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A silence settled between them. Not awkward. Just... comfortable. It wasn't friendship yet. But it was the start of sothing. Sothing Bill hadn't had in a long ti. And Caleb, though still an outsider in many ways in Bill's mind, was starting to carve out a place as maybe a friend in his mind.
Bill eventually broke the silence. "Hey, Caleb. You reckon you're free tomorrow?"
Caleb, mid sip of his beer, paused. He glanced over at Bill, brow raised. "I'm free. Haven't received any task from Dutch or Hosea, also just brought in so money with Sean to contribute to the gang's stash. So I'll guess I can do anything I want. Why you ask?"
Bill took a hearty bite of his steak, chewed, then looked back at Caleb. "It's just... I've been prepping for a robbery. Had a good run of luck lately since we set up camp here. Robbed a house up in Roanoke Ridge, robbed a couple of soldiers down by the swamp... And now, this one I've been thinkin' about... I need a second gun to help ."
Caleb blinked. The mory of this very companion activity flashed vividly in his mind thanks to his Past Life mory. In the ga, this was sothing Arthur did with Bill. But now, in this life, in this version of things, Bill was offering it to him.
"By second gun you an ?" Caleb asked, still a little surprised.
Bill snorted. "Of course it's you, you slowpoke. You see anyone else sittin' here?" He scrubbed Cain behind the ears, the dog thumping his tail contentedly.
Caleb chuckled, raising both hands. "Okay, okay, relax. Just taken by surprise is all. But yeah, sure. I'm down to gain so money for ourselves and the gang."
Bill grunted approvingly. "Good. I like the attitude, Caleb."
"Thank you for the praise, Bill," Caleb said with mock formality before taking another bite of his stew. "But I think you should tell what exactly we're robbing."
Bill leaned back and grabbed another swig of beer. "Stagecoach. Bank stagecoach. And it's without much security. This feller I t last night at the saloon while we were drinkin'... says it's coming right through. The bank figures the cost of proper security ain't worth the risk, apparently. There'll be a couple of ard guards, sure, but nothing too serious. And a lot of money. Easy money."
Caleb whistled low. "Now that is a dream of every man and woman. Easy money sounds nice. Who else are you thinking of bringing besides ?"
Bill reached down, took the empty bowls from Cain, and set them aside. Cain licked his chops and lay his head down again. Bill scratched his chin. "I think we need a girl. 'Cause see, I got a plan. Needs a woman's touch. Soone to distract the coachn while we make our move."
Caleb nodded thoughtfully. He held back a chuckle as his mories showed him Tilly riding along with Arthur in the ga, snarking at Bill the entire ti. It had been entertaining, but it also changed so parts of the plan's pacing.
So instead, he made a different choice. "What about Mary-Beth?"
Bill raised an eyebrow and imdiately snorted. "You just suggestin' her so you can spend more ti with her, ain't you?"
Caleb grinned, holding up his hands innocently. "Hey, I suggested her 'cause she's smart, charming, and good at playing a role. She ain't just sittin' around reading those romance novels for nothin'. I an, c'mon, she's got a natural storyteller's charisma. She could sell water to a drowning man. Also, it's a bonus that she's got that sweet, innocent look, nobody'd suspect her."
Bill gave a short laugh. "Well, whatever. As long as it goes according to plan and we get our cut."
"I'll ask her later tonight or tomorrow morning," Caleb said. "I think she'll want to. Not much to do around here besides reading and chatting. Could be fun for her."
"Alright," Bill grunted. He leaned back, looking up at the moonlit sky. "You sure you're good with this? It's not a small thing, Caleb. Coach like that, we'll be hittin' it in New Hanover. Just outside Dewberry Creek. Ain't too far, but it's still risky."
Caleb nodded, more serious now. "Yeah. I'm sure. I've got your back, Bill."
Bill gave a grunt of approval again. No words, just the sound of trust beginning to settle in. Another drink of beer followed, then he scratched Cain's head again.
"Then it's settled. We ride out after breakfast. Bring Mary-Beth, keep your guns clean, and don't oversleep."
Caleb laughed. "You got it. I'll et you near the horses after we eat in the morning."
They sat in silence a little longer, Cain snoring gently at their feet, the crackle of the fire warming their faces.
And then finally, Bill said sothing Caleb didn't expect, "Thanks for this. Most folks in the gang think I'm just muscle. Not too many treat like I've got a real plan."
Caleb looked over, understanding the weight behind the words. "Well... everyone's got a side they don't show. Even you. I see the effort you're putting in."
Bill grunted again. "Hmph. Don't make it weird."
Caleb laughed. "Wouldn't dream of it."
They clinked beer bottles together quietly, and that was that. Whatever tomorrow brought, at least they were riding into it together.
Morning arrived at Clens Point with a crisp breeze rustling through the trees. The sounds of birdsong, the occasional neigh of horses, and the clatter of early risers filled the air. Caleb awoke early, his body still sluggish from last night's beer and at, but his mind already focused on the task ahead.
He quickly made his way to the wash basin to clean up and splash his face. Once he'd dressed and strapped his revolver to his side, he moved toward the main tent where he saw Mary-Beth sitting by herself, scribbling into one of her many little notebooks.
"Morning, Mary-Beth," Caleb greeted, his tone casual but warm and filled with the feelings he has for her.
Mary-Beth looked up, a small smile forming on her she saw him. "Oh, good morning, Caleb. You're up early. Sothing on your mind?"
He nodded and crouched beside her, resting one arm across his knee. "Actually, yeah. I've got a favor to ask. A job, if you're up for it."
Mary-Beth arched a brow, clearly intrigued as her eyes sparkled with amusent. "Oh? What kind?"
"Legal-ish."
She laughed. "Now I'm really interested."
Caleb chuckled. "I know, sounds strange coming from . But yeah, Bill asked to be his second gun on a stagecoach job. He's got a plan. One that involves a... how'd he put it? 'Woman's touch.' I suggested you."
When Caleb was finished, Mary-Beth tapped her chin. "So you're saying I'd get to play damsel in distress?"
"More like a damsel who causes distress."
Mary-Beth smirked. "Even better." she laughed softly, shaking her head. "But you're sure about that? I an, I don't mind helping, but I don't want to deal with Bill barking orders the whole ti."
"I'll be there," Caleb said reassuringly. "If he starts acting out, I'll make sure he behaves. Besides, I figured you might want a little excitent."
Mary-Beth humd, considering. Then, with a decisive nod, she closed her book. "Alright. I'm in."
Caleb blinked. "Just like that?"
She stood, brushing off her skirt. "Caleb, I've been stuck in camp folding laundry for a week. I'd rob a nun if it got out of here for a few hours."
Caleb laughed. "Good to know."
By midmorning, the trio was ready. Bill had his horse loaded and his repeater checked. Caleb brought his repeater and rifle alongside him as well, while Mary-Beth wore a simple, modest dress with her hair pinned back, playing the part of a damsel in distress.
As they rode out of camp, Dutch gave them a lazy wave from his perch outside his tent.
"You three be careful now," he called. "Don't go makin' the law look too closely our way."
"No promises!" Bill shouted back with a grin.
Caleb rely nodded, and Mary-Beth offered a coy wave over her shoulder.
They rode northeast, passing quiet adows and tall pine trees, the sun beginning to climb toward its peak. The road to Dewberry Creek was peaceful for now, but Caleb's instincts kept him alert.
Mary-Beth rode beside him, keeping her tone light despite the purpose of their journey. "So, this coach we're robbing... any idea what it's carrying?"
Bill answered from ahead, "Money. I don't know from which Bank. I got it on good word they're moving a strongbox filled with dollar bills. But they're not putting many guards on it since they think the roads are too quiet to worry."
"You sure your source is good?" Caleb asked.
Bill grunted. "Yeah, I'm sure. Feller from Rhodes. Owes for saving his skin in a bar fight once. Says it's a small escort. Five guards max."
"And we're just gonna stop 'em with Mary-Beth playing hurt on the road?" Caleb confird.
"That's the plan," Bill said, glancing over his shoulder. "She acts like she twisted her ankle or sothin'. They stop, get out to help, and bam. We draw down on 'em and shoot em all."
"Simple enough," Mary-Beth said. "But if they don't stop?"
"Then you shoot 'em," Bill replied with a toothy grin. "We're not here to beg."
Caleb frowned slightly but said nothing. He trusted Mary-Beth could handle herself, she was sharper than most gave her credit for and if sothing had happened, he was there to protect her and activate his Dead Eye for good asure.
The rest of the ride was mostly quiet, each of them lost in their own thoughts. The occasional rustle of wind in the trees or the distant call of a hawk filled the silence.
As they rode out of Lemoyne and crossed the invisible border into New Hanover, the air seed to shift, less humid, crisper, with the earthy sll of pine and dust carried by the breeze. The countryside opened up into more rolling hills and dry patches of land, the red clay trail ahead of them winding toward Dewberry Creek.
They passed the dry riverbed without incident, their horses' hooves crunching against rock and old silt. Soon they turned onto a broader dirt road that led northward.
"Okay," Bill finally said, pulling his horse to a stop. "Here we are."
Caleb and Mary-Beth reined in beside him, their horses shifting beneath them with soft huffs. The trees around them had thinned out, giving way to a wide, gently sloping bend in the road. It was the perfect choke point, no town for miles, no witnesses. Just the hills, the dry wind, and whatever passed through here.
Bill gestured down the road, pointing westward. "Stage should be comin' from over there. Bank usually sends 'em outta at this ti of day. Not too many take this road, but it cuts ti. Reckon they wanna get the money through quick."
He turned to Mary-Beth. "You ride up a little ways. Maybe two hundred feet. Pretend you twisted your ankle or sothin' after fallin' from your horse. Lie down near the edge of the road and wave 'em down like you're hurt. They'll stop. You keep 'em talkin'. and Caleb'll do the rest."
Mary-Beth blinked and raised her brows. "Bill... I didn't sign up to throw myself off a horse. You better be damn sure that split is worth it.*
Bill scoffed. "You'll be fine. Just slide off nice and easy. You ain't gotta break anything. Besides, you're gettin' a cut. That's the deal."
Caleb, who had been adjusting the strap on his saddlebag, looked over to her. *Wait a second Mary-Beth," he said.
Mary-Beth paused and turned toward him, curious.
Caleb reached back and pulled his second revolver, his Schofield, from its holster. He held it out to her, butt first.
"Here," he said, his voice soft but firm. "Just in case. I don't expect trouble, but I'd rather you be ready than sorry."
Mary-Beth looked down at the gun, then back at him. A smile tugged at her lips, one warr and filled with sothing more from her feelings than her usual warm smile. "You're sweet, Caleb. Don't worry, I've done this kind of thing long before you showed up."
...
Na: Caleb Thorne
Age: 23
Body Attributes:
- Strength: 7/10
- Agility: 6/10
- Perception: 8/10
- Stamina: 7/10
- Charm: 5/10
- Luck: 6/10
Skills:
- Handgun (Lvl 2)
- Rifle (Lvl 2)
- Firearms Knowledge (Lvl 2)
- Past Life mory (Lvl MAX)
- Knife (Lvl 1)
- Blunt Weapon (Lvl 1)
- Sneaking (Lvl 2)
- Horse Mastery (Lvl 3)
- Poker (Lvl 3)
- Hand to Hand Combat (Lvl 1)
- Eagle Eye (Lvl 1)
- Dead Eye (Lvl 2)
- Bow (Lvl 2)
- Pain Nullifier (Lvl 1)
- Physical Regeneration (Lvl 0)
- Crafting (Lv1)
- Persuasion (Lvl 2)
- ntal Fortitude (Lvl MAX)
- Cooking (Lvl 2)
- Teaching (Lvl 1)
- Germanic Language Proficiency (Lvl MAX)
- Inventory System (Permanent - 5x5x5)
Money: 513 dollars and 45 cents
Inventory: 1004 dollars, 2 gold nuggets, 1 gold bar, and 4 silver rings
Bank: 320 dollars, 4 gold bars, a large bag of jewelry, and 3 gold nuggets
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