The Story Of Red Dead Redemption

Chapter 54: Visiting Strawberry (Part Two)

"This is Arthur Callahan, the nephew of the late Deputy Callahan," Malloy introduced, following Arthur's earlier instructions.

Arthur realized it was his turn to continue the story. Malloy had already said everything he was supposed to, so Arthur took over.

"Gentlemen, the O'Driscolls and their gang have been a major target for our police force. This massacre, as I must call it, is too heinous. Even though it happened in Strawberry, the Valentine police will not stand idly by. Especially since we lost a deputy in this incident. We've lost many good officers, and many innocent townspeople have been killed or injured. I suggest we appeal to the state and federal authorities for assistance in restoring order."

Hearing Arthur's words, Mayor Timmins and Sheriff Hanley exchanged glances. While Arthur's points were valid, they felt helpless. The state and federal authorities' concern for ordinary townsfolk in the western regions was limited.

There might be some newspaper coverage, but it would likely fizzle out. If they caught the O'Driscolls, they would be held accountable, but they didn't need an extra reason to hang them. As for asking for help to catch them? They'd probably say they were already on it.

Timmins and Hanley thought young Callahan was too naive.

Arthur could tell they weren't going to respond, but his goal was to give the case an official definition. As the conversation turned to recounting the O'Driscolls' past crimes, Arthur knew he had achieved his purpose.

Arthur listened as they discussed the O'Driscolls. Malloy vividly described his raid on the O'Driscoll camp at Six Point Cabin, and Sheriff Hanley mentioned the recent train robbery by the O'Driscolls.

Arthur, listening, began to feel some sympathy for the O'Driscolls. They had done many bad things, but they also took a lot of blame.

Arthur hoped the O'Driscolls would live long, or else he wouldn't know who to blame for Dutch's mess.

***

"Gentlemen, thank you for the information. I'll leave the cooperation against the O'Driscolls to the two sheriffs. I need to calm the townsfolk and handle the mourning for the victims, so I must leave now. Please let me know if there's anything else I can help with. Goodbye," Mayor Timmins said and left to handle the town's affairs.

Malloy, seeing that their tasks were done, looked at Arthur, signaling it was time to leave.

Seeing Arthur nod, Malloy said to Sheriff Hanley, "There are many things to handle in Strawberry, so we won't disturb you further."

Sheriff Hanley nodded, agreeing. After ensuring they would keep in touch, he saw Arthur and Malloy off.

On the way back, Malloy asked Arthur, "So, was it you who did this in Strawberry?"

"Yes and no."

"What does that mean? I've seen many good men enter the grave, but I've never seen anything as terrible as what happened in Strawberry."

"The criminal was indeed taken out by us, but the attack wasn't our doing."

Arthur didn't plan to tell Malloy the whole truth. Should he say half the town died because they got in the way of Javier and the others' escape?

This incident was a wake-up call for Arthur. The need for change in the gang was urgent.

Malloy only believed half of Arthur's story and continued to press.

"And the heroic Deputy Callahan? Is he really dead, young Mr. Callahan?"

Arthur, seeing Malloy's persistence, gave a puzzled look.

"Sheriff, I thought we had an understanding?"

"Hey, answering a question with a question doesn't count as an answer," Malloy said with a sly smile.

Arthur took a deep breath, considering Malloy's intentions. He didn't think Malloy's questions were out of mere curiosity or concern. When they arrived, Malloy hadn't shown such interest. Arthur felt Malloy's words were more like a reminder. A reminder of what?

Arthur thought for a moment.

Did the truth matter to him? Was he a man of strong justice? At least to Arthur, Malloy was a complex man. He could be described, as his late lover once said, as a mouse who thought he was a cat. This might capture Malloy's behavior to some extent.

"Come on, are you trying to extort me? I give you enough money every week; you can spend it freely. You don't have such a big appetite, do you?"

Malloy shook his head, disagreeing,

"That's a reasonable return on the capital I invested. Don't think of it as a favor. As you said, we have some understanding, but that doesn't mean you don't need to pay extra when you ask me to do something."

"Of course, you can use what you think is leverage to threaten me, but I believe a smart person like you understands that everyone has their secrets..."

Malloy didn't finish, but Arthur understood what he meant. It didn't matter; everyone had secrets.

This was the first time Arthur genuinely thought Malloy could be a long-term partner. Was asking for money a flaw? No, as long as he got things done.

"Haha, Sheriff Malloy, you're not being fair. Don't worry, I'll have your reward delivered to your desk tomorrow," Arthur said, laughing happily.

Seeing Arthur's response, Malloy knew Arthur had understood his message and was pleased.

"Don't worry, this money won't be wasted. I'll contact some newspaper reporters and visit Sheriff Hanley and Mayor Timmins in Strawberry again. Let's continue to work together for the order and peace of Valentine."

The two men firmly shook hands.

After all, it was all for Valentine.

***

A few days later.

Arthur sat in the Smithfield's Saloon, eating his lunch. At this time, the saloon was not crowded, so the bartender, after serving the food, chatted with Arthur for a bit.

"Sir, if you find a hair in your food, please let me know. I'll give the barber a haircut he'll never forget."

"By the way, have you heard? There was a horrific massacre in Strawberry..."

"Would you like a whiskey? No? Alright... Lately, whiskey prices have been rising. Everyone knows Valentine's people haven't gotten richer, but don't worry, sir, it won't last long..."

The bartender finally left after realizing Arthur wasn't in the mood for conversation, saying, "Enjoy your meal."

Arthur's lunch was oatmeal with pickled eggs, which might seem bland but tasted better than meat. Next to him was a newspaper.

Thanks to the bartender's chatter, Arthur had been checking for hair in his food while eating.

The midday sun shone through the glass window. Without the bartender's relentless chatter and the newspaper's chaotic content, Arthur thought this life could be quite peaceful.

As for the newspaper. Arthur's favorite part was the report about Strawberry. From the bartender's words, it was clear that most people already knew about the incident in Strawberry. 

The newspaper headlines read:

"O'Driscoll Gang Continues to Rampage."

"Serial Killer to be Hanged Soon."

"Numerous Officers Killed in Gunfight."

"Entire Town Mourns."

"Strawberry Residents in Panic."

The headlines were quite sensational, showing the editor's talent.

"In a terrifying gunfight, an O'Driscoll gang member who was to be hanged was broken out of Strawberry jail."

Arthur had to admit that Malloy handled the situation well. The real story was quite different from what the newspaper reported. However, this version was more favorable to Arthur.

"The violence quickly escalated, and the sheriff and other deputies fought back fiercely. In what is being called the most brazen jailbreak in years, several deputies were killed in the line of duty."

Arthur didn't bother reading the detailed process described in the newspaper; none of it was true. The entire report, except for identifying the O'Driscoll gang, contained no valuable information.

The newspaper summarized the outcome.

"The prisoner and his gang successfully escaped amidst the chaos of the massive gunfight."

There was no mention of the aftermath or how it was being handled. So, in Arthur's view, the news's only purpose might be to help the O'Driscoll gang recruit more notorious individuals.

However, it was certain that the Strawberry incident was considered closed.

But for Arthur, there was still an unresolved issue. Micah, the one who caused the trouble.

Yes, Micah's problem was still unresolved...

According to Dutch, they should wait until Micah returned to explain himself before discussing further actions.

***

Arthur put the newspaper aside, finished his lunch, and lit a cigarette. He was waiting to meet Strauss. Strauss had said he needed to talk to him about something. So they had arranged to meet here.

Arthur didn't have to wait long. The door opened on time, and Strauss entered. Strauss came straight to the point, sitting opposite Arthur.

"Mr. Morgan, most of the loans have been recovered. However, there is a small portion that requires your decision on how to handle it."

***

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