Chapter 67: Abigail’s Decision
Dutch’s speech had been a success—it reignited the gang’s morale and stirred their spirits.
He hadn’t intended to bring up the Blackwater money, but at this point, it was the only thing that could motivate everyone.
The lure of $150,000 was powerful. Still, Dutch knew the gang was fragile now—especially because of Davey.
Damn Davey.
As people would say in later times: You don’t want your brother to live poorly, but you can’t stand to see him driving a luxury car either.
Dutch felt a deep, bitter ache—worse than the time they’d been surrounded by Pinkertons after robbing the ferry in Blackwater.
The better Davey did, the worse Dutch felt. The contrast cut deep.
“Hosea, maybe we don’t have to push Davey away. Like Arthur said, he hasn’t betrayed the gang, has he?”
“Besides, Davey must know plenty of influential people in Valentine now. Maybe we could ask him to help us sell the bonds. That way, we wouldn’t have to accept such a low price.”
“Davey still cares about the gang—and about Sean. If he joined us, sure, it might draw the Pinkertons’ attention. But the fact that he sent Mac shows he still cares about the boy.”
After Dutch’s speech, Hosea approached him for a quiet talk.
Like Arthur, Hosea was genuinely happy to see how Davey had changed.
He admired him too—building such a thriving moonshine business was no small feat.
To Hosea, Davey sending his twin brother Mac to take part in their rescue was proof he still cared for the gang. He just wanted a better life.
Davey could easily do what Trelawny did—help the gang through information or other means.
And Hosea was certain Davey wouldn’t refuse.
“Hosea, maybe you’re right,” Dutch finally said. “Then I’ll leave the matter of selling the bonds to you.”
Dutch knew Hosea spoke sense, but the words left a bitter taste.
After saying that, he turned and walked away, not wanting to continue the conversation.
...
Elsewhere, Uncle had cornered Arthur.
“Arthur, you rascal! Don’t tell me you really paid two dollars for this. I bet you got it straight from Davey.”
Arthur gave him an exasperated look. “Uncle, I swear I paid two bucks for it. If I’d taken it from Davey, I’d have brought you a whole case!”
Uncle grinned. “Then that’s a promise—bring me a whole case of Davey’s moonshine next time!”
Arthur sighed. “Why don’t you go yourself, Uncle? Davey would let you drink as much as you want.”
Uncle glanced in Dutch’s direction, then lowered his voice. “You know how it is, Arthur. Dutch ain’t in a good mood right now. Going to see Davey would only make him angrier.”
“So, you’re the one who should fetch it for me.”
Arthur shook his head. “Fine, Uncle. When I head out, I’ll bring you a case of Davey’s moonshine.”
Uncle chuckled. “Then leave tomorrow, Arthur. It’ll still be a few days before we move on Sean MacGuire.”
“Ever since I had that moonshine, everything else in camp tastes like water. I can’t stop thinking about that flavor.”
“If it weren’t for Dutch, I’d ask you to ride to Valentine today.”
Arthur could only sigh. He knew that for a drunk like Uncle, Davey’s moonshine was irresistible. He’d have to keep his word.
...
Meanwhile, John was facing a different conversation.
“John, maybe Davey’s right,” Abigail whispered. “We should leave the gang.”
She’d already heard bits about Davey’s situation from John before, though back then, Davey’s business hadn’t yet taken off.
Now that she knew his moonshine operation was thriving, she wanted to seek him out instead of staying with the gang.
Sure, bootlegging was still illegal—but it was far safer than robbery. At least they wouldn’t be wanted, constantly running from the law.
Besides, Davey had connections with the Valentine Police Department. That meant more safety—and a better future for little Jack.
“Abigail, now’s not the time,” John said quietly. “Dutch is already furious about all this.”
“If we’re going to leave, we should wait until after we rescue Sean MacGuire.”
John’s voice wavered; part of him was moved by Dutch’s words earlier.
After all, there was $150,000 in Blackwater—and once they sold the bonds, there’d be even more. With that kind of money, they could live comfortably.
Davey’s offer tempted him, but Dutch had been like a father to him.
And the truth was, John still wasn’t ready to be a father himself.
He couldn’t think about little Jack the way Abigail did.
Abigail, however, had already made up her mind.
She knew now wasn’t the right time to leave—but in her heart, she’d already decided to go to Davey.
If John refused, she’d take Jack and go on her own.
She believed Davey wouldn’t abandon her or the boy.
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