Chapter 89: Preparations
In the end, Johnny didn't hesitate to buy two portions of beef stew and two of lamb offal stew.
Yet when he saw the bill, he couldn't help frowning—there was an extra ten-cent charge for tableware!
He muttered under his breath, "A few lousy porcelain bowls and they still charge this much?"
Still, though he felt a bit annoyed, he remembered John and Kieran had spent the whole day on high-intensity surveillance.
Johnny figured he ought to treat them properly and let them enjoy a hot, hearty meal.
So he specifically told the cook to ladle the stew straight from the pot, making sure it wouldn't be cold by the time they ate.
All told, after paying $1.10, Johnny rode off, looking forward to sharing the moment with his partners.
Johnny spurred his fine horse into a gallop.
He cradled the food steady in his left hand, reins tight in his right, urging my dog to pick up the pace.
The sound of hooves echoed across the empty plain like a stirring symphony.
In no time at all he reached Six Point Cabin.
He dismounted smoothly and tied horse carefully in a secluded grove.
Then, light-footed, he headed for the pre-arranged spot.
As Johnny approached, the two already waiting caught the sound behind them.
They spun around and, to their delight, saw Johnny. John couldn't help complaining:
"Geez, what took you so long? I'm so hungry my stomach's touching my spine. Any later and I'd starve to death right here!"
Johnny smiled faintly, unbothered by John's grumbling.
After all, this was the man who could survive alone in snowy wilderness—who could outlast him?
He slowly opened the bundle in his hand; a rich aroma instantly filled the air.
Surprisingly, despite the long ride the stew was still warm.
At the sight of the steaming food their eyes lit up. Without a word they tore open the wrappers, grabbed forks and knives, and wolfed it down.
Delicious bites were chewed and swallowed with satisfied sounds.
Before long every last morsel was gone, not even a drop of broth left.
Both sighed that this was way better than Pearson's stew.
With their stomachs full, Johnny pulled two bottles of moonshine from his pack and handed them over.
The three clinked bottles, then tilted their heads and drank.
Side by side they lay on the slope, eyes on the cabin not far away.
A breeze stirred, carrying a slight chill.
Sunlight draped their shoulders like wage-slaves on break.
In that relaxed mood, in just a short while all three had recounted everything they'd seen and heard that day.
The two were surprised the Gang wasn't going to Tahiti anymore; John said he'd ask what was up when he got back.
According to them, forty-two people lived in the Six Point Cabin camp.
Their boss slept soundly every day until noon.
In stark contrast, the underlings had it much tougher.
Apart from those left on guard, most had to be up at six each morning to go "work."
Such long, intense labor was even harsher than in the Van der Linde Gang.
Johnny teased softly,
"Kieran! Got any good buddies in there? If so, we can go easy on him tomorrow, eh? Haha…"
Kieran answered at once, dead serious,
"Johnny, I only just joined—how could I make friends so fast?
Besides, this place runs on seniority; a newcomer without pull like me has no friends."
Hearing that, Johnny sighed deeply, rolled onto his back, and murmured,
"Well, that's too bad—looks like none of them will be the lucky one to get away."
After a pause Johnny sat up again, eyes bright as he addressed John and Kieran:
"Listen up, John, Kieran—I've got a plan. Tomorrow at five we move.
Rendezvous right here. Remember every word I told you yesterday!"
Both nodded, then turned their attention back to the cabin.
After the day's close contact, John's opinion of Kieran had changed greatly.
He'd assumed anyone from the ODriscoll Gang would be brutal.
But a day together showed the opposite.
The man was far more thoughtful than expected and displayed extraordinary endurance.
Whether the task was heavy or conditions harsh, Kieran bore it silently and performed efficiently.
And thanks to Kieran, subtle changes had occurred in camp lately.
Abigail told him the girls' workload had clearly lightened.
Kieran volunteered to share their chores, letting the women catch their breath.
When Johnny reached the reserved Smithfield Saloon, he quickly found the Bodyguard on duty and explained tomorrow's operation in detail.
He stressed the start time—five a.m.—so they'd leave the saloon at three.
He repeatedly told the Bodyguard to pass the word to Oliver and Arthur.
With everything settled, Johnny mounted up again and rode back to camp.
By now he was exhausted.
Along the way he kept urging his horse faster, desperate to get back and rest.
He'd simply been too busy today!