Innocence Lost

Chapter 33

The following morning, they all left the hotel, and headed for the city jail. The Marshall, had retrieved Hosea's horse from Shady Belle, plus a spare for Abigail, who didn't have her own horse.

They hitched the horses outside, and headed in.

Both Abigail and Hosea, found it a little bit strange, to be walking into a jail, of there own free will. Arthur and Dutch, had kind of got used to it.

Tom Davies, sat behind the desk, with his feet propped up on it. He seemed very relaxed. But then, why wouldn't he. Having Dutch and Arthur on board, would make his life a lot easier, in the long run.

"Ladies, Gentlemen. I think its time to depart the high life of St. Denis, and get you settled in your new home. Its about a days ride from here, so the sooner we get underway, the better!" he exclaimed.

Arthur raised an eyebrow, "I'm sure we could find our own way there," he huffed.

The Marshall, narrowed his eyes, "Yes Mr Morgan, I dare say you could. But you're gonna have to do more than bring in one bounty, before I trust you wholeheartedly."

Arthur rolled his eyes. It would seem they weren't out of the woods yet, so to speak.

Dutch, looked at Arthur, "Son, go and get the others mounted up and ready to leave, I need to have a quiet chat with Mr Davies, before we leave."

Arthur frowned, not sure what he intended to chat with him about, but did as he was asked.

Once all the others had left, Dutch turned to the Marshall.

"I just wanted to thank you, for sticking to your word. It is appreciated. Arthur, can be a bit blunt." he offered.

Tom Davies nodded, "I'm a man of my word, Mr Van Der Linde. I hope you are the same. If that is the case, we will get on well."

Dutch nodded, "then lets get outta here. The sooner we start working for you, the sooner my friends can join us."

The trip to Chez Porter, took about a day. They made one rest stop, just after leaving the Lemoyne County border. Mainly for the benefit of the women, and Jack. Although Hosea, didn't complain either.

When they arrived at the little homestead, they realised it would take quite a lot of work to make it into a home. The previous incumbents, hadnt been the tidiest. Sadie, Ella and Abigail started to clean up, the bigger cabin, to make it habitable. They would have plenty of time to get it straight.

Dutch, Arthur and Hosea, sat with Tom Davies, discussing what he wanted them to do next.

Dutch was keen, that as the male members of the gang were released, from Sisika. That they helped with the bounties. Tom Davies, was at first a little reticent about this. But finally agreed. As long as heading out en masse, didn't alert the potential bounties from being caught.

Dutch was also keen, to find Maxwell Rowan. Whilst the Marshall, agreed he should be brought to justice, he wanted to be sure, that he had control about what bounties, Dutch and Arthur went after first.

He was impressed on how keen they were to continue the work, but he said he would give them a couple of days, before returning with their next job.

By the time the sun had set, Tom Davies, was on his way. The cabin, was relatively habitable, and Abigail had started to prepare a meal. They had brought a few supplies with them, from St. Denis. Enough for a meal that night. Sadie had suggested that they go into Valentine, the following day for supplies. It was only about an hours ride away. Once they had settled in a bit more, they would go hunting. It appeared that old habits died hard. They could have quite easily bought meat from the butcher in Valentine, but as they were not robbing people, when they got a bit short of money, they thought it best to spend as little as possible. At the start anyway.