Loyalty Divided

Chapter Twenty One

Arthur rode through the snow-covered forest, his mind a turbulent sea of thoughts and emotions. Dutch's insistence on the bank robbery gnawed at him. It wasn't just about the risk, though that was certainly a significant part of it. The idea of pulling off such a high-stakes heist, with so many vulnerable lives depending on their success, felt like playing a game of Russian roulette. Dutch's unwavering faith in grand schemes and bold moves, while once inspiring, now seemed reckless and out of touch with the harsh realities they faced.

The snow crunched beneath his horse's hooves, the cold air biting at his face, but Arthur barely noticed. His thoughts were consumed with the lives he was responsible for, the young and the innocent who had no say in Dutch's daring plans.

How could he justify placing them in harm's way for the sake of one potentially lucrative job? The weight of responsibility felt crushing, and Dutch's dismissive attitude only made it heavier.

Arthur's anger was intertwined with a deep sense of betrayal. He had followed Dutch for years, through good times and bad, believing in his vision of freedom and a better life. But now, it seemed like Dutch was chasing dreams at the expense of their safety. Arthur couldn't shake the feeling that the man he once admired was losing sight of what truly mattered: the well-being of their makeshift family. His loyalty to Dutch was still strong, but it was being tested in ways he never thought possible. The man's refusal to see reason, to acknowledge the very real dangers of their situation, left Arthur feeling isolated and disillusioned.

As he rode on, the forest thickened, and the familiar landmarks of their camp faded into the distance. Arthur's mind wandered to simpler times, before the gang's troubles had escalated to this point. He longed for the days when their camaraderie was their greatest strength, when their goals felt achievable, and their bond unbreakable. But now, that unity was splintering under the strain of Dutch's ambitions.

Eventually, Arthur found himself at the edge of a clearing, and the sight of a modest cabin brought him back to the present. It was Eliza's place.

Dismounting his horse, Arthur approached the cabin with a mix of hesitation and hope. He knocked gently on the door, taking a deep breath as he waited. The snow continued to fall softly around him, and for a moment, the world felt still and quiet. When Eliza opened the door, her warm smile and the welcoming glow from inside the cabin eased some of the tension in his chest.

"Arthur," she greeted him, her voice a balm to his frayed nerves. "Come in, you look like you could use a break from the cold."

Arthur nodded, stepping into the warmth of her home. As the door closed behind him, he felt a small but significant shift within himself. Here, with Eliza, he could find a brief respite from the turmoil of the gang's struggles. The soft crackling of the fireplace and the cozy interior made him feel momentarily at peace. Eliza led him to a chair near the fire. "Sit down, Arthur. Warm yourself up." She bustled around the small kitchen area, preparing a pot of coffee. "What brings you out here in this weather?"

Arthur rubbed his hands together, trying to shake off the cold and the remnants of his earlier anger. "Just needed to get away for a bit. Things are... complicated with the gang right now." He hesitated, then added, "You got anything stronger than coffee?"

Eliza paused, then nodded understandingly. "I have some whiskey. I'll pour you a glass." She retrieved a bottle from a cupboard and poured a generous measure into a glass, handing it to Arthur. He took it gratefully, his hands wrapping around the glass as if seeking its warmth.

He took a long sip, feeling the burn of the alcohol as it went down. "Thank you," he said softly, his eyes meeting hers.

Eliza sat down across from him, her expression gentle. "You don't have to thank me, Arthur. You're always welcome here."