The Story Of Red Dead Redemption

Chapter 52: We Can't Keep Micah

Bill was lying on a sleeping bag. Although he didn't have any visible external injuries, Javier said his horse was shot during the crossfire and fell on him, likely breaking his ribs. Considering he was still alive, Arthur thought his fat might have saved his internal organs.

Javier was sitting in the tent, looking quite spirited despite a gunshot wound to his arm. Tilly was replacing the blood-soaked bandage on his arm with a new one.

The only ones present were Tilly, Arthur, Dutch, and Hosea. Everyone else had been sent away. The atmosphere was heavy, and no one spoke. It was clear that something had gone wrong with Micah.

After Tilly finished replacing Javier's bandage and left, Dutch finally asked.

"Tell me, what happened? How did it end up like this? I told you to get the stuff and return to camp immediately! And where is Micah?!"

Dutch was furious by the end of his question. He couldn't understand how a perfectly executed rescue mission, with him just leaving first, had turned out like this.

Seeing Dutch's anger, Javier was even more infuriated. He didn't know where to start, so he took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and then gritted his teeth to say.

"That fucking Micah Bell!"

Javier spat out each word, clearly seething. Bill, who had just been given some pain medication, was now unconscious, occasionally letting out a low groan of pain.

"Speak! What happened?" Dutch could see Javier was extremely angry, but he was also anxious.

"Micah didn't just go back to get something. That bastard led us into a fight with the entire town! Damn it, we killed half the town to escape!"

Everyone was stunned. Arthur, although somewhat prepared, still couldn't understand how things had gone wrong despite following his plan to rescue Micah.

Javier continued while gritting his teeth.

"That bastard took us back to the people he had been hanging out with and shot them for no reason. That alerted the townspeople and the sheriff. Micah then led us in a rampage... and now we're both injured."

"Where is Micah?!" Hosea interrupted, unable to believe what he was hearing.

"Yes, where is Micah?" Dutch also demanded.

Feeling dizzy, possibly from anger or blood loss, Javier forced himself to calm down and continued in a less angry tone.

"That bastard is alive. He said he didn't dare come back because he knew he had caused trouble. He asked me to tell Dutch he would try to make amends, but for now, he needs some time alone."

Dutch's face darkened upon hearing this. Hosea, calming down, lit a cigarette as usual, but he seemed to be smoking too hard, as the ember on the cigarette didn't dim for a long time. Finally, Arthur broke the silence.

"Let's clarify. Micah took you two back to get something, killed people, and then you fought with the townspeople, killing half of them? Is that a fair summary?"

Javier nodded, feeling dizzy and mostly angry. He glared at Bill, wishing he were the one unconscious.

Arthur now understood the whole situation but confirmed with Javier one last time.

"So, Micah was likely recognized, and you didn't talk to the townspeople?"

Javier nodded again, saying, "Micah was probably recognized. Even if not, seeing the dead couple in the house would make it clear he did it."

Arthur nodded, telling Javier to rest well, and then took Dutch and Hosea outside. The camp members were gathered around, looking at them with questioning eyes.

"Alright, I'll handle this with Hosea and Arthur. Everyone, disperse. No one is hurt, just a small incident on the way back. The party is over; go about your business," Dutch said, dispersing the crowd. They reluctantly accepted his answer, given Dutch's dark expression.

Arthur asked Lenny, who was about to leave, to go to Valentine and first visit the sheriff's office to tell Malloy to stay up late, as Arthur would be there soon. Then, he should go to the clinic to fetch Nelly and bring him here, making sure to tell him the patient might have internal injuries and to bring the necessary tools and medicine. Lenny nodded and left.

Arthur wasn't thinking about Micah, despite his shit show. His immediate concern was the aftermath of the situation. Dutch had used the Valentine sheriff's identity to rescue Micah, who then led a massacre in the town.

This was a mess.

Arthur needed to handle this situation carefully and quickly to avoid affecting his business in Valentine and drawing unnecessary attention.

"Dutch, I need to go to Strawberry. Give me your badge," Arthur said, having a preliminary plan in mind. He needed Dutch's badge for a specific purpose.

Dutch was puzzled, wondering why Arthur would choose to go to Strawberry at such a time. It seemed reckless.

"Arthur, don't rush. We need to plan this carefully. What can you do now?"

Hosea also tried to calm Arthur, knowing he was worried about his business in Valentine. However, going there now seemed too rash.

Seeing their reactions, Arthur realized he might not be able to explain everything clearly at the moment, but time was pressing. He needed to handle things before the news spread. So, without saying much, Arthur took Dutch's badge and headed towards the camp exit.

Dutch stood there, frowning deeply. Hosea took a couple of steps to follow Arthur but then returned to Dutch and said seriously.

"Micah is a liability. We can't keep him!"

***

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