Chapter 117: Rats in the Gutter
Davey was no stranger to the Laramie Gang.
In the final act of his past life’s story, John’s return to the outlaw world had started by taking them down—killing Laramie, their leader.
But the Laramie Gang of today wasn’t something John could deal with alone. They were at the height of their power now.
A criminal outfit nearly a hundred strong, willing to take any job that paid. Their income came entirely from doing work for others.
So this attack was obvious: someone had hired them to sabotage Davey’s moonshine business. The Laramie Gang didn’t run businesses of their own.
“Laramie? That rat from the gutter? When did they grow the guts to come after us?”
“Davey, let’s ride out and put that bastard in the ground. People need to learn what happens when they mess with us,” Mac growled.
The frontier wasn’t too big or too small. Gangs working in the region generally knew of one another. Each had its own territory, and most kept to their own turf.
The Laramie Gang usually operated in Lemoyne, yet they’d crossed into New Hanover just to stir trouble.
Compared to the furious Mac, Davey stayed calm.
“Killing them isn’t hard, Mac. The real issue is: how do you plan to find them?”
“Or do you think they’re still sitting at Emerald Ranch waiting for us to show up?”
“Poor Mr. Guthrie slaughtered by them. And our fallen men. Now every rat thinks it can climb on our heads.”
“Mac, John—take twenty of our people to Emerald Ranch. Secure the operation first. Don’t let our partners get spooked.”
Northwest of Emerald Ranch lay Guthrie Farm, owned by Mr. Guthrie.
Something amusing had once happened there: a young farmhand had fallen in love with a ewe—tied a bow on her and even brought a wedding ring. Sadly, due to certain circumstances, both ended up dead.
As Davey’s moonshine became popular around Emerald Ranch, Guthrie naturally became an important business partner.
Crop profits couldn’t compare to moonshine— even a small bit of Davey’s leftovers was enough for an ordinary person to live comfortably.
Because of the distance, Davey needed a satellite point to sell his moonshine, especially at Emerald Ranch Station. Every train that passed through bought a good amount.
This attack had clearly been planned—they’d gathered intelligence in advance. Otherwise they wouldn’t have gone for Guthrie.
“But Davey, what about Laramie? Are we really going to let him wreck our business and just run off?” Mac demanded.
He’d always had a hot temper, and he’d been close to Donal and the men who died.
Davey let out a cold laugh. “Wreck our business? No chance he’s getting away with that.”
“Dealing with the Laramie Gang isn’t complicated. We may not know their base, but don’t forget how they make money.”
“They work just like bounty hunters—doing jobs for the rich and using dirty tricks. In Saint Denis, they’re notorious.”
“Listen, Mac, I have a plan.”
“We pay someone to hire them—say a ranch owner who needs a job done. Offer them more money than usual.”
“Then we wait for them to walk right into our hands.”
Mac couldn’t hold back. “Oh, Davey, that’s a damn genius plan.”
“Really—if you ask me, your plans beat Old Dutch’s by a mile.”
John nodded. “That’s a solid plan, Davey. This time we’ll definitely catch the Laramie Gang.”
Davey said, “Mac, John—if you can, try to take their man alive. He’s just a dog working for someone else. The real person targeting us is hiding behind him.”
“Maybe it’s that liquor sales manager, maybe someone else. These rats hiding in the gutter—we need to drag them out and show them who they’ve crossed.”
“All right, John, Mac—take our men and head for Emerald Ranch. Every day we lose costs us more than we can afford.”
“I’ll find someone who can act as the go-between. Once I have word, I’ll send someone to the ranch to inform you.”
...
With the plan set, John and Mac headed out immediately, taking twenty gunmen straight toward Emerald Ranch.
Just then, Abigail stepped outside.
“Davey… why are you sending John into something this dangerous? You promised me you’d give us a peaceful life.”
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