Blessed are the Peacemakers {[RDR2 Arthur X Reader]}

chapter 21; rivalrous attacks

~ Journal entry from Readers POV ~

It's been awhile since I was last able to sit down and write. So much has happened. Life at Shady Belle has only gotten more difficult as time has passed. We keep getting involved in dangerous situations that we have no business being a part of and now that I'm expecting, I am afraid what the future holds for all of us. Nobody but Arthur knows about the baby. I don't dare tell anyone else. The information in the wrong hands could prove badly for both of us.

Dutch has been going on about this bank in Saint Denis, stocked full of money. He's got this idea that once we have the funds, we can get to Tahiti and start living peacefully. The prices on our heads won't matter anymore and we can start over. Baby will be here before then though and that's what scares me. Before too long, I'll start showing and people will begin connecting the dots. My belly is already beginning to round, only noticeable when I lift my shirt in the mirror in our room. Arthur insisted I give up the bed roll in my tent and move into his room with him. Everybody believed it was because of the engagement and not because my aching back didn't care for sleeping on the ground anymore.

Arthur says I need to sit out on the bank job, that it's too dangerous and he wants me home safe but I know if I do that, Dutch will start asking questions. I promised him that I would stay with somebody at all times so that my back would always be covered. I need him to stay focused and not worry about me or the baby.

I believe that if we have faith in Dutch then it will go as he's planned.

~~~~~

Mr. Pearson had made an especially full stew tonight, chock full of meat and vegetables. He claimed he was trying to build everybody's strength up for the upcoming fight. The plan was nearly set though Dutch had arranged for a meeting with everyone tonight before bed so the plan would be fresh in everyone's minds.

The nausea had almost completely gone nowadays and you were able to keep yourself well fed and strong. You're sat at the table with Arthur beside you and the others were swarming close by. He was unwilling to leave your side unless he absolutely had to. Miss Grimshaw, always so overprepared, was having the camp packed up just in case the location became unsafe. It was already dark and a few fresh fires were roaring nearby. Swanson was hovered over the flames, working on healing kits to send you and the men out with.

Dutch puts down his empty plate and stands to address the gang. "Those who are joining us in tomorrow's heist, please meet me in my room. The rest of you, get some rest tonight, tomorrow's gone be a long day for everyone." He struts to the house and people beginning stirring, clearing dishes and following the leader to where they were called.

John, Hosea, Charles, Lenny, and Bill headed inside, you and Arthur close behind. Dutch's giant room felt tiny when it was so full of people.
"Gentlemen! And lady..." Dutch huffs out a short laugh and shoots a wink your direction. "We need to discuss this robbery." Dutch begins going into detail about the city banks layout and what the best vantage points would be. Just as he was getting to discussing each person's particular role, screaming is heard from outside. Immediately, everybody rushes to the balcony only to see a horse with a rider strolling into camp. The women wail and scream and you see that the rider is headless.