Payday and more

“Hitch the horses up here!” James barked hitching Snowdrop up. He watched Mary copy him took the rope and tied it around the tree in a strong knot threw it over the side heard, “So what’s down there? I know it’s a train carriage but what’s so valuable in there?” “The story says Gold bars!” “Gold bars?” “Yes a crate of them...” “Are you sure?” “Only one way to find out and I can get six hundred dollars each, a hundred more than anyone else! So if you would do me a favour, keep an eye on the rope, make sure it doesn’t snap!” she nodded holding the rope up groaning as she felt his weight use the rope to climb down.

The carriage was dark but finding a broken piece of metal from the crash hung a lantern up to dig through the rubble, “Rum, well there twenty bucks each least, ten dollars in cash, broken chair, broken vault, empty!” I threw more out through the broken hole before smiling found the damaged metal box, “One is a must any more is a bonus!” I pulled it out and laying the box on top of a broken crate **** the lid open with my knife and smiling saw the glowing bars under the lanterns light, “Motherload... one, two, three, four, five... six, six gold bars! I need to get out of here!”

Mary sat on the nearby rock writing peacefully under the tree adding this event to her notes on a potential idea for her story when the rope wiggled, then grew taught as the rope struggled from the weight, he had found something that was evident but as she looked over the end saw James smile and call up, “We are rich!” she reached out straining to pull him up before backing her away from the edge walked over to the stone that her book was now resting on, “Kept busy I see...” “I’m sorry; I got bored. I made sure you were in the carriage first though!” James closed the book before smiling handed it back and spoke, “We have gold!” he started to place them on the rock and counting with him Mary gasped trying to work out the vast sum that they had earned. “$3600 for us!” she shook her head before saying, “$900 for us. Half goes to the camp then we split the other half!” James wrapped his arm around her before saying, “No Mary. We did the job, Dutch said I had to give a share to the camp funds... It’s time you had a back up plan, you know how the situation is, you need a plan B...” “But loyalty?” “Mary, you are a smart woman; think about it. What would you rather do: put all your money into a camp where half of the camp don’t do any work and believe in a idea surrounded by lawmen, bounty hunters and constant moving or invest in a second plan, where you can keep the majority for yourself and save up to buy that office you wanted and lodgings to work on your own dream, not a delusional man’s dream who can’t see what’s going to happen...” she looked down before thinking about it heard him state, “At least think about it on the way to town!” she smiled mounting up as she looked up to the darkening sky and fading light, “Come on then it’s getting late...”

We rode into town, it wasn’t big but peaceful and unlike the other time Mary felt at ease seeing as she didn’t have to perform any illegal task for money like the other times, we hitched the horses but smiling rushed over to the tailors stopping move wide as she saw the yellow dress in the window just her size, “James look at this dress isn’t it beautiful? I love yellow!” her eyes lit up before sighing looked at the price, “But I could never afford this, $150” I laughed before looking at her excitement for the clothing saw her place her hand on the window imagine how she would look like, “Like everything you wear it would look perfect on you!” “That’s what’s so bad... sometimes I wish had choose a different path, I could of had money or a husband to get me this!” I nodded again before encouraging her spoke, “We need to get you some trousers unless you want to ride side saddle all your life!”

I stared at the dress watching her eye it up with every pair she tried on before returning to the changing room to try the next pair on, “Hey sir!” I called out and seeing my badge hurried over, “What wrong sir?” “That dress taken?” “No...Do you??” “No of course not but the lady in the changing rooms does. Here’s the hundred and fifty for it, five dollars to hire us a room and baths in the hotel will you deliver it to the room? Of course another five bucks to play stupid on who bought it?” he nodded counting the cash causing me to put the next pair up over the side, “What do you think?” Mary queried walking out and mouth falling open saw her legs be hugged by the tight trousers but her eyes were focused on the dress being taken off the stand and packaged, “Someone... someone purchased it?” I looked back before nodding spoke, “A businessman for his wife I believe, something like he forgot her birthday!” she sighed before looking down muttered, “She’s lucky to have a man who cared!” I wrapped my arm around her before saying, “Can’t be that caring if he forget her birthday. Anyway, I know your time will come and if anyone tries to stop it I will put an end to their intentions!” she looked down glumly once more before nodding out the other trousers on the counter, “Forty dollars please!” I nodded watching her return to the changing area before seeing the man wrap them up he asked, “On it’s way, what’s your name for the hotel?” “James Smith” he nodded before sending the boy away he hurried over to the hotel being careful to not let it droop in the mud, “Ready James?” I nodded before seeing the man leave the office took Mary’s arm, “How about a nice warmth bath and a elegant meal?” “That would be nice...” she whimpered still disheartened about the dress and smirking lightly we walked on in, “A room?” the man smiled handing the key over and walking up the stairs to the room James handed her the key waiting for her reaction when the door swung open and hanging there would be her dress. The door opened and walking in Mary froze staring at the dress before rushing up to it grabbed it to feel the smooth material and pinned to it was the note from the general store tailor, “To great a Lady a dress to you from a kind gentleman, James Smith” she looked back seeing my smile before running up leapt into my welcoming arms, “Thank you thank you, you shouldn’t have spent that money on me!” I laughed before holding her arm stated, “Anything for you Miss Gaskill, no matter the cost!” she squealed with joy studying the dress again before feeling me lean in to her back wrapping my arms around her waist whispered, “A warm bubbly bath is being prepared for you, I’m going to get changed and the money for the bars.” she nodded kissing his cheek before watching him leave spoke, “That’s the first time someone has spent that much on me, thank you!” he looked back and nodding spoke, “I’ll be back soon!”

"Come on $3000 and I can make a bit!" "No Jerome, 3600 or I take you to the nearest station!" "I could report you, you know James?" "For what? Legally finding gold bars and selling them for scrap?" he groaned before handing over the money watched me count it lighting his cigar, "Anything else?" "Not particularly!" before walking towards the exit he asked, "Whose is the woman with you earlier? Fiance?" I laughed at it before looking back at him commented sincerely, "If she was I would be the luckiest man alive!" he heard the door shut before watching the man trudge away poured another glass of whisky hid the newly purchased bars full knowing he could still make a few hundred on them and that he was safe for another day. I walked towards the door before adjusting my jacket and removing my mud covered gloves opened the door to see Mary in her newly obtained dress, she was right she did look great in it, "It's been sooo long since I had a private hot bath, god how I missed it!" I smirked before washing my hands spoke, "You were right; you look beautiful in that dress, better than you could ever imagine" she giggled before twirling around posing lightly stated, "You don't look too bad yourself Deputy James" I laughed back before taking my arm she asked, "So, where to the local bar for food?" "Of course not, there's a luxury drinking place near the Sheriff's station, restricted access but being an officer of the law we can get access. All luxury food!" she smiled closing the door behind us as we walked down the stairs to the main reception to be met with compliments from the owner leading us over to the club who seeing my badge and my letter of authority nodded to let us past into the luxury designed furnished in carpets, candlelit tables and waiters who held the primitive menu's but smiling surprised Mary and even I wasn't used to this amount of attention especially when they pulled the seats out to sit us and served us hand and foot making sure everything was perfect and Mary was curious but also loving that she was now getting serviced on.

"Enjoying your steak?" she nodded taking another bite from it before responding with, "Thank you James, with everything; the room, the dress, the bath and now this. It doesn't seem like much but this luxury is something that I've never had!" I nodded pouring her another glass of the finest wine before topping mine up spoke, "Everyone deserves some sort of luxury served on them" she smiled warmly as she always did taking my hand, "One day I will be able to afford this for myself" I nodded before stating, "You can now. When you want it, your share is on me. $1500, each and the other $600 for the camp unless... you know, you want to go and give it to the camp!" she nodded before shaking her head spoke, "You're right James... you always are. Uncle and the Reverend hardly ever contribute, in fact the Reverend steals from it and the men... do they even pay the correct amount? Arthur does because he's fool but I can't see the others doing it... not even Charles and Lenny and as you said is my back up plan!" I agreed as she asked, "How bad will it go for us?" "Me? I'm a dead man if they find out that I am part of your gang? for you... I would advise the same as Hosea is for Abigail and Jack but with more context... As soon as you can or get's any worse; leave. Why? from what I can gather is Hosea and Arthur are trying to find away for you all to survive and live, Dutch doesn't care and doesn't understand how bad it really is... you are all trapped in a bubble of Ambarino, New Hanover, Lemoyne and West Elizabeth and the circle is closing, it feeds Dutch's ego that he hasn't been caught yet but he fails to realise that this is all part of an bigger situation, they aren't aiming to catch you yet, just to back you into a corner!" "Then why don’t you leave?" I smiled embarrassed before confessing, "When the women and Jack and Pearson are safe or... if you want to leave then I will be right next to you" the confession shocked Mary who now understanding what I felt for her fell silent unsure of what or how to respond apart for changing the subject to my job and if I had any replies and I knew from this that I had either embarrassed her or ruined any chances of her loving me.

We sat in silence, Mary not sure on how to react and me unsure on what she was thinking we continued this silence until we returned to the room, I started to strip to my trousers, Mary removed her corset and dress watching me as I hung my holsters up and reach for the spare pillows, “Sleeping on the floor?” “It’s only proper to let the woman have the bed!” “But it’s big enough for two!” “Yes but it will be uncomfortable for you to have me next to you, someone who isn’t you lover or family is uncomfortable for most!” “Nonsense, you’re a friend. You take the left half and I’ll take the right” “Are you sure...?” “Yes!” he nodded joining her on the bed as she climbed under the covers waiting for him to join her, “James...” “Yes?” “Thank you for today, I’ve never been spoilt like the way you have!” “Everyone deserves to be spoilt at least once in their lives, especially you” “Why so?” “I look at the camp members and see anger, frustration or generally a bad side to them but you, I’ve never seen you show anger or this “bad side”, you shouldn’t be there at all and every time I can I will try and take you away from there” “And that’s why every time you ride in to the camp, I know at least one man is thinking straight and for the sake of the women and Jack!” he nodded laying down before feeling her join him cuddled into his chest, “Goodnight Mary!”

An early start, Mary was still asleep but as I laid there on the covers knew I had things to do even though Mary lay close to me, closer than we have previously been but as the sun penetrated through the windows I slumped over the side of the bed pulling my braces up slid my boots on adding my holsters to my person walked down my stairs doing my jacket up, “Have a good night sir?” “Quite. I would like some coffee and breakfast sent up to my room for the young lady. Let’s say... it’s 7:30 now, so at 9. Here’s a dollar for yourself” he took the money writing it down before watching me place my hat onto my head and walk out. The first stop was the stables. I led Snowdrop to the stable, “Looking to sell or trade?” “I’m looking for a new saddle one preferably made for the ease of an lady to use, some new shoes, a set of brushes and satchels!” “For a lady you said?” “Yes, the owner is currently asleep, so I am just doing the small tasks for her!” “Wait here, it’ll be about an hour!” I nodded before turning away spoke, “I’ll be back, got some mail to pick up!” he nodded closing the stable door behind me as I ventured back into town heading to the station, “How can I help you sir?” “I’m expecting some mail and perhaps a parcel, the names: James Smith?” he nodded retrieving the letters before dropping on the counter slid the parcel over stopping me as I went to grab it, “Signature please!” I nodded signing it as the parcel over as he retrieved the documentation, “Enjoy your day sir!” I nodded walking out to sit on the bench to study the hands of the letter. One was clearly from Johnathan the grandmaster, the second was from an person I expected to never write to me again unless it was purely anger this was Rebecca the final was from her Father which by the nature of the notepaper knew it was business and not personal. I put them away before undoing the packaging smiled seeing the pair of silver blades, “The French design!” I muttered taking my right hidden blade off to replace it with one of the new ones, I stretched my hand out and seeing the miniature crossbow slide out studied the mechanism before studying the box saw two more basic ones at the bottom with the note, “Read the letter!” but this was quickly covered in a rush when I heard the angelic voice of Mary, “What have you got there James?”

“Just a gadget, nothing serious!” “Really?!” “Yes, I’ll show you one day!” “Where’s Snowdrop?” “Gone to the stables to get kitted out in complete new saddle, shoes and brushes for you to use!” “You shouldn’t have spent anymore on me...” “The horse needed new equipment so I got them, enjoy your breakfast?” “Sooo much better than Pearson’s food, it has favour something Pearson doesn’t know anything about!” I smirked taking her arm as we walked to the bank, “Here’s the account number, it’s name Mary-Jane inheritance. $3,000 for the account and the 600 to the camp” she nodded walking up to the assistant whilst I talked to the local law enforcer, “Been busy?” “Not particularly, what is a deputy from Blackwater doing here?” “On the lookout for the Van Der Linde gang when I met this fine lass! Seen or heard anything from the gang?” “Not really but I have heard mumblings that they are headed this way. What do they look like?” “Can’t be hard to find them, they all look rough and unshaven, even the ladies I’ve heard!” he laughed drinking from his flask, “She’s a great looker, that lady of yours!” “I know but don’t get any ideas!” he nodded returning to his seat whilst I watched Mary smile as she received the receipt, “Thank you sir!” before walking to the door quickly turned around as I walked through the doors, “So I had $8,240 and now have over $11,000 in my account, care to explain?” “I said I have been adding to it...” “Yes, I thought $10 here, $20 there, not over $8,000. How do you even have all this?” “It’s a perk of the job... being law officer our houses and horses, ammunition is all paid full; then there’s the Deputy cut...” “Deputy cut?” “Yeah from all goods recovered we are entitled to 10% of the value. However, what we all do is take an extra cut and claim it’s lost. Say we find something would $5,000 we pocket $500 then claim the 10% from the $4,500 meaning we pocket $950. That isn’t counting what we recover from the bodies. It’s all yours Mary” “But why and for what?” “Because I promise to at least save one person from this gang. Secondly, it’s for your dream. A office, with a desk to work on your novels. I just happen to see you needing an house for your office and food and drink to keep you going” she stopped shocked by what he had just said before crying in joy, tears running from her cheek as she started to realise her dream was given a big boost!” “You shouldn’t have given me all your money!” “All? No. Miss Jackson, Roberts and Jones all have a savings account and I have put some money aside for Pearson, granted none of theirs is as big as as yours but it’s getting there. I just need a big score and then you can leave if you all want!” she nodded before speaking on behalf of the others, “Thank you James. It’s one of the very few things we can rely on and believe in. You see the morale isn’t entirely great... Dutch believes in his crazy ideas but with everyone after us I don’t know. Karen deep down questions it and Abigail is trying to get John to leave with her!” I nodded before taking her hand spoke, “They won’t touch you... that’s my promise to the women and Jack and if they do... I will put them in a wooden box!” she gripped my hand before kissing me briefly on the lips froze as she pulled back looking at me unsure of how I would react to her saw the unsure face of me, “Well...um, I got a letter off Rebecca, the Sheriff’s daughter. I’m a bit nervous to see what she has written!” Mary nodded taking the letter and opening it read out;

“James,

Your news is devastating, I know of you Job and the risk it involves but I don’t care about it and I feel that in your rejection you are using this as an excuse to refuse my proposal. Father himself is dejected by your refusal and wished to speak with you but currently isn’t aware of your location. Your loyalty to the **** is admirable but you have to settle down and I was your best option. Mother on reading your response made clear her dissatisfaction and anger to you and believes you have another. I looked forward to seeing you now I cry myself to sleep, when the time is ready maybe you will return and accept your responsibility as fiancé to me and future sheriff of Blackwater.

Rebecca.”

Mary crumpled the letter up before snarling spat with venom, “What an bitch. You said no and she hardly even knows you... right?” “Mary, I have spent more time with you then I have ever had with Rebecca. We have talked no more than four times” “Sympathy act, James always the sympathy act...” “What do I write back?” “I would state:

‘Rebecca,

I have barely met you and don’t feel comfortable and don’t appreciate your attempts to emotionally **** me into marrying you. I also can’t stress enough my apologises to the strain that I have caused to both your father and the department, in relation to your mothers suspicions she is completely wrong and I don’t appreciate her spreading false gossip about my current relationship status, therefore anymore gossip or false accusations made against me will be met with my ignoring your letters until you are both mature enough to stop making up such foolish accusations.

Yours faithfully,

James”

I nodded writing it down quickly before thanking Mary spoke, “Your horse should be ready by now. I’m going to quickly send this and then I’ll join you at the stables!” she once again nodded as I scribbled down the address to quickly send it openly my next letter from her father as I walked up to meet Mary and laughing spoke, “Dutch’s going to want to see this...”

“What do you want James?” Dutch barked joining the others, “Whose he?” “Sean meet Deputy James Smith; newest member” “Correction temporary member. I get the women out and you all swing from the rope!” “What’s so important for you to stop us all from our tasks!” James pulled out the letter and read out, “This is from the sheriff of Blackwater addresses to me:

James,

In an turn of events we have found their old campsite and pushing outwards searches have begun in the nearby area have led to us finding stashes of money; that we believed belonged to them. So far we have found $100 stashed in a small box hidden in a stump, $30 under a rock and feel like we are almost near the big stash that they have left whilst fleeing, speak to you when you are next in town,

Sheriff William”

Dutch sighed whilst Bill and Javier complained, “That’s our stash gone!” Arthur stood there reflecting on it before suddenly becoming alert by it snapped, “Dutch that isn’t far away from my stash, credit mines been hidden better!” “Or the camp funds...” “Camp finds? That close to camp” “It was the best place available!” “Someone has to collect it!” Bill barked and sighing Hosea snapped, “Oh yeah and what are you going to do? Walk into town and collect it yourself!” the arguments started be flung until the most unlikeliest of people made an solution; Karen. “No problem. There’s only two people who can go... Sadie or James since they are the only members not known. Send James to retrieve it!” Dutch looked over causing James who standing there with his coffee speak, “Why should I?” “For a large cut of it?” Dutch spoke and James thinking of the money opportunity here as an plan formulated said, “Fine but I want 60% of recovered loot” “30%” Dutch bargained, “57%” “35%” “55%” “40%” “50% and that’s my final figure” he sighed nodding realising he had no other choice, “I’ll leave in a day or so, I need a plan and reason to have returned! but stopping the people smiled seeing the new dress wore by Mary-Beth, “Where did you get that from?” “James bought it for me and taught me how to ride Snowdrop” “Snowdrop” Tilly again laughed but nodding to respect her decision spoke, “Wish he would buy me one!” “Just ask... he has taken Abigail and Jack out, now me; you could be next?” “I doubt it, me being black and him white!” “Tilly he doesn’t care one bit. Micah, Bill then yes but James. He views you as a human not an animal” Mary spoke causing Tilly to look over to James who handing Jack a new book to read was met by Abigails hug before he walked over to Mrs Adler who currently had Arthur sat next to her giving her comfort, “Need anything Mrs Adler?” “No but thank you James!” “You need anything just let me or Arthur know. Got it?” she nodded as James walked away looking back at Mary smiling who blushed as he walked away. “Mr Smith!” “Yes Grimshaw?” “Donation to the box, now!” “No problem Susan. We got two gold bars from the derailed train sold each for 600. So there $600 to the donations which may I add caused no blood or harm to anyone and $300 each!” he counted the money before adding it to the box entered the figure into the ledger, “Thank you James!” he nodded before working out a minor calculation returned to the women.

“‘Ello James!” Karen spoke repairing the socks of Arthur, “Abigail you to!”she nodded walking up to James who getting his earnings out spoke, “So me and Mary found 2 gold bars each and I don’t really need the money. However... I ain’t giving all my money to that damn box so: $75 for you Abigail!” she took it hugging him as Tilly smiled receiving hers, “I already have $300” Mary spoke “I know, but here’s 75 anyway” she nodded kissing his cheek before leaving him and Karen, “What James? Going to take me to town as well?” he held the money up before stating, “Promise me, that you won’t spend this on ****” “Fine!” he nodded pushing the notes down her large bosom causing her to cheekily smile, “Sorry just had to!” she grinned before playfully responded with, “Next time that’s going to cost ya!” winking before walking away swaying her hips as she returned to work.