Other than the hidden $5,000, the only thing worth stealing from the Nair family were the livestock, since they could be slaughtered and eaten. For hungry wanderers, this was quite an attractive proposition.
Money can be hidden, but livestock cannot. Nair quickly suggested that Aunt Jinji adopt a puppy. It didn't matter what breed, as long as it could guard the house and bark at strangers. This suggestion was strongly supported by Debbie, who perhaps had wanted a dog for a long time but never had a good reason to get one.
The rapidly deteriorating security also made Aunt Jinji uneasy, so not only was getting a dog a necessity, but buying a double-barrel shotgun was also approved by her.
There were no weapon shops in Brook County, as the county had only been established for a few decades, and most of the population still worked in the coal mines. The coal mine owners would buy guns, but they wouldn't allow their miners to carry firearms. It was needless to say that they would resist any attempts to open a weapon shop in the county.
To get a shotgun now, Nair had to go find Frederick, who was involved in a vibrant new social group. Getting a shotgun was just a matter of asking—gangs even had planes and cannons, it all depended on whether you had the money.
Additionally, he was thinking of checking the prices for small cars and motorcycles in the city. If he could buy a motorcycle for twenty or thirty dollars, Nair would be happy to do so.
Winter was approaching, and walking on the terrible country roads could be life-threatening. No shoes could withstand such poor conditions.
Getting up early, Nair also needed to take Debbie to the town's middle school. According to Debbie, several classmates had stopped coming to school recently. Some said their families had gone to the big city to seek work, while others could no longer afford school due to financial issues.
A look of sorrow appeared on the girl's face, something that shouldn't be present for someone her age. She used to go to school with another girl from the neighboring house, but now there were wanderers on the road, and though there might not be a direct threat to life, there was the risk of robbery or worse.
Parents were also sending their children to school, and today, since Nair was heading into town, Aunt Jinji could rest for a day. After bringing Debbie to school, seeing her happily join her friends and run into the building, Nair felt relieved.
The town had grown even more desolate. The main consumer group, the miners, were either unemployed or had their wages cut. Some shopkeepers had to close down after the bank went bankrupt and their funds were severed.
However, there was one place that was unusually prosperous!
Near Frederick's family's hotel, Nair could smell a strange mixture of cheap alcohol and low-quality perfume. Honestly, it was even worse than the familiar odor of cows and horses. Nair couldn't help but sneeze twice and rubbed his nose.
Opening the door, many of the guests who stayed overnight were still asleep. But Barend, as always, was at the front desk, diligently writing and calculating his earnings.
"Ah, Nair, Frederick is in the back yard." Barend said casually, recognizing him and continuing with his work.
"Good morning, Uncle Barend," Nair said, tipping his hat and bowing his head slightly.
"Mm." Barend responded without looking up.
Inside the hotel, various odd noises could be heard, as men would usually get busy early in the morning. After paying for the night, they wouldn't miss the chance to get their money's worth and would try to have some fun while they could.
Strangely enough, despite the rapid economic deterioration and the collapse of the market, many people still spent their last few coins at Frederick's hotel, drinking to excess and venting their frustrations. The next day, they would be robbed of everything of value by Barend and Frederick and thrown out onto the streets like discarded sacks.
Perhaps it was out of desperation for the future? Or was it something else?
Nair hadn't fallen to such destitution, so perhaps he would never fully understand or experience it.
Passing through a door, Nair entered a small building in the backyard, which was where Frederick's family lived. They didn't only have him as their son; there were three older sisters who were already married, and thanks to generous dowries, they had married well.
Frederick was stretching his muscles. He didn't need to hurry to work at the administrative committee, but soon the customers would be waking up, and any disputes might arise, so he had to be ready to show his strength if needed.
"Why are you in town so early?" Frederick called out, inviting Nair to have coffee with him.
In the countryside, coffee was much simpler, with a tin coffee set on a small table. Nair had walked five kilometers into town, and he was thirsty, so he had no problem joining his friend for a cup.
"Security has been getting worse lately, so Aunt Jinji asked me to come find you. Do you think you can get me a double-barrel shotgun?" Nair stirred a spoonful of sugar into his coffee.
"This is easy, but the price of guns has gone up recently. It'll cost fifteen dollars," Frederick immediately agreed.
He wasn't about to make a profit off Nair on something like this, and he didn't even mention the cost of bullets. Nair would just pay for the gun, and that was it.
"Alright!" Though fifteen dollars was nearly half a month's wage for Nair, it was a necessary expense, and he didn't hesitate.
"I'll bring it to you in a couple of days, or you can come pick it up yourself," Frederick said, jotting something down in a notebook. His family seemed to believe in the saying "a good memory is not as good as a bad pen," and they kept track of everything.
"I'll pick it up myself. How's your Ford car looking?" Nair asked.
"Hahahahaha..." Frederick burst out laughing.
"..." Nair waited for him to continue.
"I found out that if I buy two new cars, it'll only cost three hundred dollars. If they're used, two for one hundred and fifty! You were right! It's just that my dad won't let me buy one, saying it's a waste," Frederick said, excited.