The men gathered around him, the shock on their faces impossible to hide.
They were all gunmen themselves, so they understood better than anyone just how difficult—how impossible—what they had just witnessed was.
Is he even human?
Thor even thought to himself, In Henry's eyes, our heads must look like ripe, juicy tomatoes, ready to be burst at any moment.
Henry waited for the men to assemble, then had them form up in three ranks. He began his first address as their commander.
"Working for me, I will do my best to guarantee your safety. There will be no shortage of opportunity or money. Good work will be rewarded handsomely, and if you are injured, you will be well compensated."
"I have only two requirements. First: you will obey my orders. Second: you will still obey my orders. There is no room for negotiation. Do you understand?"
A scattered, lukewarm "Understood" came from the ranks.
"Didn't you eat today?" Henry barked. "All together now, louder! Do you understand?"
"UNDERSTOOD!" the men roared in unison.
"Luke, you'll brief them on the department's rules and benefits. Then, divide them into twelve pairs and draw up a full-day patrol schedule."
"When they're not on patrol, they will practice their shooting. You and Pete will be in charge of their training. Pete has another assignment for a few days, so you'll handle it for now."
"Yes, Sheriff," Luke replied immediately.
Henry's voice rang out again. "There are a lot of strangers in town right now. Things are not safe. Once this is over, I'll treat you all to a barbecue and drinks. But until then, stay sharp and get your heads in the game. A moment of carelessness could be fatal. Never forget: this is the West."
After his speech, Henry handed out the temporary deputy badges, one by one.
For now, of the original officers, Luke was the sharpest, and Pete was the one he trusted most. It would have to be enough. He was confident that a few of these twenty-four new recruits would soon distinguish themselves.
At that same moment, Benjamin the lawyer was receiving a visitor in his office: Linda Bryan.
The two were well acquainted. Both of them, like Sheriff Bryan before them, worked for Mayor William.
"Mr. Benjamin," Linda said, "these are my requests."
The lawyer looked over her notes, a puzzled expression on his face. "I remember Bryan went to great trouble to acquire a Steinway piano, a piece worth five hundred dollars on its own. Do you not need my help in selling it?"
"I intend to give the piano to Henry," Linda said, her voice firm. "And our dog, Paul, as well."
A look of understanding dawned on Benjamin's face. He smiled. "Then there is no problem at all. I will assist you in settling these matters as quickly as possible."
"Thank you, Mr. Benjamin," Linda said, and took her leave.
Benjamin checked the time. It was just past 5 PM. He gathered the files, placed them in his briefcase, and walked toward the Sheriff's office.
A dozen minutes later, after listening to Benjamin's explanation, Henry spoke. "In that case, I will purchase the piano for the five hundred dollars Linda is asking. However, since she has given you full power of attorney, let's complete the transaction after she has left town."
Benjamin smiled. "Of course. I'm sure your offer will be the highest."
Henry shrugged. "After Linda tells me about the piano and Paul, I'll tell her I need to negotiate the details with you. That will let the piano stay in the house for a couple more weeks until I'm less busy."
Benjamin nodded, agreeing instantly. "Not a problem at all."
"Then we have a deal," Henry said.
"A deal," the lawyer confirmed with a smile.
Henry stood and shook his hand. "Thank you, Mr. Benjamin."
"Of course," the lawyer replied earnestly, also rising. "Please, call on me anytime. I would be happy to be of service."
"Walk with me," Henry said, releasing his hand. "I'm heading out for the day as well."
The two men parted ways at the office entrance.
Henry walked toward Linda's house. He needed to know when she was planning to leave town so he could schedule his own operations. The bounty was almost certainly the McKinley's doing, and playing defense was not his style.
If Linda was planning to stay for a while, he would ask the Mayor to let her and the children stay at the manor for their safety. He couldn't risk his enemies pulling a dirty trick and kidnapping them while he was out hunting.
If she was only staying for a day or two, he would just have to work harder, personally patrolling her house at night. Between him, the new deputies, and the dog Paul, he should be able to keep her safe. The intel from Drummond on the McKinleys was due in a day or two anyway. Then he could finally make his move.
When he arrived at the small garden in front of Linda's house, he found Pete playing with Becky, who was sitting on his shoulders, giggling with delight.
"Henry!" Pete called out happily. "Are you here to relieve me? Mary should have dinner ready by now."
Another henpecked husband, Henry thought, giving his friend a disdainful look. Pete, completely oblivious, just bounced the laughing little girl on his shoulders a few more times before setting her down.
"I have business tonight," Henry said. "After you eat, go to the office and tell Luke to send a patrol team over here. And you should be on your guard at home tonight as well. It's possible the outlaws might target you."
"Yes, Sheriff!" Pete said with another mock salute, then happily trotted off. It was precisely his cheerful, optimistic nature that had allowed him to get along so well with the originally quiet and withdrawn Henry.
Many people in town were wary of Henry now. It wasn't just his god-like skill with a gun; it was his calculated patience. He was not the type of hero to charge foolishly into the fray. He was a man who had hidden his true strength for years, making him dangerously unpredictable.
Henry bent down and scooped up Becky, who was sadly watching Pete leave. He tickled her as he walked into the house.
Six-year-old Andre was in the living room, playing with a wooden revolver. When he saw Henry, he immediately aimed it at him, making "bang bang bang" noises with his mouth. It was likely a side effect of him witnessing Henry's display against the ten assassins.
But Henry had always had a soft spot for girls. He ignored Andre's hopeful gaze and turned toward the kitchen, leaving the boy with nothing but his cold, aloof back.
"Henry!" Linda said happily when she saw him. "I cooked for you. I was just about to send Pete to get you."
"That's wonderful," Henry said with a smile. "Do you need any help?"
"No, no," she said, shaking her head. "Just take the children to wash their hands. Everything is ready."
When Henry returned to the dining room with the children, the table was already laden with food: beef bourguignon, roasted duck breast, pudding, bread, and a tomato and cheese salad.