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"I could keep an eye on you all while I'm here," Caleb continued, "but we need someone dedicated to watching our backs. Someone who can keep an eye on the stall when I'm not around, maybe even pitch in with serving when needed. A guard, in a sense, but one that knows how to blend in."
Jasper nodded. "Makes sense. I can hold my own thanks to you teaching me, Caleb. But we'd be stretchin' too thin tryin' to run everything and stay ready for a fight in case anything bad happened."
"Exactly," Caleb said. "So… anyone know someone who could fill that spot for us? If not, maybe I can ask around."
Simon raised a hand. "I might know someone up your standard boss. Troy Garth. He's my friend and is renting a room on the north end of town. He was a rancher, real good with a revolver. Got fired recently several days ago before you came to find me, The foreman didn't like how honest Troy was. He's been lookin' for somethin' steady."
Caleb nodded thoughtfully. "You trust him?"
"With my life," Simon said simply.
"That's good enough for me. After today gonna a big rush thanks to our successful grand opening yesterday, I want you to go talk to him. Bring him by tomorrow morning if he's interested."
"Will do," Simon said with a grin.
Caleb clapped his hands once. "Alright, boys. Let's open the stall. We stick to yesterday's system. I'm in the kitchen. Simon, you're on the fryer and help serve. Mickey, you keep serving, and Jasper, you're taking orders and collecting payments. Oh, and make sure folks know, drinks are over at Smithfield Saloon. Tell them burgers and beer make the best combination."
They all nodded, and just like that, the morning routine began.
Caleb lit the stove and dropped the first few patties onto the sizzling iron plate. Simon got the potatoes from the saltwater bath and started frying them in batches. Mickey and Jasper stood ready to welcome any customers who came to buy.
The smell of seared meat and golden fries soon filled the air.
By 09:00 AM, the first batch of customers wandered, early workers, drifters, and even some deputies as well. Word of mouth from yesterday must've spread fast, because within twenty minutes, the line stretched past the stall's edge.
Jasper kept up with the orders, calling them out with clarity and speed. Simon passed fries to Mickey, who served each plate with a practiced smile.
"Two burgers and fries! Want the bun to be crisp!" Simon called.
"Got it!" Caleb shouted back, flipping the meat expertly.
The line kept moving. Locals shouted across to each other between bites. A couple of cowhands from the saloon leaned over and joked with Jasper about Caleb's "secret seasoning," and he just smiled, giving nothing away.
He also doesn't forget to advertise that they should buy their drinks at the Saloon. "Don't forget to grab a drink at the Smithfield!" he reminded each customer. "Burgers taste best with a cold beer!"
It wasn't just a food stall anymore. It was becoming a fixture. A hub. And Caleb could feel it.
He kept glancing at the street, half expecting to see a familiar hat or glint of some guns pointed at them. The O'Driscolls wouldn't let last night go so easily if the news about their three boys had finally reached them. But for now, the town seemed safe. And his people, Jasper, Simon, and Mickey, were holding their own.
Near noon, when the line was still long but the food was running out, Caleb allowed himself a moment to breathe. He wiped the sweat from his brow and handed a final plate over the counter.
"Gents," he said, "damn fine job today."
Mickey takes the plate of burger. "Wouldn't be here without you, boss."
Simon grinned, as he served the last bowl of golden crispy fries onto the counter as well. "And Troy's gonna love this place."
"Hope so," Caleb said. "Tomorrow's another day. But today? We made Valentine smell like opportunity."
Jasper chuckled. "Ain't that the truth."
After that, Jasper went outside of the stall and stood at the front, his hands raised. "Sorry, everyone! That's all we got for today. We'll be open again tomorrow! Much more bigger batch next time!"
Some groans came from those who hadn't gotten to try the food after lining up from yesterday and today, but they could only leave and hope that tomorrow they could finally get their hand on these delicacies.
As the crowd dispersed, though a few lingered for a while to compliment the team before leaving, Caleb finally stepped out from behind the kitchen. The cool air felt good against his sweat slicked face. He wiped his brow with a cloth, exhaled deeply, and turned to his team.
"Alright, fellas. Time to clean and tidy everything up."
Together, the four of them got to work. Caleb and Simon took to the kitchen, scrubbing down the counters and clearing out the grease trays. Mickey and Jasper cleaned the tables, stacked chairs, and gathered all the wooden bowls and plates. They rinsed each one again at the nearby well, ensuring everything was spotless for the next day.
Once the tools and equipment were cleaned and set aside, Caleb sat on a stool near the back of the stall with his leather ledger open. He started counting the day's take.
Just like yesterday, every single burger had sold out. All 80 servings, priced at 3 dollars each, brought 240 dollars in total. Caleb grinned.
Then came the fries. They had sold 125 bowls at 1 dollar and 50 cents apiece, bringing in another 187 dollars and 50 cents.
So the total revenue they got was 427 dollars and 50 cents.
An increase of 157 dollars and 50 cents from the previous day during the Grand opening, attributed to the increase in servings they sold.
Caleb leaned back with a wide grin, ecstatic. Business was booming. If this momentum kept up for even just a half month, let alone a full month, he could solidify his stall as a regional draw. And if word reached towns like Strawberry, Annesburg, Blackwater, and Saint Denis? The influx of customers could be massive.
He closed the ledger and stood, pulling a few envelopes from his satchel.
"Jasper, Mickey, Simon," he called.
They turned toward him as he handed out their pay.
"Jasper, 50 dollars for the heavy lifting, organizing, and handling the counter. You were solid today."
Jasper gave a proud nod and pocketed the cash. "Appreciate it, boss."
"Mickey, Simon, here are your 35 dollars each. Serving like champs and keeping things running."
"Thank ya kindly," Mickey said with a grin, adjusting his arm.
Simon nodded. "Pleasure's mine."
With business wrapped for the day, the team began folding up the tables and stacking the chairs back into the stall. Caleb locked up the door with a satisfying clack.
"Simon," Caleb said, turning to him. "Don't forget to talk to Troy tonight. Bring him here early if he's interested."
"Already planned on it," Simon replied with a wink.
They all gave each other farewells and split up for the evening. Caleb, stomach grumbling, made his way to the Smithfield Saloon.
Entering the saloon through the batwing door, the familiar sounds of piano and laughter welcomed him as he pushed through the batwing doors. He walked toward the bar, tossing 6 dollars and 25 cents onto the counter.
"Beef steak and a beer, Mr. Douglas."
The bartender smirked. "Celebratin' another successful day?"
"Something like that."
After that the steak arrived sizzling, its juices pooling on the plate. Caleb ate slowly, savoring each bite, the beer washing away the lingering fatigue of the day.
Around him, the saloon buzzed with chatter, some about his stall, others about ranch work or family matters. A few patrons nodded his way, respect in their eyes as they thought about what they saw last night.
After finishing his meal, he returned to the hotel. The receptionist greeted him with a nod, and Caleb climbed the stairs to his room. His limbs ached from standing over the grill all morning, so he decided to sleep early, saving his bath for tomorrow.
The next day, sunlight peeked through the curtains once again. Caleb stirred, then slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes. The faint hum of birdsong outside greeted him.
After getting dressed, he headed downstairs to the hotel front desk.
"Hot bath," he said simply, passing the hotel clerk 25 cents.
"It'll be ready in a moment, sir."
Caleb enjoyed the soak. The warm water worked wonders on his muscles. After the bath, he dressed cleanly, buttoned his shirt and coat, grabbed his hat, and stepped out into the bright morning.
The streets of Valentine were still quiet, though a few early risers moved about.
He made his way to the food stall. As he approached, he spotted Simon standing beside another man.
Tall, broad shouldered, with sun darkened skin and the lean, wiry frame of a working man, the stranger turned as Caleb drew near.
"Morning, boss!" Simon called.
"Morning," Caleb said, stepping up with a curious smile. He glanced at the man. "You must be Troy."
Troy gave a respectful nod and extended his hand. "Troy Garth. Simon told me you were lookin' for someone to help run security and pitch in around the stall."
Caleb took his hand and shook it firmly. "Caleb Thorne. That's right. He also said you're good with a revolver."
"Been shootin' since I was ten. Taught by my pa. Used to be a ranch hand before I got let go, wasn't afraid to call out my foreman for stealin' from the payroll."
Caleb smirked. "Honesty and a good shot. Sounds like the kind of man I'm lookin' for."
"I don't mind servin' food if need be either," Troy added. "Don't mind dirty work as long as it's honest."
Simon grinned. "Told you he was solid."
"You're hired," Caleb said without hesitation. "You'll get a cut like the others. Pay depends on effort, but I reward loyalty and initiative. Sound good?"
Troy smiled. "Sounds better than any foreman I've worked under."
They shook on it.
"Jasper and Mickey should be here soon," Caleb said, glancing toward the road. "Once they are, we'll get today's prep started. We've got to keep the momentum going."
He looked at the stall with a faint sense of pride. It had started with an idea, a stall, a few burgers, and a system to survive. But now it was something more.
Caleb turned back to Troy.
"This is more than just a stall. It's gonna be a name. Maybe someday, I will expand everywhere. You ready to be part of that?"
Troy's eyes narrowed with determination. "Just point me where you need me."
Caleb grinned. "Good. Because I've got plans. And I don't intend to stop in Valentine."
The morning light shimmered across the rooftops as the wind carried the promise of another day. And with Troy now added to his team, Caleb felt the safety of his team was assured.
Just then, Jasper and Mickey arrived, their eyes widening slightly at the sight of Troy. Introductions were made, and though Mickey seemed wary at first, Jasper quickly warmed to the newcomer.
"Alright," Caleb said, clapping his hands. "Let's get set up. Let's double the orders this time, one hundred sixty burgers and two hundred fifty fries. I want to see if we can sell such a large serving. Jasper, here 100 dollars, buy it according to our servings. Troy, you go with Jasper and help him bring the stuff here."
...
Name: Caleb Thorne
Age: 23
Body Attributes:
- Strength: 7/10
- Agility: 6/10
- Perception: 8/10
- Stamina: 7/10
- Charm: 5/10
- Luck: 6/10
Skills:
- Handgun (Lvl 2)
- Rifle (Lvl 2)
- Firearms Knowledge (Lvl 2)
- Past Life Memory (Lvl MAX)
- Knife (Lvl 2)
- Blunt Weapon (Lvl 1)
- Sneaking (Lvl 2)
- Horse Mastery (Lvl 3)
- Poker (Lvl 4)
- Hand to Hand Combat (Lvl 2)
- Eagle Eye (Lvl 1)
- Dead Eye (Lvl 2)
- Bow (Lvl 2)
- Pain Nullifier (Lvl 1)
- Physical Regeneration (Lvl 0)
- Crafting (Lv 2)
- Persuasion (Lvl 2)
- Mental Fortitude (Lvl MAX)
- Cooking (Lvl 2)
- Teaching (Lvl 1)
- Germanic Language Proficiency (Lvl MAX)
- Inventory System (Permanent - 5x5x5)
- Acting (Lvl 1)
Money: 852 dollars and 0 cents
Inventory: 2,395 dollars, 2 gold nuggets, 5 gold bars, 4 silver rings, 1 Double Action, 1 Schofield, a large bag of jewelry, and 3 gold nuggets
Bank: -