Chapter 43: Kicking Micah Bell Out
Strawberry Town Police Station.
The door to the sheriff’s office swung open as Davey and Sheriff Hanley stepped out, chatting and laughing.
Once they reached the lobby, Sheriff Hanley called out, “Boys, we’ve got work to do. Seems a bit restless outside.”
“Luke, you stay on duty. Everyone else, come with me.”
Hanley walked over to Officer Luke, patted his shoulder, and gave him a meaningful look.
Luke, clearly the sheriff’s trusted man, understood immediately.
The other officers seemed to catch on as well.
In no time, the once-busy station emptied out completely.
“Oh, gentlemen, I’m going to step outside for a smoke. You can wait here a bit,” Luke said casually before walking out and closing the front door behind him.
“Davey, what’s going on?” Arthur asked, still confused.
Mac, who clearly knew Davey’s tricks, clapped Arthur on the shoulder. “What do you think, Arthur? Our brother Davey already has this place under control.”
“Come on—let’s go check on that rat in the jail.”
Arthur frowned. “But we don’t have the jail keys.”
Davey smirked, pulling out a jingling ring of keys from his hand before heading toward the back.
The jail was in the basement. They descended the stairs into the dimly lit dungeon, where eight cells lined the walls—only four of them occupied.
And the so-called “rat,” Micah Bell, was enjoying a private cell all to himself.
“Oh, Davey! Mac! Arthur!”
“You came to rescue me? I knew it—the gang wouldn’t abandon me!”
Micah leapt up from his cot, excitement flooding his face.
He’d been terrified that by tomorrow morning, he’d be swinging from the gallows.
Davey ignored him and lit a cigarette.
Mac spat, “You damn rat. You should’ve been left to hang on that rope.”
Arthur snorted. “Hey there, partner. Looks like you’ve been living pretty comfortably in here, huh?”
Micah glanced between Davey—who wouldn’t even look at him—and Mac, whose face was full of disgust. He realized his only chance rested with Arthur.
“Arthur, you’re here to save me, right?”
Arthur replied coolly, “Oh, I haven’t decided yet.”
Micah’s face tightened. “Arthur, you’re joking, right?”
Arthur took his time with the answer. “For the past six months, you’ve been driving me crazy. Now I finally get the chance to shut you up for good. Don’t you think that’s something worth celebrating?”
Micah was smart enough to read the room. He knew Arthur was his only hope—and that the Callander brothers beside him would’ve gladly beaten him to death if given the chance.
“Arthur, you know I’ve always respected you,” Micah said, his voice trembling with desperation.
Arthur sighed. He knew it was time to end this. Rescuing Micah was Dutch’s order, after all.
“Davey,” Arthur called out.
Davey tossed him the keys.
There were eight in total. On the third try, the lock clicked, and the cell door creaked open.
“Oh, unbelievable! I’m actually getting out of here alive!” Micah stumbled out, his face full of relief—then confusion.
“Arthur, how’d you pull this off? I didn’t hear any gunfire.”
Davey took the keys back from Arthur. “Enough talk, you rat. Time to get moving.”
He turned and led the way out, with Mac and Arthur following. Micah trailed nervously behind.
The station was still empty. When they opened the front door, they found Officer Luke outside, puffing on his cigarette.
“Oh, gentlemen, finished already?” he said with a smile.
Davey nodded, handed him the keys, and slipped a ten-dollar bill into his hand.
“Thanks, Officer Luke. Give my regards to Sheriff Hanley. We’ll be on our way,” Davey said with an easy grin.
Luke’s eyes lit up—an unexpected ten-dollar tip wasn’t something to frown at.
“Of course, sir. I’ll be sure to tell the sheriff. Safe travels, gentlemen.”
Micah lingered near Arthur’s horse, hesitation written all over his face.
Truth be told, ever since leaving the dungeon, he’d wanted to borrow Arthur’s gun to kill one of the O’Driscoll boys still locked up down there.
But with Davey and Mac present, he hadn’t dared to ask.
Now, as they were about to leave Strawberry, the thought gnawed at him.
“Arthur, can I borrow your gun? I’ve got something to take care of. Trust me, Arthur.”
Micah hesitated but forced the words out.
Davey instantly caught on to what Micah was planning. He nudged Mac’s shoulder and gave him a look.
Mac understood immediately and delivered a hard kick straight into Micah’s back, sending him sprawling face-first into the dirt.
“You filthy rat! Trying to drag us into more trouble, huh?”
“If you’re so eager to die, I’ll put a bullet in your skull right now.”
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