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say-hwaet · 3 months ago

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High Sierra: A Red Dead Redemption Story

Chapter Six: The Outlaws and the In-laws

Arthur finishes shaving his face and washes his razor in the bathroom sink. Looking at himself in the mirror, he does see that he has aged. Perhaps it was being out in the sun for many hours of the day, the stress of the last three years, or a combination of both. He wonders why any woman would be interested in him.

"You're not fooling anyone," he says out loud to himself. He backs away from the sink and turns to grab his shirt hanging on the door knob. Putting it on, he hears a knock on the door. "Yeah?"

"Grampy wants to know if you're ready to go, Daddy." It’s Isaac, his voice somewhat muffled from behind the door.

"Yep, I'll be right out." He straightens out his shirt collar and opens the door. Isaac stands in the doorway in green shorts and a buttoned shirt with parrots on it. "Well, you clean up nicely, son!"

"Grammie helped me pick it out!"

"Shoah," he smiles. "Let's head out to the car."

As Arthur plans to take Isaac home after the cookout, Arthur is taking his car separately. Given the option, Isaac decides to ride with his grandparents, leaving Arthur to ride alone with Copper. So much for loyalty.

Following Hosea, they begin the long drive back to the city, where the Marstons live. They live in a nice suburb, with barbecues, pool parties, and a nearby golf course. Truly the life of luxury.

Arthur never liked being in the city. When he went to college, he had to reside in the dorms his first year and absolutely detested it. The small quarters weren’t the problem, but the noise and endless parties. Arthur preferred a whiskey in the corner of a room while reading his textbooks. Regardless, the city and the dorms gave him the same feeling: dirty and crowded.

Without having Isaac in the car with him, he can be alone with his thoughts. He begins to think about where he is in life and where he wants to be. He started to think about what Hosea said. Why hasn't he married Eliza? Is it commitment issues, fear, the desire for independence, or a combination of all three? Maybe if Mary had never re-entered his social circle, he would have eventually asked Eliza to marry him, but now it's not so straightforward. Not anymore.

And now he has different obstacles in his way. His job and Isaac's cancer. He couldn't possibly think about marriage, at least, not yet.

***

Pulling up into the driveway, Arthur steps out of his SUV and feels the heat of the sun. There are no trees nearby to cast their shade, and he squints his eyes. Once his eyes adjust, he sees the rest of his family get out of Hosea's truck. He turns for a moment to open the back passenger door of his SUV and Copper jumps out. He energetically turns around and as Arthur begins to meet up with his family, Copper follows closely.

Music can be heard from behind the house, but it sounds fresher than a stereo...live music?

"Looks like the band is playing," Hosea calls to Arthur, as he catches up to them.

Arthur nods, smiling softly. "It sure sounds like it. They sound pretty good!"

"Of course, they do," Bessie says matter-of-factly and she takes her grand baby’s hand. "Let's go in.”

As they head up the front steps, the gate to the backyard swings open. A tall man in a red dress shirt and black slacks approaches them. The many rings on his fingers glimmer in the sun.

"Hosea!" Dutch calls, waving.

"Dutch!" Hosea turns to go back down the steps to embrace his long-time friend. "I almost didn't recognize you without being in a suit!"

"Oh, this is a casual gathering, my good friend. I'd hate to get mustard on a thousand-dollar piece of Italian art."

They hug each other, laughing. Dutch steps aside from Hosea and sees who has accompanied him to the cookout. "And Bessie, how nice to see you."

Bessie smiles. "Hello, Dutch.” And then she looks down at Isaac. “Do you remember my grandson?"

Dutch squats down to look at the young boy standing in front of her. "This couldn't be Isaac? You were such a string bean when I last saw you." Isaac smiles shyly. "You look so much like your mother."

Isaac’s eyes light up, that curiosity proving Dutch’s observation. Every time Arthur and Eliza have talked about it, she’s always insisted that he looks mostly like his father. But Arthur can’t deny the resemblance in their eyes, their curiosity, and softness of spirit. Isaac is like his mother. "You know my mom?"

"Of course, I do! Lovely woman." He stands and looks at Arthur. "I know everyone."

"Somehow, that don't surprise me," Arthur comments, extending a hand to Dutch. Dutch shakes it and uses his other hand to clap Arthur's shoulder.

"Good to see you, son."

Arthur feels somewhat awkward, as Dutch was one of the three people that witnessed the event at the last party. "Hi, Dutch."

"How have you been?"

Arthur shrugs and answers vaguely. "Oh, fine. Glad to see you're doing well."

Dutch grins from ear to ear. "Never better! I've got big plans for this group, big plans! We've got advertising, we've got PR, we have a bodyguard, and we have a makeup artiste." The look he gives Arthur indicates there's something special about the makeup artist, meaning it has a feminine shape.

Arthur snorts. Dutch will never cease to do something new, or spare no expense. "Bodyguard? Really?"

"Why sure! I'd ask you, but you're all caught up in protecting baby bunnies and little birdies."

Arthur rolls his eyes. "It's more than that, Dutch."

Dutch replies with a hint of sarcasm and condemnation. "Oh-oh of course it is! Now, let's go back to the shindig, shall we? John's been talking about nothing but you boys since this morning!"

Dutch leads the way as Hosea catches up to walk aside his friend. "How's Annabelle, Dutch?"

Dutch gives his friend a bitter look. "Annabelle's off to see her sister."

"Is that so...?" Hosea's voice drifts off, already knowing why she isn't here to celebrate the band's first tour.

Arthur, too, knows. Perhaps the makeup artiste has something to do with it. Dutch has always been one for the ladies. They just can't seem to resist the fashion sense and ol' Dutch charm. Regardless of age, he has always seemed to charm his way in and out of anything. Poor Annabelle loved him to a fault, and Arthur can never see her leaving him. She would be back, like always.

Arthur begins to look around. There is a good amount of people here, some have gathered in groups and are socializing. There are some children who are running around with balloons, so it is safe to assume that these people are family to the band members. As a group of children run by, Arthur recognizes one of them as the four-year-old John "Jack" Marston. Jack glances at them as he passes then quickly stops, recognizing them.

"Uncle Arthur!" he cheers and runs to him.

"Hiya, Jack!" Arthur greets, as he picks the boy up to give him a hug.

Isaac looks up at Jack and smiles. Jack sees him and waves. "Isaac, hi!"

"Hi,” Isaac replies softly. He isn’t as outgoing as Jack is. That is something he gets from both Eliza and Arthur. In fact, it is by chance that they ever met. A simple accident and happenstance. Like as though fate couldn’t have planned it any better.

Jack studies his friend and sees Isaac's scar. He frowns and points a small finger. "What happened to your head?"

Arthur quickly clears his throat. "Uh, Jack, why don't you and Isaac go play, huh?" Arthur puts Jack down, who seems to forget he had asked a question.

"Okay!" Jack sings.

Isaac points a finger at the balloon floating above Jack’s head. "Hey, Jack, where did you get that balloon?"

"Mama was making them,” Jack says as he turns, already on the move again. I can show you!"

"Sure," Isaac smiles and follows Jack as they run off in a different direction. Copper watches for a moment and looks up at Arthur. Arthur nods and Copper takes off after the children.

Dutch and the rest have already moved on, and Arthur walks quickly to catch up to them. Passing by someone manning the grill, they stop in front of the band which is finishing a set. They have a simple setup, but it is clear that they are a full band. Sean McGuire mans the drums, Javier Escuella with guitar, and John plays the bass as he sings into the microphone. Two women that Arthur doesn't recognize are doing background vocals, while one plays the violin. Together, they make a fine country rock band.

Javier plays a quick riff on his guitar and leaps into the microphone.

"Dejé mi corazón contigo en St. Denis,

pero si me llamas te digo que "¡Si!"

botella tras botella,

que no pudieron reemplazar,

¡las estrellas, las estrellas,

en tus hermosos ojos...!"

Then John comes back in again, with the vocalists joining in:

"But you were a tame queen,

I was a wild thing,

You were of the city,

I was the country

And we could never be!"

Another musical riff and both Javier and John join the microphone.

"'Cause I am an outlaw!

An outlaw

On the run!"

Sean hits hard on the drums and John strums one time and lets it ring until it fades. Those who are gathered applaud and cheer. John bows and gestures to the rest of his band, who all take a bow.

"I guess they're done?" Arthur asks out loud.

"Oh, they'll be playing again," Dutch reassures him. "But they've gotta mingle with the fans." Dutch approaches the band, who are gently setting their instruments aside. "Well done, gentlemen! And oh, ladies." He looks over at the backup singers who giggle.

"Thanks, Dutch." John says. John never called Dutch "Dad" like Arthur had called his adoptive parents. Dutch and Annabelle adopted John when he was twelve, but it seems that their relationship has always been more like a business transaction. Deep down, Dutch has a good heart, but he is always about image. And money.

Dutch walks off to greet some other guests, leaving them to their own devices.

John sees Arthur and eagerly steps off the stage to greet his brother from another mother.

"Arthur!" They take each other by the arm and hug. "Good to see you, brother."

"Good to see you too, John.” When they break away, he gestures to the bandstand with a swing of his arm. “Looks like you got yourself quite the group!"

"Oh yeah, all part of Dutch's plan," he scoffs, his voice more raspy than usual. "It was his idea to sing the whole album for this get-together. My voice better hang on, otherwise, I'm gonna lose it."

"You could just tell him no," Arthur chuckles.

John shakes his head. "I can fire a manager, but I can't fire a manager who happens to be my dad."

"I could see how that would be difficult," Arthur nods.

John comes beside Arthur and wraps an arm around his shoulder. "So how's Isaac doing?"

The tone of the conversation shifting, Arthur’s smile falls. "I wish I had good news…”He pauses, swallowing hard. “His cancer's back."

John removes his arm and swears under his breath. "Then what was all that treatment for?" he asks, his brow furrowed. They both continue to walk about the yard, the sounds of other conversations and laughter filling the property.

Arthur appreciates John’s empathy, someone why shares in the anguish he’s been holding inside his chest. He rolls his shoulders, tucking his chin. "That's what I thought, but Eliza has hope that this new treatment will work."

"Eliza, huh?" John gives Arthur an inquisitive look. "So...how's that going? Heh, or should I even ask?"

Arthur sighs, might as well tell him, given he saw the exchange that started this mess. "It's...better than I thought. But I'm taking a step away from everything. I don't want anyone hurt."

John nods his head, clapping Arthur on the shoulder. "Hey, that's a good plan, Arthur. I've always known that you were a sensitive type."

Arthur gives him a look, but it fails to conceal his smirk. "Hey��"

John then leans in and lowers his voice a tad. "But I need to warn you, Dutch has hired on some new people to represent the band."

Arthur thinks about the bodyguard and beautiful woman that Dutch hired. "Yeah, he did mention that."

"Sure, but did he say who?"

Arthur shrugs, lifting a brow. "Some makeup artist?"

"Yeah, but that's not—"

Arthur doesn't need John to finish that sentence. A few feet away, Dutch is working his charm on a lady, a woman with black hair, in a turquoise party dress and pearls, and little black heels.

It's Mary.

Arthur feels himself freeze in his stride, turning away from her. "Why did he bring her here?"

"She's our advertising,” John explains with a regrettable sigh.

Arthur places a palm on his forehead, eyes wide. "You've got to be kidding me, since when?"

"A week ago?"

He looks at John sharply and points his thumb behind him, in her direction. "He saw what happened!"

John shrugs his shoulders, narrowing his eyes. "You think my dad cares about drama? He creates it for a living!" Arthur quickly walks in the opposite direction and tries to avoid being seen. John follows. "I'm sorry, Arthur."

Arthur shakes his head. He doesn’t want John to feel bad about it. He wasn’t the one kissing her. "It ain't your fault."

"Sure, but that doesn't mean I'm happy for you."

"Do you think she saw me?"

John looks back and after a moment he shakes his head. "She was talking to Dutch, and she was looking right at him."

Arthur looks at John with half lidded eyes and lips forming a flat line, unimpressed. "It's called peripheral vision, John."

John waves off the correction dismissively. "Whatever.” Then suddenly, his eye brightens and he lightly smacks Arthur’s arm. “Hey, have you said hi to my wife?”

"Nope, we just got here."

He points to the house. "She's probably inside. Let's go see."

John leads Arthur past another group, under the patio, and through the sliding doors. It has been a while since Arthur has been here. Going through the back, they pass the living room, down a hallway, and into the kitchen. It is no surprise to see Abigail, hard at work, cutting watermelon. She brushes away her bangs and looks up. "Oh! Arthur! When did you get here?"

Arthur waves at her. "Not too long ago. Isaac is running around with Jack."

Abigail smiles, smoothening her hair with a swipe of her palm. "Oh, that's great, how is the boy?"

"They say his cancer is back," John answers, coming up to her and taking a slice of watermelon.

Abigail clicks her tongue, her smile instantly disappearing. “Oh no. Arthur, I'm so sorry. You know I don't work in the cancer unit, but if I did, he would be my favorite patient," she reaches over and squeezes his arm empathetically.

Arthur feels a lump in his throat and quickly swallows it, nodding his head. He has to keep it in, like he does everything else. "Yeah, he's a good kid."

"How is Eliza taking all this?"

Arthur catches the side-eye from John before answering Abigail. She also had the pleasure to see the exchange and Arthur’s sure she and John have talked about it. "She's taking it hard, we both are."

Abigail nods, understanding. "I'm sure. I haven't heard from her in a couple of days, so I was starting to worry. Now I can see why."

"Yeah, well, at least she talked to you."

Abigail gives John a nervous look, then looks back at Arthur and smiles. "Well, I am glad that you and Isaac could make it. Jack has been so excited! He needed something to be happy about, on account of John leaving on tour."

Arthur puts his hands in his Jean pockets, turning to John. "How long are you going to be gone, John?"

"Three months. We are going eastward, stopping in a few cities, finally landing in NYC."

Arthur lifts his brow, impressed. "Sounds like quite the trip."

"I'll say," Abigail says under her breath, as she aggressively chops at the watermelon.

"It'll go by fast." John's attempt to reassure her doesn't appear to be working, as she taps his hand when he reaches for another slice.

"But it won't be long before Dutch has you go on another tour." She adjusts her posture and voice to mimic her father-in-law, "'Just one more tour and we're in! Just. One. More. Album and we're in, son!" She chops the watermelon again. "It never ends!"

John draws closer to his wife, lowering his voice. "Hey, we've talked about this already, Abigail, do we need to rehash it in front of Arthur?"

"Well, we got to see them fight, now it's our turn!"

"Abigail..."

Abigail goes to speak, then stops herself. She looks to Arthur and her expression softens. "I'm sorry, Arthur. Please forget I said anything."

Arthur waves it off. "I think I'm going to see what Isaac is up to. Hopefully, he isn't getting into something he shouldn't." Arthur steps back and turns around, soon hearing John and Abigail muttering to each other.

He feels his phone in his pocket vibrating and quickly pulls it out. His caller ID says it's Charles.

He answers. "Charles?"

"Arthur, are you at home?"

"No, I'm at a party...or something. What's going on?"

"Can you get to a TV?"

Arthur looks back and sees Abigail and John busy talking, so he goes to their family room where he last remembered the TV sat.

"Yeah, hang on." He enters the family room and turns on the TV. "It's on."

Charles’ tone still remains calm, but there is a budding urgency in his voice. "Go to the local news channel."

Arthur doesn't have cable TV at home, so it takes him a minute to use the remote. "Yeah, give me a sec."

Using the menu, he searches for the local news channel and selects it.

On the TV screen, a young woman stands in front of what looks like orange tape bordering a selected area of woods. He recognizes it to be a campground at a state park where he has patrolled. There are several people in the background. Upon further inspection, he sees Charles on the phone!

Arthur nearly spits and he takes another step toward the television. "Charles?!"

On the screen, he sees Charles’ mouth move, matching the words as he speaks to him over the phone. "I'm hanging up now. I don't want them to know I called you."

"But—"

The call ends, but Arthur continues to watch as the scene unfolds.

A nameplate appears on the screen underneath the news reporter. It reads, Tilly Jackson, High Sierra News Reporter.

"We are here now in the northern region of Redwood Falls, where another hunting accident has been reported. It was found by a game warden, who chooses to remain anonymous, on one of their routine patrols. The identity of the body has not been disclosed at this time, to allow time to contact the family, but we do now have the identity of the first victim of a hunting accident. His name is Thomas Downes, and he is known in the community for philanthropic work at homeless shelters and church functions. He was out on a boar hunting trip and had accidentally shot himself while at camp.

"Now, this recent accident has similar circumstances, so to ensure that precautions are being taken, this area of the park is being temporarily closed. Parks and recreational areas that permit more checkpoints and security will remain open until a new procedure can be in place.

"I have here with me Special Operations Warden Michael Barnes, who has been leading this investigation. Warden Barnes, what can you tell us about the incident?" She points her microphone at him. The smug look on his face clearly shows that he is enjoying the attention.

"Well, Ms. Jackson, this is again another typical case where a hunter does not take necessary precautions in gun safety. It is important to follow all safety guidelines that the Department of Conservation provides. In order to receive your permit, you need to be schooled in gun safety. This victim did not have a permit, and was most likely not properly trained."

Ms. Jackson pauses for but a few seconds, before asking another question. "Is it true that this victim was alone?"

Michael nods his head slowly, a smug grin on his face as he eyes the young reporter. "Yes, and I thank you for asking that question," his attempt at flattery makes Arthur cringe. "You should never go hunting alone. You never know what dangers you may come across."

Ms. Jackson looks unimpressed, moving on to her next question, "Could any of these indicate suicide?"

"Certainly not! With the first accident, there was no suicide note, and after speaking to his family, there was no indication that the victim would commit suicide. Mr. Downes was just a happy-go-lucky dude--er man."

"Is there a coincidence to these accidents happening so closely in succession?"

Michael shakes his head. "Of course not, they are accidents. The only thing they have in common is that they are both so tragic."

The reporter nods. "Understood. Thank you, Mr. Barnes."

"That's Special Agent Barnes."

Ms. Jackson does not respond but turns back to the camera. “Back to you, Tim."

Arthur has heard enough, he can get more details from Charles later. He turns the TV off.

Another victim. The fact that Charles called him suggests there was something that wasn't right. An accident was an accident, and it was all paperwork, but to have another one so quickly...It was another murder.

And that meant something darker was lurking.

There could be a serial killer, ready to kill again.

And Arthur wants to do something about it.

Sorry this one took so long! Been kinda busy with other things, but I hope to get back and post chapters.

Tag Requests:

@photo1030 @moeitsu @cassietrn

#red dead redemption 2 #red dead fandom #fanfiction #arthur morgan #ao3 writer #arthur x eliza #high sierra #modern red dead #modern au #Murder mystery story #Charles and Arthur are a dynamic duo #John is in a country rock band

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