After spending a night in Strawberry Town, Davey returned to Valentine.
Timmins was sensible enough not to go to the Post Office.
In truth, it had everything to do with his own situation—he had run away from his family for the sake of his "boyfriend."
If he sought the family's protection now, it would mean giving in.
And giving in meant leaving his "boyfriend," the professor.
That was something Timmins simply couldn't accept.
That evening he had a small emotional flare-up. He left home and went to see the professor at the reception center.
Later, he went straight back home. Clearly, after talking it over with his "boyfriend," he chose to compromise in the end.
"Mr. Callander, you have a telegram. It's already placed in the study."
Seeing Davey return, Elisa walked up to tell him.
Davey knew it had to be from Catherine, so he headed to the study at once.
Davey:
I found an alumna named Stella Rouse. She runs her own firm in Saint Denis. I told her about your situation, and she's very interested in your work. She'll come to Valentine in two days to meet you. Make sure to receive her properly.
Missing you, Catherine.
Davey was very pleased. Judging from the letter, she didn't seem like a top-tier attorney, but someone with her level of education rarely came from an ordinary family.
And being able to open her own law office was already quite impressive these days.
Davey wrote back, expressing his gratitude and how much he missed Catherine, then asked Elisa to send the reply by telegram at the Post Office.
Now he needed to buy several shops, including a large house, to set up the Veterans' Club.
He had originally planned to open it on the ranch, but with the number of future members and his moonshine business in mind, he decided it was better to establish it in town.
It would also let more people see his goodwill.
...
Cornwall Kerosene & Tar Factory.
He hadn't returned to the civilized cities of the East lately. His main purpose for coming here was the Wapiti Indian Reservation.
He needed to find a way to obtain a survey report about the oil field's reserves.
"Sir, our men received word that members of the Van der Linde gang were spotted in Valentine. They're stealing goats and putting them up for auction."
"After tomorrow's auction, they'll go back to collect the money."
Cornwall snorted coldly at the report.
He held deep resentment toward Van der Linde—and that included Davey.
"Tell our men to watch the auction house. The moment they see anyone from the Van der Linde gang, arrest them."
"Van der Linde should be in Valentine as well. Find out where he is. I want him to pay for robbing me. Damn country bumpkin."
The guard replied, "Understood, sir."
...
Valentine.
Davey was in the middle of negotiating the purchase of two properties.
One was in the central area next to Wells Restaurant; the other was a fairly large house at Valentine's entrance.
Trelawny hadn't sent over the café staff yet, but Davey could buy the place now and start renovations.
The Valentine Veterans' Club also needed to get underway.
With a 15% premium, Davey completed the deals smoothly, spending nearly $6,000.
For someone earning more than $2,000 a day, that was just three days' income.
"Abbas, find some workers and get the Valentine Veterans' Club renovated as soon as possible. Try to set up as many sleeping rooms as you can. Smaller ones are fine—just put several simple metal bunk beds in each."
"Keep the main hall spacious. The buffet should be set up there with long tables and chairs. It needs to seat at least eighty people at once."
"Hire five cooks. They only need to handle simple meals and juice."
"Oh, and the sign—make it big and eye-catching. I want passersby to see it immediately. Make sure it clearly says: 'Free food and lodging for all veterans.'"
With Donal in Strawberry Town, Abbas was the only person Davey could rely on here.
He couldn't possibly let Mac or the old man help—everything would fall apart instantly.
"Yes, Mr. Land. I'll take care of it," Abbas replied respectfully.
His salary of $80 a month was already double that of a regular worker. Abbas was completely loyal and never complained.
After giving his instructions, Davey took the contract to the Valentine Bank.
He needed to meet the bank manager to continue the loan process and hopefully find a designer.
He wanted the café to be renovated in a more luxurious style.
It was obvious Valentine didn't have any designers like that.
"Mr. Land, I'm afraid I can't grant as much extra loan limit as last time. If the amount is too large, it'll draw scrutiny from higher-ups."
"As for designers, I do know one. If Mr. Land needs him, I can write him a letter. I'm sure he wouldn't refuse such a well-paid job."