Loyalty Divided

Chapter Eighteen

Evangeline awoke to find an empty bed. The events of the previous day came back to her. The gang rescuing her, her affair with Arthur.
She felt the guilt churn in her belly about the events last night. She knew they both wanted it, so why did it bother her so bad? She rolled over and spied a note on the bedside table. She picked it up and read it.

Brought the rest of your things. Meet us at the restaurant across the street at 9.

-Arthur

Next to the note was a small watch. She checked the time: 8. She felt the exhaustion from the last couple of days leave her after her well deserved rest. Evangeline looked around the room and saw the rest of her belongings: her satchel, hat, and fresh clothes.

Reluctantly, she got out of the bed and began to dress. The events of the previous day came flooding back, the emotions swirling within her. She couldn't deny the guilt she felt over her affair with Arthur, especially knowing about his commitment to another woman who was carrying his child. She shook her head, trying to push those thoughts aside. There were more immediate matters to attend to.

After freshening up, she gathered her things and took a deep breath, attempting to steady her nerves. She slung her satchel over her shoulder and put on her hat, her fingers lingering on the brim as she tried to compose herself.

Evangeline stepped out of the room and made her way down the stairs, the wooden steps creaking beneath her boots. The inn was quiet at this hour, with only a few early risers milling about. She stepped out onto the street, taking in the crisp morning air. The town was just starting to come to life, with shopkeepers setting up for the day and the scent of fresh bread wafting from the nearby bakery.

She glanced at the watch again. It was still early, and she had some time to herself before meeting the gang. She decided to take a walk, hoping the fresh air would clear her mind. She wandered through the streets, letting her thoughts drift as she took in the sights and sounds of the town.

Eventually, she found herself standing in front of the restaurant where she was supposed to meet Arthur and the others. She checked the watch once more: 8:45. She took another deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. She pushed open the door and stepped inside.

Arthur was already there, sitting at a table with Hosea, Dutch, John, and Miss Grimshaw with Copper at his feet. Arthur looked up as she entered, his expression softening when he saw her. He waved her over, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Morning, Evangeline," he greeted her warmly as she reached the table.

"Morning," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Take a seat," Dutch said, gesturing to the empty chair next to Arthur. "We've got a lot to discuss." Evangeline sat in the chair next to Arthur and pulled his hand to her lap under the table.

Hosea handed her a warm cup of coffee. "How are you feeling, dear?"

She took a sip feeling the warmth spread through her body against the morning chill. "Much better. Still sore though."

Hosea gave her a satisfied nod and turned his attention to Dutch.

Her mind was still preoccupied with her own thoughts. As the conversation shifted to their next move, Evangeline forced herself to focus. They needed to be on the same page, especially with the O'Driscolls still a threat.

"We need to keep moving," Dutch was saying. "It's not safe here for too long. We'll head out after lunch, find a new place for while. Maybe through the winter."

Arthur glanced at Evangeline, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and something else she couldn't quite read. "Are you up for it?" he asked softly.