Chapter 73: Getting Ready to Leave
It didn't take long before everyone had assembled at lightning speed.
Only when they were running for their lives had they ever moved this fast.
What happened next was even more interesting—almost every single person chose to travel on horseback.
Even the usually steady Pearson and the pastor who normally hated moving about couldn't resist the urge; they were eager to try out the brand-new horses they'd just brought back from the snowy mountains.
There was one exception, however: John's family.
John, smiling confidently, declared that he was fully prepared.
He would drive a small carriage himself, so he could bring little Jack and Abigail along without trouble.
After the trip, they could even swing by Valentine to pick up some daily necessities.
Everyone heartily approved of John's decision, joy written across their faces.
Arthur in particular beamed, the corners of his mouth stretching almost to his ears, looking exactly like the time Mary had strung him up and turned him into a grinning fool.
Just then, Johnny, who had been silent, made his move.
Without a sound he pulled five ten-dollar bills from his satchel and hid them in his palm.
Casually strolling over to John, he offered him a cigarette while, unnoticed by the others, deftly slipped the money into John's pocket.
Having done this, Johnny didn't leave right away; instead he gave John a meaningful look that said, "Between brothers, no words needed."
He gave John's shoulder a light pat, as if to say, "I've got you, brother."
John felt Johnny's kindness and warmth flooded his heart.
He shot Johnny a grateful glance and silently accepted the money.
At that moment all John had in the world amounted to about twelve dollars.
He'd planned to buy plain clothes for little Jack and Abigail, plus some fresh fruit and vegetables for the boy.
If he watched the prices, it would be enough—yet with Johnny's help he could breathe easy.
He could also pick up some children's books and toys for Jack, and a trinket or two for Abigail.
The Gang had no shortage of jewelry, but it had all come off corpses—hardly fitting as gifts.
So the party set out from Horseshoe Overlook in grand style, heading for Valentine.
Johnny rode at the front, carrying Little Edmond on his horse.
Not to steal the boss's thunder, but to reach the sheriff's office first and inform Sheriff Malloy.
In no time Johnny arrived at the station, well ahead of the rest.
The place was swarming with Bounty Hunters and sharp-nosed reporters; the entrance was blocked.
Their information networks were first-rate.
When word spread that someone had caught the feared serial killer, curiosity and excitement drew them all in.
Perhaps they hoped that getting acquainted with the hero might lead to future cooperation—and more money.
Johnny dismounted unhurriedly, smooth and practiced.
He lifted Little Edmond from the saddle, holding the rope that bound the prisoner steady in one hand.
Head high, Johnny strode straight toward the station door.
He looked as relaxed as if he were strolling through his own garden rather than a circus.
Seeing him, the sheriff felt the heavy stone in his chest lift just a little.
To ensure the arrest drew maximum attention, he had pulled every string to invite this horde of reporters.
If Johnny turned out to be playing a prank, the consequences would be catastrophic—his hard-won reputation would shatter overnight and he would become a laughing-stock.
As Johnny approached, the sheriff hurried forward, eyes anxiously scanning Little Edmond. Once sure the boy was unharmed, he exhaled in relief.
He waved immediately for his men to take the prisoner to the cells.
With that done, he turned to Johnny and asked solemnly,
"Friend, please produce evidence that this is indeed the serial murderer."
Johnny replied with confidence that he knew where Little Edmond had committed his crimes.
A visit to the site would make everything clear.
Thrilled, the sheriff summoned five trained Police Officers and ordered them to move out at once.
The Deputy Sheriff was left to keep the station running.
On the ride, Sheriff Malloy sang Johnny's praises without pause, marvelling at his incredible efficiency.
He even confessed that, to be ready for Johnny, he had arrived at dawn—five in the morning—and waited anxiously, fearing to keep Johnny waiting a single minute.
Meanwhile the reporters, as hound-like as ever, caught the scent of a big story.
They scrambled onto their horses and trotted after the party, determined not to miss what might be an exclusive headline.
Before long they reached Lucky Cabin.
Calmly Johnny handed the key to Sheriff Malloy and, with a smile, signaled the waiting reporters to record this historic moment.
The journalists had come fully prepared; cameras and recorders were quickly checked and readied.
Like a swarm of busy bees they hunted for the perfect angle, eager to capture every dramatic second.
Even a seasoned man like Sheriff Malloy felt his stomach lurch when he stepped inside Lucky Cabin and saw the true state of the place; he nearly vomited on the spot.
Yet with the press watching like hawks, he knew that if he lost control, tomorrow's front page would show his moment of weakness.
Swallowing hard, he forced down the bile and kept the dignified composure expected of a sheriff.
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