Loyalty Divided

Chapter Ten

Evangeline awoke the next morning to an empty tent. She dressed and exited, heading out into the chilly air. She made her way across the camp to Dutch's tent where he stood outside.

"Ah Miss Thornton. Good morning."

"Morning, Dutch," she greeted, her voice tinged with a weariness that belied her resolve. Can I talk to you for a second?"

Dutch looked up from his map, concern etched into the lines of his face. "Miss Thornton, what brings you here so early?"

She hesitated for a moment before plunging into her tale, recounting the events of the previous evening with a raw honesty that left her feeling exposed. "There was a fight at the saloon last night," she began, her words measured yet laced with urgency. "Arthur and Colten... they got into it, and things got out of hand."

Dutch's brow furrowed as he listened, his expression darkening with each passing moment. "Damn it," he muttered under his breath. "We can't afford any more trouble."

Evangeline nodded in agreement. "That's why I'm here. I was hoping you could send Arthur and Colten out to scout the area, and keep them occupied while things cool down."

Dutch leaned back, sighing deeply. "I can't have them at each other's throats, not now. The last thing we need is a division in the camp." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully before nodding. "Alright, I'll send them out. A bit of distance from the camp and some responsibility might help them cool off. Besides, we could do with a thorough scout of the area. With the train job coming up, we need to be sure of our surroundings." He fixed Evangeline with a steady gaze. "Thank you for coming to me with this, Miss Thornton. We'll get it sorted. Just keep an eye on things while they're gone. We need everyone pulling together right now."

Evangeline felt a wave of relief wash over her. "I will, Dutch. Thank you." Dutch nodded, turning back to his map. "Let's get them moving then. The sooner they're out there, the better for all of us." Evangeline nodded and left Dutch's tent, her mind racing.

Stepping into the morning light, she saw Arthur nearby, already awake and tending to his gear. As she walked past him, he called out, "Evangeline, wait-" She ignored him, her pace steady as she made her way to Colten's tent. Arthur's eyes followed her, confusion and hurt evident on his face, but she didn't look back.

Colten had arrived back at the camp, back from whatever mysterious adventure he went on in the mornings. "Morning, Lina," he greeted her, his tone softer than usual.

"Morning," she replied, trying to keep her voice even. "Dutch wants you and Arthur to scout the area." Colten's expression darkened slightly, but he kept his voice calm.

"Arthur, huh? Well, if it's Dutch's orders, I can't argue." His disappointment was evident and he rolled his eyes.

Evangeline nodded. "Just get ready. We need to keep the peace in the camp."

He stood up and walked over to her, gently squeezing her hand. "Don't worry. I'll handle it. You take care of yourself, okay?"

She managed a small smile. As Colten walked off to his horse, Evangeline turned to see Arthur approaching her again, determination in his stride. She quickly diverted her attention, moving away from him without a word. Arthur stopped, frustration etched into his features as he watched her go, feeling the sting of her deliberate avoidance. Colten mounted his horse and glanced back at Evangeline, who stood resolutely, her back to Arthur. He felt a surge of satisfaction seeing her ignore Arthur, a smug smile playing on his lips. "Morgan," he called out. "Let's go." With a final look at Evangeline, he urged his horse forward, Arthur following a moment later.

The two men rode out of the camp, leaving Evangeline behind, her emotions a tangled web of frustration, worry, and lingering tension. As she watched them disappear into the distance, she couldn't help but hope that the time apart would help them cool off and regain some perspective. The camp slowly came to life around her, but her thoughts remained with Arthur and Colten, and the unresolved tension that threatened to pull them all apart.