The Story Of Red Dead Redemption

Chapter 28: Rallying the Troops

As Arthur arrived, Strauss, who was sitting in the carriage, immediately expressed concern about the earlier 'incident' at the sheriff's office:

"Arthur, I thought we were supposed to keep a low profile, my friend? I watched you dump the bound O'Driscolls in front of the sheriff's office. That's hardly discreet, and it ruined a business deal I had."

If there was anyone who could make a statement sound flat and straightforward yet filled with sarcasm, while still conveying that there was no ill intent, it was Strauss.

Despite his complaint, Arthur could sense Strauss's concern. He smiled and said,

"It's more complicated than it looks. As for your ruined deal, I'm glad we won't have to deal with another debtor. And just so you know, I've secured our starting location for our venture. Soon, the plan I told you about will be on track. But for now, we need to head back to camp, so you better hold on tight and put whatever you're holding aside."

"Giddy up!" Arthur whipped the horses throughout the journey. He wasn't concerned about the horses' discomfort.

The journey didn't take long, and they soon returned to camp. Strauss looked a bit shaken from the bumpy ride and didn't say much before waving goodbye to Arthur and walking away.

"Arthur, welcome back."

"Good evening, Arthur."

"How was the town? Next time, take me along, Arthur."

After a day of tidying up, the Horseshoe Overlook camp had started to feel like home. Arthur greeted everyone along the way and finally reached Dutch's tent. He had sent Kieran to fetch Lenny, Charles, Hosea, Bill, and Javier. Kieran informed Arthur that Micah wasn't at the camp.

Once everyone had gathered, Arthur opened the conversation by showing the deputy badges he had obtained from Sheriff Malloy, a total of six. He said,

"Listen, folks, we have a job to do."

Seeing the badges, Dutch furrowed his brow, while Hosea, concerned, asked directly, "Arthur, did you rob the sheriff's office?"

Really? A question like that? What's there to rob at a sheriff's office? Not very imaginative, Arthur thought, and he explained with a smile.

"Don't be ridiculous. I got these from Sheriff Malloy legitimately. If you like, you can now call me Deputy Arthur Morgan, haha."

"Haha."

Everyone was amused by Arthur's joke. After the laughter, Arthur briefed them on the current situation, mainly about the O'Driscolls and the sheriff, omitting his gambling plan for now. He also asked Strauss to keep it confidential.

Dutch seemed pleased after hearing Arthur's explanation. He picked up a badge and put it on, saying,

"It's a pleasure to mess with the O'Driscolls. So, what are we waiting for? Saddle up, grab your gear, and let's go!"

Arthur's call to rally the troops to help Sheriff Malloy against the O'Driscolls seemed like a good deal to Dutch. It was a business opportunity that would benefit his unformed plans. Additionally, Dutch had an unresolvable conflict with the O'Driscolls and enjoyed the straightforward approach to problem-solving.

Rallying the brothers to resolve an issue was something Dutch appreciated about Arthur recently.

With time being of the essence, Dutch decided that everyone except Lenny, who would stay to watch the camp, would ride to Valentine.

As Arthur and the others arrived in town, they immediately sensed something was wrong. The streets were empty, and the usual drunks were nowhere to be seen. All the houses had their doors tightly shut. From a corner, Deputy Cole ran up, panting. He reached Arthur and said anxiously,

"Thank goodness you're here. The sheriff was taken away shortly after you left. The O'Driscolls came looking for him."

"Cole, slow down. What exactly happened, and what's the situation now?"

Sitting on his horse, Arthur noticed Cole didn't seem injured. He wondered how the sheriff could be captured while Cole remained unharmed.

"They came to take one of their men and questioned the sheriff about breaking their agreement. The sheriff told me to leave from the back to avoid trouble. I don't know what happened after that, but I saw them take the sheriff away."

Arthur frowned and asked,

"So, the O'Driscolls have left town?"

"Some of them took the sheriff away, but most are still in the town's saloon. They're looking for you and Blake. I heard they trashed the hotel. The townsfolk who don't want trouble are hiding at home. They haven't left the saloon yet and are drinking there. I also saw some of them go to their hideout at the clinic."

Understanding the situation, Dutch said sarcastically, "Wow, unbelievable. The O'Driscolls are so bold in broad daylight, kidnapping the sheriff and vandalizing shops. It's time for us righteous citizens to step in."

Cole didn't know Dutch but recognized the badges and realized these were the skilled men Arthur had mentioned. Seeing so many of them, Cole felt a bit relieved.

"So, Arthur, what's the plan?" Since Arthur had initiated the job, Dutch didn't want to take over entirely and asked him what to do next.

Arthur thought for a moment and said, "We'll split into two groups. One will go to the saloon, and the other will raid the clinic. Make sure not to let anyone escape. I'm worried about Sheriff Malloy's safety."

Since Malloy was crucial to Arthur's plan, he didn't want to lose him. Given Cole's unreliability, Arthur didn't consider him a good option, at best a last resort.

The group left their horses and split into two teams. Dutch took Bill, Javier, Charles, and Deputy Cole to the saloon, while Arthur, Hosea, and Kieran headed to the clinic. Arthur had included Kieran, who insisted on participating after learning they were going after the O'Driscolls. Arthur guessed Kieran wanted to prove himself, as the others often called him an O'Driscoll kid.

The town's streets were eerily empty, and every window seemed to hide fearful and curious eyes.

Approaching the clinic, Arthur and his team cautiously moved closer. Surprisingly, the clinic was still open. Through the window, they saw the clinic owner looking worried behind the counter.

Arthur signaled Hosea to cover the back to prevent anyone from escaping. He then walked up to the door and, before entering, noticed Kieran still crouching. Despite his frustration, Arthur called him, and Kieran followed.

"Ding ding ding."

The bell rang as they pushed the door open. The clinic owner, though surprised, greeted them politely,

"Gentlemen, are you here for a check-up or to buy medicine? We have a new batch of potent medicines this month, including ginseng for health and beauty. Would you like to take a look?"

As the owner finished his pitch, he noticed the badges but not familiar faces. Arthur had already drawn his gun and gestured for him to continue without alarm.

"Uh, let me introduce this potent medicine..."

Arthur stood still, gun pointed at the owner, who cooperated willingly. It seemed he wasn't genuinely with the O'Driscolls, though Arthur had forgotten he was holding a gun.

Kieran opened a door to a small room with a sturdy iron door. Seeing the iron door, Arthur smiled at the owner and waved his gun slightly. The owner understood Arthur's intent.

Honestly, the scene brought back memories of bank robberies for Arthur. Heaven knows, this wasn't a robbery.

***

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