The Story Of Red Dead Redemption

Chapter 27: Planning and Calculations

After listening to Malloy's story, everyone felt a sense of indignation. Arthur couldn't understand why Blake, a local, hadn't heard about the old sheriff's story either. However, he found Malloy's tale to be somewhat anticlimactic.

It was a story worth hearing, but Arthur couldn't fully believe it. Still, if it helped everyone reach a consensus that the O'Driscolls were unforgivable and deserving of everyone's hatred, he was satisfied and didn't want to say more. However, he wasn't about to let Malloy off the hook so easily after telling his story and then falling silent.

"I deeply sympathize with the old sheriff's plight, and like you, I despise the O'Driscolls. In the current situation, Sheriff Malloy, whether you like it or not, after tomorrow's hanging, Valentine will no longer be able to coexist peacefully with them."

Arthur referred to Valentine rather than Malloy, as he believed it was Malloy who would likely face trouble. As for Valentine, who would think it had anything to do with them?

Perhaps understanding the implication in Arthur's words, Sheriff Malloy's attitude was surprisingly friendly. He said, "I believe you can understand my concerns now. So, please be honest. What are your next plans? And what are your intentions?"

Malloy had no doubt that these two had forced him to confront the O'Driscolls to protect himself. After hearing his story and learning about the O'Driscolls' brutality, they still sat there calmly. If he couldn't see that they were prepared, he wouldn't have lasted so long in this town.

Arthur nodded and said, "Yes, I have a plan. As for my intentions, I mainly want to befriend you, Sheriff."

This statement wasn't entirely false. Although it deviated from his original plan, Arthur realized he had to adapt since he had no cards to play. As long as the overall direction was right, it was fine. It seemed that threatening to expose the sheriff's collusion with the gang wouldn't work. So, Arthur decided to try the friendship route first.

"Tell me your plan. I don't even want to know your name right now, but if you have a good solution to help Valentine, I'd be happy to get to know you better and befriend you."

Malloy's words were quite skillful, and Arthur silently gave him a point for that.

Arthur didn't waste time and said directly, "It's simple. As I mentioned earlier, you're in trouble, and it's not just a scare tactic. From what I know about the O'Driscolls, they will show up before tomorrow's hanging. As for the plan, you just need to trust me. Right now, you have something more pressing to deal with. I heard they have a secret hideout in town. I'm sure you know where it is. I suggest you take care of it first."

"It's behind the clinic. There's an iron door inside."

Malloy was straightforward for two reasons. First, since they had already confronted each other, there was no need to hesitate. Giving up an unimportant piece of information made him seem sincere. Second, considering his current force in town, he might need to rally the townsfolk to take down the hideout. Whether anyone would be willing was uncertain, and even if they were, there might not be enough money to pay them.

Malloy's gaze lingered on Arthur, hoping he would take on the task. After all, Arthur had offered to befriend him.

Understanding Malloy's intentions, Arthur said, "As a good citizen, I'm more than willing to assist you, Sheriff. However, I do have some troubles that need your help to resolve."

Malloy, smiling inwardly, asked, "Go ahead. To deal with the O'Driscolls, we need people like you."

Arthur's request was simple. He wanted a few deputy badges so that if they had to act, they would have official status. Then, since the clinic was a crime scene, it should be confiscated, and he wanted the first option to buy it.

"I won't take advantage of you. I'll handle the O'Driscolls' hideout myself without your involvement and without charging you. I'll even bring some skilled gunmen to help you deal with the O'Driscolls and protect Valentine. It's our duty as good citizens, don't you think?"

Hearing this, Blake, who had been silent for a while, worried that Arthur might have included him in his plans.

Malloy quickly agreed to the proposal. Giving out a few deputy badges was no big deal. The core issue was the lack of manpower, especially skilled individuals. As for the clinic, he could agree to that too. It wasn't his property, and it wouldn't cost him anything. He just needed to ensure Arthur had the first option to buy it. With that, Malloy stood up and shook Arthur's hand.

With the deal made and the deputy badges in hand, Arthur didn't linger. It was getting dark, and the O'Driscolls' hanging was scheduled for the next day. He planned to clear out the secret hideout in the clinic that night.

"I didn't expect the O'Driscolls' secret hideout to be in the clinic." As they left the sheriff's office, Blake glanced at the office next door. It was indeed unexpected since the clinic was right beside the sheriff's office.

Arthur couldn't help but take a few more glances, finding it somewhat amusing. He had thought the clinic might be on another street and was about to ask Blake for directions. It turned out they only needed to turn right outside the door. They had been scheming just a wall away.

"We made quite a scene in the office, and they didn't react. Do you think the O'Driscolls are confident in their relationship with the sheriff, or are they plotting something bad?"

On the other hand, considering how close Malloy and the O'Driscolls had been, it wasn't surprising that their hideout was next to the sheriff's office.

Blake said meaningfully, "There were more than just a couple of O'Driscolls in town before. Even though you've made an agreement with the sheriff, the O'Driscolls had an agreement with him too."

"I understand. In any case, don't go back to the hotel. It's not safe. Do you have another place to stay?"

Blake nodded. He could stay with his uncle.

After emphasizing this several times, Arthur and Blake parted ways at the intersection. By then, it was already dark. Arthur headed to where he had parked his carriage, at a stable with 'Amos Levi' painted on the door. Next to it was a small iron shop where horseshoes could be made and carriages repaired. During the day, Arthur hadn't paid much attention, but now he saw the sign was straightforward: 'Amos Levi and Sons.'

When Arthur arrived, Strauss was already waiting there.

***

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