A Test of Time (Red Dead Redemption story)

Chapter 5

Jack woke up before John did. He saw Arthur outside writing in his journal while Charles stood next to him talking.

The wind was howling outside, so much that the door struggled against the lock. He sat up figuring he wouldn't be able to sleep anymore. It was too loud and his shoulder was killing him. The cabin was gutted. Arthur had started the fire in the fireplace, but it had burned down to smolders at this point.

He thought for a while about how he could sneak out of the cabin without waking John. He hated being in one place for too long. He remembered liking staying in one place when he was younger. It gave him more time to read, sometimes even practice writing himself.

He looked around for his gun, instead finding an old winter jacket. He stood and, as quietly as the creaking floorboards would let him, he slipped out the window and mounted his horse.

He took out his father's old journal realizing there was another entry from Arthur.

He looked closer now. He studied the pages front and back. The entry's and even all of the sketches done by Arthur and John.

A man calling himself Jack Marston appeared in Valentine. At first I saw him and figured it was John.
He definitely looks like John. His hair, the shape of his face, even his attitude, but hes got Abigail's eyes. He claims he's from the future. Ain't no way he's telling the truth but where's the harm in maybe helping?
He was right about Downs. I was lucky that I knew about his sickness or I'd have caught it myself. He's right about Micah. That no good son of a bitch. I shoulda known he'd betray us, I feel telling Dutch. Maybe it'll be different. If Jack's actually tellin the truth, then we better watch ourselves.

Kids tough as nails. He got shot in the shoulder and didn't even flinch. He'd definitely fit in the gang if he was normal. He'll be good friends with Sean and Lenny when we get back.
We're holin up in Colter. As good as the kids doing, it wouldn't be smart to keep him out in the cold. John almost died from dog scratches, I'd hate to see the kid die of a gunshot wound.

Jack looked back at Arthur who was stuffing his journal back in his satchel. He whipped the reins of the horse and quietly rode away.

***

Arthur walked to the cabin John and Jack were sleeping in. He banged on the door and walked in to see John pointing a revolver at him.

"Easy cowboy" Arthur said, "dont start the friendly fire".

"Arthur, you scared the shit out of me" John said, lowering his gun.

"Where's Jack?" Arthur asked.

"I thought he went to talk to you" John said squinting his eyes.

Arthur gave a long sigh, "So what did he run away? Or maybe he just got tired of you".

"Thanks Arthur" John said and rolled his eyes, "We can't keep him here anyway. He's a grown man".

"Right" Arthur said and rolled his eyes, "He'll come back if he's smart".

"Do you believe him?" John asked.

"He says he's from the future. I don't know about you but that's just not possible" Arthur said sitting at the table, "Do you believe him?"