The Story Of Red Dead Redemption

Chapter 23: News About Blackwater

"BANK BOAT HEIST LARGEST ROBBERY IN YEARS.."

"DUTCH'S BOYS ACCUSED, BOUNTIES PLACED."

Arthur read the headlines, feeling a sense of foreboding despite having anticipated the news. The article continued:

"The heist has caused a public uproar. After a fierce gunfight, the robbers made off with a large sum of money transported by ship. Pinkerton detectives have sealed off Blackwater and are conducting a massive manhunt. Authorities have issued a reward for the capture of Dutch Van der Linde and his associates."

It was no surprise that Dutch was wanted, but Arthur wondered who else was included in the "associates." He continued reading:

"For security reasons, the bank considered ship transport a more reliable method of asset transfer. After a fierce gunfight, the robbers made off with $150,000, making this the largest heist in recent years. Authorities believe the criminals likely hid the money in Blackwater before going into hiding. Police are searching public areas and community gardens for the hidden cash."

Arthur thought, "Only Dutch and Hosea know where the money is hidden. The police will never find it."

Arthur quickly scanned the rest of the newspaper. There were stories about the aftermath of a blizzard in Grizzlies, a family killed on the road, and a section about twenty-one people killed that caught his attention.

The headline read: "Bank and Stagecoach Robberies. Colm O'Driscoll, a man with Bloody Record."

A well-dressed man with a neatly combed mustache sat down next to Arthur and said, "I think the most interesting part of this newspaper is the description of the violence."

Arthur looked at him and said, "Wow, Josiah, I didn't expect to see you here."

Josiah Trelawney, a self-proclaimed trickster and conman, was the gang's informant. He rarely stayed with the group in the camp, so seeing him here was a pleasant surprise for Arthur.

Josiah said, "A friend told me a wealthy man was in town, so I came to see if I could make some money. I didn't expect it to be you, Arthur."

Arthur waved his hand, annoyed but impressed by Josiah's quick information.

"I heard you guys made a big mess in Blackwater."

Arthur shook the newspaper and said, "It's all in here, but you're just in time. I need your help."

Josiah pulled out a cigar and offered it to Arthur before lighting one for himself. He said, "What is it? You know, your friend Josiah Trelawney is always happy to help."

Knowing Josiah's knack for making connections, Arthur thought he could be very useful in setting up a poker game.

"Listen, I'm planning to set up a high-stakes poker game in town. I need you to find me a skilled dealer, someone professional. You know what I mean."

Josiah was surprised. Given their past, he didn't expect Arthur and the others to be interested in something as cerebral as gambling.

Josiah thought for a moment and said, "I know someone who fits the bill. But have you picked a venue yet? And have you spoken to the sheriff? You can't run a game like this without their permission. Your clients won't want the police knocking on the door while they're playing."

Arthur hadn't considered the sheriff, and seeing his expression, Josiah guessed he hadn't spoken to the sheriff yet. In fact, Arthur hadn't even found a location.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it," Arthur said.

Arthur decided to tackle one problem at a time. The first priority was to find a suitable location for the poker game. He rolled up the newspaper, put it in his bag, and asked Josiah to contact the dealer and mingle with the wealthy townsfolk. Before they parted ways, Josiah shared two interesting pieces of information.

"I should have told you earlier, I went to Blackwater to find you guys but didn't see you. By the way, it seems you left Sean behind. He's with some bounty hunters, but he's not in immediate danger. They haven't agreed on a price with the government yet."

"About the sheriff, there's something you might find useful. He's having an affair with a married woman, and his wife is a devout Christian. From what I know, she's not the type to quietly endure such things."

Arthur thanked Josiah again, impressed by his intelligence-gathering skills. He decided to check out the town's inn first and discuss Sean's situation with the gang later.

His primary goal in Valentine was to familiarize himself with the environment. He wasn't in a hurry to deal with the sheriff until he confirmed whether his wanted poster was up in the sheriff's office.

"Welcome, sir. Are you here for a bath or a room?" The innkeeper greeted Arthur warmly, sizing him up and guessing his profession. In a place full of outlaws, one wrong look could lead to trouble.

Arthur, seeing the innkeeper's friendly demeanor, offered him a cigarette. He said, "How long have you been running this hotel?"

The innkeeper, realizing Arthur wasn't there to cause trouble, accepted the cigarette and lit it. He said, "Quite some time. I know most things about the town. If you need information, feel free to ask. As long as it's not something I shouldn't know, I'll be happy to share."

Arthur was pleasantly surprised by the innkeeper's openness. He had planned to rent a room and take a bath first, but now he decided to be straightforward.

"Actually, I'd like the best room and two bath attendants. I want to have a good bath first, and we can talk later."

The innkeeper, pleased that Arthur was now a valued guest, hurriedly arranged for a room and bath attendants.

***

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