The Story Of Red Dead Redemption

Chapter 71: Arthur's Little Gang

"Mr. Morgan, are you really sure about this?" Nelly Calloway frowned as he spoke.

Given that Arthur held a majority stake in both the clinic and the hotel, if Arthur was determined to go through with this plan, old Nelly could only reluctantly accept it.

But deep down, he didn't agree with it. As an Italian, if Nelly were in Arthur's shoes, he might not have a better choice either. But choosing to inform the police? Even if it was just a temporary measure, a feigned alliance, it still felt wrong.

Informing was informing.

Betrayal was betrayal.

The traditions of Sicily, Nelly's homeland, had taught him one undeniable truth through countless examples: silence was the best way to deal with authority. Traitors never fared well. Especially for those living among outlaws and gangs.

Arthur sat in his chair, reiterating his stance to Nelly. Then he looked around at the others in the room. Besides Nelly, who had sat back down and remained silent, there was Blake, old Frank and his daughter, Kieran, and Charlie, who hadn't spoken yet.

Charlie was a defeated Southerner, now a loner. Near the end of the Civil War, Charlie had fought for the Confederacy and had half his face blown off by an enemy bullet. Miraculously, he survived.

He spent a few years in a Northern prison.

Afterward, he wandered the streets of Valentine. When Arthur found him, Charlie was wearing a half-mask that looked eerily like a human face. He was a man waiting for death, his eyes dull and lifeless, sitting by the roadside with no reason to live.

The rest of the story can be skipped for now. The point is, Arthur took him in, cleaned him up, and sent him to help Kieran. After all, Kieran was always complaining about being overwhelmed with work. So, Charlie became his assistant.

Arthur had gathered these people late at night to hear their thoughts on his plan. He turned to the others who hadn't spoken yet.

"What about the rest of you? Speak your minds."

Blake spoke up first, straightforward as always.

"You don't need to worry about me. I remember the contract we signed was under the name Arthur Callahan. No matter what, the Pinkertons won't come knocking on my door. As for the rest, don't ask me—I'm just a simple businessman."

"I'll do my part, and you do what you think is right. In short, I have no objections."

Arthur nodded. Well, that was about as helpful as saying nothing at all. But at least his attitude was commendable. Then Arthur turned to Frank and his daughter.

"What Arnold said pretty much sums it up for us. We're on your payroll, so naturally, we'll stand by you. Even if your ship sinks… honestly, I don't think it'll affect our card games much. So, my opinion is, do whatever you think is best," old Frank said, following Blake's lead.

His daughter, standing beside him, gave him a look of disdain, clearly unhappy with his response. But since her father had spoken, she simply nodded and said nothing more.

Arthur didn't mind the slight "insult" in Frank's words. Though Frank's words weren't exactly comforting, they were honest.

Arthur had never made himself the central figure in all of Valentine's businesses. That's why he'd handed over the casino to Kieran. From the start, he'd considered the possibility that he might have to leave one day.

If he left, would the businesses continue to generate steady income? That had always been Arthur's top priority.

After Frank finished, Arthur turned to Kieran, who simply met his gaze without speaking.

"Kieran? What do you think?" Arthur asked.

To be honest, Kieran had grown a lot since his time at the saloon. He seemed much more composed now. He didn't rush to speak but thought for a moment before looking at Arthur seriously.

"Arthur, I support your plan. Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on the businesses here. I don't think the Pinkertons are after someone like me, so I'm your best bet as a proxy. You can trust me completely."

Arthur smiled, genuinely pleased with Kieran's growth. Still, he cautioned Kieran.

"Don't get careless. You're right about the Pinkertons, but they're not your real concern. What you need to watch out for are the O'Driscolls. I have a feeling they won't give up on Valentine so easily. They'll try to take it back. And if they find you, as a 'traitor' in their eyes, they won't let you off easily."

"That said, you're a little money tree now. Who knows? Maybe the O'Driscolls will think twice before killing you. Haha."

Kieran didn't laugh at Arthur's joke. He took the warning seriously.

Then Charlie, standing beside Kieran, spoke up in his low, gruff voice.

"I'll protect it."

Arthur believed he would.

With everything settled, Arthur raised his glass and extended it toward the group.

"Let's have a drink. Don't worry, this is just a temporary hurdle. I'll lead us all to success! Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

"To success!"

"Dad, go easy on the drinks."

***

After everyone had left the room, Arthur lit a cigarette in silence. The confidence and ease he'd shown earlier were gone. Arthur had already sent word to Milton.

Arthur Morgan wanted to meet him.

*****

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