Unshaken

The Gilded Cage

It was midday the following day. Liam approached Arthur. He had completely forgotten to tell him he spoke Italian, and understood Bronte's secret language. "Hey, Arthur, can I talk to you for a moment?" Liam asked. "Sure." Arthur said. "Well, I might've forgot to tell you that I kinda know Italian. I knew everything that Bronte said." Liam said. Arthur's facial expression changed in an instant. "And you didn't think to tell me this that night?" He asked. "I didn't think about it. He didn't say nothing important anyway." Liam said. "You make sure to let me know about stuff like this. And how the hell did you even learn them words?" Arthur asked. "My grandma came here with Bronte's relatives. Nasty group, they are. She fled to Rhodes. Taught me to read, write and speak Italian." Liam said. Arthur looked off shaking his head for a moment. "Well you're coming with us tonight to the mayor's party. We was gonna bring Bill, but Dutch thought your youth would make us seem less intimidating or something like that." Arthur said. "Well I didn't mean it like tha-" Liam got out before Arthur was cutoff by Hosea asking him a question. He didn't like fancy functions. The two walked off and started talking.

Dutch later told him to join him, Arthur and Hosea to go to the tailors to get fitted for suits. They climbed into a fancy stagecoach driven by Lenny as the moon started to rise in the sky as they headed to the ball. Arthur and Dutch sat across from Liam and Hosea. "Mr. Parker here didn't tell us he spoke Italian!" Dutch said. Hosea leaned forward and looked at him with a sparkle in his eye. Liam told them about his family history with the Brontes. Then they started to joke about the four of them being at a ball.

"We are ridiculous!" Dutch said laughing as the carriage rolled along. "Utterly." Hosea agreed, trying to catch his breath. "I ain't never been to a ball in my life." Arthur said. "Nor have I, if I am being honest." Dutch said, pouring himself a glass of champagne. "I used to quite often. There can be fine pickings." Hosea said. Liam was about to get excited about robbing until Dutch stopped Hosea. "No, no, no, no. No pick-pocketing. We are here to make real contacts." Dutch informed them. "What kind of contacts?" Arthur asked. "Well I don't know. We'll find what we can. And all I know for sure is we are going to a party at the mayor's house and the guest of honor is the worst crook in town. I'm sure we will find something." Dutch said eagerly, enthusiastically. "Okay!" Arthur said raising his glass as the four toasted. They laughed as the coach pulled up to the extravagant house.

They climbed out laughing and walked up to the guard. "Gentleman. I'm afraid the mayor does not allow guns at official functions... after last year's incident." The guard said. The four of them handed in any firearms they possessed. Liam felt naked without his revolver on his hip. The odd clothing didn't help. "Luca here will take you to Mr. Bronte. I believe he is expecting you." The guard said. "Follow me, gentleman." Luca said in his European accent. They followed him up the path to the house. "This way, please, gentleman. Signor Bronte will be so pleased that you made it." Luca directed them. "We are honored to be here." Dutch said. "That's wonderful, wonderful! Come come this way. What a beautiful evening it shall be. Mr. Bronte is very good with the mayor. Good evening, Pierre." Luca said opening the door leading into the massive house. Pierre greeted him. "A-as long as the mayor behaves himself, you know? Mr. Bronte, he has, uh, that thing, you know? Respect." Luca said leading them through the house.

"Hosea, Arthur, you join the party. We'll meet you out back after we pay our respects to Signor Bronte." Dutch said. Hosea said to meet on the balcony when they finished. Luca led Dutch and Liam upstairs. He brought them outside to a balcony overlooking the courtyard filled with important people. Bronte was laughing. He turned to them with a look of pleasure. "Ah, the angry cowboys, you've arrived, and you've washed." Bronte said to them. Bronte then quickly said, "For the first time this month... no doubt." In Italian. His friends laughed at the insult. Liam bit his tongue to not react to Bronte's sly comment.