Why did Jimmy go to Elmore? What happened to him there?

Jimmy went to Elmore because he was looking for a new location from where he could carry on with his safecracking business. Note that Jimmy has a habit of moving out of places where he has already committed a crime, perhaps so he can evade the police. Also, new places probably offer him the anonymity he needs to organize his safecracking escapades without arousing the suspicion of people. In fact, the policeman Ben Price, states that Jimmy’s “long jumps and quick getaways” among other habits, enables him to be a “successful dodger of retribution." Before Jimmy’s move to Elmore, a series of safe burglaries that bore his trademark safecracking style had taken place in Richmond, Logansport, and Jefferson City.
When he arrives at Elmore, Jimmy starts a shoe business to use as a front for his burglaries. The shoe business thrives and offers Jimmy a stability that he finds desirable. He also makes the acquaintance of the beautiful Miss Annabel Adams and falls in love with her. The two are even engaged to marry. Socially, he is well-liked and respected by many of the townspeople. He then decides to quit safecracking in order to settle down with Annabel Adams, whose father owns the Elmore bank. He is so contented with his life in Elmore that he does not crack any safes for over a year. However, a few days before Jimmy and Annabel’s wedding, an incident occurs that disturbs Jimmy’s life. At the bank, a new vault is unveiled, a ceremony to which many people are invited, Jimmy included. At the ceremony, one of Annabel’s nieces is accidentally locked inside the vault. This forces Jimmy to crack the safe to rescue the trapped girl. Through this single act of kindness, Jimmy exposes his safecracking skills to the assembled group of people.