Cornwall, as a railroad tycoon, had a loud and fearsome reputation throughout the West.
So the fact that he worked with the Lemoyne Raiders was hardly surprising.
The Lemoyne Raiders weren't just limited to Rhodes—Rhodes only had a small local leader, and even the name Lemoyne Raiders was mostly regional.
Across the United States, people knew them as the White League, a group with thousands of members and major influence throughout the country.
They target African Americans, white Southerners who don't support the Southern Democratic Party, and Northerners. While dipping their hands into politics, they also run a large weapons-trafficking operation, making them the biggest arms dealer in the United States.
Of course, most White League members aren't perfectly unified; each faction has its own territory and trade. Their only shared, nominal leader is Lindsey Wofford.
"Alright, Davey, I know Cornwall is filthy rich, and now I know he's dealing with the Lemoyne Raiders too."
"So… what do we do next? Maybe just lay it out for me, buddy. I think my brain's starting to give out."
Arthur listened to Davey explain everything, feeling a headache coming on, so he asked directly.
"As you wish, Arthur. Honestly, you should use your brain more. I read somewhere that if you don't use it often, it rusts like a revolver."
"So next, we take out the Lemoyne Raiders. Cornwall will absolutely pay them for help—this happened on their turf."
"And I've got intel: the Lemoyne Raiders are running an arms deal. They should have a lot of cash stored up—enough to make you a good profit. Two birds with one stone, right?"
Davey rode ahead, Arthur beside him as they headed toward a specific spot.
"Alright, Davey. If that's how it works, my brain must already be nothing but rust."
"But your plan's solid—rob them and mess up Cornwall's arrangements at the same time."
"Still, you'd better give me more details on these Lemoyne Raiders. I don't want to get turned into a damn sieve."
Arthur laughed. Talking with Davey felt easy, comfortable—he reminded him a bit of the old Dutch, and that made Arthur trust him even more.
Davey said, "I'll have Mac go with you. That guy can't just sit at the ranch eating for free all day—he needs to move around a little."
"Maybe bring Lenny and Charles too. Those Lemoyne Raiders treat Black folks and Indians like slaves."
"South of Rhodes, at a place called Shady Belle, there's an abandoned mansion—that's their base."
"They've got a Maxim machine gun and around forty men. You'll need to snipe the gunner first, or getting inside will be a nightmare."
"Mac's still traumatized by Maxims after Blackwater."
Arthur replied, "Don't worry, I'll take him out first. A Maxim machine gun—that's a hell of a prize. Might sell for a good amount."
"Davey, if you want it, you could just haul it back."
"Your intel sure beats Bill's. That idiot's useless."
"Oh, right—weren't you looking for the Laramie Gang? Any progress?"
Davey said, "Almost. I bought a ranch. I'm sending someone to Saint Denis to lure them into attacking it."
"I'll set up an ambush. Once they show up, we'll wipe them out. They've been getting crafty lately, hiding around Saint Denis. I don't have time to chase after them."
Arthur chuckled. "Well, I bet the Laramie Gang regrets ever taking that contract. Crossing you never ends well."
"But Davey, we've already left Rhodes. Where exactly are we going? This isn't the direction of the camp? You planning on stopping by to talk to Dutch?"
Davey said, "Oh, Arthur, I don't feel like talking to Dutch about anything. We're heading to a place called Radley's House, not far from the camp."
"There's a temporary Lemoyne Raider camp there. I think they're snooping around for information on you all, so let's take them out first. Only seven or eight men—the two of us can handle it."
Arthur replied, "Alright. They're probably here because of us anyway. Dutch and Molly have been fighting a lot lately. Molly even talked to me recently—something about loyalty."
"You know Molly—always acting like a fancy lady. That's why she barely has friends at camp. She used to get along with Abigail, but Abigail's gone now."
"She thinks Dutch might be interested in Mary Beth. She asked if I'd noticed the way he looks at her. To Molly, that means he's betraying their loyalty."
"Oh, old Dutch… I don't even know what to say. And I don't want to get in the middle of their mess."
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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