The Story Of Red Dead Redemption

Chapter 72: Enough Chips Will Do

"Did you figure it out?" Arthur asked. 

Strauss had been absent earlier because he was in another room calculating how much of Arthur's liquid assets could be used. 

Strauss adjusted his glasses and handed the ledger to Arthur, speaking seriously. 

"The numbers aren't very optimistic. You've spent most of your cash. The hotel, the clinic, Downes' farm, the money to Malloy, generous dividends, and the bulk of it—the camp. You gave most of your share to Dutch." 

Arthur took the ledger, flipped through it briefly, and set it aside. He had expected this result. Most of the money he'd earned had been spent on assets or investments. What else could he do? He couldn't just leave it in a bank. 

"There's no need to be pessimistic. The money's just changed forms. Mr. Strauss, have you been back to camp recently?" Arthur asked, sipping his drink. 

Strauss shook his head, standing stiffly. 

"No, I haven't. Has something happened at camp?" 

"Yeah, Dutch kicked me out," Arthur said casually. 

Strauss' already furrowed brow deepened. He chose his words carefully. 

"Why?" 

"Differences." Arthur leaned back, adjusting to a more comfortable position before continuing. "Major differences. Dutch couldn't stand my questioning and criticism, so we split. I think 'split' is the right word." 

Strauss sat down across from Arthur, his expression serious. 

"You shouldn't have done that, Arthur." 

"Why not?" Arthur asked, meeting Strauss' gaze. 

"Because you can't let go. I wouldn't claim to fully understand your thoughts, but I feel I've come to know you better over time," Strauss said earnestly. 

Arthur realized he hadn't had a proper conversation with Strauss since the casino started operating. Most of their interactions had been strictly business. 

But why did everyone seem to know he couldn't leave the gang? Sean had said it, Strauss was saying it, and even Mary had written it in her letter. Mary had left with Jamie, leaving only a letter for Arthur. 

"Let's not talk about that. Let's discuss something else. Like, what's your plan? Dutch doesn't think our businesses in town will last," Arthur said, changing the subject. 

Strauss had already thought this through. He answered without hesitation. 

"I'll stay here. I doubt someone like me will draw much attention. As for Dutch, I'll go back and explain things to him." 

Arthur wasn't surprised by Strauss' attitude. After all, no one in camp liked him because of his loan-sharking. 

It was ironic. 

Despite the fact that Strauss' loans had kept the women and children in camp fed. Now that Strauss had found a more suitable job, it made sense for him to leave the gang. But what Arthur didn't expect was that Strauss wasn't planning to leave the gang. 

"I'll explain to Dutch that I'm staying here to manage the gang's assets. After all, someone needs to ensure the camp gets its share of the profits in a timely manner," Strauss continued. 

At this, Arthur's perception of Strauss shifted entirely. 

Strauss wasn't leaving the gang either? 

Seeing Arthur's expression, Strauss seemed to know what he was thinking. He explained. 

"Dutch took me in when I was at my lowest. No matter what, I'm grateful to him. The others in camp may have their issues with my past in banking, but they're… my family. Not just you who can't let go. They might be the only family I have left in this disappointing world, Arthur." 

Arthur was moved. He poured Strauss a drink. Strauss hesitated for a moment before picking up the glass and clinking it with Arthur's, though he only took a small sip. 

"As for Downes' farm, I originally planned to renovate it and set up equipment for moonshine production and storage. But with the current situation, I'm not sure how things will turn out. So, I'll leave that to you," Arthur said after finishing his drink. 

Strauss, now back to business, set his glass down and pulled out a notebook to jot things down. After writing, he hesitated before speaking again. 

"Arthur, there's something else I wanted to discuss with you. This might not be the best time, but I think you should know and decide." 

"What is it? Go ahead." 

"We have a guest at the casino, Mr. Wally. He mortgaged a small oil drilling rig to us. Unfortunately for him, he lost badly and couldn't afford to redeem it," Strauss said, his tone sharp and calculating. 

Arthur didn't ask why they needed an oil drilling rig. He waited for Strauss to continue. 

"I accepted the mortgage for a reason. Mr. Wally owns a small company, but the key is that he also owns a promising oil field. According to my research, due to pressure from Cornwall, he can't get a bank loan and is facing exorbitant railroad fees." 

"So, he tried to gamble for some cash?" Arthur interjected with a smile. 

"Unfortunately, yes. His situation is dire. Cornwall has repeatedly tried to buy out his company. I'm not sure what deeper conflict he has with Cornwall, but Mr. Wally has firmly rejected their offers." 

At this, Arthur sat up straight. He was starting to see where Strauss was going with this. 

"You're thinking of expanding our business." 

Strauss' eyes gleamed as he spoke. 

"This is a huge opportunity, Arthur. Difficult, yes, but if we pull it off…" 

This was the energy industry. Arthur was stunned by Strauss' proposal. He had never even considered the possibility of entering such a field. 

Strauss continued to explain. 

"Mr. Wally is desperate now. I believe he'll return, and next time, the only things he'll have left to mortgage are his company and the oil field." 

Arthur spotted a problem. 

"Do we have enough money to cover his mortgage?" 

Strauss smiled, a chilling expression. 

"We just need enough chips." 

*****

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