Loyalty Divided

Chapter Fifty Four

"What a fine young man... and in such complex circumstances. Arthur, isn't it? Arthur Morgan?"

Arthur Morgan, who had been teaching young Jack Marston how to fish, straightened up, his eyes narrowing at the sound of the unfamiliar voice. He turned slowly, hands instinctively moving closer to his holsters, ready for trouble. He scanned the two men approaching, noting their well-dressed appearance and the cold professionalism in their eyes.

"Who are you?" Arthur asked, his voice steady but edged with wariness.

The stranger continued, his tone dripping with a practiced ease. "Yes, Arthur Morgan... Van der Linde's most trusted associate. You've read the files, typical case... orphaned street kid seduced by that maniac's silver tongue... and matures into a degenerate murderer."

Arthur's eyes flickered with recognition and unease as the man introduced himself and his partner. "Agent Milton," he said, pointing to the man beside him, who cradled a rifle with casual familiarity, "and Agent Ross. Pinkerton Detective Agency... seconded to the United States Government. Nice to finally meet. We know a lot about you."

Arthur's jaw tightened, his mind racing. "Do you?" he responded coolly, though his heart pounded in his chest.

Arthur's mind raced, the weight of the situation settling heavily on his shoulders. His eyes flicked between the two agents, assessing their posture, their readiness, and the cold, calculating look in their eyes. The presence of the Pinkertons, agents of the law and power, sent a chill down his spine. This was no ordinary encounter; it was a confrontation that could tip the scales against the gang he had dedicated so much of his life to.

Arthur's thoughts flashed to the rest of the gang, scattered and hiding, unaware of this looming threat. Dutch, with his grandiose plans and diminishing sense of reality; Evangeline, caught between her own desires and the dangerous life they led; and the others, each with their own burdens and loyalties. The future had always seemed uncertain, but now it felt like it was closing in, the walls tightening around them.

He clenched his fists, resisting the urge to draw his guns. He knew that would only lead to a bloody end for himself and perhaps young Jack, who stood nearby, eyes wide with confusion and fear. Arthur felt a surge of protective instinct for the boy, a reminder of the innocence that was so often lost in their world.

Keeping his voice steady, Arthur masked his unease with a veneer of indifference. "What do you want?" he asked, knowing full well the answer, but buying time to think, to plan, to figure a way out of this trap. The mention of a price on his head and the inevitable threat to Dutch and the gang sent a rush of conflicting emotions through him-loyalty, fear, anger, and a grim understanding of the harsh reality they faced.

As the agents continued, outlining their terms and threats, Arthur's thoughts churned. He knew the stakes had never been higher. His every instinct screamed to protect what little they had left, to find a way to keep everyone safe. But he also knew that the world they were running from was relentless, and their time was running out.

Agent Milton's voice cut through Arthur's swirling thoughts, cold and pragmatic. "You're a wanted man, Mr. Morgan. There's five thousand dollars for your head alone."

Arthur's eyes flickered with dark amusement. "Five thousand dollars? For me?" He scoffed. "Can I turn myself in?"

Milton's expression remained unchanged, as if he were discussing the weather. "We want Van der Linde."

Arthur's face hardened, his voice dropping to a serious tone. "Old Dutch? I haven't seen him for months."

Milton's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of skepticism in his gaze. "Because I heard... a guy fitting his description robbed a train... belonging to Leviticus Cornwall up near Granite Pass."