The Story Of Red Dead Redemption

Chapter 77: Micah's Little Camp

Arthur made his way through the logging camp near Strawberry and then up to the mountainside. Still, he found nothing.

Drawing on past experience, Arthur guessed a few possible locations, but unfortunately, none of them turned out to be Micah's camp.

However, Arthur wasn't ready to give up. He pulled out the map he'd bought in Strawberry and studied it carefully, looking for any spots he might have missed.

The map was surprisingly well-made. It seemed the mayor of Strawberry was serious about promoting tourism. The map not only marked several areas where wildlife was frequently spotted but also clearly indicated a few places labeled "potentially dangerous" or "remote."

This made Arthur's search much easier. After eliminating the dangerous locations he'd already checked, Arthur quickly focused on a spot near a cliff.

Following the marked route on the map, Arthur didn't take long to find a small, makeshift camp on a slope near the cliff.

He approached the campfire. Arthur could tell that someone had been here at least a night ago.

Of course, Arthur couldn't be sure yet if this was Micah's camp, so he decided to search the area for clues.

What Arthur didn't know was that Micah had already returned to Horseshoe Overlook with his "gift" for Dutch.

After a thorough search of the camp, Arthur found something interesting: several newspaper clippings related to the Van der Linde gang, as well as a clipping documenting one of Micah's past crimes.

It seemed to be Micah's first crime.

Arthur was now certain this was Micah's camp near Strawberry.

He carefully examined the clippings. The one about Micah and his father, judging by its age, was likely Micah's first crime. Otherwise, why would he keep it?

With the mindset that nothing Micah had done would surprise him, Arthur began reading.

"1877: Father and Son Wanted for Murder"

This was twenty years ago. How old had Micah been then? Probably just a kid.

"Two men wanted for the murder of Roscoe and Jean Briggs of Crawford County, Ohio."

Two lives taken. What surprised Arthur was the detailed description of how they died. Typical of an 1877 newspaper.

"…Farm owner Roscoe and his wife were found hanged from the rafters of their barn; Their throats slit."

"Micah Bell (38) and his son, also named Micah Bell (17)…"

For some reason, reading this made Arthur understand where Micah's rotten nature came from.

Micah's father had even named his son after himself.

After finishing that clipping, Arthur picked up another one. This one was about the Blackwater heist. Arthur guessed Micah kept it because it was a big job he'd planned. After all, Micah was always bringing up the Blackwater job in camp.

Arthur shook his head and moved on to the next clipping. This one was particularly interesting—a piece of an old wanted poster that made Arthur frown.

"Wanted for Robbery and Murder"

"Dutch van der Linde"

"Dead or Alive"

"Reward: $1,000"

Why did Micah have an old wanted poster for Dutch?

Micah had only met Dutch less than a year ago.

The reward amount alone showed how old this poster was. Arthur couldn't even remember when Dutch's bounty had been as low as $1,000.

It seemed Micah had been eyeing Dutch and the Van der Linde gang for a long time.

A bold thought formed in Arthur's mind.

Micah had clearly approached Dutch with a purpose. Arthur also remembered a campfire night when Micah had boasted about saving Dutch's life. Combined with the Blackwater plan and the ambush by the Pinkertons on the boat.

"That bastard…"

Though Arthur hadn't found Micah, he felt this was enough. He was certain now. The question that had kept him awake earlier was also answered.

Why had Milton said, "I'll verify it"?

Who would Milton verify it with?

It seemed the traitor could only be Micah.

***

"This is the spot. They'll be here soon. Everyone, cover your faces," Micah said to the others.

Micah was leading Dutch, John, Charles, and a reluctant Javier and Bill on the road to Strawberry.

"So, what's the deal with this bank wagon?" John asked.

Micah, looking confident, replied mockingly.

"What's the deal? It's full of money, of course. Don't worry, I've scouted it. The wagon passes this way every time."

Javier chimed in sarcastically, "He's asking how many guards, how many guns, how many riders?"

Micah shot back in the same tone.

"None of that matters. It'll be fine. If you're scared, go back!"

"Micah…" Dutch cut in, clearly annoyed with Micah's response.

Facing Dutch, Micah immediately switched to a sincere tone.

"Look, you're all overthinking this. I got this info from an O'Driscoll kid. I've been watching for a while. Trust me, it'll be fine."

"Sorry, I don't trust anything from the O'Driscolls," Javier retorted.

"Those 'O'Driscolls' you're talking about have taken over most of the valley. I heard they've even seized a big farm up north. Sure, they're scum, but at least they're not unreliable idiots like some people."

"You fucking…."

"Enough!" Dutch snapped, stopping the argument before it escalated.

Originally, Dutch hadn't planned to join this job. But with Arthur gone and Davey still recovering, and now the tension between Bill, Javier, and Micah, Dutch had no choice but to come along to keep things in order.

"Are we here to rob a wagon or to argue? Get to your positions and do your jobs. Stop bickering like children!" Dutch's authority still held weight. Everyone fell silent.

Only Micah muttered under his breath.

Dutch pretended not to hear Micah's murmuring. He checked his pocket watch.

"They should be here soon. We'll strike before they reach town."

*****

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