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Chapter Text

Ch 1

It all started with friendship. Years ago. A teaming of sorts. Dutch and Colm had become friends. Business partners. Every job split 50/50. A year in total to Arthur and Hosea's dismay. To them that was one miserable year. Though the profits were good and the jobs started out simple, the longer they lingered with Colm, the messier the jobs became. Innocents killed. Simple farmers being robbed. Dutch had enough when Colm's men kidnapped a young woman. He tried to help as they threw her on a horse. Arthur tried to grab her, pull her back to safety, but Colm's men outnumbered them three to one. They turned on Arthur and when the beating started, Arthur curled in on his side, covering his face with his arms. The sound of the shot silenced everyone. Colm watched his brother die that day. A week later, Annabelle was killed in retaliation. That's when the feud began and to this day, it still was going strong. Dutch hated Colm and Colm hated Dutch. So it goes.

Present day.

"Dutch, I'm not sure that this is the wisest decision that you could make." Hosea fussed as they sat around Dutch's tent.

"Well Bill heard them in town, Hosea. Drunk fools as always. They are hitting the banking stage in two days. It's a great opportunity to make some extra money and get under Colm's skin as well. I can't pass it up."

"Arthur?" Hosea asked sighing as he sat back.

"I mean, I understand the stage could be a decent take, but I don't think doing this just to spite Colm is a good idea. You said it yourself, the more we do things in vengeance, the sloppier we are gonna get."

"Arthur's right. That's when things happen. When you aren't thinking straight. And you don't think straight when Colm's involved." Hosea said sternly.

"Both of you used to be right beside me, now all I hear is doubts. This is money we need. We got folks to clothe and feed. The fact that Colm thought of it before us, has nothing to do with the fact that we need this money. You can't deny that."

"I reckon as long as we think this through, it'll be alright." Arthur groaned. Hosea shook his head.

"That's the spirit! The way I see it, we hit the stage here. It will be far enough from where Colm is planning. We get it first, fast. In and out. Be gone before he even realizes something is wrong." Dutch said tapping his finger on a map.

"Who you want on this?" Arthur asked.

"You, of course, my boy. Take Sean and Bill."

"Sean and Bill! You really want a fight, don't ya."

"Well who would you suggest then?"

"If I got to put my neck on the line, I'm taking Charles and John."

"John is working this thing with Javier." Hosea said quietly.

"Well, I'll take Bill. To hell with Sean."

"There it is then. Get what you need together. This should be good cash. We need this."

Arthur nodded and excused himself. He made his way over to his tent and flopped back on his cot. He was so tired. He had been hunting, looking for jobs, and after helping around camp, he just wanted to close his eyes just for a few. It seemed he had just started to drift when he heard the footsteps fast approaching his tent. He heard them come to a stop. He tried to ignore them.

"Arthur?"

He groaned. It was Abigail. He tipped his hat back off his face and sat up.

"Abigail."

"I hate to ask for a favor, but....."

"What do you need?"

"I know you're tired, it's just the next time you head into Hillsboro, do you think you could pick up Jack a new set of shoes. I mean, I have the money right here."

"And where is John that he can't do this?"

"Dutch has him running from one thing to the next, and I've asked him. He just. You know how he is."

"No need to say more. I'll grab them."

"Thank you, Arthur. I don't know how we would survive without you."

Arthur took the money from Abigail and tucked it in his satchel. He finally eased back down to close his eyes.

Chapter Text

Ch 2

Arthur waited with Charles and Bill. They sat on a small hill looking down the road that the stage was supposed to travel.

"Charles, I want you to hit em from the back. Get the lockbox. Bill, you from the side. Get the cabin. And try to do it as quietly as possible."

"And what will you be doing, Morgan?"

"I'll stop the coach, try to talk some sense into the guards. Keep em busy. Let's not shed any blood that we don't have to."

"We should just blow it then do the old snatch and run. Who cares who gets in the way." Bill grumbled.

"We do it my way or you're out."

"I agree with Arthur." Charles stated quietly.

"Out? You need me!"

"No, we don't. My way or you're out."

"Fine."

Arthur nodded to Charles. He nodded back before heading farther down the road to get in position. Arthur glared at Bill.

"What?!"

"Stick to the plan."

"I got it. Yeah, yeah."

Bill turned his horse down ahead. Arthur remained in the trees next to the road. Thirty minutes later, he heard the rumble of the coach. He pulled his binoculars as it came into view. Two men riding. One bringing up the rear. Easy enough. He waited for them to get closer before kicking Aries down in the path. He aimed his rifle at the driver.

"Hold it right now! Nobody move!"

The driver slid the horses to a stop. He slowly raised his hands.

"Drop the gun. Tell your feller in the back to come up front and do the same or you get a bullet between your eyes!"

"Roger, do as he says!"

Arthur watched from behind his bandana as a young man rode forward. He couldn't have been no more than twenty five. He tossed his rifle down, then his revolver. He kept his gun trained on the three as Charles went to the lockbox in the back. Bill emerged and went for the inside of the coach. Charles made quick work of the lockbox. Bill looted the inside. Arthur eyes scanned the area for any threat. He quickly looked over his shoulder when he head hoofbeats.

"Fellas, let's go!" He shouted to Charles and Bill, who jumped on their horses.

They urged their horses into a gallop as a band of men rounded the corner. They quickly disappeared into the trees. Arthur glanced behind him. He saw green. O'Driscolls. He saw them shoot the young guard. He felt his chest constrict as they gunned down the other two. He turned back forward as the trio split up to get away. He watched one of the O'Driscolls pull his horse around to watch them flee.

Colm sat at his cabin pacing with anger. The boys had told him about what happened. Another score gone. Damn it to hell. He spun around and flipped the table over. Liam didn't even flinch just stood with his hat in his hands.

"You sure it was them?"

"It was Arthur Morgan alright. I'd know that bastard anywhere."

"Damn him." Colm sneered.

"Means they close boss. Probably can ride out and find em. Show them how it's done."

"No, not with old Dutch. We have to beat him at his own game you see. Make him hurt. Can't just ride in and shoot em up. No, we have to outsmart him. Sides, I want that bastard Morgan."

"What you want to do?"

"What do I want to do?" Colm mumbled. "Well, I think you should send Tony into Hillsboro. Let him spend some quality time with Luella. Give her this." Colm said as he scribbled onto a piece of paper. He carefully folded a fifty into it.

"Yes sir." Liam said walking out the door.

Colm smiled. Two can play this game, except his game was going to be a lot harder than ole Dutchy would ever think. And a lot more personal.

Chapter Text

Ch 3

Arthur rode his horse beside the others as they made their way into Hillsboro a few days later. He listened to the other men ramble as they rode. John laughed at something Bill said. Sean was causing a ruckus as usual which made poor Lenny want to strangle him. Uncle could already barely stay on his horse, and they hadn't even been to the saloon yet. Charles rode quietly along. They pulled to a stop in front of the general store.

"There she is boys! The Pristine! What kind o name is that for a saloon! Bet it's a grand one!" Sean yelled out.

"Might be too grand for the likes of you then!" Lenny laughed.

"We shall see boys! We shall see! Heard theys a lady there they call LuLu! Prettiest gal this side of the Mississippi!"

"And you think she'd actually want you of all people. That's a hoot." John laughed.

"Yeah wells, we'll see. Sean'll show her a mighty fine ole time!"

"Look. We ain't here to cause trouble. Just watch yourselves." Arthur warned. "We just got here, let's not ruin it before we can scout out some leads."

"Don't you worry none! Sean is on his best behavior!"

"That's what I'm worried about." Grumbled Arthur.

"I'll meet you fellas at the saloon. I got to make a stop at the stable first." Charles said as he walked away.

"Yeah, I need to go to the store." Arthur mumbled.

"The store? Who you picking something up for now?" John asked already walking behind Sean toward the saloon.

"None of your concern. I'll meet you there."

Arthur made his way into the store and decided on a pair of shoes that would fit Jack. A nice well made pair that should last through the winter. He passed by a nice wool coat. He picked it up for the boy as well along with some candy and a book. He had the owner wrap the packages in paper. He folded Abigail's money and placed it down in the boot before it was wrapped tight. She had little money to begin with, and John of all people didn't know how to step up to being a father. Arthur felt his blood boil just thinking about it. Jack needing shoes and things while his father pissed his money away at the saloon. He took a deep breath and stepped back outside. He secured his package on his horse before making his way to the saloon.

He heard Sean and Bill as soon as he stepped into the doors. John stood beside them several drinks in. They were both laughing at the bar. He saw Charles a little ways down from them quietly nursing his drink. He went to the bar beside Charles. He ordered a whiskey.

"Get everything you need?" Arthur asked over the noise.

"Yeah. Should be good for a while. You?"

"Sure. Had to get some things for Jack for Abigail. You know Marston is useless."

Charles didn't answer. He knew the animosity simmering between the two brothers. He ordered another as he glanced around the bar. He noticed a woman watching Arthur. She fanned her ornate fan to cover her face, but he saw the stolen glances. He didn't say anything, but was aware none the less. He watched her get up and sway around the bar. She laughed at one man and playfully pushed another. He smiled. She was one of those. He kept stealing looks as she made her way over toward Arthur, who didn't so much as look up. Seemingly lost in thought. She sidled up beside him. He finally looked over at her.

"New in town?" She asked sweetly.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Gonna be here a while I hope."

"Don't rightly know."

"Names LuLu." She smiled.

"That's a nice name." Arthur spoke but didn't fully engage.

She waited for a few before sashaying farther down the bar. Arthur and Charles laughed when she went toward Sean who froze with his eyes bugging out his head.

"Damn fool." Laughed Arthur.

"This will make for a good campfire story." Laughed Charles.

They watched as he finally spoke. She giggled and ran her hand up his chest.

"I swear his heart just stopped." Laughed Arthur.

"Yeah, this is going to be good."

They ordered another round and before long, they watched in disbelief as Sean winked and pointed at them as he followed the young lady upstairs.

Chapter Text

Ch 4

A week later, Arthur sat around the campfire with Hosea and Javier when Sean came stumbling over. He plopped down to the ground across from Arthur.

"I tell ya, boys, these trips into town are wearing me out."

"We've already heard it a thousand times. Give it a rest, will ya." Arthur grumbled.

"Don't be jealous, Morgan. Did ya hear that Hosea? The prettiest gal in town went right by Arthur Morgan here, for the likes of me! Can ya believe it!" Sean laughed.

"And exactly how much you paying her any way?" Arthur stated.

Hosea laughed at the retort.

"That ain't none of yours, Morgan. I tell ya that gal loves me! Sides that, I'm doing this for the gang."

"I don't even want to know how this helps the gang."

"Well that's why I came over! She told me of a livestock investor that comes through. Customer of hers. He's looking for a broker so to speak. She said the last one got himself shot, so the job's open."

"And?" Arthur asked as Hosea leaned closer.

"The big sale is in a few weeks. He's coming alone this time, but I thought it was right up Hosea's alley so to speak."

"You might actually have something Sean." Hosea said interested.

"Said the man owns lots of land. Loads of money. Pays her bout five hundred when he's in town. I tell ya, that makes me want to get in the business right there."

"Sean, a working girl. I've heard it all now." Laughed Arthur.

"May I ask why she would tell you all this?" Hosea inquired.

"Said I can't come to see her next week. He'll be here, and she can only see him."

"I see."

"Yeah, but he ain't got nothing on Seany boy here. That gal loves me!"

Arthur went to say more when he heard raised voices across the camp. He stood and turned to see what was the racket. He saw John turn hatred filled eyes in his direction. Jack was hiding behind Abigail. Arthur stared back as John stomped his way in his direction.

"Morgan!"

"Marston." Arthur said calmly.

"Who the hell you think you are buying Jack all those things?!"

"The boy needed them. I got them. Simple as that."

"It ain't your place."

"Well since his so called father isn't worth two cents, I guess it was. The boy needed them." Arthur said lowly.

"He ain't your son."

"Well you don't act like he's yours either."

Hosea tried to intervene but was too slow as John tackled Arthur to the ground. They tussled about as a crowd gathered around. John got a few lucky hits on Arthur before he got the upper hand and flipped John over so that he was holding him down.

"The boy needed those things. Now he has them. Let it go, or better yet, man up and be a damn father!" Arthur yelled.

"It ain't your place! He ain't your son and Abigail ain't your claim either!"

"At least I provided! I ain't run away like some fool and coward!"

"Do it again and see what happens! Let me go!"

"Grow up!"

"You had no right!"

"I had every bit of right! You pretend like the boy ain't even exist!"

"He's mine, not yours! I can't help yours died!"

Arthur froze at the mention of him. John watched his face fall. Arthur stared down at John. He heard the whispers going around beside him. No one else knew until now. He heard the silent questions. He let John go and stood.

"I'm sorry. You're right. Excuse me."

John looked guilty as Hosea tried to reach for Arthur. John felt everyone's eyes on him. Arthur stopped before walking away farther. He didn't turn back.

"Best you steer clear."

Hosea watched as Arthur went into his tent and closed the sides down. He turned to the crowd.

"Nothing to see here. Go back to your business."

"You heard him! Back to it!" Susan yelled from across the way. "Ain't none of this concern you!"

Hosea helped John to his feet.

"I asked him, John." Abigail said quietly. "I have been asking you for weeks. It's my fault."

John looked down at Jack's tear stained face.

"I think you should move your tent away from Arthur for a while. Just to give him space. It's best." Hosea said sadly.

"Ok."

Dutch made his way over to John. He put his arm around his shoulders and pulled him in close.

"I don't want to hear you mention that ever again. You got it?" He said quietly.

"Yeah."

"That was low, even for you."

John nodded and went to move his tent as Bill stood laughing off to the side. Charles shook his head at him. Bill shut his mouth and walked away. Hosea went to speak to Dutch about Sean's information. He would have to speak to Arthur later. This could be a huge score for them. Enough for them to finally settle. He motioned Dutch to his tent.

Arthur sat in the saloon at the bar as Hosea paraded around in his finest. The men had come into town the day before. The cattle and horse sales the talk of the town. Hosea had certainly done his homework so this should be a piece of cake. Arthur drank his whiskey as Hosea laughed loudly amongst a table of other men.

"What do you do for a living Mr. Callahan besides spin a fine tale?" Laughed the man.

"I manage investments!"

"Investments, you say."

"Yes, sir! I help my clients make money and that makes me money! I'm a talker. A wheeler and a dealer!" Laughed Hosea.

The man beside him laughed loudly as well. Arthur rolled his eyes. Hosea definitely had the gift of gab so to speak.

"I'm in town for my client. He's looking for some different cattle to bring on his ranch. You may have heard of it, The Bar T."

"Richard's place? My, my. We've been at each other's throats for years."

"You don't say. Guess I shouldn't be talking to the competition then."

"I tell you what. I need an investor. I'll pay double whatever he's paying."

"Really." Hosea said quieting down.

"I'll pay you a thousand plus ten percent on top of the going rate you get if you sell my cattle for me."

"On what I sell them for?"

"That's right."

"I'm not sure."

"Look. Richard doesn't even have to know. I make money, you make money, just make sure I make more than him. You keep your job, and make some on the side. Plus I get the last laugh."

Arthur watched Hosea lean closer to the man. He saw him finally shake his hand. The game was on.

Chapter Text

Ch 5

John saw Arthur and Hosea ride back into camp later in the afternoon. He watched Arthur dismount and brush his horse. He spoke to Mrs. Grimshaw and a few others as he made his way to Dutch's tent. He didn't even look at John. John followed the two over.

"It's on, Dutch."

"That was fast!" Dutch laughed closing his book.

"He's staying right outside of town. I'm meeting him tomorrow. He's going to show me his funds on hand, so I know what I have to bargain with!" Hosea laughed.

"So we have Arthur follow you, then you escort him back to the sales, Arthur will clean him out while you're gone!"

"Easy enough!"

"Who you want with you, Arthur?"

"I'll go." John spoke from the back.

Dutch looked over at him. Arthur didn't acknowledge his presence.

"Charles and Lenny."

"You got it then. Tomorrow night."

Arthur turned to head back toward Pearson's wagon when John tried to step in front of him. Arthur side stepped and kept going.

"Arthur?" John asked.

"Charles, Lenny. You're with me tomorrow night."

They both nodded as Arthur kept walking.

"Arthur hold up."

He didn't answer but kept going toward Pearson. John reached out and grabbed his arm. Arthur finally turned and snatched his arm away.

"Look, you can't ignore me forever."

"Yeah I can."

"Arthur, just let me say something alright."

"No. I'm done with you."

John sighed as Arthur trudged off.

Arthur waited with Charles and Lenny just outside the perimeter of the yard. He watched as Hosea and the man continued to laugh as they pulled out the yard in the carriage. He saw two men around the house. The help, it seemed, as they cleaned and tidied. He motioned for the others to go ahead. They easily crept around the two workers. Lenny eased up the stairs as Charles created a slight distraction in the barn. Arthur made his way through the bottom of the house. Pockets full they eased their way outside to their horses where Charles was waiting.

"We good?" He asked.

"Easy as pie." Laughed Lenny.

"Good score." Said Arthur.

The three made their way back toward camp. Arthur noticed as they rode in that no one was guarding the perimeter. He motioned for the others to stop.

"Easy. Something's wrong." He said quietly.

The trio eased in further. They came upon the entire camp gathered in the center surrounded by several armed men. Arthur noticed the green. O'Driscolls. He started looking for ways to get everyone out. Trying desperately to come up with a plan.

"There you are! The golden son! Arthur, it's good to see ya!"

Arthur clenched his jaw as he pulled to a stop. Colm smiling like he wasn't holding a gun to Hosea's head. Men flanked them on all sides. Dutch stood silently staring daggers at Colm.

"Come on in, Arthur. We were waiting for ya after all..... before we begin our little chat."

Arthur eased down off his horse as did Lenny and Charles. He glanced around at everyone.

"Guns in the center. Behave now boys." Colm said as he pushed Hosea down to his knees.

Arthur tossed his in last, never taking his eyes off Colm. After all the guns were in the pile, Colm smiled at Dutch.

"Now we can talk that everyone is here."

"What do you want, Colm?"

"I tell ya, you were easy enough to find. Just had to follow that loud mouth from town a few times. Made it real easy Dutch." He said motioning toward Sean.

"This is between us, leave the rest out of it."

"I can't. You see this is the only way to get your attention."

Dutch went to say more when Colm shushed him. Arthur could hardly contain his fury as he watched.

"Now I am sick and tired of you cheating me out of my money. I figured it was high time you paid me back for my losses. I get my money and everyone stays alive."

"Alls fair when it comes to this life. You know that."

"Now, now I feel like you singled me out. Me and my boys, after all our history together, you just keep on taking and taking. It's time to put it to an end. I want what's mine. I'd say about five thousand would make us square."

"Excuse me?"

"Yeah, bout five. I'm probably cutting you a deal. Five for Hosea here."

"You can't be serious?"

"I can just shoot him right now if that's what you want." Colm said pushing Hosea forward.

Arthur watched him wince as he fell down on his already bad knees. He went to step forward, but Colm's men beside him stepped forward as well.

"Now don't do anything brash. I'm being more than fair. Hey, I'll even give you a month. Man, ain't I just cutting deals today!"

"Colm, this isn't how this works. Let Hosea go then we'll talk."

Colm laughed as he looked at the fear on some of the women's faces. His eyes fell to Arthur.

"Wait. I got something better. I'll trade you poor Hosea for Morgan."

"What?"

"Yeah, that's the better deal. I'll take Morgan. He's younger and heartier than Matthews. Then if you don't pay, I'll just turn him in for my five. That's a win, win."

Arthur growled. Hosea looked down at the dirt as Colm held him by the collar.

"Colm, there has to be another way."

Just then Arthur heard Jack crying, Abigail fighting. Another man pulled the boy forward, his gun pressing to his head.

"I'll go. Don't hurt them." Arthur said clearly.

John went to stop him, but he shook his head at him. He stepped forward.

"Arthur." Hosea pleaded.

"I'll go. Just don't hurt them. I won't fight."

"Always the hero." Colm smiled.

Two men rushed toward Arthur and pulled his hands behind his back. They fastened metal cuffs around his wrists. Dutch started again.

"Colm, we can make a deal. If you want your money, then I need Arthur. I can't gather it without him."

"I see more able bodied men around. Let them work for once. Morgan is coming with me. His bounty alone will pay your debt if you don't show."

"Colm, please." Hosea.

"No more, please Colm. Dutch, you killed my brother, then you killed a man that was like my son. Don't make me kill yours. I will. Gladly."

"I will kill you."

"Now, now. Arthur here was going to get preferential treatment. You just upped the ante. Get my money. Best be quick about it. Don't know how long Morgan is gonna like his new accommodations."

"Fine. Go."

"I'll be in touch. Keep checking your mail. Ask for a Herbert Peabody." Colm laughed at the name.

"I'll need to know that he is fine, Colm." Dutch said evenly.

"Don't you worry about that. Worry about my money."

Colm grabbed Arthur as Hosea slowly stood. He motioned for the other man to let Jack go. Arthur looked around at them all before being led to his horse. Colm and he rode ahead, a few men stayed behind to make sure they weren't followed before slowly retreating. Hosea stood staring at Dutch.

"How could you trade him like that?! Just let him go! How could you?!"

"I had no choice, Hosea. It was either him or you and Jack. I had others to consider! Arthur can take care of himself."

"Colm will kill him, Dutch."

"He won't. We just need a plan to get him back."

Chapter Text

Ch 6

Arthur followed behind Colm on his horse. He kept his eyes focused on his surroundings trying to figure out a way to leave some kind of trail for the gang to at least know the direction that they went in. He noticed they were coming to a large body of water.

"Hope you don't get seasick." Colm laughed.

Arthur didn't answer. He noticed two small row boats on the shore. He frowned. Three men went toward one. Colm stood beside his horse as Arthur slid down. He listened as the men went back and forth. He took a few tentative steps back. Maybe he could run, get away before he was taken too far. He took a few more when he heard one of the men shout at him. He turned to run. If he could just get to the trees, he could save Dutch a lot of trouble.

"Hey! Morgan!"

Arthur heard Colm laugh. He didn't understand. He kept running when a giant of a man suddenly appeared in front of him. He stuck his arm out. It hit Arthur right below his chin on his throat. The force caused him to do a somersault backwards. He fell to his back gasping for air when the grizzly reached his bear paw hands down toward him. He grabbed him by his throat and lifted him as if he weighed nothing. Arthur gasped and kicked his legs as he was carried back to Colm. He sucked in wheezing breaths as he was dropped down to the ground at Colm's feet.

"Arthur, Arthur, I thought you knew better than to try something stupid as that."

"Ain't never been known to be the smart one." Arthur gasped.

"See I've assigned Big Billy here to be your personal guard. You see where he gets his name from." Smiled Colm.

"No doubt." Arthur gasped.

"Billy, make it where he can't run."

Arthur glanced at Colm then Big Bastard. "I won't try it no more."

"Can't take that chance. It's too late in the day for me to be chasing after you. I see you can't be trusted to come along peacefully."

"Colm!" Arthur yelled as Billy raised his big ass foot high off the ground. Arthur grit his teeth and held back the scream that wanted to tear from his throat as Billy's boot crushed down on his right ankle. Once, twice, three times. Arthur breathed hard breaths through his nose.

"There ya go. All better now." Colm said as he patted Arthur on the head.

Arthur felt one tear escape his eye as he tried to hold it together. Big bastard grabbed his throat again and tossed him into the row boat. Arthur grunted as his back came in contact with the wooden seat. He laid gasping in the bottom of the boat.

"Off we go!"

Arthur laid quietly as they began their journey across the water. He tried to relax his nerves as the boat rocked. Billy kept glaring down at him but the man never spoke, like a guard dog eyeing it's prey. An hour later, Arthur felt the boat hit land. He was lifted again by Billy and thrown down onto the muddy shore. He gasped as he struggled up on his elbows to look around. It was some kind of island. He was surrounded by water. It wasn't very big. He could faintly see land in the distance. He'd never make that swim even if he could slip away. Colm's men had tents set up all around.

"Bring him." Colm stated evenly.

Arthur felt Billy grab his shirt collar. He lifted him up off the ground. Arthur gasped as his shirt choked him. He kicked his legs as they walked. He heard the seams of his shirt ripping. He was looking around for where he would be held but there weren't anything but tents. No cells, no cages. Colm turned and faced him then.

"I think it's best the next part be a surprise, don't you?" Colm sneered.

Arthur didn't have time to respond before the brick of a fist collided with the side of his face.

Arthur woke sometime later. He came to slowly. He reached his hand up to rub his forehead. He slowly turned and sat up. It was dark. A small sliver of light shining down from the roof. He looked around the room. He felt the walls. Wood. He felt dirt under his feet. His bare feet. He felt an old tattered blanket and some kind of tin bowl on the ground beside him. He felt along his body. He had on his shirt and pants. No vest, jacket, or boots. No belt or suspenders. He tried to stand when sharp pain hit him in the ankle. He groaned. Right. He tried to flex it and couldn't. He sighed, possibly broken. He stood on his one good foot. He could stand, but the top of his head hit the ceiling. He felt along it, wood and dirt fell in his eyes. He limped his way over to the sliver of light. He looked up what appeared to be a long, thin wooden chimney. Small, it was only about a foot wide. But why would someone make a chimney out of wood and so small. He could see the sky above. He felt around the area again. It was like a large box. He heard voices then, echoing down the chimney. He tried to see. It was so dark and smelled of dirt. He saw a man step over the hole. Arthur froze. He couldn't have. He watched as more men passed by laughing. He felt his heart rate pick up. He was in a box below ground. A good six feet or more below ground with no way out. Panic overtook him. He started pushing at the walls and the low ceiling.

"Colm! Let me out of here!" He yelled into wooden chimney. "Colm!"

He beat his hands against the ceiling. Dirt fell down onto his face when a shadow cast over the beam of sunlight.

"Morgan! You're awake. It sounds like you don't like your new room. I'm so sorry. I figured a parasite like you would love to return to the dirt from whence you came."

"If I die, Colm, you ain't gonna get a dime!"

"Don't be so dramatic. I will take good care of you! Ya even got a blanket and a bowl to catch your food in. And you don't have to worry about anyone finding you. Such a safe place."

"Just let me up, Colm. I won't try nothing. Just...."

"Go ahead beg. That's just what I like to hear. Better grab that bowl. Water headed your way!"

Arthur barely stepped back when water rushed down the wooden planks. It splashed on the ground, tossing mud up onto his pants.

"That's it for today! Sleep well, Morgan!"

"Colm!"

Chapter Text

Ch 7

Hosea paced around camp the next day. He watched as the last wagon was loaded which was Arthur's. John carefully packing the last of his items. Sean was hitching the horses to it. Dutch walked over to them as John sat the last crate in place.

"We get ourselves set up somewhere close by where we will be safe, then we start working on a plan."

"A plan, Dutch?! Colm has Arthur. There isn't any telling what he might do. He may have already turned him in for all we know! And you just let him have him!" Hosea shouted.

"Hosea, it was the only way. I had the others to consider. Colm is not stupid. He will wait for us to come with the money, but before that happens, we will rescue Arthur. I've already sent Charles out tracking."

"And he found nothing. If Charles can't find anything, then we need a miracle."

"Hosea, I know you're upset. So am I, but we raised Arthur. He knows how to handle himself until we find him."

"Dutch, there isn't but so much one person can endure."

"Colm will keep him alive, Hosea. You can't think like that."

"He should have taken me. Not him." With that Hosea turned away.

Arthur sat propped up next to the wooden wall. He had wrapped the tattered piece of a blanket around himself. He shivered. It had gotten cold last night. At least he thought it had been night. Colm had covered the top of the wood slat yesterday afternoon after tossing water down, leaving Arthur in complete darkness. He had slept for a few, now he sat in silence. He couldn't see his hand if he held it out in front of himself. It was pitch black. He sat trying to temper down his fear. He didn't know how well this bunker had been built or by whom. It could collapse in on itself at any minute. That thought alone made his heart race and made his breath catch.

"Stop thinking about it, Morgan. Get it together." He spoke aloud to himself just to hear something.

As he sat again in silence, he heard something sliding, scratching. He got to his knees, careful of his ankle. He saw a sliver of dim light. He crawled toward it as it reflected off the dirt.

"Arthur! Oh Arthur!" Colm called down happily.

"Colm." Arthur rasped back.

"How was the first night? Bet it was quiet."

Arthur didn't answer.

"Don't be like that, I brought food, water. Don't make me give it to the vultures."

"Fuck you. Let me outta here!"

"Ok then, night Morgan!"

"Colm!"

Arthur yelled as the cap was slid back in place. He was back in total darkness. He crawled on his hands and knees feeling for the tattered blanket. He finally found it and sat back against the wall.

Dutch listened as Charles recounted another tracking expedition. He had found tracks easy enough but then, they just vanished. He suggested checking nearby towns for O'Driscolls. They weren't the smartest bunch, someone was bound to slip and then they could follow him.

Hosea got busy planning and trying to smell out cons. He was trying to gather money as quickly as possible while anxiously awaiting Colm's first letter. He could hardly concentrate for worrying.

"Mr. Matthews, maybe you should take a moment. Your nerves are all frazzled." Susan spoke quietly.

"I can't. I have to make sure we have some money to pay. I can't let him down. Him being taken is all my fault. I wasn't paying attention, and they just grabbed me. I should have seen the holes in the con. It was too easy."

"This is not your doing. We will get Arthur back. One way or another, and see Colm dead if I have it my way."

They both looked up to see Sean and Javier coming in. Poor Sean was taking it hard. After Arthur was taken, the lady he was seeing in town just disappeared. It just led Hosea to see the big picture. It was all a set up.

"We checked a few hideouts, but nothing." Sean said solemnly.

"Maybe John will have some better luck. He and Abigail went into town."

Hosea sighed as they walked on past, supposedly heading to Dutch to report in. He saw Dutch speak and pat them both on the back. He walked toward Hosea. He looked back down at his ledger.

"We should get a letter soon."

Hosea grunted. "With what, a finger, arm, hell his heart?"

"Hosea."

"This is your fault."

"Old friend, you know......."

"I told you to leave well enough alone. To leave Colm alone! Maybe it should have been you." Hosea said snatching his book and storming off leaving Dutch in his wake.

John and Abigail rode in on his horse at dusk. Hosea noticed John's grim expression. He watched him pass by Dutch and head his way.

"Got this." John said handing him a letter.

Hosea shakily opened it.

Dutch,

I am pleased to say that we got your boy to his destination, not without a few struggles here and there. But don't you worry, he learned not to struggle again. He is safe where no one will find him. Unless I don't get my money, then I'll make sure he will be found. You get the idea. By the end of the month. If Morgan can make it that long. It's safe to say that he doesn't like his new space. I reckon the dark never boded well.

Colm

Hosea felt his chest constrict at the words. He started coughing. John reached to help him lean over. Dutch heard the commotion and came over, along with some of the others.

"What's going on?"

Hosea coughed, trying to catch his breath as he shoved the letter at Dutch. He watched him read it. He balled it up in his fist. He looked at everyone standing around in camp.

"This doesn't mean anything! We all know Colm! He is toying with us! Everyone needs to stay on the task at hand! Rest! We get back at it tomorrow!"

Chapter Text

Ch 8

Arthur sat rocking on the cold ground. He had the tattered old blanket wrapped around his head and shoulders. He couldn't see anything. He couldn't hear anything. Just silence. The darkness was seeping in. It was driving him crazy. He didn't know what time of day it was nor how long he had been here. He rocked and knocked the back of his head against the wall. The dirt jostled out between the slats. He was so thirsty and hungry. His ankle and foot throbbed. He couldn't even see how bad it was. He just needed something. Anything. He suddenly heard the grating slide of the cover moving. He lunged forward and crawled toward the sliver of light.

"Arthur Morgan!" Colm.

"Yeah....." Arthur ground out his dry throat.

"It's been a good few days. Good jobs. Beautiful weather."

Arthur licked his chapped lips.

"You ready! Better get your bowl!"

Arthur scrambled around feeling for his bowl. He barely got his hands on it before water crashed down. He was able to catch some, most of it spilled over the sides. Next a piece of bread and a wedge of cheese fell down in the wet dirt. Arthur picked them up. He was so hungry, he didn't bother to try to clean them off. He ate them, dirt and all.

"What you got to say?"

Arthur felt shame rush into his face. He wiped his hand across his mouth.

"Thank you."

"Better than that! How bout, thank you master. How bout that since I own you now."

Arthur took a sip of the dingy water. He swallowed the piece of stale bread.

"Thank you........master."

"Good boy."

"Can... can you leave the lid off? I need some light."

"Excuse me? Did you just ask me for something?"

"I need light, Colm. I can't live like this."

"No one says that you have to live. And you don't get to ask for a damn thing. Night, Morgan."

"Colm! Please!" Arthur yelled as the cover was sliding back into place.

He felt around in the dark for the bowl of water. He made sure to keep it on his left side, so he'd know where it was. He looked around his casket. Dead silence. He started rocking again. He started humming. He froze. What was that? He looked again. Something was in the darkness. He felt his skin prickle as it got closer. He couldn't see anything, but something was there. He was sure of it.

"Who's there?" He coughed out.

No answer came. He started rocking again. He started humming. Something was there. It was there, and he could feel it staring back at him. He tried to push back against the wall. The splinters of the rough wood biting into his back. He blinked, or he thought he did. It was making a rustling sound, back and forth.

"Stop right there! Go away!"

Nothing but that scratching. Always scratching. Arthur took a chance and lunged forward. He yelled in pain as his hurt ankle twisted. He fell on his chest in the dirt. He spilled what little remained of his water. He pushed up groaning. He flung the empty bowl and heard it hit the wall.

"Happy now!" He screamed at the darkness.

He sat and swiped his hands back and forth at the cold mud. He was cold and alone. His nerves felt like that were moving within his own skin.

Dutch sent Lenny and John out a few towns over. They would be gone a few days but hopefully they could find something. An O'Driscoll or that girl. She couldn't have gone far and if Hosea was correct, that it was a setup, she could be the key to where Arthur was hidden. He watched Hosea sitting at the table in the center of their new camp, counting money and sorting valuables. He was trying to come up with the money that Colm had demanded. Seeing all that everyone was contributing made Dutch realize how much Arthur meant to all of them. He would find Arthur and Colm wasn't getting a dime of that hard earned cash if he had a say in it.

John and Lenny made their way into the town of Danville at dusk the previous day. After getting some rooms for the night, they now sat at the saloon eating breakfast. John knew they were supposed to be headed back toward camp by now, but he just had this feeling in his gut to go at least two more towns over. He felt he owed it to Arthur for the things he said in anger. He had hurt Arthur bad, though Arthur would never admit it. He was one of few who knew about that tragedy in his past. He was one that had seen him almost kill himself in his grief, and here he was throwing back up in his face in front of everyone. All for what. Anger and resentment. Arthur was right, and he guessed the truth had hurt. Now he felt as if he'd never be able to mend what had been spoken. Those words ringing as possibly the last words that Arthur would remember from him. He sighed and sat his mug down.

"You know, we are gonna find him." Lenny spoke as if sensing John's torment.

"It ain't looking so good. Almost a week gone by and Hosea has counted five hundred dollars. That's a hell of a long way from five thousand."

"I got a feeling our luck is gonna change and soon."

"I hope to God you're right."

"There's nothing here, John. We should head back. Scout for jobs on the way there. At least bring something back."

"Reckon so."

The two finished eating before fetching their horses. They mounted up and took one last ride through town to satisfy John. As they were passing by the train station, John caught sight of green. He slowed his horse. Lenny noticed and did the same.

"You see that?"

"Indeed I did."

They got off their horses. Lenny went one way, while John followed the path by the rail cars that the man had taken. He stopped when he rounded a corner. It was an O'Driscoll. Alone. He walked up to the mail counter at the depot. He went to hand over a letter when John walked up. He glanced back at John then noticing who he was, he ran. John started running after him as he cut around the building, the man ran into Lenny who quickly tripped him. John tackled the man on the ground and pinned him from behind. The man started yelling curses as he fought to be free. John flipped the man over, and they both roughly lifted him from the ground. Lenny took his weapons as John shoved him back against a rail car.

"Just who we were hoping to catch out and about!" John yelled in his face.

"Why you chasing men now instead of women?" The O'Driscoll laughed.

"Shut up. What you got there?"

"Aye, I reckon since you are here, I won't have to mail it." The man laughed as he waved the envelope beside John's face.

Lenny snatched it and quickly tore it open. He looked up at John with concern in his eyes. John needed more answers, and he needed them now. He shoved the man back harder against the car.

"You are going to tell us what we need to know and you are gonna tell it quick."

"Tell you? You just gonna kill me anyway and if I tell ya, then Colm will kill me. I ain't got nothing to gain. Lifes over either way."

"Where the fuck is he keeping Arthur?!" John yelled.

"He's safe. All nice and cozy."

"Tell me now!"

"Sure, your boy is fine. Least was when I left, though a little sunshine might do him some good!" The man laughed.

John jerked him forward and shoved him back against the rail car hard. The man just laughed harder.

"Ya Van Der Lindes are all the same. Ya fold under the slightest....."

John jumped back as a shot rang out. Lenny pulled his gun and spun around. John watched the life bleed from the O'Driscoll. He turned as well to see another O'Driscoll grinning from atop his horse. He yanked his horse around and charged off.

Shit.

Chapter Text

Ch 9

Arthur rocked and hummed in the darkness as the hours stretched on. He had lost track of day and night. Time. He slept in fits. His head was hurting now, and his body ached from the cold. He had gotten no more water or food lately, but he couldn't tell how long it had been. He guess he should be concerned that he hadn't had to pee lately, but that was the farthest thing from his mind. That damn infinite scratching. It just never ended. He hummed louder trying to drown it out. He heard movement. He turned his head in that direction as he grew quiet. He could only hear his own breaths and the beat of his heart, his stomach rumbles. Something ran across to the other corner. He jerked his head around which made him dizzy. The sound came again.

"Who's there?!"

Nothing. He started rocking again even though it hurt his weak, starved body. He couldn't be still. He heard it again.

"I know you're there. Show yourself."

Arthur watched as the darkness seemed to mold around itself. It was moving closer. He tried to focus in the pitch black. The darkness seemed to shift and spin and there it was. Well he was. He could see him plain as day.

"Isaac?"

"Pa."

"What......what you doing down here?"

"Playing in the dirt."

Arthur felt hot tears on his face. He blinked through the blurriness.

"I thought you were gone." He whispered.

"Gone?"

"Look I'll get us out of here. I'll......we'll......um, I will get us out."

"I can't go."

"Yes, you can. I'll......I'll help us."

Arthur reached his shaky hand out toward the young boy, but he couldn't seem to touch him. The farther he leaned forward, the farther away Isaac seemed.

"Isaac, please. Come here."

"You can't touch me."

"Why?" Arthur cried.

"You're a bad man. You're the reason I'm here."

"I can make it right! Isaac! Just please."

Arthur watched as Isaac turned his head to the side. Arthur shrank back as the white shirt the boy wore started turning crimson. A small patch at first. Right where his chest was, but quickly soaking the shirt through. Arthur screamed as the boy raised blood covered hands toward his face. He tried to crawl away as Isaac's eyes rolled before turning black. His body decaying right before him. He lunged away, smacking into the wall. He could hear Isaac inching closer to his back as he cowered facing the wall. He began trying to pry the boards loose. He was frantically clawing trying to free himself. He pried at the boards and clawed until he was covered in sweat. He pounded his hands into the wooden slats until his fingers wouldn't move and were covered in blood. His heart was pounding and he couldn't catch his breath. He fell onto his back. He closed his eyes and let the darkness have him.

John sat with Hosea and Dutch after returning from Danville. He could tell Hosea was drained. Mentally and physically. Dutch just seemed more determined to get the better of Colm.

"I couldn't get anymore out of him. That other bastard killed him."

"Did he say anything at all?"

"Nothing that mattered or made sense."

Dutch looked at the last letter that John had taken off the man.

"So Colm wants a down payment in order to keep "feeding the mongrel" as he put it." Dutch seethed. "I am going to kill that bastard proper."

"I'll meet them at the spot. I've got almost a grand now. Hopefully, it will tide him over." Hosea said as he looked at the letter.

"We just need to catch a damn break!" Dutch yelled as he marched off.

Hosea looked down at the letters. He straightened out the one Dutch had crumpled. Charles walked over.

"There has got to be a clue somewhere. I just can't concentrate."

"John, didn't you say that O'Driscoll mentioned something about sunshine?" Charles asked.

"Yeah, he said a little sunshine might do him some good."

"Here. First letter, Colm mentions darkness. Second letter he mentions how long his nights are."

"I see it. He always throws that out there. Maybe a cellar?"

"I'm thinking so. Maybe instead of checking camps and cabins, we need to search for the ones with cellars."

"You might be on to something."

"Charles, I'm going to head back out. I can't a sit here. Want to tag along?" John asked.

"Sure, let me get my things. I'll do anything for Arthur. Look what he did for us."

John squeezed Hosea's shoulder as he stood.

"Don't go to that meeting alone. Take people with you." John said as he pulled out some cash from his last travels with Lenny to add to the pot.

"I will. Thank you, for everything John."

John stood and made his way over to speak to Abigail before he set off. Hosea rubbed his aching head. Over a week and nothing. He felt more hopeless as each day passed. He looked up when he heard the rustle of fabric. The girls stood before him. They each pulled out some valuables and put them on the table.

"Ladies, I appreciate this but these are your personal items."

"Arthur needs them more than us. He means more to us than these things. Take them Hosea. It should bring in another two hundred at least."

Hosea wiped the tears from his eyes.

"Thank you."

Chapter Text

Ch 10

Arthur laid on his back staring into blackness. He anxiously awaited the next water drop. He didn't have the strength to move. He was starving yet his stomach ached. It hurt more and more each day. The cramps keeping him awake. He rolled to curl on his side as a wave of pain rolled through his system. He coughed and gagged, but he had nothing to throw up. The last time, whenever that was, that water was given to him he had decided to leave the bowl under the wooden chute. He didn't have the strength to find it anymore. He realized that he didn't know if he wanted to find it. Was he giving up? Maybe. He fanned his hand out in the dirt and found the shard of wood that he had ripped from the wall. His fingers raw and bloody as he tried to grasp it. He pulled it to him and started scratching his other arm with it. He had absentmindedly been doing this for a while now. He felt the burn and pain from the raw wound, but it somehow brought comfort. To feel something other than hopelessness. He laid there lazily digging into his arm when he heard that damned scratching again. He looked to his side. Isaac.

"I'm so hungry." Isaac said quietly.

"Me too." Arthur whispered.

"Why can't you get me some food? You really are pathetic. Worthless. Just like mama said."

"I ain't. I'll get it. I will."

"She was right."

"What."

"You only show up when you want to. You never gave me anything. You always took."

"No, I loved you. You were my everything."

"You even took my life."

"I didn't." Arthur cried.

"Look at me."

Arthur slightly rolled his head. Isaac sat with blood pouring out the side of his mouth. His eyes were gone, the blue that had once matched his own was black. Rotted. Arthur screamed and rolled away. He crawled until he rammed his head into the wall causing him to falter. Dizziness came over him like a wave. He heard Isaac coming close again. He could almost feel him moving against his back. Arthur pounded at the wall. Dirt shook loose and fell in large crumbles from between the boards. His already raw and battered hands stung as he threw his fists at the wall. Oblivious to the damage and pain, he kept going. He stopped when he heard something else. Another voice. He turned around. The sliver of light was back. Someone was here. He pulled his weak body over toward the light. Feasting on it. Relief flooded his body as the water crashed down and splashed in and over the sides of his bowl. Pieces of food fell down. Some kind of dried meat. The light blinded him. Made his eyes scream in pain, but joy at sunshine elated him and he bore it silently.

"Come and get it mutt." Someone called from above.

Arthur pulled himself over to the bowl and fell down with his face in the water. He sucked at the water and soon the bowl was empty. He fell down onto his chest beside it in the sun. A shadow cast over the light.

"Damn, that's nasty."

Arthur didn't answer as he laid there, shoving the meat in his mouth. The shadow moved away and soon the darkness descended again. Arthur ate the meat. He laid there in the cool mud and the darkness that had become his home. He felt his stomach cramp. The nausea came quick. He coughed and gagged. He puked up most of his meal. He cried as his worn body flushed with pain. He closed his eyes as exhaustion won.

Hosea, Dutch, and Bill watched as Colm rode up with his men to the meeting spot a few days later. Dutch glared at Colm as he eased his horse closer. Hosea looked on nervously.

"Dutchy. Long time, no see."

"No time for games, Colm. We have some money for you."

Hosea slid down from his horse. He walked to another man Colm had sent to meet him in the clearing. Hosea handed him the box. The man took it and walked it back to Colm. Hosea watched as he made a big show to count it. He took a long time. Dutch fumed.

"That's twelve hundred." Hosea said.

"This is all you got? How am I supposed to feed that dog of yours with this?"

"Colm." Dutch sneered.

"Looks like he will get leftover crumbs boys!" Colm laughed as his men joined in laughing with him.

"Now you wait, that's a lot right there. You said you would keep him safe!" Hosea argued.

"And he is safe. I ain't said nothing about feeding him or pampering him, now did I?"

"Colm, just end this. Now, today. You and me." Dutch stated back.

"No fun in that."

"Colm, please." Hosea begged.

"Only two weeks left. That's a whole hell of a lot for you to bring me. See you same spot at the end of the month. It better all be there." Colm said calmly. "I was expecting half today, seems you got to make up time."

"Colm, please. I'll keep giving you money, just let me have Arthur. Please."

"Begging sounds good on you, Matthews. Sounds good on Morgan too. Don't try to follow me. If you do, I won't even give Morgan the scraps that he does manage to get." With that Colm turned his horse and left.

John and Charles watched as the girl boarded the stage. Charles had heard men talking of a gorgeous young lady that was known around these parts. Best looking working girl they'd ever seen. The men were upset that she wasn't staying. He watched her board the stage, John beside him. They followed behind the stage at a leisurely pace until they were in the middle of nowhere. John kicked his horse into a gallop and cut it off, causing the driver to stop. He aimed his rifle at him.

"Mister, I ain't got nothing of value aboard." The driver stated back.

"This ain't a robbery, we just need a chat with your passenger."

Charles yanked opened the door.

"My heavens! What is going on?!" Lulu shrieked.

"This isn't the time for dramatics. Step out." Charles said firmly.

Lulu sighed and let Charles help her down. She crossed her arms.

"We ain't gonna hurt you, just, the O'Driscolls have one of our family. We have to find him. We know you were in on everything."

"I have no idea what you are talking about. I don't know those people."

"Ma'am, please. They took Arthur. He's the best one of us. They are probably killing him right now and you helped. His life is in your hands."

She sighed. "I didn't want to do it. I don't like having anything like that on my conscience. They promised me that he would be fine."

"You believed them?"

"I had no choice." She said quietly as she glanced around. "How'd you figure it out?"

"I was there at the saloon. I saw you watching Arthur. I knew you recognized him. You swindled Sean and told him what they told you to say. I just didn't catch on until it was too late."

"Look, I don't want any trouble. I'm leaving the state. I just want to get away. I've never been involved in anything like this. Please don't turn me in."

Charles looked to John. "Then tell us what you know."

"You promise you won't turn me in or harm me?"

"You have my word."

The girl took a deep breath and glanced around.

"Tony visited often. Everyone knows I have a reputation. He told me what to do and offered to pay me. When I declined, he said he'd beat me unrecognizable if I didn't. I was scared." She took a breath. "All I know is I heard them talking at the bar. About your friend. Something about a boat and not liking being surrounded by water. Said he couldn't escape even if he wanted to. That's all I know. I swear."

"I believe you." Charles said. "Safe travels."

"Thank you and, I'm sorry."

Charles helped her back into the coach. He climbed back on his horse. He nodded at John as the coach drove away.

"That help at all?" John asked.

"Plenty. They have to be on an island. Somewhere close to our old camp."

"Close. There was a few I could see. Looked like sandbars to me."

"Maybe they are not. Let's go."

"Please, Lord, let this be the break we need."

Chapter Text

Ch 11

John and Charles rode nonstop. John was about to go cross-eyed from looking at so many islands through his binoculars.

"There." Charles pointed.

John scanned the area. Sure enough tents and O'Driscolls. He didn't see Arthur.

"I don't see him."

"It's too far out, but he has to be there. Only way is by boat."

"I say lets hide us one, then let Hosea know."

Arthur laid on his back scratching aimlessly at his arm with the shard of wood. The crusted blood from before having been replaced with new. He was too weak to move or rock, so he laid there scratching at the crater in his arm with slow painful movements. At least he wasn't thinking about his ankle anymore, too focused on the way his muscles ached and how sore and weak his body had become. He couldn't move some fingers on one of his hands since his last panic attack, but at least he could still use the other one to hold the shard of wood. He needed something to do. He had taken to laying close to the wooden chute. He couldn't stare directly into the light, but the light made him feel good if only for a fleeting moment. He thought he felt something crawl across his face, but he didn't care anymore. He just stared into darkness. Was Dutch coming to get him? Had Colm left him here to die? A double cross maybe? Why did Dutch just let them take him? Why didn't they try to get him back on the trail? Did he even mean anything to them? Did he deserve to die like this? As the thoughts sped through his mind, the light was slowly coming back. He dropped the bloody shard of wood and weakly lifted his blood stained hand as if he could touch it.

"My God, Arthur Morgan. You sure are a sight." Colm.

Arthur coughed weakly. Maybe he could talk his way out of this.

"Please let me out. I'll behave...... I'll do anything. Just get me away from him."

"From him? You losing your mind, Morgan? The loneliness have you making up imaginary friends?"

"Colm"........ Arthur licked his chapped, split lips. "I can't see him no more. I can't.....take it. Please."

"Oh Morgan, look at me."

"I.......I can't. The light hurts."

"Oh poor Arthur, I thought you were enjoying your little vacation since Dutch works you so hard. Day in, day out."

"Please......I'm....begging you. Get me away from him."

"My, my, I never thought the day would come. The great Arthur Morgan begging me for something." Colm laughed. "This calls for a celebration!"

Arthur felt the shadow move, as the heat from the sunlight warmed the side of his face. Soon he felt it fade away.

"Incoming!"

The water splashed down into the tin bowl and kicked mud onto his face. He licked some off his lips. He felt some food drop down on him and hit the ground.

"A piece of cake. You earned it."

Arthur felt for it and found it in the dirt. He pulled it shakily toward his mouth, but as soon as he smelled it, he gagged. He rolled to his side and coughed.

"Oh no, poor fella seems sick. I'm sorry you can't enjoy it. Maybe later."

"I just want you to leave the cover off. Please." Arthur begged as he began to cry. "He goes away with the light. Please." He shuddered.

"You have truly lost it. Good to hear. Dutch would be proud you lasted this long. Been about three weeks. The month is about up. The first fella I tried this on, only made it two. Hell, you should be proud."

"Please, Colm."

"I got to go handle some business. Me and the boys. Be gone a few days. Good news is, you been such a good mutt, I think I'll leave the cover halfway off. How about that?"

"I'm sick, Colm. Please."

"You sure are. Guess that's why Dutch ain't paid me for you. Reckon he gave up on you too."

Arthur swallowed against his dry throat. He rolled and crawled to the water bowl. He sipped some.

"That's a good dog."

"Don't leave, Colm. I need......you." Arthur rasped.

"I'll be back in a few days. Few of my boys will be around. Maybe they'll feed you."

"Please."

"See ya Morgan."

Hosea sat arguing with Dutch. They had scrapped up some jobs, but the money wasn't adding up and time was running out. Dutch paced as Hosea sat in a chair in despair.

"What are we gonna do, Dutch? Times up and we aren't even close."

The last letter they received told them he was ready to meet to get the rest of his compensation. No excuses or he'd drown Arthur.

"How do we even know that he still has Arthur?"

"Hosea, don't think like that. Arthur is fine. I can feel it. I need you to work with me, not against me."

"I'm tired, Dutch. Worried sick."

"I know. We aren't giving up. We will meet Colm in a few days. I'll buy us some more time. You can always cut a deal, Hosea."

"You really think that? This is Arthur's life in jeopardy and you want to cut a deal."

They both looked up as John and Charles rode in, in a hurry. They ignored Susan's yells as they rode their horses through camp to slide to a stop right outside Dutch's tent.

"Boys, everything ok?" Dutch asked.

"I think we found something." John said quickly.

"I'm pretty sure we found where they are holding Arthur." Charles spoke.

Chapter Text

Ch 12

Hosea sat on top his horse holding a satchel with money. Under the money, the ladies had cut strips of paper to give the bag more weight and to make it look fuller. Hopefully, it would be enough to keep Colm distracted until the others found Arthur. Dutch sat on his horse beside him. Charles and John would go for Arthur. Lenny, Bill, and Javier with Dutch and Hosea. They would hang back and wait for the signal.

"Good luck boys." Dutch said. "Charles, I hope you're right about this."

"I wouldn't mention it if I thought otherwise. Let's get Arthur."

"Be careful with him. I don't know what to expect. It's been a month."

"I'm prepared for that. See you soon."

Hosea and Dutch set off one way. Charles and John in another direction. They all nodded to each other as they rode away. The day was going to end one way or another.

Arthur laid next to the small sliver of light on his side facing the darkness. He knew he was sick. Very sick. He watched Isaac sitting crossed legged in front of him playing in the dirt. He couldn't see his face for the darkness, but he could see the red colored front of his small shirt. The sunken eyes and the blood on his young chin. Isaac refused to leave this time. No matter how hard he tried to yell. He just hurt his damaged dry throat more. He eventually had given up and laid there. He tried to swallow. He was so hot, yet so cold.

"Looks like you'll be joining me soon. Not long now."

Arthur faintly grunted.

"You'll be right where you deserve to be."

"Guess...." Arthur coughed. ".....so."

"Pathetic. Just like momma said. A waste of a man."

Arthur closed his eyes. Darkness was everywhere. He rolled away from Isaac to face the dim light. He laid still until the dizziness subsided. He saw ants crawling on the cake and other food. Hell they were crawling on him, but he couldn't care about that. He was dying. A horrible slow death. Fitting he reckoned. His family didn't come save him, just like he didn't save Isaac. He watched the dark twist again in front of his face. He heard that awful scratching.

"Please......just let me die in peace."

"I didn't."

Arthur saw the shadows move. Isaac smiled. His little face lit up with bloody teeth. Arthur felt himself shiver as the side of his face melted away, leaving skeleton. He couldn't scream. He stared ahead and watched Isaac fall apart. He blinked tears from his eyes.

"Stop..... I can't take it anymore."

"Then you know what to do. You are worthless. No one is coming for you, like you didn't come for me."

Arthur slid his arm around the dirt around him. He felt along with his fingers. He grasped it. The wooden shard.

John and Charles rowed the boat closer to the shore. They had been pretending to be fishing as Charles watched the island through binoculars.

"I see four."

"Colm has gone to meet Hosea and Dutch. He must have taken the rest with him. What's the plan?"

"We wait til dark."

Chapter Text

Ch 13

John rowed the boat through the water as they neared the island. Thank goodness the water was calm tonight. They made no sound as they glided across. Charles watched one of the men wander off to the shore to relieve himself. He readied his bow and let the arrow fly. The man made no sound as he fell. Three left. Two men sat drinking by the fire. John and Charles carefully climbed out the boat. They eased across the bank. John took one and Charles the other, their knives finding their mark.

"What the hell?!" Yelled the last man as he came into view.

John quickly drew his revolver and put a bullet in him. They quickly split up and started searching the tents. There were very few trees and no buildings of any kind.

"Nothing. You?"

"No. There isn't much here."

"You think we made a mistake?" John asked.

"I don't. I believe he is here. Remember that talk of the light and dark. Look for a hidden cellar."

They both grabbed lanterns and started making their way around the island. They found no doors leading underground. They met back in the center of camp.

"Damn." Charles said.

"I found something strange. Come take a look."

John led Charles over to a wooden contraption rising up out the ground. Charles knelt down and studied it.

"What the hell is that? I searched all around and found no doors, but what's it for?"

"There's water around it."

Charles pushed the cover the rest of the way off. He couldn't see down to see if anything was there.

"Maybe a well?"

"Can't be. It's too small to get water up by bucket."

Charles froze. He looked up at John. He heard something. Someone mumbling almost incoherently. John heard it faintly then.

"You don't think....."

"We need to find shovels. Now!"

They both rushed around the small camp, overturning trunks and other items.

"Here!" Charles yelled.

John ran over and grabbed one. They both started digging around the wooden chute. They kept tossing dirt away ignoring the blisters that were growing on their hands.

Arthur shuttered in the vast dark void. It was time. He could do it.

"It's time. I'm waiting." Isaac spoke.

Arthur slowly pulled his hand toward his wrist. He couldn't see, but maybe he wouldn't mess this up. His hand trembled ferociously as he tried to feel for his wrist on his useless hand. He groaned as he dug the shard in. He dug it in again until he felt the blood warm on his fingers. He stabbed it in one more time. He left it there and let his hand fall back on the cold damp ground.

"It's what you deserve."

"I.......know......"

John and Charles kept digging through the night. As the sun began to rise, they hit something hard. They both fell to their knees and started brushing the dirt away. They found wood planks. They dug until they found all the edges. They fell back exhausted and covered in sweat. They looked at each other afraid of what was inside.

"Let's pry off one of these planks."

"Lord I pray he ain't buried in this thing."

As the board popped away, dirt fell down into the small box. The smell hit them first. It smelled of urine, human waste, and stench. They felt their hearts race as they pulled more slabs of wood away. The early morning light filtered into the box casting shadows.

"I'm going in. I can fit." John said as he looked at the narrow opening."

"Be careful. This thing looks like it could collapse at any minute."

John slowly eased himself into the opening. He found that it wasn't that deep. The light allowed him to see once inside.

"Fuck! Charles! He's here!"

John fell on his knees next to Arthur. He hurriedly touched his arm. He felt some hope when Arthur's head turned in his direction.

"Oh my God. Arthur?"

Arthur didn't answer. He was so weak, but John could see his throat move as he tried to swallow. He was covered in filth. He couldn't tell what color his skin was for the caked grime. He noticed the sores on his arm. The raw open wound weeping fluid. He saw the blood then. He grabbed his wrist and pulled it in the light.

"Charles! I need you down here! Charles, hurry!"

Charles started tearing the rest of the boards away like a crazy man. John leaned his body over Arthur to stop the dirt from falling into his face. The sunlight started to shine in more and more. John watched Arthur moan and close his eyes.

"Arthur?! Can you hear me? Arthur, it's gonna be alright now. We got you. Just hang on until we get you out of here."

Charles tied a rope to a lonely nearby tree, he jumped down in the box that had held Arthur hostage for a month. He froze when he took in the scene in front of him. He had never thought anyone could be so cruel. He put himself into motion when he noticed John calling his name through his own sobs. He knelt on the other side of Arthur.

"He's not answering, Charles. He's not......"

"John, look at me. He's alive. Let's focus on his injuries and get him the hell out this damn hole."

Charles went to the bloody sections first. The most blood centered around his wrist that John was holding up.

"Something is in it."

"A piece of wood. I'm going to remove it, grab something to wrap it."

John ripped his bandana from his neck. He watched as Charles carefully grabbed the wood and pulled it quickly. Blood oozed from the cut. John pushed down on it with the bandana. He wrapped it as tight as he could. Arthur moaned. A horrible sound that he wished he'd never had to hear. Charles quickly went to wrap the other weeping wound on his forearm when Arthur cried out. He stopped and looked to John.

"Arthur, it's ok. It's Charles and John. We got you."

"Light. Hurts."

Charles quickly pulled his bandana from his pocket and wrapped it around Arthur's eyes. He tied it on the side of his head.

"I bet the light is hurting his eyes since he's been in the dark so long."

"My God."

"Arthur, we need to get you out this hole." Charles said speaking to him.

He didn't answer as his head fell to one side. John checked his other side for wounds. He felt along his chest. He shakily opened his shirt.

"Goddamnit." John muttered as the tears started again.

Charles looked in horror. He could count all of Arthur's ribs. He was so malnourished that he could see his hip bones had started to protrude under his pants. Not only that, he was covered in ant bites. Splinters festered in both his hands, bloody knuckles and fingers swollen showing just how hard he had tried to claw his way out. Charles looked around. He saw the tattered blanket, and the metal bowl. He was going to kill Colm. He was going to put him in a box and starve him slowly. He glanced back at a crying John.

"Sorry...." Arthur whispered.

"Arthur, just hold on. We got you. We will get you the help you need."

"He told me to do it....." Arthur whimpered.

"We have to lift you. It's going to hurt."

"Isaac....."

John stiffened. Isaac. His dead son, Isaac. The very thing John had tossed up in his face. The one thing that John knew better than to use against him, yet he did. The last fight they had.

"Save your strength, Arthur. We have to get you out of here now." Charles spoke quietly.

"How are we going to lift him?"

"I'm not sure. Let me think. Time is short. We don't know how long before Colm and the rest of his men return. Whatever we do, it's not going to be pleasant for him. He's skin and bones. We just need to be quick."

The two sat on their knees thinking. There was only one way. Charles climbed up the rope and out the hole. He found another rope tossed near a crate. He picked it up and tossed one end down to John. He threw down a blanket that he found under a tent. He watched John carefully and slowly roll Arthur to his side, slipping the rope under. He wrapped the rope loosely around his chest and under his arms. He tucked the blanket between the rope and his chest.

"All set." John said as he wiped the tears from his face.

"On my mark."

John watched Charles get a grip on the rope. He nodded to John. Charles pulled as John steadied Arthur. He helped lift him when they were next to the wall. He held him standing in place as he watched Arthur's head fall forward.

"He's up against the wall. Let's go." John called out.

Charles wrapped the rope around his arm and started walking. Arthur couldn't yell as something wrapped tight around him. He tried but only whispers came out. He didn't know what was happening. Was someone there? Soon he was laid flat again, the constriction removed. He slowly took in a few weak breaths.

"I'll bring the boat closer." Charles said as he stood to run over to it.

John couldn't stop the tears. Arthur was the strongest of all of them and here he was, barely hanging on. Reduced to almost nothing. He felt Charles grab his shoulder.

"I'm sorry, but we need to go."

"He's not gonna make it, Charles. I've never witnessed anything like this."

"He's alive, John. We need to get him home. To Hosea. He will know what to do. I'll go into the city if I have to. Find a doctor. Let's just get him home."

"I'm scared to lift him again. It hurt him."

"John, he will die if we don't get him help."

John nodded and took a deep breath. He went to his feet while Charles went to his shoulders. They tried to ignore the pained whimpers as they lifted him. They carefully laid him down in the bottom of the boat on a few blankets from the camp. Charles tucked another one over him. He took up the oars as John hovered over Arthur who was mumbling.