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Exhausted but triumphant, Caleb and his team cleaned up the kitchen and dining area. The sun was already dipping low, painting the streets of Valentine in golden light. When everything was finally scrubbed and put away, Caleb wiped his brow, his muscles aching but his heart full.
"Good work today," he told Simon, Troy, Jessie, Mickey, and Jasper. "Couldn't have done it without you all."
The group beamed at his praise, pride clear in their faces.
Later, Caleb and Mary-Beth walked together to the saloon. The familiar smell of whiskey and fried food greeted them as they settled at a table. They ordered a hearty meal, lunch and dinner rolled into one, and when the bill came, Caleb paid 20 dollars without hesitation.
They ate slowly, savoring the food more for the rest it represented than the taste.
By the time they made their way back to the hotel, the night air was cool and refreshing. Both of them were worn but content. Tomorrow, they would head back to camp at Clemens Point. Caleb knew that once they did, everything would shift again.
Now inside the hotel, standing outside Mary-Beth's rooms, Mary-Beth gave his hand a squeeze. "It was a good day, Caleb."
"It was," he agreed, squeezing back. "Get some rest. We ride at first light tomorrow."
Mary-Beth smiled sweetly before entering her room, and then Caleb entered his own room, the silence stark after the day's cacophony. He had built something incredible here.
Tomorrow, he would have to leave it to protect it from the storm that was coming. And he would face that storm not as a follower, but as a man who had built his own kingdom, and who had everything to lose.
Caleb woke up the next day early in the morning, his body roused almost instinctively by the first pale light spilling through the window.
For a brief moment, he lay still, listening to the muffled sounds of Valentine waking outside, the distant clip clop of hooves, the call of a ranch hand in the street, the faint clang of a blacksmith's hammer somewhere in town. He exhaled, stretched, and then rolled out of bed.
This morning wasn't just any morning. It was the day he and Mary-Beth would finally ride back to camp.
But before that, Caleb followed his routine. He dropped to the floor and began his calisthenics. Push ups first, steady, controlled, the kind that made his arms burn with every repetition. Sit ups next, his abs tightening and loosening in rhythm.
After that, he stepped outside the hotel and took a brisk morning run around the main street and down past the stable, the cool dawn air filling his lungs. The streets were quiet, but a few early risers gave him nods as he passed, used by now to seeing the tall, determined young man jogging the dirt roads.
Sweat clung to his shirt by the time he returned. Caleb paid 25 cents to take a bath at the hotel, scrubbing the sweat and dust from his skin until he felt fresh. He then changed back into his McLaughlin outfit.
Back in his room, he slung his Lancaster Repeater and Rolling Block Rifle across his torso. He checked the weapons out of habit, clean, loaded, and ready. Then he headed down to the porch, struck a match, and lit a cigarette. He leaned against the post, the morning sun warming his face as he smoked and waited for Mary-Beth to come downstairs.
His wait was interrupted by the sight of three familiar figures walking purposefully toward him from the direction of the saloon. George, Seth, and Elias. Their timing was either impeccable or deeply concerning. Caleb took a long drag from his cigarette, his Intuition skill whispering that this meeting was about the offer he'd made.
The three men looked purposeful, though a little surprised to see Caleb so early and so armed. George took the lead, his broad frame moving with the confidence of a man used to leading a crew, Seth trailing with his usual quiet grin, and Elias tipping his hat lazily as though he hadn't a care in the world.
"Morning, Caleb," George greeted first, Seth and Elias echoing him a beat later.
Caleb straightened from the porch rail and returned the greeting with a nod. "Well, now, fancy seeing the three of you up so early. Can't imagine you just wandered over here for coffee. I think I know why you're here."
George chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "You don't miss much, do you? Yeah, we've talked it over. All night, truth be told. The construction job's done, and well… that offer of yours ain't exactly the kind a man gets every day."
Caleb dropped the cigarette and crushed it under his boot. "So, what's the answer? The deal still stands. You work for me as my private contractors. You can take other jobs on the side, but my projects get priority."
George turned to look at Seth and Elias, who both gave firm, decisive nods. He turned back to Caleb, a serious expression on his face. "We'd be fools not to. We accept. Happily."
A grin tugged at Caleb's lips. He barked a short laugh and shook his head. "Knew you weren't fools. Good. Then it's official. From now on, you work for me. And lucky you, your first job's ready."
The three men leaned in, curious. Caleb's voice dropped slightly, low but clear. "Strawberry. I want you to go out there, check every patch of land and every building that looks like it could make a good spot for expansion. Get me details, location, condition, price, ownership, everything important really. Bring it all back to me. That's your first contract."
Seth let out a short whistle. "Strawberry, huh? Didn't you already poke around out there yourself a few days ago?"
Caleb smirked, amused at their surprise. "I did. But that doesn't mean I've got eyes everywhere. This is a test of sorts. You three prove yourselves, I'll know I can trust you with more."
The explanation, though not entirely truthful, was enough. They nodded, impressed and maybe a little daunted by the responsibility. "You can count on us, boss. We'll get you the details."
Caleb slipped a hand into his satchel and, with practiced ease, drew out a thick stack of bills from his system inventory. 150 dollars. He pressed it into George's hands. "This is for your expenses. Travel, food, and whatever the three of you need."
The three men froze, eyes widening. For working men like them, that was no small sum.
George cleared his throat. "Hell, Caleb… this is more than generous."
"Don't worry about it," Caleb replied smoothly. "It's an investment. Just bring me back the information, and don't cut corners."
They nodded solemnly, George tucking the money away like it was gold.
Then Caleb leaned forward slightly, voice shifting to a more casual tone. "By the way, George, that wagon you used to haul for the restaurant construction materials… where'd you park it?"
"Behind your restaurant," George said, then cocked a brow. "Why?"
Caleb's smile deepened. ""I need to borrow it. Actually, I'd like to buy it from you. I'm heading back to… well, to Mary-Beth's folks place today. Wanted to bring a few things along for them. Make a good impression, you know?" He offered a wry, slightly embarrassed smile, playing the part of the eager suitor.
The reaction was instantaneous. The three men all let out a chorus of whistles, smirks tugging at their lips. Seth elbowed George. "Listen to our boss here. Already butterin' up the in laws."
Elias laughed. "Smart man. Real smart."
George shook his head, still grinning. "You can just have the damn thing, consider it a welcome to the team gift. It's an old heap, I was plannin' on sellin' it for scrap anyway."
"I insist on paying," Caleb said, already pulling another 50 dollars from his satchel. "50 dollars, as agreed for a working wagon."
George shrugged, taking the money with a shake of his head. "Your money, boss."
It was just then that the hotel door opened, and Mary-Beth stepped out into the morning air. Her hair was tied neatly back, and she looked well rested despite the long day yesterday. Her eyes widened slightly at the sight of George, Seth, and Elias, but then she smiled warmly.
"Good morning," she said politely.
"Morning, miss," the three men replied in unison, tipping their hats respectfully.
She glanced at Caleb, curiosity in her gaze. "We ready to go, Caleb?"
He nodded, slipping his cigarette out and flicking it to the ground. "Almost darlin'. Why don't you head over to the general store and pick out some supplies for everyone back home? Coffee, sugar, some canned goods, whatever you think they'd need or want. Get plenty. I'm just going to go fetch the wagon and I'll meet you there."
Mary-Beth's face lit up at the thoughtful gesture. "Of course! I'll get enough for everyone." She smiled at the three men again before hurrying across the street toward Mr. Worth's store.
Caleb bid a quick farewell to his new contractors, watching them head off toward the saloon, doubtless to plan their trip to Strawberry over a celebratory breakfast.
He then walked around the back of his restaurant, a swell of pride filling him as he passed the sturdy, silent building.
There, hitched to a post, was George's wagon. It was indeed weathered, but the wheels looked solid and the bed was large. The two horses dozing in their harnesses were a matched pair of sturdy bays. It would do perfectly.
He climbed up onto the driver's bench, the wood creaking under his weight. Taking the reins, he gave a gentle flick and clicked his tongue. The horses snorted and leaned into their harnesses, pulling the wagon forward with a lurch. He guided them around the building and up the main street, pulling to a stop right in front of the general store.
He hopped down and entered the store. The bell jingled overhead. Inside, Mary-Beth was deep in conversation with Mr. Worth, pointing at various items on the shelves. The counter was already piled high with sacks of coffee, tins of biscuits, jars of preserves, bolts of cloth, a few small luxuries like chocolate and candies, and many more, even some ammountions and also crates of bourbon and beer.
"…and we'll take two of those as well," Mary-Beth was saying, pointing to a stack of warm blankets.
Mr. Worth, looking delighted by the large order, was scribbling in a ledger. "Excellent choice, ma'am! That should just about do it. Let me tally this up for you."
Caleb walked up beside Mary-Beth, placing a hand on the small of her back. "Get everything you wanted?"
She turned to him, her eyes shining. "I think so. I hope it's not too much."
"It's perfect," he assured her. He looked at the impressive pile. This wasn't just a peace offering, it was a statement. He was returning to Dutch's camp not as a penitent follower, but as a provider, a man of means. The wagon full of goods was a shield and a declaration all in one.
Mr. Worth finished his calculations. "That comes to… 140 dollars and 43 cents, Mr. Thorne."
Without blinking, Caleb reached into his satchel and produced the exact amount. The money he had once counted so carefully now felt like leaves to be scattered in the wind. "Pleasure doin' business with you, Mr. Worth."
"The pleasure is all mine! I'll have my boy help you load it all up!"
As Mr. Worth alongside his son began carrying the provisions out to the wagon, Caleb looked at Mary-Beth. The easy comfort of Valentine was behind them. Ahead lay the uncertain, dangerous waters of Dutch van der Linde's deteriorating mind.
But he was no longer riding in alone. He was arriving with a wagon full of gifts, a fortune in his pocket, and a woman whose loyalty he had earned. He was ready for whatever came next.
At this time Mary-Beth caught his eye once or twice, smiling softly as though she understood exactly what he was doing.
By the time the wagon was full, the sun was high, and Valentine bustled with life around them. Caleb tied everything down tight, then offered a hand to Mary-Beth to help her climb up onto the seat.
She took it gladly, settling beside him. He then flicked the reins, and the horses pulled them forward. The wagon creaked and groaned under the weight, but it rolled true. As they left Valentine behind, dust rising beneath the wheels, Caleb glanced at Mary-Beth. She leaned against his shoulder, her eyes half lidded but peaceful.
...
Name: Caleb Thorne
Age: 23
Body Attributes:
- Strength: 7/10
- Agility: 7/10
- Perception: 8/10
- Stamina: 7/10
- Charm: 6/10
- Luck: 8/10
Skills:
- Handgun (Lvl 4)
- Rifle (Lvl 3)
- Firearms Knowledge (Lvl 3)
- Past Life Memory (Lvl MAX)
- Knife (Lvl 2)
- Blunt Weapon (Lvl 1)
- Sneaking (Lvl 3)
- Horse Mastery (Lvl 4)
- Poker (Lvl 4)
- Hand to Hand Combat (Lvl 2)
- Eagle Eye (Lvl 1)
- Dead Eye (Lvl 3)
- Bow (Lvl 2)
- Pain Nullifier (Lvl 1)
- Physical Regeneration (Lvl 0)
- Crafting (Lvl 3)
- Persuasion (Lvl 2)
- Mental Fortitude (Lvl MAX)
- Cooking (Lvl 4)
- Teaching (Lvl 2)
- Germanic Language Proficiency (Lvl MAX)
- Inventory System (Permanent - 10x10x10)
- Acting (Lvl 2)
- Alcohol Resistance (Lvl MAX)
- Treasure Hunter (Lvl MAX)
Money: 1,829 dollars and 46 cents
Inventory: 103,988 dollars and 50 cents, 7 gold nuggets, 58 gold bars, 7 silver rings, 1 Double Action, 1 Schofield, 2 large bags of jewelry, 4 gold rings, 2 silver rings, 4 silver pocket watches, 3 gold buckles, 1 gold pocket compass, 2 platinum pocket watches, 2 Colm's Schofields, and land deed (Parcel)
Bank: -