Opportunity (Micah Bell x OC)

Chapter 17

It was the big day. The morning of the robbery, everyone was a bit anxious, some more than other. Some were cleaning their guns, some were attending to their horses. The atmosphere was even worse than the other days. No one was talking, everyone had a serious face.

Elizabeth, after having preparing some food, was now petting Baylock, trying to calm her nerves.

"You be brave and take care of him, mmh?" Elizabeth told the horse as she gave him an apple.

"You spoil him too much" Micah chuckled as he walked from behind her.

"I know. But he deserves it, don't you think?" she said as she ran her hand through his mane.

"Yeah, probably" he answered as he put his arm around Elizabeth's shoulder.

"When do you leave?" Elizabeth asked after a moment of silent.

"Early in the afternoon. The train is supposed to be in Saint Denis around three o'clock" Micah said with a sight.

"I see" she answered quietly.

"If you can, start packing a few things while we're gone. The quicker we leave, the better" Micah added, looking around to be sure no one was listening.

"Sure. Where are we gonna go?" she asked, looking at him with a smile.

"Not sure yet. Far from here" he answered, looking gently at her.

She nodded before keeping her head low, her smile leaving her face. Micah noticed it and ran his hands on her upper arms in a comforting way.

"Hey, it's alright. I'm gonna come back, and then it'll be just you and me" he said as he took her in his arms. She buried her face in his chest while he rested his chin on her head, holding her close.

"I love you" she muttered, her voice muffled by Micah's clothes.

"Love you too, sweetheart" he replied, a small smile forming on his lips.

Baylock took the opportunity to let out a small neigh as he rubbed his nose against Elizabeth back.

"Yes, we love you too" she chuckled as she patted his head, making the horse neighed some more.

Dutch called everyone who was taking part of the robbery to do a last checkup. They then ate something and it was time to go. Those who remained at camp wished good luck to those who left, and watched them rode out for their final job.

It was now just Susan, Tilly, Abigail and Elizabeth in the camp. They looked at each other before Miss Grimshaw spoke.

"Miss Jackson, can I have a word please?" she said before walking a bit further, soon followed by Tilly.

Elizbabeth could not hear, but she guessed Miss Grimshaw's intentions. It was confirmed when Tilly came back to Elizabeth and Abigail.

"She told me to leave while they're gone. To start on honest life" she said, some sadness could be heard in her voice.

"And she's right. Don't throw your life away for that. It's not worth it. Not anymore" Abigail told her as she rubbed her arm in comfort, while Elizabeth smiled at her wamly.

Tilly looked at them, tears in her eyes, with a small smile, thanking them silently before leaving to pack her things. Elizabeth and Abigail helped her load her things on a horse.

"You go have a good life now, alright?" Elizabeth told her as she hugged her.

"And what about you?" Tilly said, looking at the three women.

"We'll be fine, don't worry about us" Abigail answered as she hugged the young women.

Tilly then looked at Miss Grimshaw, a bit uncertain about what to do. The older woman smiled gently before stepping toward the lady and taking her hands in hers.