RDR: NO REGRETS - Chapter 342: The Del Lobo Gang Finally Comes (Patreon)

It just went to show how much it mattered to choose the right side.

Look at the Edward family of Strawberry. They'd backed the Confederacy and lost, so they were shut out of politics after the war. But they still had their people and their money, and half the property and shops in Strawberry belonged to them.

If Stephen hadn't stepped in so decisively at the last moment, that family might even have staged a comeback.

Then look at the Howard family. They'd backed the winning side and sacrificed people and resources in the war, only to suffer a far worse fate.

Serving in the American army? Ha. Not even a dog would want that job.

“I doubt you came here today just to listen to my stories.”

Kevin pulled himself together and turned to Stephen. “Actually, your timing is perfect. I was just about to look for you.”

“About the Del Lobo Gang?”

“Of course.”

Kevin shrugged, his expression serious. “Come on. We can talk upstairs in my office.”

Since this involved the Del Lobo Gang, legal matters would have to be put aside for now.

Following Kevin up to the second floor, Stephen saw that what had once been bedrooms had been converted into several offices, where a few young people were sitting, writing and sketching.

Kevin led Stephen to the innermost room. As soon as he pushed open the door, a lavish office came into view.

“Compared to this place, my sheriff's office looks like a slum.”

There was a large, imposing desk, bookcases, a fine sofa, and a coffee table. A pot of coffee was brewing on a sideboard, and the aroma told Stephen it was good.

“Looking at all this makes me want to tear down the sheriff's office and build it again from scratch,” Stephen said enviously.

“It’s up to you. That place is your turf now anyway, and as sheriff, you have every right to do so.”

Kevin took the coffeepot and poured himself a cup. “Of course, you know what the town's finances are like. You'll have to pay for it yourself.”

Stephen knew that, of course, so he was just talking.

After all, Stephen was well aware of the massive deficit in the town’s public accounts, so he’d have to put the idea of a new office on hold for now.

“Coffee or tea?”

“Coffee.”

Stephen shrugged, then plopped down on the sofa beside him.

“So, has the Del Lobo Gang been up to anything?”

“Yeah, but it’s a bit strange.”

Kevin set a cup before Stephen, and the rich smell of coffee rose from it.

He lifted the cup and took a careful sip, it was indeed the real deal!

Kevin sat beside him, holding his own cup and frowning as he said, “Some of my informants told me the Del Lobo Gang has run into some trouble lately.”

“A group of people, no one knows where they came from, attacked several of their bases and stole a large amount of gold they’d just mined.”

“This has really pissed off a few of the Del Lobo Gang’s bosses, and now they’re leading their men all over the wilderness looking for them.”

“They've even offered a large reward to anyone who can find the attackers.”

As he spoke, Kevin turned to look at Stephen, his expression a bit strange as he asked, “I think… maybe you know something about this…”

Of course Stephen knew, wasn’t this exactly what John and his crew had done?

Stephen cleared his throat. “How can you be so sure it was me? Couldn't it have been some overzealous do-gooders?”

Stephen said with a hint of a smile, “After all, there are still more good people in this world, aren’t there?”

“Oh, come off it. There are plenty of good people, but you don't often meet ones brave enough to take on the Del Lobo Gang and do it so cleanly.”

Kevin chuckled sarcastically. “I thought we were allies. Aren't we supposed to be honest with each other?”

“You didn’t tell me you had an informant in the Del Lobo Gang either. Did you?”

Stephen raised both hands. “Fine. My people did it. Until we're ready to face the Del Lobo Gang's main force, we have to give them something else to worry about.”

Time, time, and more time.

More than anything, Stephen needed time. Given another week or so to fortify Tumbleweed, he was confident he could wipe out the Del Lobo Gang even if they came in full force.

That’s why he’d sent John and the others out to keep the Del Lobo Gang busy, to buy him as much time as possible.

“I have to admit, your plan has been a success.”

Kevin said in a subdued voice, “According to my informant, the Del Lobo Gang still hasn’t noticed anything amiss in town. Their attention has been completely drawn to your men.”

“But we can’t stall for much longer, the deal is in three days.”

Hearing this, a faint smile immediately appeared on Stephen’s face.

“Are you sure? Is it three days from now?”

Although he didn’t know why Stephen was so happy, Kevin still said with some concern, “Yes, it’s three days from now.”

“By then, the people from Blackwater will take the train to Tumbleweed to make the deal with the Del Lobo Gang.”

“Where will the deal take place?”

That was what interested Stephen the most. The location of the deal would ultimately determine his plan.

For example, if they were to conduct the transaction at the saloon, then Hosea, as the owner, could pull off all sorts of unexpected moves.

If it took place in a store, Stephen would have a way to handle it as well.

But if they were to conduct the transaction out in the open wilderness, Stephen would have to come up with a new plan.

“At the church. That's where they've held these transactions before.”

The ground around it was open, and the hall was spacious, so both parties felt safer meeting there.

Stephen nodded thoughtfully. The church, huh? It looked like Michael might need to move.

Seeing Stephen’s expression, Kevin furrowed his brow and asked, “Are you planning to make your move while they’re conducting the transaction?”

“It's a good idea, but I have to warn you. We may not have enough men to pull it off.”

“The people from Blackwater are always cautious. They bring plenty of guards when they come.”

“Likewise, the Del Lobo Gang won’t be short on men either. Both sides outnumber us, not to mention that both are our enemies.”

“Of course, I know both sides are our enemies, but are those two groups really allies?”

Stephen said with a smile, “I don’t think so. Are the Del Lobo Gang and the Crocodile Gang really on such good terms?”

Stephen stood up and turned to look out the window.

“Trust me. While those two gangs are making their deal, there's far more we can do than you imagine.”