Snake Skin | John Marston

Far Away

More than a month had slipped by at Beecher's Hope, and with John absent, the land had lost its luster. Each morning, Y/N would gaze out the window, hoping to catch sight of her lover's return, but there was no sign of him. Somehow, she managed to persuade Uncle to make the trip to fetch the mail. When he returned, they sorted through the stack together. Most of it was just a heap of paperwork from the bank. Y/N usually left that for John to handle, preferring to deal with the more immediate concerns. But when her eyes landed on a small envelope, she felt a surge of anticipation, tore it open, and pulled out the letter inside.

It was from John.

"Dear Y/N Colter,

You have nothing to worry about. I'm alive and well at the MacFarlane ranch. A kind woman named Bonnie MacFarlane saved my life when I rolled into Armadillo. Yes, I am in Armadillo, the very place you spoke of in the past. Now I truly understand why you were so determined to come here.

I met Bill, but unfortunately, we didn't see eye to eye, so I'll be working my way toward him the old-fashioned way. I hope you're holding up alright by yourself; I know Uncle can be as useful as a sack of rocks. Please wait for me—I'll be back, just like I promised.

Yours dearly, JM"

"Screw you, John!" Y/N spat, flinging the letter away.

"What's got you all riled up now, woman?" Uncle asked, taking a swig of his beer. They were settled on the couch in the dim light of the living room, sifting through the papers that littered the table.

"He's holed up in Armadillo at some ranch. That ain't far at all. Why hasn't he sent word sooner?" Y/N shot back, the frustration evident in her voice. The old man merely sighed, shaking his head as he took another drink.

Y/N's gaze fell on the letter sprawled on the floor, and with determination, she declared, "I'm going there."

"What?" Uncle nearly sputtered his beer at her words, looking up in disbelief. "You can't be serious."

"I'm going to Armadillo. To that ranch."

"And just what in the blazes makes you think that's a good idea? What if you run afoul of the law?" Uncle asked, his brow furrowing as he watched Y/N rise from the couch, resolve in every step.

"Then I'll take care of it," she replied, her tone chillingly serious as she headed toward the bedroom to gather her things.

Uncle stumbled after her, leaning against the wall for support. "What am I supposed to tell John if he comes back and you're not here?"

"He ain't gonna be back anytime soon, let's be real," she called over her shoulder, pulling on a pair of trousers and a shirt more suited for the sweltering heat. The wooden door closed between them, offering her a moment of privacy.

Y/N rummaged through her belongings, choosing the lightest clothes she had for the blistering days of Armadillo. She and John had ridden through that town before, well aware of what the unforgiving climate of New Austin had in store.

After a spell, Y/N was all set for her journey to MacFarlane Ranch in Armadillo.

"Don't you fret, I'll keep this place tidy while you're out there huntin' for love! You fool," Uncle said, a teasing grin on his weathered face as he ushered Y/N out of the house. She strode ahead, her determination evident, while he ambled along behind her.