Loyalty Divided

Chapter Two

Sunlight poured in through the hotel room window; the curtains remained open from last night and Evangeline was paying for it now with her splitting headache. Evangeline sat up in bed and rubbed her head trying to think about what she had done the night before, however, no memories came to mind. She washed her face and changed clothes for the day, deciding to head outside for some fresh air and maybe some coffee. Evangeline snatched her hat from the bedside and placed it on her head. With a determined stride, she left the hotel in search of coffee. Outside, the morning air felt cool against her skin. She tilted her hat down to shield her eyes from the bright rays of the sun. Her memory of the previous night was hazy at best, but she knew she had to piece together the fragments before moving forward. Washing her face and changing into fresh clothes helped clear her mind somewhat, but the events of the evening remained elusive. As she walked down the quiet street, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, drawing her towards a quaint little café. Just as she was about to step inside, her eyes caught sight of familiar figures a few paces away.

There they were: Dutch, Hosea, and Arthur, the trio from the saloon last night. Evangeline's heart quickened as she watched them from a distance, unsure of what to make of their presence. What were they doing here, and did they have any connection to her hazy memories? A mixture of curiosity and caution coursed through her veins as she approached, keeping a careful eye on the three men. They seemed to be engaged in casual conversation, their voices low and their expressions relaxed. Evangeline hesitated, unsure whether to approach them or slip away unnoticed. But before she could make a decision, Dutch glanced up and caught her eye, his gaze piercing through the morning haze. "Good morning, Miss Thornton," Dutch called out, his voice carrying across the street. Caught off guard, Evangeline paused, her heart pounding in her chest. She hadn't expected them to acknowledge her.

"Morning," she replied cautiously, taking a few steps closer but keeping a safe distance.

Dutch motioned for her to join them, a friendly smile playing on his lips. "Why don't you come over and join us? We were just discussing a few matters of business." Evangeline's mind raced as she weighed her options. Should she trust them enough to engage in conversation, or would it be safer to keep her distance? But curiosity got the better of her, and with a tentative nod, she made her way towards the trio. As she drew closer, Dutch's smile widened, and Evangeline couldn't help but feel a flicker of warmth amidst her uncertainty. Maybe, just maybe, this encounter would shed some light on the mysteries of the previous night and the unexpected offer that awaited her.

"Morning, Miss Thornton," Hosea greeted her warmly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He pulled out a chair for her.

Evangeline nodded in response and sat at the table, her gaze flickering nervously between the three men. She couldn't shake the feeling that they knew more about her than she was comfortable with, and the memory of her failed attempt at pickpocketing Arthur only added to her unease. Dutch leaned back in his chair, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Rough night?" he asked casually, his tone laced with amusement. He poured her a cup of coffee and she sipped it lightly.

Evangeline's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she struggled to come up with a suitable response. "Something like that," she mumbled, avoiding their probing gazes.

Arthur, ever the blunt one, couldn't resist a jibe. "Looks like you had a bit too much fun last night, Miss Pickpocket."

Evangeline bristled at the nickname, her pride stung by his taunts. "I don't see how my personal affairs concern you," she retorted, her tone sharper than intended.

Dutch held up a placating hand, his expression turning serious. "No need for hostilities, Miss Thornton. We're just here to offer you a proposition."

Evangeline's curiosity was piqued despite herself, and she couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope at the prospect of a new opportunity. "What kind of proposition?" she asked cautiously, her guard still firmly in place.