A Test of Time (Red Dead Redemption story)

Chapter 2

Jack and Arthur sat at a table in the saloon talking over a drink. Jack had almost completely forgotten Arthur and now he was sitting with him over a drink. He never thought he'd see Arthur again, let alone drink with him.

They sat away from people who were drinking or drunk. People who became nosy and try to listen to their conversation.

"So... are you gonna tell me what happened to you?" Arthur said.

"I'm an outlaw... what am I supposed to say?" Jack said.

"Well for one... why are you an outlaw? I mean we've been doing all this for a better life. For you to have a better life," Arthur said. "and now you're some wannabe gunslinger".

"Wannabe? I... wouldn't say wannabe," Jack said with a chuckle. "ive been doing this for 3 years... I have a bit of a reputation in my time. Mostly cause of my pa though."

"How old are you?" Arthur asked squinting his eyes.

"Im 19," Jack said.

"You're... I'm.... I'm going to go get someone," Arthur said still in shock. "Promise me you'll stick around and tell us the real story."

"Ain't got anywhere to go even if I wanted to leave," Jack said.

Arthur nodded though he didn't understand.

Arthur left leaving Jack alone. He was gone for a few minutes before Jack noticed a man. He was talking with a woman who looked uncomfortable in his presence. The man wasn't remarkable at all, but he wasn't necessary harmless. Jack sighed and stood up to walk over.

"Hey you alright ma'am?" He asked. She looked at him with a helpless expression.

"She's fine," the man said, "get lost partner."

She made a small gesture for him to grab her hand. He grabbed her and pulled her towards him.

"Hey friend."

"What's wrong?" Jack asked her.

"He's being awful ruff with me. He tried to hit me just now" she said.

"Is that true, friend?" Jack asked instantly pulling her so she was behind him.

"Why are you defending some bitch? You want her or something?" The man asked. "get your own."

"You tried to hit her... how I see it, you shouldn't be hitting a lady," Jack said.

"I payed her good money," said the man pointing a finger at her.

"You aint payed to hit her," Jack said forcefully.

"Fine why don't we see who's the better man," he said.

"Your gonna regret it when I kill you," Jack spat and they walked through the doors of the saloon.

The woman follows his movements and stood a ways away from the man. Arthur, Dutch and Hosea pushed their way into the crowd watching the seen.

"Is that... John?" Dutch asked.

"He's much to young to be John now," Hosea said.

"Just wait for a moment," Arthur said. "looks like he had some unfinished business."

"You're dead kid," said the man.

They stood in the center of the road in a dueling position.

"What's happening?" Arthur said aloud.

"He's fighting for me. That... guy was trying to hit me and... he saved me," said the woman. "he's a better man than I've ever met."

Jack was quicker on the draw than the other man and shot the gun out of his hand.