Just Like Old Times

Old Blood Feuds

Arthur was chatting with Sadie on the porch of Shady Belle when Dutch approached them both.

"Come on, we need to talk." Arthur got up to follow Dutch into the house. "Mrs. Adler, will you excuse us?"

"When are you gonna let me come robbin' with you, Dutch?" Sadie asked.

"My Lord, you're just like Lilly. A few more like them," he walked in with Arthur, "we could take over the whole world."

Arthur chuckled. "A few more like them, there wouldn't be much of a world left."

"Yes, perhaps. Speakin' of, where is Lilly?"

They both ascended the stairs. "She's out huntin' with the boys. She was pretty lively today."

"Good. Glad to see the twins ain't tirin' her out anymore. Heh," Dutch stopped and looked at Arthur with a big smile. "I still can't get over it. Hosea and I are gonna be grandfathers." Dutch put a hand on Arthur's shoulder. "And you, my boy, will make a great father."

"Thanks, Dutch. That means a lot."

"Heh heh heh, so, at Dar...uh, what is it again?"

"Darach ar an gCnoc," Arthur said. "Means "Oak on the Hill"."

"Right. At Oak on the Hill, is there a nursery?"

"Yes, although a second crib is gonna be needed."

Dutch and Arthur walked out onto the balcony. "Yes. She didn't get a trousseau, but she will be gettin' a birthin' party, that's for sure." Dutch gave Arthur a cigar and lit it for him, then lit his own.

"What's a birthin' party?" Arthur asked before taking a puff.

"Oh, it's a party where only girls are allowed. They give gifts to the mother-to-be. But after these jobs, we'll have enough to get everybody to Ireland and then we can start plannin' all that."

Arthur took a deep breath. "It's finally happenin'. We're gettin' the hell outta here."

"Yes we are. Now, the trolley station...I went down there. I took a look at it. I think we can hit it." Dutch inhaled smoke from his cigar.

"You sure about trustin' Bronte's information on this? Lilly doesn't. Says he's a prankster."

"Hmm, that must be where she got it from. You remember when she buried all your guns and ammo and gave you a treasure map for 'em?" Ditch laughed.

Arthur burst out laughing. "Yes I do. I was so god damn mad at her." He took another puff from his cigar.

"Yeah, but you got her back, didn't you?" Dutch said with a mischevious smile.

"Yeah, I tied all her clothes up and sunk 'em in the lake."

Both the men laughed. "God, she hasn't played pranks for a while, huh?"

"Well, she's been busy, you know. We've all been busy."

"Yes." Dutch let out a deep chuckle and smoked. "You both have been busy with each other."