Loyalty Divided

Chapter Nine

*note: there is a formatting issue with this chapter*

Two months had passed since that fateful night by the fire. The gang had been through a lot in that time, and now they were preparing to move again. The camp was alive with the bustle of packing up, the air filled with the sounds of horses being saddled and supplies being loaded onto wagons. Copper barked happily at the energy.

Evangeline moved through the camp with purpose, her mind focused on the task at hand. She avoided Arthur's gaze, which had become a painful routine for her. Since their kiss, they had both kept their distance, each wrapped up in their own thoughts and duties. The unspoken tension between them was palpable, but there was no time to dwell on it now. The gang had a new target: a train rumored to be carrying a fortune in money and valuables that was supposed to be coming through Nebraska in the coming weeks.

Miss Grimshaw was directing the chaos with her usual no-nonsense attitude, ensuring that everything was packed properly. "Evangeline, make sure those supplies are secured," she barked, pointing to a stack of crates.

"On it, Miss Grimshaw," Evangeline replied, her voice steady. She walked over and began tying down the crates, her movements efficient and practiced.

Nearby, Dutch and Hosea were discussing the plan for the train heist, their voices low but urgent. "We need to be quick and precise," Dutch was saying. "No mistakes this time."

Hosea nodded. "I have a map of the area. I'll send someone to scout when we get up there.

"Arthur was nearby, helping John pack up his belongings. He glanced over at Evangeline, his expression unreadable. John, noticing the tension, tried to lighten the mood. "You ready for this, Arthur? Feels like we've been sitting still for too long."

Arthur gave a brief nod. "Yeah, time to get moving again. Got a good feeling about this one."

John grinned, his youthful enthusiasm shining through. "That's the spirit."

As the camp gradually came together, Colten approached Evangeline, his presence a reminder of the complicated dynamics within the gang. She had noticed that each morning he awoke early and left the camp. His only excuse was that he was going for a walk. It just seemed strange to her. "You doing okay?" he asked, his voice low.

Evangeline nodded, trying to muster a genuine smile. "Just ready to get this over with."

Colten gave her a reassuring look. "We've got this. Just stay close and be careful, alright?"

Evangeline nodded again, but her thoughts briefly wandered to Arthur. She quickly pushed them aside, focusing on the task at hand and the immediate needs of the camp. Dutch called the gang together, his voice carrying over the camp. "Alright, everyone, listen up! We're moving out in an hour. Get your things ready and make sure everything's secured. This train job is our ticket to a better future, so let's make it count."

The gang members dispersed, each with their own duties to attend to. Evangeline found herself standing alone for a moment, the weight of the past two months pressing down on her. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. This was no time for distractions. They had a job to do, and she was determined to see it through.

Arthur watched her from a distance, a mixture of regret and resolve in his eyes. He knew they needed to talk, to clear the air between them, but now was not the time. There were more pressing matters at hand. As he turned back to help John, he couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for what might have been.

As the hour drew to a close, the gang mounted their horses and gathered their supplies, ready to move out. The journey ahead was uncertain, fraught with danger and potential rewards. But for now, they had a common goal, and that was enough to unite them, at least for a while.