The Story Of Red Dead Redemption

Chapter 53: Visiting Strawberry (Part One)

Valentine, Sheriff's Office

The room was still brightly lit. Sheriff Malloy was sitting there waiting for Arthur. Not long ago, a young black man had come to him, saying Arthur would visit him that night and asked him to wait.

Although he didn't know what it was about, the young man seemed in a hurry, indicating it was probably urgent.

Malloy was curious about what Arthur wanted to discuss. He guessed it was some trouble that needed his help, but he couldn't figure out what it could be.

Recalling the incident of the "door greeting" that night, Malloy and Arthur hadn't seen each other since.

At the time, Malloy had considered framing Arthur for Moira's death if he had entered the house, then arresting him to claim the bounty.

But Arthur had left too decisively.

The outcome was acceptable. The next day, after handling Moira's body, Malloy calmed down and reconsidered. Framing Arthur wouldn't work; he couldn't handle the revenge from the Van der Linde gang.

Better to maintain the status quo. After all, it wasn't bad. The casino paid him a significant weekly dividend. 

Although he had more troubles to handle in town, it was still better than dealing with the O'Driscolls. At least the Van der Linde gang didn't cause trouble in town, and Arthur's casino had solved many employment issues for the townsfolk.

With more wealthy people visiting, local business owners were happy. Even Keane's Saloon, which was almost bankrupt, had improved. Old Keane had been boasting about his business skills recently.

Overall, the town was satisfied, except for the gamblers who lost badly. But who cared about them?

As Malloy pondered these thoughts, Arthur pushed the door open and entered.

"Long time no see, Sheriff Malloy."

"Hi, it's not about seeing each other; it's about the heart. Of course, I'm glad you're willing to visit me, Mr. Morgan," Malloy said, looking meaningfully at Arthur.

Arthur was in a hurry and didn't want to engage in verbal sparring.

"Alright, let's skip the formalities. I have an urgent situation. I need your help. Come with me, and I'll explain on the way."

Malloy was surprised that Arthur wanted to take him out. After considering the situation and ensuring he wouldn't end up dead, he put on his cowboy hat and followed Arthur.

This wasn't overthinking; it was a survival habit.

On the way, Arthur explained the situation in detail. Malloy was shocked and took a while to digest the information before confirming with Arthur.

"Are you joking? Half the town is dead, and it's related to the Valentine police?"

Malloy seriously doubted Arthur's story. Well, except for the part about half the town being dead, he didn't believe a word.

"That's why it's urgent," Arthur said casually. He could tell Malloy didn't fully believe him, but it didn't matter. What Arthur needed him to do wasn't complicated.

After Malloy agreed, Arthur pinned the sheriff's badge to his chest, and they continued along the mountain road. Strawberry was not far ahead.

Malloy sighed and looked at Arthur with a strange expression.

"Let me remind you, don't think you have something on me. We have a mutually beneficial relationship. I won't do anything that harms Valentine's interests."

To prevent any complications, Malloy felt the need to clarify this upfront.

"Sheriff Malloy, you make it sound like I have something on you. We're just fulfilling the duties of a sheriff, with a little extra help for me. It's not about having something on you. We both benefit. Don't you agree?"

Arthur's request wasn't out of line, so it wasn't about having leverage.

Malloy nodded, acknowledging Arthur's point. Considering the weekly dividends and Arthur's generally cooperative behavior, he agreed to help.

As for the leverage he mentioned, it was just a reminder to Arthur. For Malloy, as long as no bodies were found, a missing person in the West wasn't a problem.

By the time the two arrived in Strawberry, the town was in chaos, like a disturbed beehive. As they reached the town center, they saw the square filled with the bodies of the victims. Arthur estimated that it might be more than half the town's population.

Soon, a sheriff with a bandaged arm approached them and asked cautiously.

"Who are you? Strawberry is closed to outsiders. Leave if you have no business here."

Arthur remained silent and stepped behind Malloy.

Malloy solemnly identified himself as the sheriff of Valentine and requested an immediate meeting with Strawberry's sheriff or mayor. The injured sheriff nodded, confirmed their badges, and led Malloy and Arthur to the sheriff's office.

Inside, a middle-aged man with a potbelly, dressed in a long blue suit with a brown vest, and sporting neatly trimmed mustaches, was anxiously discussing something with the angry sheriff.

When the sheriff saw Arthur and Malloy enter, he gave the sheriff who brought them in an angry look, clearly not wanting to be disturbed.

"Sheriff, these two are from Valentine. They insisted on meeting with you."

Seeing the two men in front of him, Malloy said, "Mr. Mayor and Sheriff, I've seen the devastation outside. This cannot be swept under the rug! We're here to help."

"Call me Hanley. Help? What help can you offer? My deputy is dead, and many of my friends and neighbors are dead! Can you bring them back to life? I was about to come to you for an explanation. The murderer is the prisoner your deputy sheriff took away, that damn Irishman! Now that you're here, I need an explanation." The sheriff, still angry, said.

Hanley's expectations were not met. Instead of showing remorse and making excuses, the two men from Valentine displayed expressions of anger similar to his earlier reaction.

"Please call me Malloy. Sheriff Hanley, we are also victims. Our deputy, Callahan, who was investigating the O'Driscolls in Strawberry, was killed! We just found out and came immediately. Callahan was ambushed by the O'Driscolls on his way back to Valentine. They brutally murdered him, rescued the prisoner, and then committed this heinous crime in Strawberry. I'm here to work with you to handle this case," Malloy said, showing Dutch's bloodstained badge.

Arthur listened quietly, impressed by Malloy's speech. Well done. This was Arthur's plan to handle the aftermath in Strawberry.

Blame it on the O'Driscolls.

"Sheriff Malloy, I am Nicholas Timmins, the mayor of Strawberry. I'm sorry for your loss. Please forgive Sheriff Hanley's attitude; we've suffered greatly. It's hard to believe such a terrible event could happen in our beautiful, peaceful town. I'm sure you understand our grief," Mayor Timmins said, looking sad and angry.

Sheriff Hanley, who had been blaming Valentine, was deeply saddened to learn that Callahan, whom he had just spoken to, had been killed. His complaints about Valentine diminished, realizing that if Callahan hadn't taken the prisoner, the O'Driscolls would have broken him out anyway.

Hanley sighed. He felt guilty for blaming Callahan earlier.

Damn the O'Driscolls. They deserved to die.

***

Howdy, folks! 

Loved this chapter? Want to know what happens next right now? Skip the wait and dive into the next chapter. Join me on Patreon to read 20 chapters ahead and keep this Wild West tale rolling. Your support means the world—thanks for riding with me!

https://www.patreon.com/Wild_Bunch

P.S. If you're enjoying the story, don't forget to drop some power stones! They help this tale reach more readers and keep the adventure alive. Thanks, partner!