The Story Of Red Dead Redemption

Chapter 36: A New Venture

Kieran stood at the edge of the bustling construction site, his eyes scanning the progress of the hotel's renovation. He had been staying in town for several days now, far from the camp and its chaotic life. The tranquility of his current situation was a welcome change. No one here called him a kid from the O'Driscoll gang, and the workers treated him with a respect he hadn't known before. After all, he was the one who paid them on behalf of Arthur.

Blake stood beside Kieran, both of them gazing at the newly renovated room on the second floor. Blake still harbored doubts about his decision to side with Arthur, but he knew there was no turning back now. He had boarded Arthur's ship, and there was no jumping off.

"It seems this side is nearly done," Blake remarked, handing Kieran a cigarette. "But where is our boss? Do you know where he's gone?"

Kieran accepted the cigarette, lighting it for both of them. "Mr. Morgan should be here later. The work should be finished today, and the next arrangements will have to wait for him to make. Mr. Blake, have you eaten?"

"Not yet. You probably haven't either. Let's go to the saloon and have something to eat. I just passed by and saw today's menu includes pork, baked beans, and pickled eggs."

Kieran readily agreed. He was more than happy to avoid Pearson's stew for a few days. To be honest, he wasn't sure what kind of meat Pearson used, but it tasted like something unspeakable. He was relieved to have other options. After instructing the workers to be careful with the furniture, the two men made their way to the saloon. They settled at the saloon, ready to enjoy a decent meal.

When Arthur arrived at the Saints Hotel, he found Blake and Kieran absent. After inquiring with the workers, he learned they had gone to the saloon. Arthur decided to join them.

"Ah, you guys are here, pork and baked beans? That looks good, give me one too," Arthur said as he approached.

"Mr. Morgan, good afternoon," they greeted him in unison.

Arthur sat between them, taking off his cowboy hat. He asked about the project's progress and whether it would be completed on time. Satisfied with their answers, he shifted the conversation.

"Blake, do you know where the town's alcohol supply comes from?"

"Only some of the good wine is shipped by rail. The rest is mostly bootleg brewed by local farms. If you're interested, I suggest using my connections to find a bootlegger to partner with. This business is complicated, so it's best not to provoke it easily."

Blake's concern was evident in his words. Arthur, however, was merely curious. He planned to offer the best drinks at the hotel and unlimited free cheap drinks in the casino behind the clinic. Compulsive gamblers who were also drunk were a casino's dream.

Arthur nodded, understanding Blake's caution. He then remembered something and pulled a contract from his bag, handing it to Blake.

"This is what I mentioned before. I asked a lawyer to draw up a contract. Take a good look at it. If there's no problem, sign it. On paper, I'll become a partner in your hotel. As for the gambling share, you'll get what we agreed upon."

Blake signed without hesitation. He knew the contract was just a formality. He had already boarded Arthur's ship, and it was best not to overthink things. As long as he could make some money safely, that was enough.

"You'd better take a closer look. I'm not pointing a gun at you to sign. There's no need to be so fast," Arthur said, though he was pleased with Blake's promptness. Arthur wouldn't treat such a sensible partner unfairly.

After putting the contract away, he glanced at Kieran, who was still eating silently. Arthur playfully slapped him on the head. "Did you see Strauss in town today?"

"Ahem, Mr. Morgan? Stop patting me on the head. I met Mr. Strauss at the hotel this morning. He said he was going to a nearby farm to collect debts. His name was..."

Kieran struggled to remember the name. Blake, sitting next to him, supplied it. "Thomas Downes, a preacher. I remember he had a ranch, but I didn't expect a good man like him to borrow money from loan sharks. I heard he's seriously ill, so it's not surprising."

Arthur frowned. He disliked lending money to ordinary people, as most were forced by life or encountered difficulties. They were struggling on the edge of the cliff and pushed into the abyss by loan sharks. He asked Blake, "Do you know this man called Downes?"

"Well, I know him well. I've even met his wife and son. He's a nice guy and a preacher."

Blake didn't elaborate, but he raised his glass and toasted with Arthur. Arthur decided to address the Strauss matter later.

Soon, the pork and baked beans Arthur ordered arrived. The pork was overcooked and tough. Arthur put it down after two bites. The uncastrated pork tasted disgusting, seasoned only with simple salt. Even the beans were tainted with the smell of pig. Arthur was basically desperate to eat this.

Looking at Kieran, who was eating happily beside him, Arthur realized that eating habits were probably the aspect in which he had changed the most after being affected by his memories.

Before Arthur could dwell on the food for long, Trelawney walked in from outside the tavern. He went straight to Arthur's side, accompanied by a familiar face—the old man who had beaten Arthur before at poker. A girl followed behind the old man.

Arthur greeted Trelawney and then looked at the father and daughter who came with him. Trelawney introduced them without waiting for Arthur to ask.

"Gentlemen, this is Frank Rosenthal and his daughter. This is Arthur Morgan, the man who has the job I told you about."

Like all good brokers, Trelawney facilitated the introduction and then stepped back, offering occasional words to keep the conversation flowing.

Arthur didn't ask too many questions. He had already seen the old man Frank's level. As for his daughter, Arthur believed she would not be too bad either. After a brief exchange and confirming their intentions, he asked Kieran to take them to the hotel to rest.

"Now that the venue is in place and we have skilled dealers, isn't it time to open your business?" Trelawney raised his glass and asked. He was quite optimistic about Arthur's deal this time, expecting him to make a fortune.

"Well, the trial operation will begin soon. When the time comes, remember to bring some wealthy friends you know."

Arthur didn't forget to offer Trelawney a commission for every friend he brought. "For every friend you bring, no matter how much they lose, I will give you this amount of commission."

Arthur reached out and gently drew a line on Trelawney's palm. Feeling the number, Trelawney smiled happily. He admired Arthur's generosity and praised the brilliant idea of giving himself a commission.

He believed he wouldn't be the only one who enjoyed this treatment. The proportion others would receive would depend on their abilities. However, he knew one thing was certain: there would definitely be more people like him, further strengthening his belief that Arthur would make a fortune.

Finally, Trelawney thought for a moment before speaking: "So, when are you going to tell Dutch about this? I didn't tell them as you requested, but you know, Dutch and the others will still know after your business opens."

Arthur simply patted Trelawney on the shoulder and said softly, "Don't worry about that. I have my own plans."

***

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