The Story Of Red Dead Redemption

Chapter 75: Micah Returns to Camp

Meanwhile, at Horseshoe Overlook, Micah had returned. Dutch hadn't even seen Micah yet when he heard his voice. 

"Dutch, I've brought you a gift." 

'Spit!' 

Javier spat as Micah walked past him. Bill, standing nearby, glared at Micah, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. 

But Micah ignored all of it. He walked straight up to Dutch, wearing a proud smile, as if the incident in Strawberry had been completely forgotten. 

Dutch's expression was unreadable, his eyes fixed on Micah. 

Micah nodded at Hosea, who was standing beside Dutch, as a casual greeting. Then, with the same proud demeanor, Micah said to Dutch. 

"Dutch, I've brought you a gift—a bank money wagon, filled with cash! I've scouted the timing and route. All we need to do is show up and take it." 

"Micah… before that, I think Javier and Bill might want an explanation from you," Dutch said, his tone darkening. This wasn't anger but a reminder for Micah to explain himself. 

Though the rest of the camp hadn't gathered around, everyone's attention was focused on the scene. Hearing Dutch demand an explanation, the others secretly hoped Micah wouldn't be able to justify himself and would be driven away. 

Micah, looking genuinely surprised that Dutch was bringing up Strawberry.

"Aren't these two still alive and well? What do I owe them an explanation for? I've already thanked them for coming to rescue me. But let's be honest, they didn't really do much, did they? It was all you, Dutch, who got me out." 

Seeing Dutch's expression darken further, Micah quickly changed his tone and added with a smile, 

"I know, I know. I caused a bit of trouble afterward. But isn't our life always full of unexpected twists and turns? In the end, we came out on top. That's what matters. Dutch, let's focus on the bank money wagon. It's my way of apologizing." 

Dutch glanced at Javier and Bill before finally nodding at Micah. 

Just like that, the Strawberry incident was swept under the rug. 

The others might have been wanting for more clarification, but seeing Dutch's lack of interest in pursuing the matter, they let it go. After all, everyone knew Dutch had his own way of weighing things. 

Micah's relationship with Dutch was different from the others in the gang. Most members had been saved or taken in by Dutch, but Micah had once saved Dutch's life. Dutch had invited Micah to join out of gratitude. In Dutch's eyes, Micah didn't owe him anything. 

So, while Micah had caused trouble, the outcome hadn't resulted in any real losses for the gang. Dutch's earlier words were more about showing the others his stance and giving Micah a chance to explain himself. His plan had always been to "raise the issue high but let it land softly." 

"Tell me about this plan. The gang needs cash right now. You might not know, but the Pinkertons are already in Valentine. We might need to move soon," Dutch said. 

Micah's expression remained calm when Dutch mentioned the Pinkertons, as if he wasn't surprised. But when Dutch brought up moving camp, Micah asked curiously. 

"Where are we planning to go? And where's Arthur? I don't see him around." 

"We haven't decided yet. Hosea and I are discussing it," Dutch said, glancing at Hosea, who had been unusually quiet lately. As for Arthur, Dutch simply ignored the question. 

Micah leaned in closer.

"Why don't we go back to Blackwater and retrieve the money we hid? With that kind of cash, we wouldn't have to worry about the Pinkertons. A life of luxury would be within reach, Dutch…" 

Dutch didn't hesitate. As always, he rejected the idea, claiming it wasn't the right time. He'd retrieve the money when the moment was right. 

Though Micah had expected this response, he was still disappointed. So, he shifted gears and enthusiastically pitched his plan to rob the bank money wagon. 

As Dutch and Micah discussed the plan, Sean and Strauss returned to camp. Both had their own reasons for coming back. Sean had news for Dutch, while Strauss was there to pack his things and bid farewell. 

Karen, seeing Sean return, rushed over—not to check on him but to ask about Arthur. 

Sean, ever the joker, grinned and said, "Miss Jones, shouldn't you be asking how I'm doing first? Riding back and forth has left my butt sore. How about you come to my tent later and give me a massage?" 

Karen, unamused, kicked Sean in the rear—though not too hard. She thought to herself, 'I'm not drunk, and I'm not in the mood for your nonsense.' 

"If you know something, spit it out. Otherwise, I'll massage your ass with a whiskey bottle." 

"Alright, alright, don't get violent. I'm scared of you. Arthur's fine. He's not really leaving us. Who here doesn't know Arthur would never abandon us? Don't worry, he'll be back," Sean said, quickly pecking Karen on the cheek before running off toward Dutch's tent. 

Karen didn't chase after him, just stood there, cursing Sean for being a "quick draw." What that meant, no one else understood. 

"What is it, Mr. MacGuire?" Dutch asked Sean. 

Dutch had already heard their arrival. Knowing Sean had gone after Arthur, Dutch was more interested in whether Sean had come to deliver a message from Arthur or if he had something to say himself. 

Sean glanced around, noticing Micah was also in the tent. He dropped his usual demeanor.

"Dutch, we ran into the Pinkertons on the road." 

"And? Did you exchange fire? Is Arthur hurt?" Hosea asked anxiously. If they'd encountered the Pinkertons, it must have been a fierce fight. The fact that Arthur hadn't returned with Sean suggested he was injured. 

As for whether Arthur was dead or captured, Hosea didn't even consider it. Sean's demeanor made it clear neither was the case. 

Micah, standing in the corner, perked up, listening intently to the conversation. 

"No, these guys wanted to make a deal," Sean replied, looking at Dutch. 

Dutch frowned. Sean, who usually had plenty to say, was now being oddly brief. Dutch pressed further.

"What kind of deal?" 

"The Pinkertons said if we hand over Dutch van der Linde, they'll let the rest of us go." 

*****

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