Reckless Hearts

Chapter 31

For once, doing a simple job for you was uneventful. For that, you were immensely grateful.

If anything had happened on the journey back, you felt you would probably be stuck in camp for the rest of your life.

It was nice to be out and about again, and even nicer to have a little quiet time to yourself. The only sound the breeze in the trees and the clinking of the moonshine bottles in the back of the wagon.

As you neared the camp, you found a secluded spot, in the trees, just a little walk from the main camp area.

You hopped down off the wagon, remembering to pick up the rifle, from the foot well.

Lucky had followed you in, so you quickly stashed the rifle, in her saddle, and lead her back to the hitching area.

As usual Dutch's eyes were glued to the path, brows furrowed. You could see the look of relief on his face, as soon as he saw you.

Hosea was sitting nearby, and it looked like his mood had improved as well.

"Any problems?" Dutch asked.

You grinned, "none, it was just like taking a pleasant Sunday afternoon jaunt."

You looked at Hosea, "except I don't reckon the preacher would be too happy if I turned up with a wagon full of moonshine, You on the other hand..." You smirked.

Hosea tilted his head, "A wagon of moonshine you say?"

Dutch interjected, "belonging to the Braithwaite's, maybe you should see what you can do, Hosea?"

Hosea chuckled, "I'll certainly try."

You frowned slightly, "Why exactly are we helping the Sheriff?"

Dutch chuckled, "Gold, both families are rich, we just need to relieve them of it!" he exclaimed.

"But Subtly," Hosea added.

Dutch nodded, "we just need to poke around a little, see what's what."

You smiled, "maybe I should take a back seat, Subtlety was never really my strong point."

Hosea nodded, "Leave the Grays and the Braithwaite's to us. I'm sure there are other things you can be doing, but just try and remember to keep a low profile."

You nodded, you were tempted to make a joke about Leviticus Cornwall, or rich businessmen but you figured that now wasn't exactly a good time.

"Do you still have that watch, that you lifted off the poker player in Blackwater?" Hosea asked.

You frowned, "Yes, I've not really been in much of a position to do anything with it."

"Go and find Arthur," Hosea suggested. "Ask him to introduce you to Seamus, he's the fence at Emerald Ranch. He also deals in carriages and wagons, we did some work for him. Once he knows you, you can probably start dealing with him." Hosea added.

Dutch frowned, "but no jumping off horses onto wagons," he chastised. "I'd like to keep you in one piece for a while, if that's possible." he smirked.

You cast him a sultry look, "I'll go and find Arthur!"

Dutch licked his lips and narrowed his eyes, "Don't be too long," he rasped.

You found Arthur at a camp fire with Charles.

Arthur was cooking some meat on the end of his knife, and Charles, was doing something with some arrows.

"Pearson's stew not good enough for ya," you smirked, as you watched him eat.