The Morgan Clan || A Red Dead Story

Chapter 4; The Author

"So, how's life been treating you- besides meeting Mister Arthur Morgan that is. Any recent developments?" Jacob leaned an elbow on the table and had his eyes latched on Albert.

"Fairly well. I've been able to scrape quite a few pictures together for some art galleries in Saint Louis and Denver. Someone commissioned me in Valentine. Wanted me to take a picture of him and his dogs. Very nice fellow," Albert responded thoughtfully.

"I see, and what about you Mr. Morgan?" Jacob turned his attention to Arthur and Arthur, having been observing the restaurant, jumped slightly.

"I-uh. Yeah, life's been servin' me fine. I've made quite a few bucks on bounties over the years, and Albert's been showin' my drawings at some of his galleries."

"Drawings you say? Interesting. I don't think I've ever seen any. Might I look at some of them?" Anticipation filled Jacob's entire body in one instant, and Arthur couldn't help but say yes. He grabbed the journal from his satchel and handed it over, eyes remaining on the man's eager hands as Jacob flipped through the pages.

"Aren't they wonderful," Albert asked as his hand came to meet Arthur's under the table, "It took awhile for me to bring him around to the idea of putting some in a gallery and selling them, but he was finally swayed." The photographer squeezed his hand and Arthur squeezed it in return.

"They are indeed magnificent! I've never seen so many beautiful sketches before." Jacob flipped a couple more pages and gasped, a grin landing on his face. "There is quite a lot of you isn't there?" Arthur knew exactly which drawing Jacob was referring to. It was from about a month ago when he and Albert were up in Ambarino. Albert had stood a few feet from one of the geysers, his arms splayed, when it had gone off. Arthur couldn't not draw the expression of complete contentment and warmth on his partner's face.

"There is, but it's mostly animals and scenery. My favorite is the one of the entire five states," Albert said.

"Oh which one is that," Jacob asked in awe. Albert gestured for him to hand over the book, then flipped about half of the pages, stopping on a drawing spanning both.

"Here it is." Albert handed back the journal. Jacob's eyes went wide.

"Oh my goodness. This is amazing. Has this one ever been put up in a gallery?"

"No, I think Arthur likes to keep that one to himself." Albert nudged Arthur's shoulder, producing a single huff of laughter from the cowboy.

"Yeah," he said, "I like to keep that one to myself."

"Well, it's truly beautiful," Jacob said as he handed back the journal. Arthur put it back in his satchel.

"So what about you, Jacob? Anything new I didn't get in your telegram," Albert asked.

"Not much. My new novel is getting traction though!" The photographer gasped.

"It's not... that one is it?" Jacob laughed and waved a hand dismissively.

"Heavens no! I doubt anyone but the three of us at this table would want to read that one. It's actually the one I told you about last time we met, the one about the bear."

"Oh! That one. I haven't yet gotten around to reading the copy you sent me, with all the adventures of our own Arthur and I have been getting up to, but I must say I am excited to start it!"

"Good, you should be! I believe you'd find it quite enjoyable. Same with you, Mister Morgan." Arthur perked up at his name and met the man's eyes.

"Maybe. I- I admit I'm not much of a reader. I prefer stories told through talkin' or picture," after realizing the implications of what he said he quickly corrected himself, "Not that I can't read! I just... don't... much." Jacob nodded slowly, eyes still stuck to his.