Chapter 77: New Job
Just then, the sound of galloping hooves could be heard approaching from the distance.
Everyone looked closely and saw three people galloping toward them on fine horses in the distance.
The leader wore a striking, bright red suit, well-tailored and made of exquisite fabric that shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight;
while the two men in front of and behind him wore deep blue trench coats. Judging by their appearance and aura, these two were clearly the Bodyguards of the man in the middle.
In the blink of an eye, they arrived before them. The three dismounted nimbly, their movements as smooth and seamless as flowing water.
Surprisingly, however, they completely ignored Johnny and the others standing aside, as if these people didn't exist at all.
The next moment, they walked straight toward Edith and spoke unceremoniously:
"Mrs. Towns, your husband's debt to us is already seven full days overdue! Don't you think you should give us a proper explanation?"
The speaker's tone was harsh, and his face bore a look of coldness and impatience.
Poor Edith had not yet recovered from the heavy blow of the sudden bad news,
when she suddenly saw these three fierce-looking men approaching her so aggressively. She couldn't help but panic,
but instinctively spread her arms, using her fragile body to shield young Archie, while pleading urgently:
"I beg of you, please give me a few more days... I will definitely raise the money and pay you back as soon as possible, please believe me!"
However, faced with Edith's bitter pleading, the other party seemed completely unmoved.
Not only that, they became even more aggressive, continuing to press closer to Edith step by step with a threatening air.
Seeing this, Johnny, who had been standing aside somewhat dazed, instantly snapped back to his senses.
You see, in Valentine, he didn't allow anyone to be more arrogant than him!
At this thought, Johnny snorted coldly, took two large steps forward, and stood firmly in front of Edith.
His expression remained unchanged and his heart steady as his hands rested seemingly casually on the holsters at his waist. With a slight upward curve of his lips revealing a faint smile, he spoke slowly to the newcomers:
"Friends, don't you understand the concept of 'first come, first served'? Everything should follow some rules, shouldn't it?"
To his surprise, after hearing Johnny's words, the three men only gave Johnny and the group behind him a casual glance.
When they saw that Johnny and his group were dressed like ordinary folk, a look of contempt flashed in their eyes. Then, one of them responded haughtily:
"You bunch of ignorant hicks, stop meddling in things that don't concern you!"
The man shouted contemptuously, while extending a hand and making an extremely arrogant gesture.
At this movement, the two burly men standing behind him immediately understood. They gripped their carbine repeating rifles tightly, preparing to raise them and aim.
But at that critical moment, a crisp gunshot rang out: "Bang!" instantly breaking the tense atmosphere.
Two bullets sped out like lightning, hitting the right wrists of the two Bodyguards holding the guns with unerring accuracy.
In an instant, blood splattered. The two Bodyguards screamed as their guns fell to the ground. They clutched their injured right hands, rolling on the ground in agony and wailing incessantly.
Johnny looked at Arthur, who responded with an "I've got this" expression, and an imperceptible smile appeared on Johnny's face.
He stepped forward and stopped in front of the man in the suit who had been so arrogant just moments ago, looking down at him. By now, the man in the suit was pale with fright, his whole body trembling uncontrollably.
Johnny curled his lips into a mocking smile and then spoke unhurriedly:
"Listen up, kid. I'm good friends with Sheriff Malloy of Valentine Town. Even if I slaughtered all of you today, I could walk in tomorrow and collect the bounty I put out on you with your own wanted posters.
"But then again... one must have a bit of integrity and follow some rules when out in the world, right?
"So, as long as you cooperate, we can still sit down calmly and talk terms. Well, have you thought it through?"
Hearing this, the man in the suit no longer had any of his previous arrogance. He nodded his head like a woodpecker, hurriedly promising:
"Yes, yes, yes, you're right. I'll do whatever you say!"
With that, he bowed fearfully and backed away until he reached the horse tied nearby.
Then, he quickly rummaged through the saddlebags for some medicine, walked shakily to the two injured Bodyguards, and knelt down to begin bandaging their wounds.
Seeing such a drastic change in the suited man's attitude, the others present couldn't help but let a smile show on their faces.
To be so arrogant at first and so submissive later—it was truly laughable.
Having said that, Johnny turned to Edith and said:
"Mrs. Towns, I have another identity: I am a good friend of Mr. Strauss. Another purpose of my visit is to collect all the debts owed by Downes."
"The total, including interest, is 100 dollars. Although we are dressed simply, we still believe in being polite before resorting to force."
"Unlike these fellows, I'm providing you with a most suitable option."
As he spoke, he pointed toward Mr. and Mrs. Adler.
"These two are the buyers I've brought. They are interested in purchasing your farm, and they won't take advantage of your situation; they'll offer you a fair price."
He paused for a moment and then continued:
"Not only that, but I will also provide you with a job and a place to live. You can work in peace and raise your son. It's just that this job is still being prepared and might take a few more days."
He looked at Edith, waiting for her response.
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