The Story Of Red Dead Redemption

Chapter 34: Helping Hosea Steal (Part One)

Two weeks later. In the sheriff's office.

Sheriff Malloy sat at his desk, looking at a stack of wanted posters. He smoked a cigarette as he flipped through them, even though he had seen them many times before. These weren't new wanted posters; he had received them about two weeks ago.

"Sheriff, the higher-ups are here to take the O'Driscolls."

"Alright, I'll be right there."

Malloy placed the wanted posters back in the left drawer of his desk and carefully locked it. He tugged on it a couple of times to make sure it was secure before heading off to work.

Inside the locked drawer. On the top poster was a picture of a middle-aged man with the name boldly written underneath: 'Arthur Morgan'.

***

Today, Arthur woke up in his bed at Horseshoe Overlook.

Lately, he had been shuttling between the camp and Valentine, dealing with the renovation and opening of his new gambling business while also helping out with various tasks at the camp. For example, helping Bill get some hair oil? He probably didn't want to go himself, Arthur thought, maybe because he was bald.

"Arthur, are you going to town today?"

"What is it, Dutch? Do you need my help with something? I'm heading to Emerald Ranch first and will go to town later."

Dutch seemed to have something on his mind but didn't say it directly. Instead, he pretended to admire the surroundings.

"This place is really nice, isn't it? For the past two weeks, nothing has happened. No pursuers. We've finally had a peaceful time."

Arthur nodded in agreement. The past two weeks had indeed been the most comfortable since Blackwater. Everything was going smoothly, from his casino plans to the gang, and even Dutch hadn't caused any trouble.

However, Arthur couldn't stand Dutch's roundabout way of speaking. It wasn't like him. So, he asked directly. "Is it about Sean? Or is it Strauss again?"

"Well, we haven't heard about Sean yet, but I expect news soon. I need your help with something small. I hope you can assist Strauss."

Arthur had guessed it would be one of these two things. Although he had talked to Strauss before, the casino hadn't officially opened yet. Strauss had probably been lending money and might need Arthur's help to collect debts. Seeing Dutch's demeanor, Arthur guessed that Strauss had kept his promise not to reveal the casino plans to Dutch.

"Actually, you know I've been busy with other things..."

Dutch quickly replied.

"I know, and I know Strauss's business isn't very... appealing, but it benefits us. Please, for my sake, kid."

Ah, Dutch's sake. And he called him 'kid'. Annoying.

Arthur sighed, wondering if Strauss had been secretly making a lot of money behind his back. But that didn't seem right. When he had collected debts before, it didn't seem like there was much money. Why was Dutch almost begging him to help Strauss? It was puzzling.

If it was because of a lack of money, Arthur didn't understand. He had given Dutch all the money they had taken from the O'Driscoll hideout. Most of it went to the gang, so did the gang really need money? Or was it just Dutch who needed it?

Arthur couldn't figure it out, but he finally agreed.

"Alright, I'll ask Strauss what he needs help with, but it will be after I return from Emerald Ranch. I have a meeting with Hosea."

Regardless of the reason, Dutch was happy that Arthur had agreed.

***

After saying goodbye to Dutch, Arthur hurried to Emerald Ranch, which wasn't far from Valentine. He couldn't help but marvel at how Valentine's livestock auction industry thrived. The area was full of farms and ranches.

As he arrived at the stables, he saw Hosea sitting and chatting with a man.

"Your expression is humorous, Seamus."

"Of course, I'm good at humor, but not so good at trusting others."

"Don't say that, Seamus. I know how to cooperate with good people, and believe me, I'll be a great partner."

Arthur tied his horse nearby and overheard Hosea trying to build rapport with this middle-aged, balding man named Seamus. Despite Hosea's efforts, Seamus seemed wary. He continued to refuse.

"Everyone says that about themselves. I've never heard a fool call themselves a fool."

Seeing Arthur, Hosea said. "Arthur, this is Seamus, our new partner."

Seamus quickly denied. "No, I'm not."

"Oh, let me rephrase. A potential new partner, if he likes us."

Even with the revised wording, Seamus still refused and corrected.

"Liking isn't important. As I said, it's about trust. I need trust." Seamus then stood up and looked around, whispering. "I hope you can keep this conversation quiet. I don't want my boss to hear. This is just a side job for me."

Arthur found it amusing to see Hosea still trying to win Seamus over. He didn't want to say anything to undermine Hosea, so he stayed silent.

"We are very honest. Trust us. I'll prove it to you with actions, right, Arthur?"

Although Arthur still didn't know what Seamus did, he guessed it must be a good deal based on Hosea's enthusiasm. Or maybe not? Arthur looked at Seamus again and wasn't so sure.

Arthur thought Seamus was a bit of a clown. Talking about trust but ultimately valuing profit the most... In the end, for Hosea's sake, Arthur said, "Hosea is right. Give us a chance to prove ourselves. So, how can we prove it to you?"

Hosea was pleased with Arthur's response and continued. "I swear, you can trust him and me. I know you don't trust fools, and you can be sure we are not."

Seemingly convinced, Seamus finally stated his condition,

"Old Bob Crawford and his son just bought a stolen stagecoach from the north. It's parked in their barn. Go steal it for me, and I'll partner with you."

Arthur frowned and asked. "Who is Old Bob Crawford?"

"An acquaintance of mine."

"So, you want us to take out your competitor?"

"No, no. He's not just a competitor. He's my cousin."

Arthur and Hosea exchanged puzzled looks, waiting for Seamus to continue.

"He's my cousin by marriage. I mainly want to see your capabilities. Don't worry about it. He lives in a ranch northwest, called Carmody Dell."

Finally, they understood the job. Honestly, Arthur wasn't very interested. A stealing job? A stagecoach? Come on, He used to rob stagecoaches for money, not for the carriages.

Seamus added, "There's also money in the house, but that's your business, not mine. Just remember, don't kill anyone. Everyone knows I don't get along with him... People will guess it was me."

Hosea still had some doubts about their relationship.

"So, you have no problem with us robbing your relative?"

"Just a relative by marriage. Yes, I have no problem, and I'm quite happy about it."

After confirming again, Hosea shook hands with Seamus. Since there were no objections, it was settled. Hosea pulled Arthur aside until they were sure Seamus couldn't see them. Hosea laughed happily, as if finding someone to rob his relative was a hilarious idea.

Honestly, even if Seamus mentioned there was cash in the house, Arthur still didn't want to do it. Who knew what kind of trouble they might run into? How many people might they have to kill? If they were discovered and someone pointed a gun at them, they couldn't just stand there, right?

Too much trouble.

But when Arthur saw Hosea, this old man, looking so happy and eager to go out and have some fun, he decided against persuading him to give up. Ah, forget it. He'd just go along with the old man for some amusement. Otherwise, staying at the camp all day would be boring.

Really, Arthur thought back carefully. Apart from liking crime novels, Hosea's only other hobby seemed to be a bit of trickery. As for hunting, that didn't count. Hosea wasn't very good at it.

***

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