Chapter - 16
The next morning, Jacob rose early, his decision made. He would go through with the heist, but not for the gang's sake. He would do it for Eliza, for their future together. He had to ensure they got enough money to start a new life far away from this place.
Jacob spent the day preparing, his mind focused on the task ahead. He avoided eye contact with the others, afraid they might see the guilt in his eyes. The gang gathered for their final briefing, and Koen laid out the details of the heist.
"We'll hit the train as it passes through the Rocky Mountains at night," Koen explained, pointing to a detailed map spread out before them. "The telegraph lines will be cut, so they won't be able to call for help. We'll use explosives to stop the train right here," he said, indicating a narrow pass. "We need to be quick and efficient. Remember, we only get one shot at this."
The four men then rode out towards their destination. When they reached there, they set up explosives on the track. They worked meticulously, ensuring the charges were hidden and effective. As the sun set, they rode to their hiding spots, waiting for the train.
Hours passed in tense silence until the distant whistle of the train pierced the night air. The gang readied themselves, eyes fixed on the approaching locomotive. The train's headlight cut through the darkness, growing larger and brighter with each passing second.
Koen held the detonator, his finger poised over the button. "Wait for it... wait for it..." he muttered under his breath. The train neared the designated spot, and with a press, the explosives detonated. A thunderous explosion echoed through the mountains as the track buckled, forcing the train to screech to a halt.
"Let's go!" Koen shouted, spurring his horse forward. The gang followed suit, galloping toward the immobilized train. They rode hard, the thundering hooves of their horses blending with the fading echoes of the explosion.
Reaching the train, they dismounted swiftly, drawing their weapons. The train was filled with shouts and fearful noises, the commotion of passengers adding to the chaos. They knew the guards would be concentrated in the rear carriages, protecting the valuable cargo. Koen signaled, and they split into two groups. Koen and Jonah approached from one side, while Jacob and Nathan took the other. Jacob's heart pounded as they neared the back carriages. He could hear the shouts of the guards, who were scrambling to respond to the sudden stop.
A guard appeared, rifle at the ready. Jacob fired first, the shot echoing in the night. The guard dropped, and the battle commenced. Bullets flew as the gang engaged the guards in a fierce firefight.
Koen and Jonah pressed forward, taking down guards with lethal precision. Jacob and Nathan flanked from the other side, their combined fire creating a deadly crossfire. Despite their superior numbers, the guards were falling one by one.
Throughout the gunfight, the sounds of terrified passengers grew louder. Shouts for help, cries of fear, and the panicked screams of those caught in the horror of this robbery echoed through the train. Suddenly, Nathan cried out in pain. Jacob glanced over and saw a bullet had grazed Nathan's left shoulder. "You okay?" Jacob shouted over the din.
"I'm fine, keep going!" Nathan replied, gritting his teeth against the pain.
Jacob nodded, refocusing on the fight. They were making progress, but the guards were still putting up a fierce resistance. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the last guard fell. The gang was victorious, but they had no time to celebrate.
"Get to the cargo carriages!" Koen ordered. "We need to move fast!"
Jacob and the others rushed to the cargo carriages. They pried open the doors, revealing crates of gold and money, just as Koen had promised. Each man filled two sacks full of gold and cash. The weight of the bags pulled at their shoulders, but the adrenaline of their victory spurred them on. They ran to their horses, the animals stamping impatiently, sensing the urgency in their riders.
"Split up, boys, and ride till your horses fall down. Stay away and lay low for a few days. We'll regroup at camp approximately a week from now," Koen instructed seriously, his eyes scanning each man's face to ensure they understood. Then, his stern expression broke into a wide grin.
"We did it, lads! Now it's time to enjoy our spoils. Yeehaw!" With a triumphant yell, the four men mounted their horses and started riding in different directions.
Jacob's heart raced as he turned Dakota onto a familiar path he had taken many times before. The moonlit trail stretched out before him, winding through the dense forest that led to the stream where he and Eliza often met.
Jacob had already confided in Eliza about his plan to run away, albeit with a slightly altered version of the truth. He had told her he was going to steal some money from his superior, enough to help them get settled. Though Eliza had initially balked at the prospect of stealing, her love for Jacob and her desire for a life beside him had ultimately won out.
"Are you sure about this, Jacob?" Eliza had asked, her eyes wide with concern. "What if something goes wrong?"
"Eliza, I can't let your father marry you off to someone else. We belong together. This money will give us the start we need. Trust me," Jacob had replied, his hand gently squeezing hers.
"I trust you, Jacob," she had said. "Just promise me you'll come back to me safely."
"I promise," Jacob had said, sealing his vow with a kiss.
Now, as he rode through the night, Jacob's mind replayed that moment over and over. As the first light of dawn began to break through the darkness, Jacob reached the edge of the forest. The stream, their secret meeting place, lay just beyond. His heart swelled with hope as he urged Dakota forward, the horse responding with a final burst of speed.
When he reached the stream, Jacob dismounted and looked around anxiously. He scanned the area, searching for any sign of Eliza. Moments later, he saw her. She stood on the opposite bank, her figure silhouetted against the rising sun. She wore a simple dress, and her blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders, catching the light in a halo of golden strands.
"Eliza!" Jacob called out, his voice filled with relief and love.
Eliza turned, her face lighting up as she saw him. She ran to the edge of the stream, her eyes brimming with tears of joy. "Jacob!"
Jacob waded through the shallow water, the coolness a stark contrast to the warmth flooding his heart. He reached her and pulled her into a tight embrace, their bodies melding together in a perfect fit.
"I was so worried," Eliza whispered, her voice trembling. "I thought something might have happened to you."
"I'm here now, and we're going to be okay," Jacob reassured her, his hands gently cupping her face. "We've got the money, and we're going to start a new life together. Far away from here, where no one can find us."
Eliza nodded. "Let's go, Jacob. Let's leave this place behind and never look back."
With that, they mounted Dakota together, the horse carrying them away from the stream, away from their past, and toward the promise of a new beginning.