Unshaken

Stand By Your Gang

The group rode through Hennigan's Stead into the trees toward camp. Liam was glad to be home. As they rode into the area, they could hear yells from the gang members. "They're back, they're back!" Tilly yelled as everybody gathered to see the men.

"Yes we are. And with an old companion." Arthur said as the four climbed off of their horses. Liam heard quiet gasps coming from the gang. Javier walked to the front. "Hello, amigos. It's me, Javier. I know, it's been a long while. I made a treacherous mistake a while ago, turning my back on you guys. I regret it every single day. I'm not here to beg for your forgiveness. I wholeheartedly understand if you don't trust me again, heh, I wouldn't either. You see, I fell for Dutch's lies, as we all did at some point. But I was blinded by his promises time and time again. I didn't realize until it was too late. And I'm sorry, to every single one of you. I hope you can at least give me a chance to prove that I'm not that same person." Javier told them.

Everybody stayed quiet for a moment. Then Abigail slowly made her way to the front of the crowd, meeting eyes with Javier. "Look, we all made mistakes. And you made a huge one. But let me tell you, if we catch you sneaking around or doing anything unbeknownst to us, I'll be the first to kill you. These people are all I got. But I also believe a man can change, just like John has for the better. Still an idiot, but he's trying his best. So, you show us you changed, you'll be fine. It's good to have you back, Mr. Escuella." Abigail said. Liam took her fierce words to heart. He knew she meant every single thing she said. He looked to see the other men were surprised at her words too.

"Thank you, Miss Roberts." Javier said. The men in the gang came and shook his hand while Tilly and Mary-Beth hugged him. Sadie and Karen were still wary of him. Liam knew Javier would be stupid to even think of betraying the gang again. But he did save Liam's life back at El Presidio. And Liam thought his debt was repaid.

The gang decided to rest up for the remainder of the day after their long journey. As Liam was polishing his spurs, Karen and Tilly walked up to him, smirks on their soft faces. "So, Mr. Bandito, how was Mexico?" Karen asked as Tilly giggled. Liam giggled himself. "Dry! Lord, was it dry. The people down there are very nice. Well, most of them anyway. And let me tell you, they have some of the best food I've ever had. Of course everybody there speaks Spanish, but we got around just fine. Culture wise? Ain't much different than here, I guess. Me, John and Arthur also got these." Liam said, grabbing his green poncho. "Ooh, this is so pretty!" Tilly said as she and Karen admired the intricate stitching of the clothing. "Don't let Arthur hear you say that." He joked. "Oh! I almost forgot. We also ran into Landon Ricketts!" He said excitedly. The girls gasped. "What? The real Landon Ricketts? Please tell us what he was like!" Tilly demanded. "A legend walking, I tell you. He taught me how to shoot better. We also helped him kill some banditos robbing this little town called Chuparosa. I'll never forget that day." Liam said. "I would pass clean out if I ever saw that man! I've read so many stories about him, ugh, I'm jealous!" Karen admitted. "I almost don't believe it myself." Liam told the two. "What about the men? Are they handsome down there? Any stallions waiting to ride some pretty girls like us into the sunset?" Mary-Beth asked, walking into the conversation. The girls busted out in laughter. Liam laughed with them. "Well I don't know what you consider handsome, but I'm sure they would love to meet some fine women like yourselves." Liam said, making them blush.

They laughed some more and walked away. Liam took a sip of water and noticed the glowing sunset over the plain. He went and sat on a log toward the edge of camp and let the glow of the orange sun fill his face. He'd realized how lucky he was to get back to America in one piece. He then thought that same sentiment for his entire life. He'd certainly had something watching over him. He heard footsteps crunching in the grass behind him. He turned around to see John stepping over the log and taking a seat beside him. "What a crazy few days we've had." John said, letting out a sigh. "Mexico. Landon Ricketts. Javier. It sure has been." Liam said. "I remember once telling Hosea I'd like to go to Mexico someday, but I didn't think it'd be this soon, haha. I also thought the next time I saw Javier, Bill, or anybody that betrayed this gang and left me to die, I'd kill 'em. I don't know, I'm just confused with this Javier situation." John admitted. Liam looked at his feet and back up to John. "I think he's telling the truth. I'm not completely certain, but I gotta give him that chance. We all got a second chance getting out of Beaver Hollow and Dutch's control the way we did. I think he deserves that at least. And you know, now that I think about it, I don't think Javier ever pointed his gun at us, when Dutch believed Micah over us that night." Liam said. John sighed. "I think you're right. I'm gonna keep my eye on him, though. As should you, kid. We can't risk having anything hold us back now. And if we have to get rid of him, we will. You can't trust everybody, Liam." John warned. "I know, I know. But I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now." Liam said as he stood up. "Oh yeah, Arthur wanted me to tell you to meet at the Armadillo Jail in the morning to talk business with the sheriff. We're gonna see what them Bollard Twins Boys is up to." John said as the two walked back to their tents for the night.