When the Devil Cries (Arthur Morgan X Male OC)

19. Hurricane

From Arthur's POV

THE NEXT MORNING

SHADY BELLE, INSIDE THE MANSION

Slidin' the rag up and down my rifle, I made sure all my weapons were ready to go while Eddie gathered his own gear, both of us preparing for the robbery.

Dutch still seemed confident in the plan that he and Micah created, and no one else had protested the scheme yet, but Hosea and I...well...we wasn't so sure.

I mean, robbin' a national bank was risky enough, considering how heavy the security was -- but starting another robbery on the other side of town just to distract the law for a few minutes...it felt like suicide. I knew Dutch thought he was buyin' us some time -- and that we'd be in and out within minutes -- but to me, this plan just seemed like it was gonna end up painting an even bigger target on our backs. And that was the last thing we needed right now.

Ah, well...it was clear to me that there weren't no use in tryin' to convince Dutch. For whatever foolish reason, he appeared to be taking Micah's advice to heart recently, and I knew better than to go in circles with the old man.

I was just worried about what we'd do if things didn't go accordin' to plan today. Not only would our gang be split up, we would've also attracted the law to both sides of the city, makin' it much easier for them to corner us.

I just hoped I'd be able to keep Eddie safe. That boy was about to throw himself into one of the most dangerous heists we'd pulled off since Blackwater, and I was gonna do everything I possibly could to ensure he'd get back out.

The money may've been Dutch's main concern today, but the pianist was mine.

"You sure you're ready for this?" I asked Eddie, earning a hesitant sigh from the boy.

"...Well, I'm not too fond of the idea of robbing people," he admitted, "but if Dutch is willing to let me stay in his camp, then the least I can do is help the gang earn some money."

I slipped my revolvers into my holsters, shrugging in response. "If you're sure. It's just...there's a whole lot that could go wrong with this plan, and I wanna make sure you ain't caught in the worst of it if it does."

Eddie walked up to me and began straightening my suit, adjustin' my tie while he spoke.

"I'll be okay," he reassured. "I have you by my side, don't I?"

I smiled at him. "Always."

The boy let out a soft chuckle, his eyes twinkling in a reminiscent manner as he tidied me up.

"You know, Arthur...when we first met, I never imagined I'd be robbing a bank with you one day. Hell, I didn't imagine any of this. But...despite the struggles we may face, and the many things we've fought through to get here, I just want to let you know -- I'm glad to have you with me."

I beamed at the compliment and retrieved my bandana, tyin' the accessory around my neck.

"The feeling's mutual. You happy you joined the gang though? I know these people ain't exactly your typical civilians, but they're alright. ...Most of 'em."

The pianist nodded. "I am. Miss Grimshaw introduced me to Tilly and Karen yesterday. I had quite a lengthy talk with them, actually. And Mary-Beth as well. She told me she wants to be an author someday. I never expected there to be so many artists in the gang...but I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Considering who the leader is."

I quirked a brow. "You see Dutch as an artist?"

"Perhaps not an artist himself, but he certainly appreciates it. He's always reading that Evelyn Miller, and the way he speaks to the gang is quite poetic most of the time. Makes me think Dutch is a romantic. Much like yourself."