Abigail couldn't understand Rousseau.
In her eyes, Davey bringing John back from Emerald Ranch was something to be happy about.
Yet Rousseau wished her husband could go out and follow Davey.
Rousseau was a bit older now, but still quite attractive—after all, she was the woman who convinced a legendary hunter to finally put away his gun.
While the men were usually out working, the women stayed home. Abigail and Rousseau both had their own children, so they had become familiar with each other.
"This is different, Abigail. I worry terribly whenever Laval goes out, but that's his job."
"Mr. Land is a truly good employer. He gave Laval respectable work, a house, and he's even opening a small school so little Ino can study."
"Protecting Mr. Land and his business—that's Laval's responsibility. Without Mr. Land, Laval, little Ino, and I would still be squeezed into that miner's shack in Annesburg."
"That place was barely bigger than our current outhouse. Living there... I couldn't even imagine what kind of future we'd have."
"So since we've received Mr. Land's generosity, we should serve him loyally, shouldn't we, Abigail?"
Rousseau's words made Abigail feel a little ashamed.
Because she never wanted John to go out on errands with Davey—and instead felt secretly relieved whenever Davey let John stay home.
"It's just... alright, Rousseau—maybe you're the one who's right."
Abigail wanted to say more, but nothing came out.
Her mind felt tangled. Maybe she could go ask Uncle.
...
Three days later, Rhodes.
After getting used to soft mattresses, sleeping outdoors felt unbearable.
By the time they arrived, it was almost dark. Davey, Mac, and the others were looking for a decent inn to wash up.
"Oh, oh, oh... look at this... who do we have here? Isn't that our Mr. Morgan?"
"What's this—let me see. A deputy's badge? Wow, Arthur, you're already a deputy sheriff? That's unbelievable!"
Mac had spotted a familiar figure riding toward them and burst out in surprise.
Davey turned as well, catching sight of Arthur.
"Davey, Mac—I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. It really is you."
Arthur swung off his horse and came over, greeting them warmly.
He had always thought highly of the Callander brothers. He missed the days they worked together, and seeing them again lifted his spirits.
Davey grinned. "Arthur, looks like you're doing pretty well. So, are you all planning to settle down in Rhodes now? That's a good idea."
Arthur gave a helpless smile and shook his head. "Davey, it's not what you think. A lot has happened—and honestly, it all feels ridiculous. This is Dutch's plan. Anyway... we really are working for the local police."
"John, Abigail, little Jack, Uncle—how are they? And what brings you here?"
Davey smiled. "They're doing well, don't worry. We're here on some business—sorting out a few problems. Not something I can explain in just a few sentences."
"Deputy Morgan, if you've got time, maybe we can head to the saloon, have a drink, and catch up."
Arthur nodded. "Of course, Davey, Mac. We're overdue for a drink."
"But there's someone else—Mrs. Sadie Adler. She's in town too. You will not believe what she's turned into."
"Trust me, you're going to be shocked when you see her."
Davey sent the three hired men to get settled at the inn, then went with Mac and Arthur to find Sadie.
Sadie was wandering around town. When she heard it involved drinks, she immediately said, "Sure, why not."
They headed to the Rhodes saloon, second-floor booth.
"Last time we were here, we stirred up a lot of trouble and had to pay damages. Better to sit upstairs this time."
Arthur began telling Davey and Mac what had happened lately.
Not long after the gang moved to Clemens Point, Dutch, Hosea, and Arthur were on their way to go fishing when they ran into Trelawny—being transported by Sheriff Gray and his men for financial fraud—along with several Anderson boys members locked in a prison wagon.
While Dutch was chatting with the sheriff, the Anderson men pried open the wagon and escaped.
Arthur stepped in, rounded up the Anderson boys with the sheriff, and as payment, the sheriff released Trelawny.
Davey took a drink and said, "That Trelawny guy. I sent him to Saint Denis for some business, and he ends up getting mixed up in a financial scam. He just can't keep his eyes off the greenbacks."
Arthur laughed. "Ain't that the truth. That's just how he is."
"Since we helped Sheriff Gray, Dutch got in good with him. You know how Dutch is, Davey—he's always been a smooth talker."
"That sheriff, Mr. Gray, is a complete drunk. Never handles anything—every time you see him he's wasted."
"No idea what Dutch said to him, but suddenly Bill, Dutch, and I were all deputy sheriffs."
"We ran errands for him—took down a moonshine operation. Oh, Davey, you didn't come here for the moonshine business, did you?"