Dutch's Girl

Chapter Ten

Chelsea

"It all went to shit so quickly, I didn't really know what to do. If it wasn't for Arthur, I doubt both Marston and Strauss would've survived, one would've died. Hell, maybe I would've died too," Dutch explained grimly. I shuttered at the thought of losing Dutch.

"Well, I'm glad you all got out of there. Since Arthur made it back in one piece, I assume that he took care of the town... there might not be anyone left alive." Arthur's gunslinger skills were impeccable. I doubted that there were a lot of people that could top him. Dutch maybe could, but I feel as though he'd have a run for his money.

I sighed and leaned against him. "So we are moving, huh? I guess that was to be expected. I just hope wherever we go will be a good place to stay for a while." Dutch huffed his agreement, clearly tired. "I hope one day we can achieve our goal of freedom and simple livin'." I smiled. Dreamer.

I remember having all types of ambitions. I used to dream of becoming an artist and writer. At one point, I wanted to sing as well. I've written songs before, but of course, ranch life doesn't really give you much room for ambitions like those. Now I have a lot of extra time.

"Do you think that we can achieve that world inside of your head? I'd like to see it one day." Dutch planted a gentle kiss on my cheek before standing. "I hope we can, my dear, I hope we can. I think I'm gonna read some more Evelyn Miller. I'll talk with you later." I hummed my goodbye before rising and going over to Nightmare.

My stunning Arabian snorted a hello at me, and I chuckled at her personality. To think this horse was a legend to most, and now she's as silly as a young filly. I took off her saddle Dutch bought me and sat it on the ground by my feet before taking out my brush and running it over the entirety of her sleek, muscular body. The amount of dust and dirt that managed to get on her was incredible.

After some time, I felt someone approach, and I looked to see a man in a long black coat, a red dress shirt, white hat, and the most unruly looking hair. I think his name is Micah Bell. He was looking me up and down, and I felt very uncomfortable.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't little Miss Wolff. I've been wantin' to have a good look at ya since ya showed up," he said creepily. I shuddered and backed up, knocking into Nightmare. She was watching Micah closely, and it was evident she felt the same way as I did about the man.

"Now, don't be scared, I ain't here to hurtcha." Nice try genius, I ain't fallin' for that. Micah laughed and stepped an inch closer, and in an instant, I whipped out my revolver and aimed it at his chest. "Take another step and I will shoot you where you stand." This only caused the outlaw to smirk.

I backed even closer to Nightmare. I didn't want to show my fear, but something about this man frightened me. Micah shook his head and began to walk off. "Watch yourself princess. You're not always gonna be so protected." I didn't take my eyes off his back as he trudged to wherever he was going.

I shuddered in disgust and picked my saddle up off the ground. Nightmare threw her head up in clear distress, and I knew her pain. I felt bad. I didn't like him either. I patted her neck and whispered sweetly into her ear. "He's gone girl." Nightmare snorted and ultimately relaxed. I felt ten times better in her company.

Once she was saddled up and ready to go, I decided to do some chores. I walked over to the wash bin, but was stopped by a certain voice. "Hey Chelsea, cmere a minute." I turned, and the person in question was Abigail. I remembered her name from doing chores with the girls. I walked over and dipped my head politely. "Howdy Abigail. How's Jack?" She sighed. "He's fine. Look, I just wanted to say thank you for not bein' stuck up like Molly. It's nice to see Dutch with a woman who ain't hidin' behind the idea that she's the leader's girl." I blushed from embarrassment.