Unshaken

Beaver Hollow

Liam didn't sleep much that night before. He woke the next morning feeling weary. He drank a cup of coffee which had helped. The mood was at an all-time low. Everyone was stressed and unsure of anything. Susan was panicking getting everyone to pack up. Arthur and Charles went scouting up north into Roanoke Ridge to find their next camp spot.

That next morning Charles came down and informed everyone it was time to go. Everyone got on wagons and horses. Liam watched Cain jump into the wagon once more. He was surprised the dog had kept up with everything. As he was about to climb on Colter, he spotted Jack trying to console Abigail, who was sitting down on the side of the shack, crying over John. He walked up to them. "Miss Roberts, it's time to go now." He told her softly. She wiped her tears. "Oh yeah, yeah, I'm sorry. It's just that a lot's been going on." She said. Jack stayed quiet. "I understand. Come on, let's get outta here." Liam said to her, holding his hand out. He walked to Colter and helped Abigail on the back of the horse. He climbed on and picked up Jack and placed him in front of him. Abigail grabbed onto him as he rode off to catch up with the caravan.

"Thank you, I- it's, I hope John is okay." She said. "I'm sure he is. Me and Arthur are gonna meet Sadie today." Liam said. He looked down at Jack who was holding on the to horn of the saddle, looking off into the marsh. Liam felt bad. He'd been through a lot. "You've been real brave, Jack." Liam told him. "Thanks." Jack said quietly. "You know, I admire you. You've definitely been more brave than any of us here, including me." Liam said. "Really?" Jack asked. "Yep. And and I figure out of all of us, you're gonna do the greatest things." Liam said. "Thanks, Liam." Jack said. Liam smiled. He could hear the smile in his voice.

They rode for a while longer and passed Butcher Creek. The locals stared them down. Liam didn't fail to make eye contact back. They rode further into Roanoke Ridge. The temperature dropped. Liam had never been in this area. The terrain was all new to him. They pulled up to Beaver Hollow and Liam saw Charles carrying away the last body. He pointed at something random to distract Jack. They climbed off their horses and set up camp. He set up his tent behind John's.

As Liam was finishing setting up his tent, he heard yelling. "So, Dutch, did ya miss me?" Molly said stumbling into camp with Uncle. She walked up to Dutch, who was talking to Arthur. Everyone started to crowd around. "I found her, drunk in Saint Denis!" Uncle said. "You're back. How jolly, Miss O'Shea." Dutch said sarcastically. "It's Molly, you sack of shit!" She yelled. "Back and drunk." He said during her rambling. "I won't be ignored, Dutch Van Der Linde. I aren't him, I ain't her, or any of you stooges!" She yelled. "Calm yourself, Miss." Dutch said. "I don't owe you nothing. I'll spit in your eye! I did... I told them!" She yelled. Liam was as confused as anyone. "I'm sorry?" Dutch asked, holding himself back. "Yeah, I told them and I'd tell em again. Now I've got God's ear!" She walked in circles yelling. "You told who what?" Dutch asked, his anger starting to overtake him. "Mr. Milton and Mr. Ross about the bank robbery, and I wanted them to kill you!" Molly said pointing her finger at Dutch. "You did what?" Dutch asked pulling his revolver out. Arthur grabbed his arm. "I loved you, you goddamn bastard! Go on, shoot me!" She yelled. Arthur was trying to talk Dutch into not doing it. "You told on me? You betrayed me?" Dutch yelled. "Quiet." Arthur tried to calm the two. Molly kept on telling. "You know the rules!" Dutch told Arthur loudly. "You-" Dutch was cutoff by a shotgun going off and blasting Molly in the stomach. Liam could see straight through her abdomen. She stumbled for a second and then collapsed. The shot rang his ears.

Liam turned to Susan who was holding the gun. "She knew the rules, Arthur. What the hell is wrong with you? Mr. Pearson, Mr. Williamson, get this body outta here and get it burnt. Now get back to work, all of ya!" Susan yelled. Liam stared at Molly's corpse. It chilled him to the bone. Something in him thought she was lying. The girls stood in shock. He shook his head and walked off. Luckily Jack hadn't been around.