Old Blood

Trust in Uncertainty

"Let the child go, Colm. She has nothin' to do with this. This is between you and me."

Dutch's gaze hardened even more as he saw Colm holding the child hostage. His voice was cold and resolute as he spoke. His tone leaving no room for argument.

"She's just a child, and she played no part in this."

Colm's words carried a hint of sinister satisfaction as he replied to Dutch, a slight smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.

"Oh, but she has, Dutch," Colm stated, enjoying the moment. "You think my men haven't seen her with your boys in town?"

He held the girl slightly closer, his revolver still pressed against her head, making his point clear.

The young girl flinched and sweat beaded on her forehead as she stood there, consumed by fear. She trembled slightly under the weight of the situation, her eyes darting nervously between Colm, Dutch, and Arthur.

Arthur felt a slight shift behind him as he became aware of John slowly approaching. He quickly glanced back to see John making his way forward, revolver held at the ready. The presence of another ally helped ease Arthur's tension, and he exchanged a brief look with John, silently acknowledging his involvement in the ongoing confrontation.

Colm, noticing John's approach, warned him not to come any closer. His finger hovered menacingly over the trigger, a clear indication that he was prepared to act if necessary.

"No, no, don't do that now," Colm sneered, his eyes narrowing as he threatened John.

Dutch's voice sliced through the air, his eyes fixed on Colm with a dark determination.

"How about this," he said, his tone even and resolute, "let's make a deal."

Colm, intrigued by Dutch's proposal, shifted his gaze to him with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

"A deal?" he echoed, his voice laced with a hint of caution.

Dutch's voice was firm as he made his proposal, his weight shifting slightly in preparation for any potential escalation.

"Leave the girl alone," he stated firmly, "we give you the money from this train."

Colm's laughter hung in the air, his skepticism evident in his response.

"I don't believe that one bit, Van Der Linde," he sneered, his voice laced with mockery. "You're a man of money, so why do you care about the life of some girl?"

Dutch's warning carried an air of authority, his words spoken with a hint of determination.

"She ain't gotta be involved in this," Dutch stated firmly, the tension hanging in the air. It was as if he was biding his time, waiting for something to unfold.

The tension in the air grew thicker as Colm issued his demand, his voice laced with a hint of arrogance.

"Then give us the money you robbed from these folk, and I'll let her go, like you said right?" he said, his words leaving no room for negotiation.

Dutch's jaw clenched tighter, the veins in his neck straining as he gripped his revolvers more firmly, a testament to his growing frustration and anger.

The young girl's eyes darted from Arthur to Dutch and everywhere in between, her gaze reflecting a mixture of fear and uncertainty. She was clearly terrified for her safety and looked to the two for a sign of what would happen next.

John's eyes darted to the side, focusing out of the window, and he spotted another group of O'Driscolls approaching on horseback. The sight of reinforcements only served to heighten the already tense situation.