Liars And Thieves

Chapter 25

"Okay, get your heads right. Nobody makes a move until I say so," Dutch ordered as the gang approached the mansion, the row of large yet stunning trees sheltering the road to the mansion, making it look inviting and welcoming when it wasn't at all. Grace did not miss this place and didn't expect to find herself riding down the road to save a defenceless child. They rode quietly down the road towards the Braithwaite manor, all that was heard has the thunder of horses with furious riders. Grace couldn't imagine what was going through Abigail and John's minds, the gang was already in shock after Sean's murder. No one spoke a word, Grace's mind was flooded with thoughts of Sean and Jack, Sean was a clown but he meant a lot to Grace just like he did to everyone. How could the Braithwaite family steal a child? He has no say in any of this.

"Alright everyone, dismount and come to me," Dutch ordered as the gang drew closer to the manor, He drove The Count to the side of the road. Grace did as ordered, along with the others. She dismounted, grabbing her evans repeater from the side of her saddle and slung it over her shoulder. Grace wanted to grieve over Sean but right now wasn't the time. "We'll go in on foot from here."

"First Sean, now Jack. We should have stayed out of all this," Lenny muttered as he dismounted, keeping his voice low enough for the gang to hear. 

"Bit late for that, ain't it," Bill huffed as he marched over to join Dutch. Lenny watched as Bill barged past him to Dutch, Grace putting a hand on Lenny's shoulder.

"Don't worry 'bout him. Everyone's emotions are high," Grace comforted. Lenny nodded and the two joined Dutch with the others. 

"Come on, let's get this done," Dutch continued, ignoring Lenny and Bill's comments. John was already pushing his way past everyone, Dutch quickly stopping John by placing his hand on his chest. "John, you sure you're okay?" Dutch asked as John stopped. John looked at Dutch for a few short seconds.

"Like I said, I'm fine," John attempted to remain calm, his voice shook with anger. Grace could understand if John wanted to go in guns blazing but for Jack's safety, she knew they could not. If the Braithwaites are sick enough to steal a kid, they could be sick enough to kill one. Dutch gave John a small nod before looking at the rest of the group, removing his hand from John. 

"Follow my lead," Dutch growled as he walked around the stone wall and onto the road. The rest followed him, all walking in line with him. "Both these redneck families think they can ruin us? I don't think so..." Dutch continued quieter, more like he was speaking to himself. Grace squeezed in between Charles and John, Charles giving her a small nod. 

"There they are," Hosea pointed out, falling in beside Dutch and John. 

"Who steals a goddamn boy?" Dutch questioned as he stared down the manor, revolver in hand as the group moved down in a line towards the manor, looking extremely intimidating. 

"I'm gonna let fly at those sons of bitches!" John scolded, his anger getting the best of him. 

"John, I need you to stay calm," Dutch ensured. John kept quiet, not saying anything else. The gang continued to move down the road, the manor becoming larger as they approached closer. "Get down here now!" Dutch's voice boomed out loudly, announcing their arrival. "You inbred trash," Dutch finished his sentence. Grace held back a smirk as they approached.

"What the hell do you want?" A voice called out from the manor, appearing to be one of Catherine's sons. Grace felt furious at the nerve of Gareth for questioning them when he sure as hell knew what was going on. She spotted him by the doors with another man. As the grew near, Charles and Lenny fell back, keeping distance to provide the rest of them cover in case they had to run. Javier fell back from beside Arthur, keeping his distance also. Grace stayed with John.