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Chapter 6 Pt.II

"The Wild West's Iron Horse"

(Who the Hell Is Leviticus Cornwall?)

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The sounds of thundering hooves pounding against the frozen tundra ground roared around the posse, Tulip cycled her Winchester, the steel was dirty and the chamber was unkempt. The engravings were filled with dirt too, making darker outlines of the gun's nickname, Paciencia. Tulip had wished she saved some gun oil, but it will make do.

"Okay gentlemen, and woman. Listen up, all of you. According to the information so kindly provided to us by the O'Driscolls, the train will be coming north, from Big Valley." Dutch explained. "We're going to pick it off after it crosses the border into the Grizzlies."

They all made a formation, Arthur, Micah, Lenny, Charles, Javier, and Tulip.

"There's a raised spot there that should give us a good vantage. Charles, you'll keep lookout for any outriders. How's that hand, by the way?"

"I'll be fine." Charles responded.

He urged the Count to pick up the speed. "Good, I'll take the driver and engineer, then run point. Lenny and Javier, you two take the front cars, deal with any guards. Arthur and Micah, you lead straight for the back." Arthur didn't seemed pleased, having to tag with Micah. "That's what we're after... Mr. Cornwall's private car."

"You and me, Morgan." Micah called out.

Arthur gripped his reins slightly hard, "Great."

"Have you got a problem with that?"

"Not if you keep your head for once."

"You worry about yourself." The chemistry between them, or anyone for that matter with Micah, is like oil and water. They will never mix well, no matter what you do.

"Enough!" Dutch yelled. "After Bill blows the tracks, we're gonna need to move fast. Is everyone clear on what they're doing?"

"Yep."

"Crystal."

"Yes, boss."

The posse leader looked back to check on everyone, especially with the silent cowgirl. Tulip tipped her hat, "Mm-hm."

"Good. Now, come on. Let's ride."

The horses galloped through the piles of snow, making tiny snowstorms behind their feet and legs. The ride was lengthy, much more longer than Tulip had originally expected. The day grows ever so colder, the temperature dropped as a blanket of clouds enveloped the sun and the sky began to dim. As they traveled, the snow slowly became less and less, grass dominated the ground and so did the leafless trees.

"Out of the snow, finally." Arthur huffed.

Dutch laughed, "Feels good, doesn't it?" then his voice switched to a more sullen tone. "But we need to get this done fast now it's thawing...before anyone gets up here after us." Dutch then chuckled, glancing back at them. "Look at you boys. See? This is what I call a crew. Micah Bell, Charles Smith, Arthur Morgan, Javier Escuella, even Tulip... "Little Miss Sure Shot"!"

Tulip chuckled in timidity at her nickname. Since she taken in Willow and has been training her, her nickname was soon to be passed on to her. It was unintentional, but at least she wouldn't inherit the other infamous title. Tulip briefly frowned, but shook her head as Dutch's voice brought her mind back.

"...and what about young Lenny Summers here? Always the first man on his horse."

"Just happy we're back at 'em, Dutch." Lenny called out.

Tulip had almost forgotten that it was Lenny's first time being out on the field for a large heist such as this, he was after all, the most recent addition to the gang. She had guessed that it must've been a tad bit strange that she'd be riding out with the men and not staying behind like the rest of the ladies in the gang, in Lenny's eyes.

"You sure you're ready for this, kid?" Javier asked.

" 'Course I'm ready." Lenny stated eagerly, ready to jump in for the action.

Dutch replied, "Just stay calm, keep your eye sharp. That goes for all of you. No mistakes, not again."

Micah joined in. "So we do this, then we go back to Blackwater to collect?"

Tulip shook her head, it was far too early to head to Blackwater. The bloody shootout that they had done? The town must be in an complete lockdown, just what does it take to get it through that thick skull of this man? A bullet?

"How many times are you going to ask the same question, Micah?" Even Arthur seemed to be fed up.

"That's a lot of damn money to leave to be sitting for too long." He lashed.

Tulip cussed under her breath, she rode alongside with Charles so he might have caught it. "It would be crazy to go back there now." Charles reasoned, preventing Arthur from making an angry retort. "The place would be swarming with Pinkertons."

Dutch sighed, "We go back when I say we go back, and that's the end of it. Money's safe, you'll just have to trust me. And if the O'Driscolls are right, there'll be a stack of railroad bonds on this train, good money, once we work out how to cash 'em."

It wasn't long until the snow began to fade away from the landscape, only bits clung to the little crevices of the rock faces and some sprinkled the dirt. Tulip was so glad to see the grass again, it was so green when bathing under the warmth of the sun.

"Now everyone shut up and get your mind on the job at hand. Come on." The train tracks slithered into view, it was like an iron snake that stretched across the land as far as the eye can see. "There's the water tower. Hold up here on the ridge."

Sunny and the other horses slowed to a stop, Tulip took off her wolf coat and tucked it under her bags that was on her horse and saddle. The chilly whispers of the mountain brushed behind the riders.

"Is Bill there?" Dutch questioned.

Arthur shook the snow off his sleeves of his blue winter coat. "Yeah."

"You wanna head down? See how he's gettin' on?"

"Okay." Without wasting time, he spurred his horse on down the path to meet up with Bill.

Dutch was scanning the area with his binoculars, Charles was keeping a lookout on their left, and Tulip covered the right. A small stream let out a quiet hum as the others waited for the setup of the explosives, Tulip watched the birds swoop freely into the skies.

"You were called "Lil' Miss Sure Shot"?" Lenny asked.

Much to her chagrin, she hid her face under her hat. Dutch chuckled, "Oh, you'll believe it once you see her in a shootout. Miss Tulip's a trick shooter, she can knock your hat off while facin' the other way!"

Lenny and Charles was mildly surprised. "Huh, oh really?" He replied with a smirk, curious, and glancing over to the mentioned woman.

Tulip cracked a smile, but it disappeared as fast as a bullet when Micah opened his mouth. "Aw, is Miss Sure Shot blushin'? Is her aim reaaally that good?" She scoffed, and he laughed. "You're just as sour as cowpoke."

She snapped her head to confront his rat face, her eyes glaring. Her cheeks, earlier burning with shyness, was now indignation.

"I wonder if a woman like you can even get a man-"

"Enough, Micah." Dutch knew that Tulip wouldn't miss the chance to grab her gun and do something extremely regrettable with it, he had to step up before things would escalate too high for his liking. Especially when it comes to teasing to her about her personal, romantic life. You'd better wish you had kept your mouth shut.

Dutch sent a warning glare to her, she scoffed, spat to the ground towards Micah and flicked her reins. Much to Sunny's slight annoyance with the bit tugging her mouth, she turned her head and trotted away from that muskrat. Sensing her master's fuming, quiet anger. It didn't help that Micah was just laughing off in amusement, the others were just watching the tense exchange between the three.

Tulip was turning away from the gang, looking forward at the mountains that they had just rode down from. She patted her palomino, and rummaged through her bag for any last bit of food for her darling traveling companion. Sunny nickered happily, seeing an apple and was gladly munching on it. "Heh, heh..." Tulip smiled.

"It seems that Arthur has just finished unspooling the wire up and connecting the detonator..." One of the men pointed out.

"Here comes Arthur."

Tulip had her horse turn and she adjusted her hat. "About time. I have to say, I am rather looking forward to this." Dutch faced the lot. "Just be ready to move quick, and remember the plan...all of you. No mistakes." They nodded. "What's goin' on?"

"He says all fine." Arthur said.

"We will soon find out. Everything okay?"

Tulip noticed something was off about Arthur. "I think so." His eyes told otherwise. Or maybe it was just her silly imagination.

"Okay, cover your faces. Train should be here any minute now."

Tulip undid her rosy bandana wrapped around her neck, and used it to hide her identity. The low rumbling hum of the iron horse echoed from afar, gaiting its way towards the posse in an unrelenting and continuous pace.

"Gentleman, and woman..." He tipped his hat at Tulip. "It's time."

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A/N : Do you guys actually like the way I break these missions in parts? It's a lot, but I'm doing it for faster updates...for you fellers! Not for cliffhangers. XD

Published : Dec.17, 2018