Loyalty Divided

Chapter Seven

Arthur awoke before the sun the next morning, unable to get a full night's rest due to the anticipation he was feeling about the coach robbery. Of course, he had robbed before, but there was a certain thrill it gave him. He sat up and rubbed his face. Mary stirred next to him, missing the warmth that he provided. Looking at her made his heart hurt. He didn't know if he would see her again, if ever.

Arthur got out of bed and began to dress himself, his clothes strewn across the room from the night before. Mary lifted her head from the pillow and yawned. "Arthur?" He looked down but didn't reply. Mary moved to the edge of the bed and grabbed his hand. "Arthur, are you leaving already?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

He sighed, looking into her eyes. "Yeah, got some business to take care of. Don't know when I'll be back."

Mary's grip tightened on his hand. "Be careful, Arthur. I worry about you."

He squeezed her hand gently. "I'll be alright, Mary. I always am."

She nodded, though her worry was evident. "I just... I wish things were different."

Arthur knelt down, cupping her face with his rough hands. "Me too, Mary. But this is the life I chose. You deserve better than this."

Mary's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I don't care about any of that. I just want you to come back to me."

He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "I'll try my best."

Mary pulled him into a hug, holding him tightly. "Promise me you'll be careful."

"I promise," he whispered, though the words felt heavy on his tongue. He knew the dangers of the life he led, and promises were hard to keep. "I'll write to you whenever I can." She nodded. Arthur finished dressing and retrieved his satchel from the dresser. He reached his hand in and found the small, round piece of jewelry. He sat next to Mary and grabbed her hand, gently pushing the ring on her finger. He kissed her hand. "I want you to keep this."

"Arthur, I ca-"

"Yes you can, Mary."

"I will always love you, Arthur Morgan."

"Me too, Mary." Reluctantly, Arthur stood and finished dressing. He glanced back at Mary one last time before heading out the door, the weight of the upcoming day pressing heavily on his shoulders.

As he made his way to the meeting point, the early morning air was crisp and cool. The town was still and quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos he felt inside. He found the rest of the gang already gathered, their faces set with determination.

Dutch greeted him with a nod. "Ready, Arthur?"

He nodded back, glancing around at his companions. "Let's get this done."

Dutch gave a quick briefing on the plan, his voice low and authoritative. "Miss Grimshaw and young John have already set out. We'll meet them after. They should be about a quarter day's ride away from us."

Hosea placed the map from yesterday on the table and folded it out for everyone to see. "Arthur, Evangeline, and Colten will meet here." He pointed to a spot on the map. "Dutch and I will cut the coach off here." He pointed to another spot. "You three will follow up behind it at a distance until we stop it. Hopefully, no one will have to die and they'll cooperate. However, we need to be quick. Are we ready?" The three of them nodded in unison. Hosea rolled up the map and collected his things. "Let's get going, then."

"We need to get moving," Arthur said, his tone brisk. "We'll meet up with the others once we have a clear view of the land."

Evangeline nodded, her expression serious. "Let's go." As they rode out of town, Arthur couldn't help but glance back one last time, thinking of Mary and the life he could never have. He steeled himself for the day ahead, knowing that there was no turning back.