Shady Belle.
After several days of reconnaissance, Dutch decided that today was the perfect opportunity.
Hosea sat in the carriage.
"Are you ready, Arthur?"
"Of course."
A trace of worry flickered in Hosea's eyes. "So we rob a bank, and within six weeks we're off to some tropical paradise to start a new life? Plant bananas and spend the rest of our days there?"
"Let's get the hell out of this place."
Bill, Javier Escuella, and Micah Bell were all brimming with excitement.
Dutch laid out his plan. "It's time, gentlemen. The last job."
Arthur asked, "When do we set sail?"
He wanted to find a comfortable place, maybe get in touch with Mary, and live a steady, peaceful life.
Dutch replied casually, "Once the route's set, we sail. First we head south by ship to Argentina, then change vessels at Cape Horn."
Micah Bell grew impatient. "What about the money in Blackwater? We're just leaving it there?"
Dutch clearly understood what Micah was getting at. "Stop thinking about it. That money's gone. The way you talk, you'd think it was the only money we ever had."
"Anyone who dares take our money will pay it back double."
"This isn't some backwater town job for a few hundred dollars. This is Saint Denis. Lemoyne National Bank."
"Hosea's already scoped it out. We've discussed the plan. I'll go over it one last time."
"Hosea and Molly will draw the police away. We move in fast."
"Sean and Lenny cover the front entrance. Javier Escuella takes the side door. Bill, Micah Bell, and Charles control the crowd."
"Arthur and I handle the bank manager and the vault."
"Everyone clear?"
The gang answered with eager voices.
Dutch continued, "You all know what to do. We walk straight in and stay calm."
"No one's expecting this."
"If anything goes wrong, fall back to camp."
"We'll be leaving in a few days."
"You good, Bill?"
Bill sounded confident. "Of course."
Arthur added, "Then stick with Charles. Stay close to him."
He didn't mention Micah Bell. Arthur knew that if something went wrong, Micah wasn't someone you could rely on.
As they neared Saint Denis, Dutch raised his voice. "That's enough talk, cowboys. Let's do this one more time!"
"Move out!"
...
Near Lemoyne National Bank.
Inside a second-floor room.
Ross reported to Milton, "Sir, just as you predicted, they've left Shady Belle."
"They should reach Lemoyne National Bank within an hour."
Milton smiled broadly. "It seems our Mr. Van der Linde hasn't disappointed us, has he, Ross?"
Ross flushed with excitement. "Sir, perhaps we should use this opportunity to deploy more men and wipe them out in one sweep."
"They're hardened outlaws from the West. Several of them are expert marksmen. It won't be easy for our men to take them down."
Milton shook his head slightly. "No. Too many men will spook them."
"You should trust our agents, Ross."
Ross hesitated. "But… sir, isn't this deployment a bit too simple?"
"We could surround them the moment they enter the bank. I've reviewed the area—it would be easy to trap them."
"We could station men in the nearby high-rises and on balconies. That way we could—"
Milton sighed and cut him off. "You know, Ross, I received a call from Mr. William last night."
Ross's eyes lit up. "Did Mr. William give instructions?"
That was their superior.
Milton gave him a long look. "Mr. William reminded me to avoid excessive hostage casualties. He's already spoken with Mr. Zack."
Ross sounded dissatisfied. "But this was our secret plan. How could Mr. William tell Mr. Zack?"
Zack was a board director at Lemoyne National Bank's headquarters.
Milton didn't elaborate. Mr. William had no intention of arresting all the criminals in one go. If every outlaw were caught, how would the Pinkertons reclaim their law enforcement authority?
Zack already knew the Saint Denis branch of Lemoyne National Bank would be robbed. He had even sought out William for a private conversation, yet never once mentioned protecting the bank's assets.
Milton understood exactly what that implied.
The robbers might walk away with a large sum, but the bank's top executives certainly wouldn't suffer losses.
In fact, the arrangements targeting the Van der Linde Gang had been personally orchestrated by Milton.
Enough pressure to be felt—yet never a complete dead end.
The public would see how formidable the outlaws were and grow more dependent on the Pinkertons. After all, who would place their trust in ordinary police officers who couldn't get anything done?
"Stick to the plan, Ross. No unnecessary moves."
"And I told you to instruct all agents—capture only. No killing. You made that clear?"
Milton's expression turned stern.
Ross replied reluctantly, "Yes, sir. I've already passed it on."
Milton nodded. "Good. Now we wait for the show to begin."
...
When Dutch, Arthur, and the others entered Saint Denis,
Arthur felt a faint sense of unease.
It wasn't imagination. Their movements were being watched.
Just as he was about to speak, Dutch said, "Relax, gentlemen. Act natural. No one will suspect a thing."
Arthur held his tongue.
News of the Van der Linde Gang entering the city quickly reached Davey.
In a second-floor café across from the bank,
the entrance of Lemoyne National Bank was clearly visible through the window.
"Sir, they've arrived," Abbas reported respectfully.
Davey turned to Kerry beside him. "Are our people in position?"
Kerry replied, "Yes, sir. As instructed, our employees are stationed in the nearby high-rises."
Davey nodded slightly. "The Van der Linde Gang isn't our enemy. Neither are the Pinkertons. I don't want my friends dying."
"I've already warned Milton. Let's hope he listens instead of trying anything behind my back."
Kerry answered respectfully, "As you wish, sir. Our men will keep a close watch."
"If the Pinkertons break their promise, our people won't give them the chance."
It wasn't that Davey distrusted Milton. But Lenny's death, strictly speaking, had been an accident.
That was why he had deployed his security company's employees—to maintain control over the situation.
Davey smiled faintly. "Now, let's sit back and watch the great Saint Denis bank robbery."
"The stars of today's show should be stepping onto the stage any moment."
...
If you'd like to support my work and unlock advanced chapters, you can follow me on p-@-treon.
p-@-treon/GhostParser (40 Chapters Ahead)
You can also follow as a free member to read a few advanced chapters.