen him in every town they had gone to, since joining up with the gang. Somehow, someway, he knew they were going to rob the bank in Saint Denis.
Lily leaned over the table, she had her notes and the other notes she had gotten from Brandon and Rose… even they told her to lay off on this. They were scared… and they had been through worse. No. This was more than enough reason to tell someone about this. She took a shaky breath.
Hosea. He was her best bet.
A horse neighed loudly, alerting the girl. She acted on it and stormed out into the early evening. The sun would be gone soon, but Lily felt a rush of relief when she saw her cousin return with Javier and Karen. He dismounted and started digging through the saddle bags.
"You're back!" Lily exclaimed.
Javier laughed as Karen collected all the goodies they found. "Your cousin's got quite the magnet in his hands."
"Well, it ain't hard once you get 'em wrapped around your finger," Karen added. She opened her bag and she and Javier put the things they had in it.
Sam added his share, too: a couple of rings, bracelets, watches, and even a necklace. He even tossed in a coin purse. "That should hold us over for a little bit." He then pulled out an apple that he also swiped from the market and bit into it. "We can wait a bit and take it to Emerald Ranch, if you want."
"Sure," said Karen. "We can split the goods."
Sam tipped his hat and knelt down to pick up the bag, but then he hissed, a hand trying and failing to reach his back. That's when Javier stepped in and lifted the bag himself.
"Lo tengo, Sam," said Javier. "Go relax."
Sam looked to the ground. "Uh…"
Lily patted his shoulder and guided him towards the house. "It's okay, Sam." she said. "Let's take a look at those stitches."
Sam just shrugged and let Lily lead him.
Later, after the sky turned dark, Arthur and Charles arrived in camp with some fresh meat for the stewpot.
"Can probably sell the hides," Arthur added. "Charles did a good job."
Pearson nodded. "Thank-you. I met a nice trapper in town. He'll give us a fair price."
With that, Arthur walked off with his next priority being to find Sam. Just as the thought hit him, Lily pried open one of the front doors and wandered out, head turning left and right. Arthur hurried over to her.
"Everything okay?" he asked.
"I think so," said Lily. "Have you seen Sam?"
The pair split up to cover more ground. Both hoped he was okay. Since Aurora was still with the other horses, it was highly unlikely that Sam ventured out. After a while, Lily saw Arthur waving her over to the scout fire.
Javier was strumming a tune, John was sharpening his knife, and against a tree was Sam. He was fast asleep with a book opened in his right hand and Cain resting in his lap with Sam's left hand gently over his head. There were multiple bottles of newly made tonics and other medicines by the fire, along with unused ingredients next to them.
"You were looking for Sam?" said Javier.
Lily nodded and placed her hands on her hips. "I told him to relax after examining him, but he insisted on helping out a little."
John shrugged. "Give him some credit," he said, checking his knife, using the fire as a light. "He made a few things, talked for a bit and then fell asleep."
Arthur shook his head. "Sounds like him." With that, he knelt down and with a firm grip on Sam's shoulder, gently shook him until he awoke, softly mumbling.
Sam rubbed his eyes, his movement waking Cain, who huffed through his nose and stood up, before shaking himself awake.
Sam looked up at Arthur while Lily knelt down to pick up the tonics and other ingredients. "Hey," he said, softly.
Arthur smiled. "Come on," he said. "Let's get you inside."
Sam took Arthur's hand and they rose to their feet, but the older man didn't let Sam take a step before guiding him by his shoulders towards the house. Lily followed closely behind him with Sam's belongings.
Sam told them of what he did today as he was led through the house. Even though Sam said he was probably okay to sleep in his own room now, Arthur still dragged him upstairs.
Lily went into the infirmary to drop off the tonics and other herbs. She stepped back just in time to see the two men going up the stairs…
And she smiled…
Sam woke up the next morning on Arthur's bed, laying against his partner with his arms locked around him. Of course, it was normal to want to go to bed with someone you loved, but Sam had a feeling that Arthur was just worried after he went out again yesterday.
Arthur grumbled and tightened his grip when Sam moved.
"Where are you going?" Arthur mumbled.
Sam sighed in content and patted the side of Arthur's face. "Nowhere apparently, sunshine." He tried not to laugh while Arthur held back a groan.
"Camp's on lockdown today," said Arthur. "You know how it is.
This time it was Sam's turn to groan. He knew today was the heist on the riverboat, and the trolley robbery was going to be on the following day. They had to make absolutely sure that they wouldn't be traced back to camp.
"Wanna go with you…" Sam pleaded, voice still groggy.
Arthur rubbed Sam's back, being careful when his hand went over where the stitches were. "No, Sam," he muttered. "You need to rest."
"I'm fine. I'm not a damn flower."
Arthur hummed. Sam could almost hear him smiling. "Yes, you are. You're a delicate little flower."
Sam playfully smacked his shoulder. "Well, you're gonna have to make this little flower stay. Just you and Javier?"
Arthur shrugged. "Trelawny and Strauss will be there, too."
"Plus two con men. Yes, I feel very secure."
"I'll be fine, Sam," Arthur grumbled. "Be happy you wasn't there for Blackwater."
Sam whined when Arthur rolled him over suddenly, and when he ended up on his back, he tried to get up. The older man was quick to push him back down. Before Sam could protest, Arthur's lips were on his, covering whatever he had to say before his muffled words melted into moans when Arthur's tongue entered his mouth. His hand traveled down and gripped at his hardening member through his pants.
Sam gasped and leaned his head back. "W-Wait. D-Do…" He tried to hold in another gasp when Arthur sucked on his neck. "Do we have time to-"
"You mean do I have time?" Arthur replied, softly in his ear.
"But-"
Arthur pushed him down before he could try and get up again. "I'll be fine, Sam." He stopped what he was doing and looked Sam in the eyes. He was serious, even if he was currently straddling him, carefully avoiding the stitches on his leg. "We've done jobs like this before."
Sam sighed and let his head loll to the side. "I know… I just worry."
Arthur nodded slowly. "I know, but you're still healing and I'll feel better if you heal up where it's safe."
Somehow, Arthur's caring words made Sam redder over the fact that a dangerous outlaw's hand was currently on his nethers. He sighed and wrapped his arms around him.
"Well, if you started a job, you might as well finish it," Sam said, glancing downward. He barely started to laugh before Arthur kissed him again, muffling his moans and sending shivers through his body as Arthur pulled down his pants. He twitched as the outlaw grabbed his heated flesh, stroking it a few times before grabbing the tin nearby and covering his fingers in pomade.
Sam playfully pulled away before Arthur grabbed his ankles and dragged him back. He tried not to laugh at the younger man's shit-eating grin, but that mouth of his quickly formed an O when Arthur inserted his fingers into him, one by one. Sam let out more noises and breathed deeper, trying to relax while his sweet spot was constantly being rubbed. He was silenced when Arthur's mouth descended on him again.
"God dammit, Sam!" Arthur grumbled, pulling away for a second. "You're so loud. Everyone's still waking up."
"But… it's so good!" Sam whimpered.
Arthur grinned as he kissed him again. He loved making Sam a mess. He knew he was willing to beg at this very moment, and the older outlaw was ready to relish in it.
"You ready for the real thing, boy?" Arthur said, twisting his fingers.
Sam shuddered and nodded vigorously.
"I wanna hear it, boy!"
Sam whined, teeth held tight. He struggled to open his jaw, but managed to squeeze a few words out. "P-Please. I want it inside me. I want you!"
Arthur smiled even more. It was the kind he had whenever his latest victim was at his mercy. He pulled out his fingers, making Sam throw a hand over his mouth to block out his yelp. Arthur undid his union suit and grabbed the tin once more. He smeared pomade over his hardened cock and took hold of Sam's thighs before slowly entering his waiting lover.
Sam formed a fist and kept it over his mouth, silencing his yell. His eyes rolled back as did the outlaw's, while he stretched him wide. Arthur cursed, rubbing his hands over Sam's legs, while they both got adjusted.
"Relax," Arthur muttered, his voice low, but somehow still light and breathy like Sam was right now. He watched as Sam took in deep gulps of air, eyes staring at nothing and eventually focusing on Arthur the best he could. "Good boy."
Sam hated how being called a "good boy" got him so hot and bothered, but he wanted more. He nodded once they were settled and Arthur started moving slowly, thrusting in and out. The more noises Sam made, the harder Sam bit down on his own fist. It egged Arthur to go harder. So, he put both his hands on the sides next to Sam's head and did just that. He moved Sam's fist aside and crashed their lips together. With the younger man's legs around his waist, Arthur thrusted harder and deeper while Sam held on to his shoulders and back, fingers digging into the skin while he held on for dear life. Their orgasms hit hard, like waves crashing against rocks. Sam's back arched off the bed beautifully, as he came on his legs and stomach, while Arthur finished deep inside his partner, holding Sam's shoulders and hiding his stream of curses in the pillow beneath them, before collapsing on him and rolling onto their sides in a mess of heat and tangled limbs.
They laid there for a while, catching their breaths, arms searching each other for warmth. Arthur's arms eventually found Sam and held him gently, as they stared at each other across the bed. Even though the bed was too small for them to really be far apart, the small distance that was only about like an inch or two was still too far for him at the moment. Still, Sam's hands found their way to Arthur's face and rubbed his cheeks and hair gently. There was already stubble growing, which just made Sam smile with his dazed eyes, mouth hanging open as drool dribbled out. He looked absolutely ridiculous, but Arthur patted Sam's back and pulled him close. Relaxed and smiling. That was what Arthur wanted, even if just for a little while.
After a while, Arthur grabbed a wipe and got up to clean himself off, before tending to Sam. He wiped his stomach and legs and left an extra cloth underneath him, before tucking him in.
"Right," Arthur said, grabbing his pants off the floor. "You gonna stay in camp, now?"
Sam groaned. He was so close to sleep when he was forced to open them to face Arthur. He was just pulling his pants up, but he clearly asked him a question, like he didn't just fuck Sam silly.
Sam tried to lift his head, but even that was too much and it fell back against the pillow. He could barely form a complete thought at the moment, but he didn't need them right now. Arthur only had one correct answer he wanted, and the younger man knew exactly what it was.
"I'll… be here…" he muzzily replied.
Arthur stifled a laugh and nodded. "Good." He walked over and ran his fingers through Sam's hair. Then he rested it on the side of his face, making him lean into the touch.
"Do you have to go now?" Sam asked.
Arthur searched his own pockets and found a pocket watch on him. He actually still had another half-hour before he actually needed to be up. So, he quietly slipped back into bed and pulled Sam close.
"I guess not," he mused, softly.
Josiah Trelawny told Arthur to not bring anything extra and to just meet him at the tailors in town. Several people, including Sam, got up and saw everyone off. Sam quickly headed back inside after Arthur was out of sight. Of course, everyone in on the heist was going to meet up at separate times and in separate locations.
Lily also went back in after Arthur left, not surprised at all that Sam went back upstairs to Arthur's room. He changed the sheets, before just sitting down, looking around the room, and let out a sigh. It was suffocating to be reduced to nothing more than to that of a helpless damsel awaiting her man's return, but there wasn't much to do with camp on lockdown.
Luckily, Sam fell asleep before too long. So, Lily went back downstairs to Hosea's room.
"How long has this been going on?"
Lily had just finished telling him of this weird stranger. He had been reading a book when she entered. She came in with all of her evidence, which was mostly just notes, a few bad photos and her testimony, but all of it had to add up… right?
"I saw him in Rhodes," Lily answered. "When Arthur, Sam and I were helping Brandon with one of his tasks, I saw him in Saint Denis Cemetery. He knew mine and Sam's names and… he knows we wanna rob the bank in town."
Hosea put down his book. "What did he say?"
Lily leaned back against the wall. The room Hosea was staying in was small and modest. "He told me to be careful, 'especially with that bank'."
Hosea nodded. "He a Pinkerton?"
Lily shrugged. "I don't know what he is. Even Brandon couldn't get much information. In fact, he even asked me to stop pursuing this."
The old man shook his head. "Dutch will never back off, but if there's a threat, he'll want to take care of it."
"If he believes me… I kind of chided him about Molly."
"Well, I did warn that girl before she got involved with Dutch." He stood up, knees cracking and placed a hand on her shoulder. A knot in Lily's stomach settled at that moment. "We need this money to disappear."
"B-But-"
"Don't worry. I believe you, and I'm gonna make sure we're careful." Hosea lowered his hand. "I've seen my fair share of strange things in this world and this is no different. Keep looking into it. I'll try to convince Dutch, but once he has his eye on something, it's like trying to stop a rampaging bull. Whatever's going on… It's clearly letting you see it for a reason.
Lily rubbed her arm. It was still nerve-wracking, but it was nice to know she was no longer alone in all this.
The afternoon rolled around when Sam woke up from his nap. He was facing the wall, before he rolled over with a soft groan. As his sleepy eyes blinked open, he saw a figure in his vision. Before he could react, a gloved hand was over his mouth. Sam flailed, grabbing his attacker's wrist and shoving them back. He rolled off the bed, grabbing the nearest sidearm he could find and pointed it at the intruder, gun held out, while crouched on the ground, but he, or in this case she, was holding out something, as well: A letter.
While the moment dragged on, Sam soon realized that the one standing before him was none other than rose. Her black close made it hard to tell in his sleepy haze for a minute. His heart was still pounding. Rose simply held her finger over her lips, crouched down, as well, and held the letter closer to him. Once he took it, Sam held it near himself and saw the writing on the envelope. It was for Dutch.
Rose had already left the room by the time Sam took the letter. Quickly seeing the situation, Sam got up and chased after her. He raced over to the stairwell, but she was already at the bottom and out the back door. When Sam made it outside, he couldn't find her anywhere. She had vanished as quietly as she had shown herself.
Sam checked around the sides of the house just to be sure. He was puzzled by all of this and then looked at the envelope. Usually, Brandon's letters were messages or a map to a location, but the envelopes were usually blank. And if that was the case, why didn't he just send one of his doves? Sam rubbed his sternum. His mind took him back to when the O'Driscolls dragged him out of the Rhodes saloon and threatened him. The writing on it was neat and curly. Clearly a woman's handwriting. Rose's, probably.
Sam made his way back inside and was quick to find Dutch. Once again, the room was still not being shared with Miss Molly O'Shea. And yet, Dutch was reading peacefully on the balcony. Well, until Sam handed him the letter.
"What is this?"
"It's from Rose," said Sam. "Or Brandon. Usually, his envelopes are blank, but I think this one is personally for you."
Dutch sighed. He wondered what Mr. Brian or Brandon had to say.
However, unlike Rose's elegant handwriting the letter itself was written in print and the letters were bold. It was just one sentence.
STAY AWAY FROM THE STATION.
"To the bar, señor!"
Arthur never thought he would end up on such a fancy riverboat, while dressed up so… ridiculously. Though, Arthur also never thought he'd end up this far east, either, so maybe he shouldn't be so surprised. If everything went according to plan, then that fop Trelawny was right and they'd be done soon enough.
Still, it was funny to pretend to be some new oil man with money to burn. He had basically just put on a show, earned him a fortune, and a pretty gem of a watch.
"I hope you had fun, sir." Javier was right in front of Arthur, holding a rifle and dressed like a guard. They entered the party area inside the first floor of the ship.
Arthur bit back a laugh. "The time of my life…" he belted out, obnoxiously, "you boys sure know how to put on a show!"
Javier chuckled. "That's wonderful…" He nodded forward, towards Trelawny, who was at the bar. "Ah, look, there's your friend." And with that, he walked back to his post while Arthur reunited with Trelawny. He was conversing with the target they had just finished scamming out of a poker game, Desmond Blythe.
"No sir, my friend is not a 'no good cheat' and I beg you to take back the insinuation!" Trelawny argued. Arthur casually walked up and leaned at the bar.
"There he is!" Desmond called, sternly, pointing at Arthur.
Arthur tapped Trelawny's shoulder. He knew it was time to go.
"Now, don't be a sore loser, friend," said Arthur.
"There's something I don't like about the pair of you," Desmond growled.
Trelawny held back a laugh. "There's plenty I don't like about you, but I have the good manners to keep my mouth shut," he said before downing the shot in his white gloved hand.
Suddenly, a man ran into the room, rubbing the back of his head and wearing nothing but his union suit.
"There he is! Shoot that man!"
He pointed at Javier, but before the guard next to him could do anything, he was shot to the ground by the foreigner. Screams rang out as everyone rushed for cover or out of the room. Javier tossed his rifle to Arthur and he went ahead and took the rifle of his recent victim. He then tipped over a nearby poker table for cover.
Arthur tackled the bartender, knocking him aside, while he and Trelawny hid behind the bar for cover. The outlaw peeked over the edge, saw a man in uniform that wasn't Javier rushing down the stairs. Before he could fire, Arthur made a shot ring out and blood splattered the wall behind the guard as he fell to the ground. He shot down another who came after that one.
"Come on!" Arthur yelled. "Let's get the hell out of here!" He got up and shot another guard who came in through one of the side doors. Trelawny looked around carefully before following along. Arthur stayed vigilant and charged at another guard who opened the doorway out as soon as Arthur approached it. He knocked him to the ground, and Javier knocked him out with a swift kick before following along.
Arthur led the men out from the parlor and through a hallway, with Javier bringing up the rear. They made it outside, but found that the boat had moved quite a way from the shore. More guards were coming, so everyone held onto their money as tight as they could, and jumped into the water.
They were out of breath by the time they made it back to the docks in Saint Denis. Arthur made it first and helped everyone else back onto the deck. It was dark outside and not many people were around.
Reunited and safe, they counted a few thousand dollars and a fancy Reutlinger watch that Strauss inspected. Once confirmed, Arthur happily took that watch from him for his own and everyone headed back to camp… separately, of course.
Trelawny's "friend" got their horses ready. Arthur, like the others, rode around on his own, aimlessly for a little while before finally heading back to Shady Belle. And he, of course, got a few looks, points and some laughs for the manner in which he was dressed. He didn't get to relax for long, because Dutch called for him.
So, after getting changed out of his damp clothes, he met up with Hosea, Sam and Lily in the room next to where Dutch sleeps. It was a room assembled with whatever chairs they found when they first got here and a table with another by the window to store the donation box and ledger. There, Sam quickly filled Arthur in on what happened before Dutch finally joined them. Lily, sensing the tension, spoke up first.
"It's a warning, Dutch," she said. "Nothing more."
"Yes, but is it to us, or for us?" said Dutch.
"Well, it's clearly important if Brandon had it personally delivered here for you," said Hosea.
Sam leaned forward on the table, elbows supporting him. "Brandon deals in many things. That includes information. The trolley and train stations scattered about are how he receives and distributes it. That's why he's able to have eyes everywhere. Also, his doves."
Hosea nodded. "That's probably why he doesn't want us to rob it."
Dutch rolled his eyes. "I don't know if you have noticed, but we are on the clock. We had some lowlives trying to take Tilly, O'Driscolls trying to shoot us up, and they kidnapped poor Sam here."
Sam looked to the side, and shrugged. "I'm alive."
"But not Kieran."
"I know…"
"Dutch!" Hosea chided.
The gang leader turned to Hosea and halted for a moment. He turned back to Sam slowly. "I… You know that wasn't your fault," he then said, his voice softening, "but even if Colm's men are reduced to nothing, it's a known fact that they know where we are. I reckon it's only a matter of time before the Pinkertons also find out where we are, and then, well, we're done."
"Even if Bronte's right about the Trolley Station, should we really be making bad blood with people who have done nothing but help us out?" said Hosea.
Lily nodded. "Exactly. What good is the money if everyone wants us dead?"
"Everyone already wants us dead, Ms. Hawkeson," Dutch said, sternly.
"Then why add one more to that list? Can't we just skip it?"
"And what? We ain't ones to just scurry off into the shadows."
"No, I mean a guaranteed heist like the bank in town."
"She has a point, Dutch," Hosea said, gesturing at the girl. They both made eye contact for a brief moment, knowing about what was at stake. "That bank is bound to have more money than some trolley station."
"We can't be out here missing every shot we don't take," said Dutch. "Now, we've been making decent money, but we still need enough to get out of here and be able to start fresh. How are we supposed to know we'll have enough if we don't take both?"
Arthur shrugged. "Well, I've never robbed a city bank before. And you're sure there's money in the station?"
Dutch huffed. "Of course, son! Have some faith! Bronte gave us the okay to take it, didn't he?"
"But Brandon's helped us out, as well," said Sam. "We can't stab him in the back like this!"
The gang leader nodded. "I know, but we have to survive if we wanna move past this."
"But maybe he could help us get to Tahiti. He's got connections. He might know a few ship captains."
"I've already got that arranged," said Dutch. "I've met a nice ship captain, who'll give us all safe passage, but we'll have to pay to get on and more when we land, no questions asked. We can't keep depending on him to bail us out of things. Besides, we helped him get Rose back, I figure he owes us."
Lily gripped her shoulder. "But-"
"Arthur, I'll meet you and Lenny at the rendezvous in the morning." Despite his determination, once Arthur nodded in agreement, Dutch just left the room, dejected.
Once the doors were shut, Lily stood up, chair legs scraping against the floor.
"Arthur, we can't rob Brandon! He's part of the reason Jack is safe, and we were able to find Sam because of him!"
Arthur sighed and shrugged again. "I guess Dutch is just worried. He wants to get out of here."
"And settle all his accounts by making them wanna kill us?"
Sam hadn't looked up from the table. "I… We don't want anyone else dead."
"If Brandon sent us that letter, shouldn't we listen to it, at least?"
"As far as Dutch sees it, he sees no reason to be friendly with Brandon since we're leaving."
Sam crossed his arms. "I don't think Dutch ever liked Brandon… but what about Milton?"
Hosea laughed. "That's the thing about Dutch. He don't like anyone who thinks they're smarter or are as smart as him. As far as he knows, Brandon has both money and power, in less conventional ways, of course, but he has them."
Arthur shook his head, a palm on his forehead. "This ain't about Milton, Sam. We have to focus on everyone here. Now, something don't feel right about this, but what are we to do? If Dutch is gambling on this trolley station then we have to trust him. Maybe he's got something to smooth things over with Brandon."
Hosea huffed. "Well, he'd better. I swear…"
Sam shrugged, but remained silent.
Lily held back a growl. "You really trust him, don't you?"
"He's a damn right fool sometimes," said Arthur. He pressed his palms on the table, "but usually, he's the best man I know."
Lily's glare softened when he said that. Arthur's eyes almost sparkled.
He was telling the truth.
Everyone looked over at Sam, who had hissed and rubbed his back. Though, he was starting to slouch.
Arthur walked over and helped Sam up. "Come on. Let's get you to bed."
Sam nodded and he led Sam out the door. "Nice hair, by the way," Sam said, before chuckling.
"Shut up."
Hosea stood and gripped Lily's shoulder. "It'll be okay Lily. Let's get some rest."
Lily felt so helpless. How was she gonna get Dutch to listen? What was the point of this meeting if he wasn't going to listen to what they said… or what Brandon was trying to warn them about?
Well, with Sam still recovering, Lily would have to come up with her own plan.
"Sure," Lily responded, finally.
The girl followed Hosea out of the room. None of them, including Arthur and Sam, knew that Dutch had been listening from the bedroom on the other side of the door.
"What did he do to your long flowing mane?!" Sam said, rubbing the short hairs along Arthur's scalp. His eyes were fixated on it with a frown, but his tone said it all: he didn't actually care.
Arthur rolled his eyes and playfully smacked his hands away. "That was also Trelawny's idea." His hair had indeed been cut. It was short along the back and the sides of his scalp with the top of his head remaining at least a bit long enough to be combed neatly. Sam wasted no time in running his fingers through it while Lily checked on Sam's stitches in the infirmary. He liked when Arthur's hair was long, but even so…
"Well, you could be bald, and I still think you'd look amazing, Mr. Handsome," Sam said, before snickering.
Arthur swore his eyes would roll back so hard, he'd see his brain at some point. "Had a job, Sam. Do I need your permission to cut my own damn hair?"
Sam smirked, trying to hold back from laughing at how red Arthur's face was getting. "Yes, actually."
Arthur smirked back. "Didn't seem to need permission this morning."
Now, it was Sam's turn for his face to be red. Then he hissed, feeling a tug at the stitches on his back. Both remembered that Lily was in the room with them and probably wasn't in the mood for bedroom talk, especially when her own cousin was involved. Lily soon wiped down Sam's back with a wet rag, before applying some ointment.
"There," said Lily. "You should be good, now."
Sam shrugged. "Of course."
Lily grabbed Sam's bare shoulders. "As long as you rest," she said, holding Sam down. "Do you understand? R-E-S-T."
The young man sighed. "Lily-"
"You used to be so darn willing to relax and loaf around all day."
"Well, guess things are just different now."
Lily nodded. She picked up Sam's union suit that was folded nearby. "I know. Come on. Let's get you dressed."
Arthur said his goodnights to both Sam and Lily before heading upstairs for the night. As much as Sam enjoyed cuddling up with Arthur at night, it was quite a squeeze to fit two fully grown men on a one-person bed.
Even though Sam tried to insist he could dress himself, Lily wouldn't budge. She held the article of clothing low, so Sam could just step over and slip his legs in. Lily pulled up the article of clothing, covering up his naked form and the briefs he had on and then buttoned up the front. Finally, Sam smiled as Lily stood at eye level to him… Or at least close to that, given that Sam was quite taller than her. She made him sit down on the cot and laid him against his pillow before tucking him in.
Lily got changed, too, into her nightgown, and locked the doors to the infirmary in case they had an "uninvited guests" show up to camp. Then, she laid down in her cot next to Sam's, pulling her own blanket up.
But something was still on her mind.
"I need to tell Brandon," Lily then said.
Sam, having just closed his eyes, opened them again and turned his head to face his cousin. "Lily-"
"We can't just turn on Brandon like that!" Lily snapped, while keeping her voice low. "We'll be no better than Archie."
Sam paused. He made a fist on the cot. Everyday had been weird since his kidnapping, he hadn't thought about that.
"What about Dutch?" he asked, however.
Lily formed fists and continued staring up at the ceiling. She knew this would mean going against Dutch, but this wasn't right.
"I know," she said.
"Dutch is just scared, because of…" Sam paused and gestured to himself, "you know. And Kieran… and Jack… and-"
"That doesn't mean it's okay. Brandon's only ever tried to help us."
Sam was frowning mightily. He knew Lily was right, but wasn't sure how to proceed. Lily could sense that Sam's mind was still muddled by what happened to him, and given that Dutch sent his army to save him, she understood why he would hesitate.
Sam softly placed his hands on his chest and sighed. "The camp will still be on lockdown tomorrow," he said. "There's some tracks north of here that can take you to Saint Denis quickly. Just… be careful."
Lily smiled. Even with how quickly things had changed around them these past few months, the crimes they've committed and the blood on their hands, Sam was still her cousin, through and through.
"Thank-you," she said. "But the lockdown?"
Sam closed his eyes. "You're not the only 'actor' here. I'll think of something. I wish I could help more."
Lily reached over and squeezed his hand.
"You're already helping plenty."
With the camp on lockdown, Sam decided to take on Kieran's duties with the horses the next morning. Out of all the animals they had in Valentine, Sam favored the horses, and Aurora was always mostly loyal to him.
Nobody wanted to take down Kieran's tent. Technically, he had just been borrowing it since Sam and Lily had the infirmary inside of Shady Belle, but neither of them wanted to take it back just yet.
Sam stepped inside it for the first time in days after breakfast. There was a bedroll in the back and a few crates to use as tables that had some horse treats, herbs, and medicines. Unused horseshoes were scattered about, and a few books were stacked neatly by the entrance. They were the few titles Lenny and Sam were using to teach Kieran to read.
Sam had stolen before, even from the dead, but it felt taboo to touch any of Kieran's things. There was an unused saddle at the foot of Kieran's bedroll, which made Sam briefly think about leaving it on the poor man's grave.
The saddles were taken off of pretty much all the horses, so they could relax and graze in the grass on the outskirts of the camp. With so many out there, and Sam taking charge today with managing them, he was sure no one would miss one Dakota not being among them for a bit. Distractions only worked for so long.
Lily had to be quick.
She rode Adonis as fast as she could, taking the train tracks to get to Saint Denis, like Sam told her. As for finding Brandon, she didn't need Sam's help. She had gone to him to find the Downes family after what happened earlier.
Lily arrived at the saloon deep in the slums and walked in. She immediately zipped over to the bartender and told him what a "discouraged creature" she was. The barkeeper understood and told Lily to wait a few minutes. So, she got a small drink and sat down by the window.
The girl had absolutely no idea when the trolley heist was going to happen, only that it was imminent. Lily would drink her glass of wine when she could, but every passing person, horseback rider and the occasional trolley made her flinch. She wished she could shut the curtain, but this building didn't have one on the window frame.
Someone walked out and led Lily's horse out of sight. They were wearing a red bandana, so Lily knew they were with Brandon. This also meant…
They knew she shouldn't be here.
A few more minutes later, there was a tap on her shoulder. For a moment, Lily felt dread racing down her spine, thinking that she'd been found by Dutch, Arthur, or Lenny, but was relieved to see that it was just Rose.
The red head led Lily out of the saloon through the back door. Not far from where they entered the alleyway was the safehouse Brandon had met with Sam, John, Dutch, and Arthur all that time ago.
The door was opened after Rose did a certain knock pattern. The two women stepped inside and walked in to find Brandon sitting down on the couch with a glass of bourbon, the smell of stew cooking in the kitchen and a couple of cigarettes burnt out on an ashtray.
Brandon's blue eyes locked on to Lily, as Rose closed the door and he smiled. He leaned back an ankle crossing over his knee.
"Ah, Miss Hawkeson," Brandon greeted, warmly. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Lily rubbed her arm. "A-hem. Yeah, you probably already know, but Dutch got your message. He's decided-"
Brandon held up his hand. "Say no more. Thank-you for your concern." He leaned forward, putting both his feet on the ground and extinguished his cigarette on the ashtray, "But, we'll be just fine."
"Really?"
"My people are able to be everywhere because we're flexible," Brandon said, leaning back on the couch. "We may lose that station for a little while, but we'll be fine. We have other means of distributing and receiving the things we need."
Lily saw how relaxed Brandon looked. A book was open on the couch next to him. In fact, it didn't look like he had been doing much all day today. That's when Lily realized…
"You knew this would happen."
Brandon took a gulp from his drink. "I wouldn't say I knew, I was just prepared."
Lily crossed her arms. "Then why did you send that letter?"
"Because it was a warning. I thought that much would be obvious."
Lily gulped. Sam wasn't going to be happy, especially with Arthur on the line.
"So, it's a trap! Why didn't you-"
"I had to be vague in my message in case Rose got intercepted," said Brandon. "With all that your gang has done, I felt obligated to at least warn you."
"You warned us, but it's not your trap."
Brandon nodded. There was a knock on the door. The pattern was different.
"Mr. Marrows!" another one of Brandon's associates ran up to him as soon as Rose opened the door. Brandon allowed the man to approach and stood so he could whisper something in his ear.
"It would appear that your friends have entered the town," Brandon informed Lily. "Rose, ready Lily's horse." The girl nodded and left to do just that. The blonde turned back to Lily. "I suggest you get out of here before the town goes on lockdown. As for your cousin, tell him I have something to show him about Milton."
Lily grimaced, watching as Brandon grabbed a new cigarette and lit a match.
"So, if it's not your trap, then who's trap is it?"
Brandon took a deep drag of his cigarette while putting out the match by waving it around. Once he exhaled, Brandon answered through the mist of smoke."
"Bronte's."
Lily raced out and into the street with her horse. She had known it was a trap, and while it felt great to be vindicated, the fact still remained that there was danger.
For a moment, Lily thought she could rush down the street and stop all this madness, but those hopes were dashed as soon as horses carrying police officers rushed past her and the sound of whistles started echoing up and down the streets.
She had to leave, now.
So, she did, and took the main entrance out, as it was the quickest way. Once she was back in the wilderness, however, Lily steered Adonis through the trees, refusing to take the main roads back to camp. She dismounted once she was close enough and shooed Adonis into the trees for Sam to find later, and continued the rest of the walk on foot.
Lily sighed once she made it back to Shady Belle, leaned against the wall on the side of the house, and sat down. She wasn't relieved at all. She was right, but it didn't change anything. She reached out to help Molly but she just pushed her away.
She tried to help Archie… and Sam nearly died…
And now…
"Well, looks like you made a full recovery."
Lily growled. She raised her head, a hand over her right eye as she faced that sour laughter that was goddamn Micah. He was standing nearby.
"I've never heard of a migraine that still let you go outside."
Lily feigned a hiss as she looked up at Micah. If she didn't actually have a migraine, she certainly was going to have one now.
"I just needed some air," she grumbled.
"Camp's on lockdown. This ain't the time for a joyride with your horse, Lily."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
Micah put a hand against the wall. "A migraine, huh? Yes, you're all dressed up and armed," he sneered.
"Ain't you the same and never lift a finger around camp?"
"Lily, there you are!"
Sam came around the corner and knelt down by his cousin. "Let's get you back inside. I've got some medicine ready for that migraine."
Lily smiled. "Finally, thank god." She feigned her lethargy and let Sam help her up.
"Best keep an eye on your cousin, Samuel."
"She's just ill, Micah," Sam said, sternly. "She's not a little girl." With that, he turned his back to him and led Lily inside.
Once they were back in the infirmary, Lily, still wanting to maintain the act of having a bad migraine, laid down on her cot and explained what she found out to Sam. It was, indeed, a trap but not from Brandon… and he had been prepared in the case that Dutch didn't heed his warning.
And, of course, Sam was concerned, knowing that they were in danger. If he was really scared, he was doing a good job of hiding it, by staying quiet on his bed. Lily grabbed one of her spare shirts and placed it over her head, covering her eyes in the case someone walked in. It was relaxing, though.
"Are you mad?" Sam asked after some time.
Lily sighed, one ankle crossed over the other, with her arms folded behind her head. "I just wished they listened, and for things to stop blowing up in my face every time I try to help someone."
Sam shrugged. "Well, you know Dutch."
Lily's hands balled up behind her head. "No, I don't." Even though she couldn't see it, she knew Sam started grimacing.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Sam questioned.
"Hey! Hey! We need some help over here! Sam?!'
"Damn it! Hang on."
Lily heard Sam stand. Rapid footsteps pounded the floorboards and then Sam was gone.
The young man ran out to see Arthur, Lenny and Dutch ride in on a stolen wagon. All of them looked banged up, their clothes stained from dirt and asphalt, but they were alive and all in one piece. Dutch, however, was having a hard time getting down from the driver's seat and swayed once he let go. Arthur and Lenny were standing nearby, like he'd fall over or something.
"Oh, god!" Sam exclaimed. "What the hell happened?" He pushed through the onlookers and approached the scene.
"It was a goddamn set-up!" Dutch managed to yell, but doing that only made him flinch and he leaned his weight on the wagon even more.
"Law was just waiting for us," said Arthur. "We got on a trolley to get away, and well, it crashed."
"Jesus…" was all Sam could say. He tried not to think about it, but they looked fine… Mostly. He tried to touch Dutch's head, but he hissed and flinched away when he did. "Alright. Can you two still walk? Let's get you all patched up." Sam put one of Dutch's arms over his shoulders and started leading him inside. "Come on."
To keep up the act, Sam asked that everyone keep their voices down due to Lily's migraine. Lenny and Arthur weren't that beat up despite what happened. Dutch wasn't either, but his head was clearly in pain.
Sam had Dutch sit down on his cot so he could roll up his sleeve. He gave him just a small dose of morphine, which started dulling the pain almost immediately. Finally, the gang leader was able to open his eyes, so Sam could get a closer look. Yup clearly a concussion. Arthur and Sam were already patched up, chatting idly on some extra chairs.
Dutch hissed as Sam looked closely, the pressure of his hands rattled his head somehow. The drugs Sam put in his system at least relaxed him a little… and his thoughts.
"You know, usually, I get to know someone before I let them get this close."
Sam scoffed. "Well, I am your doctor. You have kind of a bump there. You can help the swelling, by rubbing some sugar on it, but for now, just stay awake."
"Well, now it's gonna be harder since you said that," Dutch grumbled. He leaned forward once Sam let go of his head and rubbed his temples.
Arthur sighed and got up from his chair. "I'll get us some coffee."
Dutch held up a hand briefly as Arthur stepped out. "That's my boy… agh…"
Sam hummed, trying not to sound too concerned. "Well, let me know if you need more for the pain. I'll make sure no one makes too much noise."
"He set us up…" Dutch muttered, his voice growing bitter. "Played me like a yokel. Put the law on us."
Hearing Dutch confirm Lily's suspicions only made it more real. "B… Bronte?"
"What did we do to him?" Dutch looked up, finally able to raise his head and see his blood-related son. "What did I do to him?" Dutch said. This time, it was slower, carrying something of a growl in his voice. He was trying to furrow his brows, but the pain was still immense.
"I wish I knew," said Sam. "Let's just focus on healing up and getting strong."
Dutch nodded slowly. "Of course." That was what he told Sam, after all.
Lenny, go see if we can find anything cooling for Dutch's head."
Lenny jumped from his chair, still full of energy, somehow. "Sure. I'll get right to it." And he was out in a jiffy.
"He's a good kid…" Dutch said, softly, words kind of slurring. The morphine was probably really kicking in now.
Sam smiled. "You'll probably be more comfortable in your room. I'll get you some extra pillows and then I'll take you up there."
"Thank-you, son."
Sam stepped out. Not long after that, Lily, who had been laying on her cot, listening the whole time, pretended to stir awake and sit up slowly. She rubbed her eyes.
"Oh, hello, Lily," said Dutch. "Are you feeling better?"
Lily slowly sat up and took the shirt over her head off. "I think so," she said, softly, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. How about you?"
"I'll live." Dutch ran his fingers over his sore head. "Maybe for a little longer, I guess."
Lily nodded, and slowly got up and onto her feet. "I'm kind of hungry. Would you like anything, Mr. Van der Linde?"
"No, thank-you. I think I'll be fine."
"Sure."
Lily walked towards the door, her steps a bit slow and wobbly. As she got closer, Dutch, despite his aching head and the morphine in his system, was able to observe her steps quickly stabilize as she got to the door. She stopped and turned her head to see the incapacitated Dutch. Before she left, she no longer looked dazed or relaxed as she looked him dead in the eye. Her words were cold, scolding, and echoed in the gang leader's head for the rest of the night.
"Hook, line, and sinker."