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(extra chapter)
A few days later...
Davey's recruitment notice finally appeared in the newspapers.
With the three major papers covering the entire western region, the name Land Security Company spread quickly, becoming the talk of the town almost overnight.
At a time when most workers earned only $30 a month, a $100 salary was incredibly high.
Davey hadn't even realized that ordinary Pinkerton agents earned just $60 a month.
And here he was offering a full hundred.
It was such an outrageous number that even current Pinkerton employees started thinking about jumping ship.
Then there was the clause stating that failed applicants would have their round-trip travel reimbursed—
and that Land Security would even front the ticket money for those who couldn't afford it.
That single line dropped like a bomb across the West.
Davey had no idea how many people would be rushing over for interviews once the notice appeared in all three papers.
Around this time, Trelawny returned from Saint Denis—
and he brought two people with him.
"Davey, this is Pani and Rich. Believe me, don't let their age fool you—the pastries and coffee they make will blow you away. I spent quite a bit of time convincing them to come to Valentine."
Trelawny announced proudly, as if expecting praise.
Pani and Rich, both in their twenties, looked nervous.
Leaving Saint Denis for Valentine was a big sacrifice—after all, Valentine was just a small livestock town.
But the higher salary had won them over.
"Of course, Trelawny. I trust your judgment."
"Hey, Pani, Rich, no need to be so nervous. Now that you're here in Valentine, you can settle in."
"Starting today, your pay begins—$35 a month. My coffee shop isn't finished yet; the designer should be arriving in a day or two. Maybe you can share some ideas."
Baristas and pastry chefs typically earned between $15 and $40, so Davey offering them $35—much higher than their previous $25—was no small deal.
"Thank you, Mr. Land. We'll work hard."
Hearing that, Pani and Rich finally relaxed.
Once everything was arranged, Davey sat down to talk with Trelawny.
Trelawny asked about Dutch and the others.
"Cornwall ambushed Dutch. They slipped into Valentine and grabbed John and Strauss without me knowing."
"But of course, Cornwall's men were no match for Dutch and Arthur."
"It only tipped Cornwall off that the gang was nearby. They couldn't stay at Horseshoe Overlook anymore. I don't know where they went—likely south. Maybe you can try looking for them."
"Abigail didn't want little Jackie living the gang's drifting life. And honestly, she's right."
"Under Hosea's persuasion, John came here with Abigail. Oh—you're a bit late. Abigail took little Jack out for a walk. You'll see her later."
"But John you won't see for a while. The Laramie Gang attacked my business at Emerald Ranch not long ago. Mac and John are guarding the place now."
Hearing all that, Trelawny couldn't help exclaiming:
"Oh, Davey! I was gone for such a short time, and so much has already happened."
"Looks like I'll have to head south and find Dutch and the others. I still have some intel about them."
"As for the Laramie Gang—I heard about them back in Saint Denis. A bunch of criminals who'll do anything for money. Their reputation there is awful, though people still hire them for dirty work."
Davey's expression shifted.
"Trelawny, they've killed several of my men. I'm furious."
"But rats hiding in the gutter aren't easy to find."
"If you can bring me intel on them, Trelawny, I promise you'll be handsomely rewarded."
"Or you could head to Saint Denis, find a middleman, and lure them out under the guise of hiring them."
Davey was essentially giving him a mission.
Trelawny smiled—this was exactly his field.
"Why not, Davey? This is what I do."
"With enough money, there will definitely be someone in Saint Denis willing to act as a fixer."
"That bastard Laramie deserves a lesson."
Davey gave a subtle nod toward Alice, the maid.
Elisa took out two cigars from the box and lit them.
Davey continued,
"Trelawny, if you find Dutch and the others, pass a message to Hosea."
"The bearer bonds we stole from Cornwall's train—the buyer is almost here. Tell him to come to Valentine before the 8th of next month."
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(40 Chapters Ahead)
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