It was in front of us - Micah Bell

Keepin' secrets

Late afternoon

You and Molly sat at a table eating stew. Your eyes were still a tad puffy from all the crying you'd been doing, but, talking with Molly, allowing it all to be spilt to someone, calmed you down.

You and Molly, in such a short amount of time had formed a lovely friendship. It seemed that other members of the gang such as Dutch, Miss Grimshaw and some of the other ladies had noticed as well. Molly and yourself were more involved with some of the other girls now. Involved in their gossips and late night sing songs.

Sure, Molly didn't do too much work for the camp, but it didn't matter much to you.

As you were sat chatting to Molly, Kieran came marching over.

"There you are. Been waiting for a moment to talk to you." He said as he placed a hand on your shoulder. You smiled up at him as you placed a hand on his and squeezed.

He looked over at Molly. And by the expression she gave him, he knew, she knew.
"What happened today (Y/N?)" Kieran asked as he leaned down to you.

You looked around sheepishly.
"I'd go elsewhere Kieran." Molly advised with a smile.

Kieran nodded before taking both your hands in his and pulling you to standing.
"Thank you Miss O'Shea." He thanked her.

"Molly, Kieran. Molly." She reassured. He smiled and nodded over his shoulder in reply as he walked away with you. An arm wrapped over your shoulder as he guided you to your little area.

Dutch watched from his tent as you and Kieran walked through camp.
Micah stood by him.

"So, Colm's looking for her is he?" Dutch asked Micah.

"Yeah. Like I said, Some O'Driscoll bastard came to take her away. She got lucky. Best she doesn't go out alone for a while." Micah insisted. Causing Dutch to turn his head to him.

"You seem quite protective all of a sudden Micah? Taken a liking have you?" Dutch teased as he took out a cigar and lit it.

"Amusing as always Boss" Micah chuckled. Brushing it off.

"Yeah well. Don't be worrying yourself about her. I can assure you, Colm won't be getting to any more of my women." Dutch said with a slight twinge of anger in his voice.

His Women? - this caught Micah's attention. So much that he unintentionally shot Dutch a nasty look.

"Your women?" He questioned. Coming slightly closer to Dutch.

The expression on Dutch's face suddenly changed. As if only just realising what he'd said.

He took a drag on his cigar before throwing it to the floor violently and turning to Micah.

"I don't care about the past she may or may not have with Colm. All I know, is that she is... well she's becoming one of us now. He's already taken one woman from us, it isn't happening again." Dutch said in a low voice.

Dutch went to walk further into his tent but turned back to his friend.

"She- She just, reminds me of her...that's all. All this O'Driscoll shit, women, Colm, it doesn't, settle right with me anymore. I don't want anymore people falling into the hands of him. That's all." Dutch dismissed.

Micah nodded but let out a heavy huff of annoyance as he made his way to the fire.

Dutch drifted to his table, opened a draw and took out an old photograph. His slightly younger self and a gorgeous woman within it. He stroked the thin paper with his thumb and smiled.
Turning it over, it read;