Dutch's Daughter [[RDR2 Arthur Morgan x OC]]

chapter 30; the lost art of robbery

"It's not fair."

"It's more than." Arthur argues.

"I helped make this plan and I don't even get to see it through?" Charlotte whines, flicking her cigarette across the room. 

"You pushed yourself too far last time. You're still healing. What you need is rest." 

"The hell do you know about what I need?" Charlotte bites, pounding her fist on the table, shaking the lantern. "I need to be out where I belong. I deserve to go."

"Nobody said you didn't." Dutch soothes. "This is the last heist we need to get us out of here for good. You're in no shape to run with us and we will need to run. I need you here, seeing that everything is ready to go for our return." Charlotte bites her tongue, shaking her head in frustration. If it's truly the last robbery they ever have to pull, it will take moving heaven and hell to keep her out of it. "Listen to me, girl. I ain't losing you on the last heist. It ain't happening. Do as your told for once and stay put." His chair squeals as he pushes away from the table, heading outside to join the others in their war preparations. 

"How can let this happen, Arthur? You know how important this is to me. If this really is the end... I need to be there." Charlotte pleads.

Arthur sighs, scratching the scruff growing on his chin. "It's Dutch... it'll never be the end." 

It's silent for a long moment as they both take in the chance that Dutch may never stop. That they may be on the run for the rest of their lives, blinding following a man all because of the bond they share. Charlotte shakes the thought away. 

"I'm coming." She grits. 

"No. You're not. John?" Arthur motions his hand and within seconds, John is at her back, hogtying her hands to the back of the chair. She kicks and squeals in protest, nearly missing him by an inch as she spirals into a full on tantrum.

"John, you filthy good for nothing! How did I ever call you brother?" She spits at his feet, face beaming red with fury. "We're supposed to be family! How can you do this to me?"

Arthur kneels to her eye level. "You ain't coming. You can hate me later but for now, you're going to kiss me goodbye, dammit." His lips press to hers, silencing her and sending a chill down her spine, stilling her. He pulls away, keeping their foreheads pressed together. "I don't know what kiss will be our last so we have to make each one count. We can fight about this when I get home. Because I will come home."

Charlotte fights tears of anger welling in her eyes. "Damn you, Mr. Morgan. Damn you both!" She screams just as they exit the room. 

She watches out the window as they all mount up, Dutch giving his usual inspiring pep talk before they run towards death. Bile threatens at the back of her throat, a sick feeling churning in her stomach. This won't end well. For anyone.

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"That's the Way It Is"

The troop rides into Saint Denis, Hosea and Abigail leading in front with the wagon. They pause before the bridge, going over the plan once more to assure everyone knows their job. Stirring into motion again, they drive down the busy streets, splitting up to look less suspicious. Hosea and Karen head to the opposite side of the city, preparing to set up the distraction. The rest meet up at the bank. 

An explosion rattles the city walls, a plume of smoke rising into the sky. "I love that Hosea! A true artist! Let's go!" Dutch gives his men a final nod before swinging the bank doors open. "This is a robbery ladies and gentlemen! Don't do nothing stupid."