Last Chance.

Chapter 3 The letter

The Sun burns in West Elizabeth, showing a bright new day. Morning routine like always, eggs need to be collected, cows needs to be milked, horses need to be brushed and let out in the pasture.
Midday is already here by the time morning chores get done.

A jolly Uncle sits on the porch drinking a glass of beer, as he watches John do all the work.
"You missed a bit."
Uncle says, as he watches John clean out the chickens pen.
John groans, stops and turns around.
"You could help you lazy sod."
The chickens all peck around as they graze taking in the afternoon sun.
"Nah..it's young men work...not for someone like myself."
Uncle chuckles and John groans in frustration.
"You better start earning your keep old man."
John says about to snap.
"Oh leave him be John."
A voice calls out.

Abigail comes down the porch and hands John a hot coffee, she gives John a smile.
"Thank you Dear."
John says taking a sip.
"I just think rather than criticising what I'm doing he should be helping."
John makes a point to raise his voice on that last word so uncle can hear him.
Abigail shakes her head and slightly smacks his chest.
"Leave him be just worry about yourself Marston."
Abigail says with a smile and she goes back into the house.
When Abigail wasn't looking Uncle chuckles at John getting a little tell off by his wife.
John sees that and knows Uncle is teasing him deliberately and he groans in annoyance.

"Excuse me sir."
A young boy says.
"Yes?"
John says.
"A letter for you."
The boy says handing it to John.
"Bye Mister."
The boys say's leaving and John gives a wave.
As he looks at the letter he knows that hand writing and he knows it's Arthur.
As he reads the contents of the letter he can't help but, smile knowing that Hosea, Arthur his daughter and wife are doing okay.

The peaceful moment doesn't last for long though.
Some moments in life bring a warms Summers Sun, it's gives that bright light of hope and then the dark comes and snatches the light away.
This...this was one of those moments...when the dark of the past catches up to you...no matter how long ago it was...what you think is dead and buried will always resurface.
"John Marston."
A voice calls out.
John feels the hair on the back of his neck stand up, out in public he's Jim Milton...he looks up from the letter and puts it away.
Uncle now is sat upright on the porch, even he knows something is wrong...something is very wrong.
"Who's asking?"
John says.

Two men are in suits dressed very fine, two horses are in fine condition. As they jump down John feels nervous and worried.
"My name is Agent Ross...from the Pinkerton Detective agency...I'm sure you have heard of us."
Agent Ross says with a smile.
"Can't say I have."
John replies.

Abigail comes out showing a worried expression along with his son Jack, a young boy holding his favourite book, John remains strong to show his family he's got this...he'll handle this even though he doesn't know what awaits him.

"See that's funny because, we've heard of you."
Ross says stepping closer to John.
"See not long ago me and another agent, tracked down your old gang but you all seemed to have scattered...you however...well we have an offer for you."
Ross says with a smug smile.
"An offer?"
John replies, he doesn't like this not one bit but, he can't act out not now...otherwise his family will get hurt....he has to listen.
"Yes an offer, more like a compromise...some of your old members are scattered around...they're just not safe to be roaming around as they are...they're all dangerous John...if you help...well your family....they'll be just fine."
John looks uneasy and his makes eye contact with Abigail.
Then agent Ross speaks again.
"tell you what we will give you a few days to think on it...when we are back we expect answer...bye now."
Ross says and gets on his horse with his companion and they ride off.

John makes sure they leave and once over the hill. Abigail lets out a sigh from the stress that just happened.
John storms to the gate and shuts it after himself, he storms in the house and.
Abigail speaks.
"Where are you going?"
Uncle gets up and walks in the house as does Abigail and Jack.
"What are you doing?"
Uncle says.

"We need help...I can do this alone...and I need my family safe."
John says sternly and grabs a piece of paper and a pen.
He brings to write like his life depended on it.
John writes to Arthur Callahan...knowing full well that Arthur Morgan his brother...will come or at least offer advice...right now he needs his brother.
John rides into town as he holds the letter for Arthur's address, he clutches it and sighs then posts the letter as he rides back home he's worried and anxious and he waists for Arthur's reply.

*Two days later*
Meanwhile across the ocean Arthur comes down the stairs and sees a latter on the floor, he picks it up and goes to make a coffee.
As he makes one, he makes a quick breakfast for his wife and daughter as well as himself.
Sophia runs downstairs.
"Dad look my horse is better."
As Arthur looks and looms over his daughter. He takes in the drawing that's improved.
"Not bad little Miss...now see if you can some shadows and details after breakfast."
Arthur says and goes to open the letter he knows is from his brother in West Elizabeth.

"Dear Arthur,
My brother...I'm in deep trouble, I know this is wrong of me to ask, I know you have a made a life across the ocean but, the Pinkertons have caught up to us. Members of our old gang are causing trouble I can only assume it's Bill, Javier and most importantly our old pal Dutch. Dutch's robbery's and actions have been making headlines lately and right now my family's life is threatened. I know this is a big ask but....brother I need your help or at least your advice.
I know I can't do this on my own. I hope this letter reaches you.
Always your brother.
John."

Arthur sighs and looks up at the ceiling.
Step break Arthur's train of thought when he sees his wife come down the stairs looking as beautiful as the day he first met her.
"Good morning."
Y/N says with a smile.
Arthur can't manage a smile though, he's stressed and the contents of the letter is getting to him.
Y/N can already tell.
She turns to Sophia.
"Honey let me take your plate go work on your drawing in the living room."
Y/N says and Sophia nods and jumps down taking her little book with her.
Y/N turns to her husband.
"What is it? I know that look."
Arthur looks at his wife and gives her the letter.

A moment later Y/N sighs.
"No no Arthur we just-"
"I know...I know...but...I can't leave him...ya know Abigail...Jack...if there's a chance."
Arthur says.
"A chance for what? For you to be killed."
Y/N says upset.
"Y/N."
Arthur says sternly but, holds her hand bringer closer to him.
"If this was the other way round he'd already be on a boat on the way here...I have to help him."
Arthur says.
"But what if....what if something-"
Y/N says trialing her words away.
"Listen to me...if anything like that does happen you take our daughter...and you never look back...you make sure she has the life I know you both deserve..."
Arthur says, stroking her arms to comfort her.
"No I'm coming with you."
Y/N says determined.
"You are not-"
Arthur says.
"Yes!! I am and you won't argue with me...if you go with John I can at least look after Abigail and Jack...I am coming."
She says showing the fire in her eyes and Arthur knows he can't win against her.

They both look at each other..as they rest their foreheads against each other Y/N gives him a soft and tender kiss.
"Me and you...like always."
She says.
"Always."
Arthur replies giving her a smile.
"First thing tomorrow we catch a boat back to West Elizabeth...we go help John...then come back and live out our lives...just us...and our daughter."
Arthur says and strokes Y/N's dark hair placing their foreheads against each others again.

They know this calm won't last forever...they are about to walk into chaos again...hopefully for the very last time.