Shady Belle.
After killing Bronte, Dutch and the others began preparing to rob the Saint Denis Bank.
"Dutch, maybe we shouldn't move so fast. I went into Saint Denis today—the streets are crawling with police. Bronte's death has people on edge."
Hosea laid out what he'd seen in town and offered his opinion.
Dutch shook his head. "You're wrong, Hosea. Think about it—precisely because they're hunting for us, this is our opportunity. Their eyes will be searching the crowds. They won't expect us to hit the bank right now, will they?"
"What about you, Arthur? What do you think?"
Arthur answered casually, "Seems to me we don't have much choice. The longer we stay around here, the more dangerous it gets."
Hosea fell silent for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Maybe you're right."
"Let's go over the details."
Pointing at the map, Hosea continued, "I've confirmed it with the girls several times. There's only one armed guard inside the bank. That's good news."
"The patrols usually pass through here. Once Karen and I cause a distraction, that'll be our opening."
Dutch nodded. "Sounds promising. Arthur, you got anything to add?"
Arthur thought for a second. "We've got plenty of men. We know how to fight. Those city police don't look too tough. If we move fast, we can handle it."
"If that's the plan Hosea's laid out, then I think it's a good one."
He added, "Might even be easier to distract them during the day."
Dutch hesitated, then said, "I agree!"
Hosea replied, "We move at night. Like in a stage play—slip into the bank. If we can't keep it quiet, they'll gun us down."
Dutch felt a little embarrassed and quickly added, "I know… I was just confirming."
Hosea went on, "Any plan can work if it's executed properly. Every problem we've faced came from not acting the right way."
"In my opinion, even what happened in Blackwater was the same."
At the mention of Blackwater, Dutch's eyes grew distant. "You're right, Hosea."
...
Lamarque Café.
One of the businesses that used to pay protection money to Bronte.
Davey was waiting for Milton.
Before long, Milton arrived with Ross.
"Good to see you again, Mr. Milton. Mr. Ross."
"Likewise, Mr. Land."
It was obvious both Milton and Ross were in high spirits.
Once seated, the waiter brought coffee.
Davey smiled faintly. "Congratulations. You finally got what you wanted, didn't you? Temporary law enforcement authority in Lemoyne."
Milton wasn't surprised Davey knew. He was well aware of Davey's connections in Saint Denis.
"It hasn't been finalized yet, Mr. Land. The State Legislature is still reviewing it."
Davey took a sip of coffee, clearly unimpressed with the taste. "Saint Denis is a mess. The Saint Denis Police Department has made themselves look incompetent. I'd wager by this afternoon—or tomorrow morning at the latest—the State Legislature will approve it."
Ross suddenly cut in, his tone sharp.
"Let's not pretend, Mr. Land. We all know why you asked to meet. You came out of the Van der Linde Gang. You're still in contact with them."
"But you need to understand—they're criminals. We won't compromise."
"And don't think going to Mr. Grayson will change anything. The senior leadership takes this matter very seriously. This is the will of Pinkerton as a whole. No one can stop it."
Davey set down his coffee and looked calmly at Milton.
"Is that your position as well, Mr. Milton?"
Milton answered evenly, "I apologize if Ross's tone was harsh, but he's not wrong."
"Ever since we lost our law enforcement authority, we've been waiting for another opportunity. This temporary authority matters to everyone—including Mr. Grayson."
Davey asked, "Does Pinkerton really believe that this temporary authority will return things to how they used to be?"
Milton shook his head. "You're right. We can't go back to the old Pinkerton era. But even temporary authority will bring us more contracts—and significantly higher fees."
Davey fell silent. He knew Milton was telling the truth.
With business declining, Pinkerton would certainly publicize their temporary authority in Lemoyne. The moment the State Legislature confirmed it, the news would spread across the eastern United States.
That said, Davey had never intended to truly stop Pinkerton.
If Dutch pulled off the robbery smoothly, it would only raise his prestige within the Van der Linde Gang. Davey had no desire to help that happen.
After a moment, Davey lit a cigarette and spoke slowly.
"You know, Milton, I spent many years with the Van der Linde Gang. Even though I've left, in my heart, they're still family."
"I can't stop Pinkerton's actions. But I hope you'll use your authority properly."
"Arrest them. Interrogate them. Fine."
"But no killing."
His tone turned solemn at the end.
Milton remained silent, but Ross immediately snapped back.
"I need to remind you, Davey Callander—this is Pinkerton's internal business. You have no right to interfere."
Milton's expression changed at once. He was about to smooth things over—
But Davey spoke first.
"You're right, Mr. Ross. I have no authority to interfere in Pinkerton's internal affairs. But if I'm willing to pay a high enough price, I doubt Mr. Grayson would refuse a small suggestion from me."
"For example—having you dismissed, Mr. Ross."
Milton immediately barked, "Apologize. Now. Apologize to Mr. Land immediately."
He had no doubt about Davey's capability. If the price were right, Grayson would not hesitate to sacrifice Ross.
Ross's face went pale, but he stood and bowed stiffly.
"My apologies, Mr. Land. Please forgive my rashness."
In that moment, Ross looked as if he'd swallowed something foul.
Davey didn't even glance at him. He turned back to Milton.
"So, Mr. Milton… can we speak properly now?"
...
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