Bank manager Carritt was still an important figure for Davey.
With his broad network, he could help connect Davey with the right people whenever needed.
If Catherine couldn't find him a reliable lawyer, Davey planned to ask Carritt for help.
"Mr. Carritt, my friend keeps asking me about what happened last time. Do you know when your brother might be able to come over?"
Davey asked casually, referring to the batch of Cornwall's bearer bonds.
Carritt replied, "I'm sorry, Mr. Land. My brother wrote back saying he's in the middle of negotiating an acquisition case and can't spare the time right now. It may take another month."
Carritt was actually hoping to earn some commission from the matter—after all, those bonds were worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Davey nodded. "Then I'll trouble you with it, Mr. Carritt. Please let me know the moment there's any news."
He wasn't in a hurry about the bonds. Even if it took longer, it didn't matter. Carritt would give him a share of the commission, but such a small amount wasn't something he cared much about.
While Davey was talking with Carritt…
John and Strauss were on their way to Valentine Auction House to collect money.
Valentine was a small livestock town, and its auctions mainly dealt with cattle, sheep, and horses. The so-called auction house was just a small building used temporarily whenever an auction was held.
John and Strauss clearly had no idea danger was closing in.
Just as they collected the money, seven or eight cowboys surrounded them, guns aimed.
"Gentlemen, perhaps you should behave yourselves."
The speaker was Cornwall.
Sitting high on his horse, he looked down at them with obvious pride.
He had finally found the chance to catch members of the Van der Linde Gang.
"You bastard, how dare you sell us out." John snapped at the cowboy. He recognized him—it was one of the rancher's hands who had helped drive the sheep the day before.
"Mr. Outlaw, isn't reporting criminals what a United States citizen should do?"
The cowboy grinned as he pocketed a wad of cash from Cornwall's men. When leaving, he even turned back to mock John.
Clearly, he didn't realize such behavior might shorten his life.
"Threatening people? Better watch yourself first."
The man restraining John slammed the rifle butt into his face, adding another scar to John's already damaged features.
John knew he couldn't afford to fight back now, so he stayed silent.
Strauss, beside him, was being obedient as always, cooperating quietly—but keeping his mouth firmly shut.
"Sir, from the direction they came, we found Van der Linde inside the old Saloon in Valentine."
Cornwall, who had planned on interrogating them, brightened immediately.
"Bring them. We're going to find Van der Linde."
...
At Valentine Old Saloon, Dutch and Arthur were drinking and talking.
Shouts erupted outside:
"Van der Linde! Get out here!"
"Van der Linde, you don't know me, yet you keep stealing from me! I'm Leviticus Cornwall, and I've come for you!"
"I'm not someone scum like you can afford to provoke!"
"Get out here, or I'll kill these men!"
"Get out here, you degenerate animal!"
"You think I got this far by letting trash like you rob me?"
"Van der Linde, you're finished! Get out here!"
Outside, Cornwall hurled insults until he felt completely satisfied.
The frustration he had suffered earlier from Davey seemed to vanish all at once.
"Settle this mess."
Cornwall was no fool.
He knew no one in the Van der Linde Gang was easy to deal with, so after yelling, he immediately rode off—despite having hostages.
As a tycoon, he would never risk himself in a gunfight.
"Please, gentlemen, this is a serious misunderstanding."
"You've… caught the wrong man. What's worse than… paying for another's crime?"
Dutch and Arthur walked out of the Old Saloon slowly, hands raised.
Dutch spoke first, using his voice to draw the gunmen's attention.
Cornwall's decision proved completely correct.
The moment the gunmen saw Dutch, they prepared to fire—but Arthur, behind him, drew his gun instantly.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Against sharpshooter Arthur, Cornwall's hired gunmen were like paper targets.
After the short burst of gunfire, six of the eleven fell with shots to the head.
Only six—because the revolver held six bullets.
Dutch drew almost at the same time, taking down the remaining five.
"Go! Move! The law will be here any second!"
Dutch shouted as he led John and Strauss away.
But to their surprise, no lawmen came after them.
...
Valentine Police Station.
The officers, having heard the gunfire, were preparing to investigate—
but Sheriff Malloy stopped them.
He had no desire to get involved… because of Davey.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser