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

chapter 25; art of diversion

"You know the plan?" Charles, loading his revolver, looks to you.

"Yes. I remember. Faint, shoot my way out of there, meet you in the factory." You nod, loading your own guns.

"Good. I'll cut the ropes while you set the diversion." He holsters the gun and crouches beside you. The chatter of a gathering crowd can be heard on the other side of the wall you're hiding behind.

Yet again, you find yourself all dolled up, playing the role of someone you are not. You've accessorized yesterday's hand-me-down dress with the jewelry Arthur gifted you for the garden party. Charles had stolen a big fancy plumed hat from a woman on the way to Saint Denis, tying the whole ensemble together. White gloves hid your calloused fingers and a red fan daintily covered your face as if you were a shy, rich woman coming to see justice served in your fair city. A hefty voice booms from the other side, alerting you that it's time to move.

"You certainly look the part. Arthur may not even recognize you." Charles huffs.

"Let's just get this done." You state, your voice steady and focused.

A shake of his head and the two of you part ways. He rushes to the far end of the stone wall, leaping over it in one fluid motion and lands just behind the wooden stage where the hangings would occur in near moments. You waltz in the opposite direction, blending in with the line of people entering the courtyard. Scanning the stage, you see the sheriff and mayor standing front and center. The sheriff's voice carries far in it's tenacity, reaching to the very back of the court. Ropes hang at the ready from a long board above and behind their noble heads. There's no sign of your gang men but you know they must be nearby.

"Today, four outlaws who attacked our city bank yesterday afternoon will meet justice. These men, members of the infamous Van der Linde, have been sentenced to death for their multiple heinous crimes..." Mid sentence, the sheriff waves off stage, signaling a police to walk out with Dutch in toll. The strong leaders hands are bound and a rope is jabbed between his teeth to keep him from squawking. Despite the situation he is in, he struts smoothly with his head turned proudly towards the sky like he was going for a stroll in the park, completely unbothered. They line him up at the rope to the farthest left. He sticks his neck out proudly as they swing the rope over his head.

"His loyal followers, Bill Williamson, Arthur Morgan and John Marston will be hung for their involvement in the robbery along with several other individual crimes of their own." The sheriff goes on to list the gang members sins but your attention is on the officer walking each man to their ropes. Your moment to shine is fast approaching as you watch Arthur walk onto the stage in the same bounds as Dutch. They wrap the rope necklace around him, tightening it against his skin.  You desperately try to lock eyes with him, losing focus on the mission. Soon, all four men are stood waiting to meet their maker as the sheriff walks up and down the stage, listing off the individual crimes of each man and describing how much better off society will be once they are dead.