𝗖𝗨𝗣𝗜𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗬 ➳ 𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝟮

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟐.

The next few days Eleanor stayed in the shadows, not willing to take the risk of getting caught. Occasionally she would cross the river and look out the tree line with her binoculars, scanning the roads around that led to Rhodes. No surprise, they were swarmed with lawmen and Pinkerton Agents. 

Until one morning when she checked again, the lawmen and Pinkerton finally accepted defeat to the lost trail, meeting a dead end. Not a single lawmen or Pinkerton agent was seen on the roads. It was time. 

Eleanor found herself gathering her belongings despite knowing she would return to this spot when the deed had been done. She told Arthur she would be gone for a few days which was true, she didn't see herself being in the right state of mind to return back to her camp. She knew she would have to set up somewhere that night to deal with her emotions, avoiding Arthur from finding her. Eleanor had grown fond of this spot, she was able to catch a fish or two every day keeping her fed and content. She ensured the saddle bag was on Seyfret properly, it would be a shame if it fell off especially with stolen goods inside. It's not everyday you find a saddle bag full of expensive processions. First she would sell the goods to Seamus and then find out where Charlie lives. She didn't want to do it in front of his family but if it was the only choice so be it. They can experience the pain her family went through. Except the only difference is is that Charlie isn't in books or songs like her Father so it will be easier for them to grieve in peace. No one understands the pain of walking into a Saloon or riding past a camp and someone is singing about her deceased Father. 

Eleanor mounted the grey horse, turning the Dutch Warmblood away from Ringneck Creek and beginning her journey to Emerald Ranch. Eleanor hid the bruising across her neck with a bandana to avoid questioning from curious folk. She wanted to appear as normal as she possibly could to the human eye and having a bruised neck would not do her any justice. Being insecure, Eleanor pulled the bandana up more as she rode, worried that it would be noticed. Eleanor had taken the time yesterday to clean all her weapons, unsure of what she would be using to kill Charlie with. She didn't know if she wanted to do it quick to get it over and done with or do it slow and endorse as much pain as she possibly could. The slow one sounded satisfying to her, but she knew it wouldn't be pretty for the family. She despised the fact that Charlie had managed to start a family, how can a person like him do that? Why does a person like him get to be happy? 

Did Charlie actually think everyone had forgotten his crimes? Eleanor couldn't wrap her head around why Charlie would risk raising a child and having a wife when anything could happen to him. Sure, he abandoned his previous lifestyle but as the saying goes live by the gun die by it. He was a bigger fool than she had thought. 

With the years of contemplating the murder of Charlie, Eleanor tried to convince herself to leave it. Whenever she tried though the mourning mother and her brothers always showed up in her head, being a constant reminder of the pain he brought them including herself. They had to bury their own Father. Eleanor came to terms that her Father was not a good Father at all nor person, but he tried for them and that's why she had the respect for him that she does. He wasn't perfect, he caused Mother pain when he would leave and come back expecting everyone to just accept it. But her Mother loved him, just like Eleanor had. Eleanor was aware of the things he did, she often found herself in the same position. But one thing she would never do is join a gang, seeing how it ended for her Father had destroyed the idea. It showed how easily people can turn on you, the only way no one would turn on her is if she is alone. 

Eleanor arrived at Emerald Ranch, hitching across the road from the barn. Beside the barn was Seamus' set up where he did illegal business. Surprisingly Eugene Wegner hadn't caught on to the business, or perhaps he had but the man himself was shady. He probably knew if he chased Seamus out of Emerald Ranch he would tell about his Daughter locked in the house. Eleanor walked across the road towards the barn, removing her gloves as she smiled at the man who looked at her in amazement with the saddle bag slung over her shoulder.