The Story Of Red Dead Redemption

Chapter 74: Arthur's Answer

"Mr. Milton, your goal is to eliminate the Van der Linde gang, and I will help you destroy it completely. That's my answer." Arthur spoke each word deliberately. 

Milton looked puzzled. How was this different from his earlier proposal to bring Dutch van der Linde to him?

"So, can I simply understand this as you accepting my offer?" 

"Mr. Milton, you might not be aware, but I've just been kicked out of the gang by Dutch van der Linde. So, for now, I can't bring him to you," Arthur replied. 

Milton frowned. 

"Let's assume what you're saying is true. You've been kicked out of Dutch's gang, so you can't help me bring him in. That makes you just another wanted criminal. Why shouldn't we arrest you right now?" 

This was the moment Arthur had to gamble on. He knew the success or failure of his plan hinged on this. If it worked, they'd all walk away happy. If it failed, a shootout would break out right here. So, Arthur spoke seriously. 

"I have no reason to lie to you. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come here to meet you. As you know, I was Dutch's most trusted follower. I understand him better than any of you. If anyone can catch him, believe me, it's me." 

"And now, I'm offering to help you destroy the Van der Linde gang." 

Milton was silent for a long time before finally speaking. 

"I'll find a way to verify if what you're telling me is true. So, what's your demand? Let me be clear—the terms I offered earlier stand. You hand over Dutch van der Linde, and I'll let the others go." 

Seeing Milton's stance, Arthur knew his plan was halfway to success. 

"Demand? I don't see this as a transaction. I'd rather call it a gesture of civilization's mercy toward savagery. Don't worry, I have no other demands. My only small request is for you to give me some time." 

Arthur didn't need anything else. What he needed now was time. Whether Milton's promise to "let the others go" was genuine or not didn't matter to Arthur. Escaping the wanted status and ending this damned life on the run—Arthur had other plans. 

All he needed was time. And not the kind of time bought by causing more trouble. 

Milton was surprised by Arthur's drastic change in attitude, but he didn't care. In his mind, betrayal had little to do with the traitor's will. Circumstances would force the traitor to fully commit to their role. As long as Arthur was willing to take the first step, that was enough for Milton. 

The Van der Linde gang wasn't like other ordinary gangs. The Blackwater incident had already proven that. Despite the Pinkertons mobilizing so many men, they still couldn't capture them… 

In the end, Milton nodded. He walked up to Arthur's horse and extended his hand. The two shook hands firmly. Though both had ulterior motives, the deal was struck. 

Finally, Arthur took the contact card Milton handed him and rode off. 

Agent Ross, confused, asked Milton. 

"So, you're really planning to let the others go and only capture Dutch?" 

Watching Arthur disappear into the distance, Milton replied.

"You know, a centipede has many legs, but if you remove its head, the rest of the legs can't move." 

Conversely, no matter how many gang members they captured, as long as Dutch was still out there, there would always be another Van der Linde gang. 

"Dutch is their head." 

Ross pressed further. "So, do you believe this Arthur Morgan?" 

"It's not about belief. Let's wait and see the results. Have we heard back from the other side?" 

Ross nodded. "We've been contacted. I'll verify the details." 

***

Back at the house, Strauss and Sean were anxiously waiting for Arthur's return. Strauss remained calm, but Sean was pacing around the room, clearly agitated. 

"Why isn't he back yet?" Sean kept asking Strauss. 

Strauss ignored him, knowing that whether he answered or not, Sean would keep talking. 

After a while, Sean exclaimed. "He should be back by now!" 

He then pressed his face against the window, looking outside. 

"He's back! He's back! It's Arthur!" 

Through the window, they saw Arthur return, tie up his horse, but instead of coming inside, he walked toward Sheriff Malloy, who was standing under the porch of the sheriff's office. Clearly, Malloy had been waiting for Arthur too. 

Before the meeting with Milton, Arthur had spoken to Malloy about the Pinkertons, their authority, and their functions. 

Malloy spotted Arthur approaching and greeted him. 

"Good morning, Mr. Callahan. Since I'm seeing you in Valentine again, I assume you succeeded. Come on in, let's talk." 

Arthur followed him inside. The same coffee as before was brewing. Malloy took the pot off the stove and poured a cup for each of them. 

Then he sat down and spoke.

"Congratulations on delaying the Pinkertons. But I must remind you, don't stay near Valentine. As for where to go, I'd recommend Rhodes. I know Sheriff Gray there. If you need an introduction, I can set it up." 

Arthur took a sip of the coffee. Though it was the same as before, it tasted slightly different. 

"Did you add something? It tastes better. History has taught me to listen to the advice of those older than me, so I'll consider it." 

Malloy smiled. 

"Milk. I added milk. Smoother, isn't it? History, in my view, is made up of stories. They can be facts, interpretations, distortions, but more often than not, they're outright lies. So, I suggest you think for yourself more." 

Arthur chuckled, looking at Malloy, who was back to his philosophical musings. 

"I didn't realize that in your free time, you not only enjoy the company of married women but also like to read?" 

Malloy shot back without hesitation. 

"And I didn't realize that in your free time, you not only stir up trouble but also enjoy bothering others?" 

"Alright, alright. Thanks for the advice. I'll seriously consider it," Arthur said, waving his hand. 

But deep down, Arthur knew he had only succeeded halfway. The outcome wasn't as successful as Malloy made it seem. 

After all, what kind of traitor offers their allegiance without proof? 

*****

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