The Morgan Clan || A Red Dead Story

Chapter 12; A Short Ride

"So... how are we going to go about this," Albert asked as he sidled Shadow's Cast up next to Arthur's horse. Ghost whinnied at her friend in greeting, causing the baby to giggle at the noise.

"Whaddya mean?" Arthur sideglanced the photographer.

"I mean we don't really have a plan, Arthur. We've decided to go find her a family, but how are we going to do it?" There was a pause where Arthur's gears turned in his head.

"Well I was thinkin' we could just-"

"We are not knocking on people's doors out of the blue."

"Okay well I got nothin'." Albert huffed at Arthur in annoyance.

"What do you think we should do, then," the cowboy retorted.

"Well... we could talk to the Sheriff?" Arthur laughed at that.

"We ain't doin' that, no way."

"Why not?"

"That would get either A. us kicked right outta this town, or B. the kid killed." Both men looked at the baby in the carrier. Her eyes sparkled with glee as she watched the horses toss their heads and talk to each other, a laugh rising from her chest at their noises.

"Remember I said that Strawberry don't like Negroes. If we show up in the Sheriff's with her, well all's gonna go to shit." Arthur's eyes met Albert's and they stared at each other for a moment before Albert nodded in understanding.

"Alright, but then why are we heading back to Strawberry at all," he asked.

"Food for her. I'm not an expert, but I don't think that only eating beans is good for 'er. Also some diapers. I ain't lettin' her relieve herself on anymore of my shirts." Albert laughed at that, causing a smile to grow on Arthur's face.

"Alright, fair enough. Where should we go after that? Back to Flatneck? Or to Valentine? Or maybe Saint Denis?"

"Maybe we can take a train to Flatneck and then hoof-it to Emerald from there. Ever since Emerald Ranch became a legalized city, everyone's been movin' up there. We might be able to find her a home there. Sound good?"

"Wonderfully," Albert said with a nod," maybe I can call Maggie while we're in Flatneck to see if she's donated the money I sent her yet." He grinned at his partner and Arthur huffed out a laugh.

"Wonder if Nat Geo's made you their photographer yet?" The cowboy smirked in Albert's direction, who gave him a mock scowl.

"With what I've donated and the pictures I send them I would hope so, but I'm beginning to tire of hoping for that. After all it's been years."

"Aw, don't worry, Albert. I bet they'll realize your talent and give you the job." Arthur reached over to pat him on the shoulder. Albert entwined their fingers.

"It's not just talent though. It's also the love of nature and need to preserve."

"Which you've got a fuckload of."

"Not in front of her!" Albert let go of Arthur's hand and pointed to the baby, who was now content with looking up at the sky.

"She don't understand that word, Albert," the cowboy said, waving him off.

"Someday she will, and she'll be appalled at the memory."

"Like she's gonna remember us," Arthur said with a laugh. Immediately after, however, his eyes widened and he looked over to Albert. The man's eyes looked downcast.

"Ah shit I'm sorry."
"It's fine, Arthur," Albert said with a small, sad smile. He glanced from Arthur to the babe before his eyes settled on the trail ahead and he spurred Shadow's Cast forward towards Strawberry.

~

A/N: Sorry this was a shorter chapter! The next chapter is longer and I didn't know exactly how to cut it to make them even. This was the result. Hope it's okay!