Redemption - Book lll

Exodus in America

"Have you heard from Arthur?" Abigail asked John as he and Jack returned from Manzanita Post, successfully avoiding Blackwater for the last two years, only sending Uncle and Abigail for any means necessary. The more John thought about it, the more he became thankful that he had decided to pay off the loan to his land the same year they returned to America after surviving an almost fatal demise while aboard the R.M.S Titanic. Since then, he swore to never get on another ship. 

Not even a boat. 

"Last I heard from him was last week when we checked the mail. Said he and Minnie relocated in Ambarino - some place he said he and Javier robbed years back."

"Oh, okay. We haven't seen them in a few months. I'd like to go up and see them." 

"Me too." 

"Besides, I have a weird feelin'..."

"What do you mean?" 

"Things just feel...different. I feel like we're not quite out of the woods yet." 

"I hope we are, darlin'. We've been above water for the last couple of years. I don't think we'll have any problems." 

"If you say so. I'm just tired of runnin', John Marston." 

"I know, darlin'. I know."

"Do you think you and Uncle can run into town? I'm in need of some canned beef and vegetables," Abigail sighed. "The land here isn't preferable, John. It's been very hard to grow anything." 

"Well, Abigail, I'm sorry I wasn't able to buy you a better piece of land," He scoffed. "You're the one who just had to have this place." 

Abigail stayed silent. 

"Uncle and I will go into town. I need to check and see if Arthur wrote me back anyway." 

»»-------------¤-------------««

"Any news?" Uncle asked as he met up with John on the corner from the post office, hoping he had received a telegram from Arthur or Minnie.

"Nah," John shook his head. "He and Charles must be out on a hunting trip or something."

"Knowin' him, probably. Can't keep that man inside a house." Uncle joked.

"Ain't that the truth." John chuckled as he and Uncle walked back towards the wagon they had parked along the sidewalk across the street from the Blackwater Justice Center, unaware that they were being watched. Neither John or Uncle got a strange feeling as they seemed to always be used to the we're always on the run mindset. 

"Perhaps we should have a discussion, shall we, gentlemen?" A voice sounded from around the corner, presenting himself as a state official as he approached the wagon, a smug smirk on his face as he was pleased to see both John and Uncle's surprised expressions.

"I'm sorry?" John questioned, his heart thudding heavily against his chest. He knew exactly what was about to happen, however, he just didn't know exactly what would happen. 

"Come with me." The man stated.

"I'm sorry, sir, but my friend and I are getting supplies for a fencing job on my ranch. I'm afraid I don't know you-"