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

chapter 48; one last train

"Abigail told me... the money, it's hidden in the caves at Beaver Hollow. So much for never hiding it near camp. Dutch is getting even sloppier than we thought." John sighs, adjusting his hat to repel the summer sun.

Arthur climbs into Rogue's saddle after stashing the retrieved dynamite in a saddle bag. "Are Abigail and Jack ready to leave?"

"I think so. Is Charlotte?" Reins snap and they're moving in the direction of Saint Denis.

"I don't know that she knows it but she is." Arthur rides close beside his brother. "Whatever happens with this job today-" He chokes on the phlegm building in the back of his throat. "wherever Dutch and them go next, we're getting you the hell outta here. I'll do whatever it takes." Arthur grumbles, clearing his throat.

"You've always had my back, Arthur." John grins.

Arthur remembers back on their countless fist fights, he had always won, trying to knock sense into his little gang brother. They fought hard and often but it had earned them a tight bond. Until John left, a pain that Arthur felt most. Arthur could hold a grudge like a hand, a mean grudge that had divided them.

"Perhaps not always." Arthur laughs at their own foolishness. He had no regret for the way things had panned out between them. They'd each more than made up for the lost time.

"One last train, Arthur." John tips his hat, leaning back in the saddle.

"One last train."

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"Ah, there they are." Charlotte grinned thinly, watching John and Arthur come down the road towards the gathered gang. "Got everything?"

"Yep." John smirks, waving a stick.

"Off we go, then." Dutch grits, taking the lead with The Count. "One last time, I've got us a river boat. We'll head up to New York or Chicago. From there, I'll get us a real boat that'll take us to the tropics."

"So long as it isn't Guarma." Javier sighs from behind.

"No, no... this'll be a true paradise, son."

"It's all coming together nicely, just like we planned, Dutch." Micah boasts from the front.

"Is that okay with you, John? Arthur? Or do you insist on doing something different?" Dutch sneers, not bothering to turn to face them.

"Sounds about as good now as every time I heard it before." Arthur huffs.

"Little Lottie must be real excited, all packed up like she is. I can just see her in a little grass skirt..." Micah starts.

"Careful, Micah. She just might have to teach you another lesson." Arthur chuckles, pointing to his blackened eye. "Now, don't talk to me, you sick son of a bitch."