A Red Dead Redemption story.
A seasoned bounty hunter, you've buried your past beneath the weight of your work. But a brush with the notorious Van der Linde gang unravels everything. Amid bullets and bloodshed, you discover love and a sense of belon...
"Didn't take y' long to find the 'shine business then?" You smirked, taking the seat opposite Arthur.
Arthur flashed a smile, "Don't have t' be a genius, y' can see it 'round back through the window." Retorting playfully.
You took your shot of moonshine. The liquor like gasoline, burning your oesophagus.
"So," you propped your chin on your hand; elbow slightly balancing on the table, "whatchu' doin' up in Big Valley, Mr Callahan?" Hanging on his name purposely.
Arthur sat back in the rickety chair, "Just have some stuff that needs takin' care of." He trailed, glancing down at his glass of alcohol, nursing it in between his finger and thumb.
"I didn't think I'd be seein' y' again." Arthur admitted, causing your cheeks flush. "I wanted to properly thank y' for helpin' Karen out in that mess back in Valentine." Arthur stood to order two more shots of moonshine.
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"I'm assuming y'r a bounty hunter then." Arthur started, taking the chair back underneath his legs, after setting the two glasses of clear liquor on the table.
"How did you know?" Sarcasm laced your tone.
"Well, it ain't often y' see a girl walkin' about town with rifles and shotguns on her back." Humoured Arthur, "but, coulda just been a lucky guess."
"Mind you," you hummed, "I did not appreciate having to lie to the Sheriff I am currently workin' for."
Arthur chuckled. "Yeah, sorry about that."
"I just lied and said I met y' in Blackwater." Arthur's relaxed demeanour stiffened, examining your face with his blue irises.
"What?" You quizzed, "I hope I didn't say the wrong thing." You'd worried that you'd compromised Arthur in some way unbeknown to you.
"No, it's just- it's not important." Arthur relaxed again. "Bounty hunter then, huh?" He shifted the conversation back to you.
"I'd say that's not a traditional lady's job, but y' sure look like y' can handle y'self." Arthur husked, before taking his shot of liquor without a wince.
"No doubt about it," you laughed. "I've dealt with a lot of shitty people, Mr Callahan, alotta practice." Your statement earned a raised brow from Arthur.
"I've tried my hand at a few wanted posters in my time," admitted Arthur, "not sure if I could make a career of it though." He laughed. "Good on y'."
To your surprise, there was no judgement from this man. He understood that you had to this job, in order to survive. Something that made you like him, even if you had only known him for a short time. It was refreshing for a man to not judge your decisions, like Hadley and Farley.
You smiled at Arthur, those same blue irises were softer now. The ever present flame in your stomach that Arthur ignited, refusing to die down. "Is, uh- Karen okay?" You asked, in attempt to extinguish it.
"Yeah, she's fine, nothing a bottle of bourbon couldn't fix." Arthur chuckled. "Is she your- uh- y'know.." you blushed.
"Who?! Karen?! God no!" Arthur belted.
"I just thought maybe.." You couldn't but laugh at Arthur's reaction to your question.
"No, she's more like a sister." Arthur admitted. You didn't want to pry further, secretly satisfied to know your new acquaintance wasn't tied down. You could live the fantasy in your imagination for a little while longer.
•
The evening pushed on; conversation between yourself and Arthur was natural and flowing. He made you feel at ease, something no other man had been able to do. You were defensive and closed off, but something about Arthur made you feel calm.
Arthur had shared a small portion of his upbringing with you, how he was orphaned and taken in by two father-like-figures.
"So, the followin' day, we was walkin' through the market and the same guy I bought the damn fish off hollered over and says 'You enjoy that bass y' got yesterday?'" Yourself and Arthur giggled at his expense.
Finishing up your fifth and final drink, yourself and Arthur left the make-shift saloon and took a slow stride towards the hotel.
Stars dusted the sky like sequins on a show girls dress. Oil lamps glowed hazily, scattered throughout the quaint town.
"We best be callin' it a night." Arthur started.
A smile tugged at your cheeks, "thank you for this, I didn't realise how much I needed it."
Whether it was the false sense of confidence provided by the liquor, or the flame flickering deep in your gut, you raised yourself slightly to give Arthur a small peck on the cheek.
"Goodnight, Mr Callahan." As you walked up the steps of the hotel, you looked back at Arthur who tipped his hat to you.
Hiding a smile under your hand, you headed up the timbered steps to the comfy bed that awaited you.
