Saving Arthur Morgan | rdr2

Chapter 8

"What a fine young man." I yelp, startled at the man's voice behind me. "and young woman I see." I was sitting on the ground with Jack, watching him make a lovely necklace for Abigail when they rode up, we didn't even notice them.

Arthur rushes over to us, standing in front to guard. One man packs a rifle thats slung lazily over his shoulder and the other walks up with confidence of a leopard. Both look at us with disgust. "And in such complex circumstances." His voice held poison. "Arthur isn't it? Arthur Morgan." He states.

"Who are you?" Arthur glances back at Jack and I, his face serious but his eyes say much more. Panic.

"Yes..Arthur Morgan, Van Der Linde's most trusted associate. You read the files," he looks to his partner with a sarcastic stare, "typical case..orphaned street kid seduced by that maniac's silver tongue, and matures into degenerate murderer....Agent Milton." He holds his hand to his chest in introduction. "Agent Ross." He gestures to his company. They both step closer, Arthur reached behind him pushing slightly as we backed away a safe distance. "Pinkerton Detective Agency seconded to the United States government. Nice to finally meet." A smirk plays on his lips. "We know a lot about you."

"Do ya?" Arthur's voice is low, a dangerous sound almost like a growl.

"You're a wanted man, Mr Morgan. There's five thousand dollars for your head alone."

"Five. Thousand. Dollars?" Arthur sways slightly. "For me? Can I turn myself in?"

I'm shocked at the man before me. Joking at a time like this....

The men ignore his comment, growing serious and the tension rose in the air. "We want Van Der Linde."

"Old Dutch? I haven't seen him for months." Arthur lies, I inch closer to him to hide my face from the men. I don't want them to see my reactions because my face shows my emotions, it doesn't matter what I do..I'll give us away in a heartbeat.

"is that so? Because I heard a guy fitting his description robbed a train belonging to Leviticus Cornwall up near Granite Pass."

Arthur chuckles nervously. "Ain't that a little...old fashioned nowadays?"

"Apparently not....Listen this is my offer Mr Morgan, bring in Van Der Linde and you have my word that you won't swing." They step closer again but Arthur doesn't back down.

"Well I ain't gonna swing anyways Agent um.." Arthur waits for his name.

"Milton." He reminds sourly.

"You see, I haven't done anything wrong beside not playing to your rules.." Arthur growls, growing even more tense.

"Spare me the philosophy lesson, I've already heard it from Mac Callander." He says eerily.

Arthur stumbles slightly at the name. "Mac Callander?"

Milton's faces turns into a sinister grin. "He was pretty shot up by the time I got to him..so really it was more of a mercy killing. Slow, but merciful." He might as well pat his own back at that. My stomach flips at the situation unfolding.
Arthur drops his head and in one sudden jerk, he throws the fishing pole down with a soft thud. Tensions growing higher as Agent Ross cocks his rifle quickly, aiming it right at Arthur's head. Jack and I both jump back. I pull him behind me quickly to protect him the best I can.

"You enjoy being a rich man's toy do ya!?" Arthur shouts angrily, his big hands balling into fists.

"I enjoy society, flaws and all. You people venerate savagery and you will die.. savagely." He pushes a gloved head out and squeezed viciously at those words, representing the gang being crushed. "All of you." He growls.

"Oh we're all gonna die, Agent." Arthur is calm now, but his voice is rough and curt.

"Some of us sooner than others." Milton hisses, turning and speed walking away. "Good day Mister Morgan."
The other agent kept his gun pointed, a sly smirk on his face.

"Goodbye." Arthur sounds exhausted but relaxed slightly.

Agent Ross turns slightly, eyeing Jack and I. "Enjoy your fishing kid...while you still can." He mounts his horse, chuckling evilly.

Jack steps out from behind me, rushing to Arthur. "Who are they?" Arthur reaches out and pats his head, gesturing towards our things.

"No one to worry about, no one at all." He lovingly ruffles the child's hair one last time. "Come on..let's pick up your things and get home." I could still hear the tension that pinched his low voice.

I hurriedly pack our stuff, not saying a word.
I'm a nervous wreck, my heart hammering in my chest from the encounter.

"It's getting late Jack, your mother will be worried so let's be getting back." He unhitches his horse, helping Jack mount, following behind after quickly putting the stuff in his saddlebags.

I mount Misty after I put my things away as well. I'm trembling so bad I have to grip the reigns tightly to still myself. I look up to Arthur, he is staring at my hands then meets my gaze giving me a sad smile that made my heart flutter and drop. I smile back, probably looking pitiful. He drops his head, hat covering most his face, then clicks his tongue, spurring his horse to move.
And off we go.. my heart breaks because this man will be hard to help especially if I can't help myself..