His Name Was Isaac (Completed)

5. Whirlwind

TWO DAYS LATER

AURORA BASIN

Making haste across the camp, Arthur strode over to Dutch's cabin with an uneasy spring in his step as he joined his fellow gang members, his mind racing with incessant thoughts of doubt.

The Van der Lindes had spent the entirety of the previous night preparing for today's robbery and equipped themselves with every possible weapon, completely armed to the teeth.

They were carrying shotguns, rifles, pistols, knives -- hell, even dynamite. Arthur had no earthly idea how they were supposed to sneak past all the lawmen while looking so conspicuous, but he assumed that Dutch would have some sort of "miracle" plan to work things out.

He always did.

"Alright, gentlemen," Dutch announced, approaching his men as they waited outside the cabin. "Today's the day. We've been plannin' this robbery for a long time now, and I am well aware that there has been some skepticism..." he threw a glare at Arthur, "...about how this is going to work. But trust me -- we've been doin' robberies like this for decades now. We was born and bred as outlaws. We live for jobs like this. This ain't nothin' new to us."

Dutch held up a reassuring hand. "We are gonna be just fine. Just follow my lead, lie low, and don't do anything stupid. Now, as for the plan..."

He gestured to two gang members. "Cleet and Joe are gonna stay behind to guard the camp while we're away. They're also gonna help pack things up since I do plan on movin' once we're finished in Blackwater."

Arthur raised a question. "Where we going?"

"I don't have an exact location yet," Dutch answered, "but I'm thinkin' of heading east. I'm not fond of civilization -- you know that -- but it's clear to me now that this gang ain't ready to run itself. If there's anyone out there who can cure my illness, or postpone my death at the very least, it's a chance I have to take. And I doubt we're gonna find any fancy doctors over in New Austin."

Micah joined in. "And what about the robbery?"

"Just keep your wits about you." Dutch advised. "As you all know, there are many lawmen guarding this bank. According to Mackintosh, we can expect roughly a dozen. I don't want any of you firin' your guns unless absolutely necessary. Understand? Let's try to keep this as quiet as possible, and as quick as possible."

"Now, as for who's doin' what... Arthur, you focus on gettin' the vault open. I don't care how you do it. Whether you wanna beat the teller, or figure out the combination yourself, just make sure you don't draw the law's attention too quick. Micah and Bill, I'm countin' on you two to keep any unruly customers at bay. We got enough to worry about as is. I don't need any surprises. Shay, you be on the lookout for anyone that tries to stop us."

"What d'you want us to do if somethin' goes wrong?" Arthur asked. "Where should we meet?"

"If we get separated, head to Quaker's Cove. It's a jetty just south of Blackwater. But do not ride straight back to camp. We can't risk leadin' the law into the heart of our gang. Now... is everyone clear on the plan?"

The gang exchanged looks with each other, all of them nodding in agreement.

"I think we are, Dutch." Shay replied.

The older man grinned deviously. "Then let's goddamn do this."

~~~~~~~~~~

A FEW MINUTES LATER

TALL TREES

Galloping through the forest at full speed, Dutch and his small army of men carved their way through the thick woods as they hurried to Blackwater, anxious to get this robbery over with.