If you want to read 20 Chapters ahead, be sure to check out my Patreon!!!
Go to https://www.patreon.com/Tang12
...
Caleb nodded, appreciating the initiative. "Thanks, son." Mary-Beth and Caleb moved toward a table near the poker corner, one that offered a view of the whole room without being in the way. Mary-Beth slid gracefully into her seat, her fingers brushing the worn wood of the tabletop as Caleb settled across from her.
For a moment, it was quiet, just the two of them in the soft morning light filtering through the saloon windows. Mary-Beth opened her mouth to speak—
But Jasper returned, grinning like a man who'd just won a hand. "Food's on the way from Mr. Douglas," he announced cheerfully as he took his seat. Then, leaning forward slightly and lowering his voice to a pitch only they could hear, he asked, "Boss, about that expansion you mentioned yesterday. Other than more sittin' space for our customers… what else you got in mind?"
Mary-Beth's words died on her tongue. Her brows lifted as she glanced at Caleb, her expression curious but cautious, as if silently asking, Is it alright for me to hear this?
Caleb met her gaze and gave a subtle nod. "It's fine, sweetheart," he said, his tone warm but steady. Then he turned his attention to Jasper, lowering his voice to match the man's eager whisper.
Caleb leaned in, his voice low but clear, the planner in him taking over. "I've been thinkin'," he began slowly, "we don't just add more tables. We make it official. The stall itself needs to change. Right now, it's just four walls and a counter. I want to build a proper structure."
"A real floor, a solid roof to keep out the rain and sun. We'll section it off inside, a dedicated kitchen area in the back, separate from the serving counter. That'll make the workflow smoother, keep the cooks from bumping into the servers."
Jasper's eyes widened with interest and nodding along, hanging on every word, as Caleb continued.
"Next," Caleb said, his voice carrying the quiet confidence of a man who already saw it in his mind, "we hire more hands if we need to. Can't run a bigger place shorthanded. And the menu…" He paused, letting the word hang before elaborating. "Breakfast. That idea you had yesterday, some eggs, maybe some of the burger patties as well, and serve it up with them fries. Burgers too, but with a twist. We can do more than just beef. We experiment. Try patties made from deer meat or chicken. Hell, maybe even alligator for the adventurous types."
Mary-Beth's eyes widened at the notion of alligator meat, but a smile played on her lips. Jasper let out a low whistle, clearly impressed, but Caleb wasn't done.
"As for the fries," Caleb went on, "we experiment. Spices, maybe a spicy blend. Or we melt cheese over the top of them, make something entirely new."
Jasper looked like he'd been handed the keys to a kingdom. "Cheese on fries… I'd eat that."
"And drinks," Caleb said, finishing his outline. "We add drinks to the menu. Non alcoholic," he added quickly, with a glance toward the bar counter. "We're not looking to compete with Mr. Douglas. Something unique. Maybe a special drink blend, or flavored tonics. Something you can't get anywhere else."
When he finished, both Jasper and Mary-Beth were staring at him, utterly captivated. The depth and detail of his vision were staggering. It wasn't just a few idle thoughts, it was a fully formed business plan, as if he'd been mulling it over for years.
"Caleb…" she breathed softly, unable to hide the pride in her voice. "That's… that's incredible. You've thought of everything."
Caleb shrugged one shoulder, a hint of a grin playing at his lips. "Ain't nothin' incredible about it. Just business done right."
"Still," Mary-Beth said, leaning forward a little, her voice dropping with earnestness, "it's smart. Smarter than most men in this town would ever think to be."
Jasper grinned. "She's right, boss. Damn right. I… I don't even know what to say. It's brilliant."
Caleb gave a small chuckle, though inside, something warm unfurled at Mary-Beth's words, a quiet satisfaction, deeper than pride.
Just then, their food arrived, steaming plates of some steaks, vegetables, and potatoes, with coffee poured into tin mugs. They dug in, the conversation turning easy, peppered with Jasper's enthusiasm and Mary-Beth's laughter that sounded like music even in a dusty saloon.
After finishing their hearty breakfast, Caleb reached into his satchel and retrieved a neat stack of bills. He handed 15 dollars to Mr. Douglas at the counter, tipping his hat politely as the saloon keeper accepted the payment with a knowing grin.
"Appreciate it, Caleb," Mr. Douglas said warmly. "Always a pleasure servin' you folks."
Caleb gave a short nod, adjusting his vest as he turned back to the others. "Come on," he said to Mary-Beth and Jasper, leading them toward the swinging doors. The three of them stepped out into the cool morning air, the sun already climbing high enough to spill light over Valentine's main street.
Once they were a few paces away from the saloon, Caleb turned to Mary-Beth with a gentler tone. "Sweetheart," he said, "you go do whatever you like for the day. Jasper and I got some things to handle, expansion plans, meetings with carpenters, that kind of work. Don't want you stuck in all that mess."
Mary-Beth tilted her head slightly, smiling with an understanding look. "Of course," she said softly. "You two go handle what you need to do. I might visit the stores or… maybe just rest back at the hotel later." Her hand briefly touched his arm, a small gesture, but one that lingered in Caleb's mind longer than it should have.
He nodded once, satisfied. "Alright then." His voice dropped lower, almost fond. "Stay safe."
"I will," she promised with a smile before heading down the boardwalk, skirts brushing the dusty planks as she disappeared into the bustle of the town.
Caleb watched her go for a moment longer than necessary before finally turning back to Jasper. "Come on. Sheriff's office first."
They started down the main street, boots crunching on the packed earth. Horses whinnied nearby, wagons creaked as they rolled past, and the scent of hay mixed with the faint tang of iron from the blacksmith's forge. The soundscape of Valentine was alive, but Caleb's focus was already on the task ahead.
As they walked, Caleb spoke without looking at Jasper. "Anything I need to know about? Problems at the stall while I was gone?"
Jasper, hands shoved into his coat pockets, shook his head. "Nothin' major," he said. "A couple of scuffles here and there. Fellas arguin' 'cause someone cut the line or somebody thought they got shorted on fries. Usual nonsense. But no robberies. No intimidation attempts."
Caleb grunted softly. "Good."
Jasper hesitated for a beat, then frowned like a memory had just jabbed him in the ribs. He stopped walking and turned to Caleb. "Well… there was somethin', now that I think about it."
Caleb's steps slowed, his expression sharpening. "Go on."
Jasper scratched at his jaw. "About a week back, some fella came around sayin' he was with the O'Driscolls. Claimed Valentine's under their protection. Said we owed 'em a fee."
Caleb's jaw tensed at that, this should have happened before he and the gang killed Colm. But better safe than sorry, and at this point his voice was cooling like a blade left in snow. "And you told him what?"
"I told him to shove it," Jasper said plainly. "Fella didn't take kindly to that. Started barkin' about breakin' the stall apart. Then Troy and Simon came out with their revolvers in hand, and I drew mine too. Told him if he wanted a fight, we weren't scared."
Caleb's brows knit. "And?"
Jasper's mouth twitched into a humorless grin. "He pulled his gun. A couple of his boys did too. But then, lucky for us, Sheriff Malloy and a couple of deputies showed up for lunch right then. They asked what was goin' on. O'Driscoll and his boys saw the badges and cleared out fast."
Caleb's silence was heavy as iron. Then he nodded once, curt and deliberate. "Good men, Troy and Simon," he said finally. "And lucky for you the Sheriff showed."
He glanced toward the Sheriff's office up ahead. "Let's make sure that luck sticks."
Jasper fell into step beside him again as they crossed the street and climbed the short steps to the office. Caleb pushed the door open, and a curl of cigarette smoke drifted toward them.
Inside, Sheriff Malloy was leaning back in his chair, boots propped on the desk, smoke curling from the cigarette between his fingers. Sunlight cut through the dusty windows, painting warm bars across the wooden floor.
When Sheriff Malloy saw who walked in, a broad grin split his weathered face. "Ah, look who decides to face me with his presence," he said, swinging his boots down and standing up. "Caleb. Been a waiting for you to darken my door, I was startin' to think you'd gone and forgot me."
Caleb chuckled, removing his hat politely. "Sorry 'bout that, Sheriff. Had things to handle as soon as I rode in yesterday."
Sheriff Malloy strode forward, shaking Caleb's hand in a firm grip that spoke of old familiarity. "I reckon so. How you been? Any trouble on the trail? Cornwall's men still sniffin' after you?"
Caleb shook his head, his voice level. "Looks like they're gone for good, just like you said last time."
Sheriff Malloy's eyes crinkled with approval. "Good. Real good." He clapped Caleb's shoulder and stepped back toward his desk. "So. What can I do for you today?"
Caleb followed him in, Jasper shutting the door behind them. The outlaw turned businessman took a breath, his tone respectful but direct. "First off," he said, "I want to thank you. Heard you stepped in last week when some trouble showed up at my stall. O'Driscoll trash, from what Jasper says."
Sheriff Malloy let out a short laugh, waving it off as he sat. "Nothin' to it. I ain't about to let fools cause a ruckus in the middle of town, let alone mess with the best damn food in Valentine. Hell, that stall's a landmark now. And my favorite place to eat."
Caleb's lips curved in a faint grin. "Glad to hear that, Sheriff." He reached into his satchel and drew out a thick bundle of cash which was actually from his system inventory, setting it neatly on the desk. "That's why I wanted to do somethin' for you. Call it a donation for the law in Valentine. Hope it helps."
Sheriff Malloy's brows shot up as he counted the stack with a glance. 300 dollars. He whistled low. "Well now… Caleb, this is mighty generous of you. Hell, I don't even know what to say."
"Say you'll put it to good use," Caleb replied. "Buy ammo, maintain your office. Whatever you need."
Sheriff Malloy grinned, tucking the money into a drawer. "You bet your ass I will. This'll make a real difference."
But Caleb wasn't finished. He leaned an elbow on the desk, his voice easy but carrying weight. "One more thing. From now on, you and your deputies? Free lunch at my stall. One burger and a bowl of fries each. No charge. Every day if you want."
Malloy's grin widened into a laugh. "Now that's a deal I can't refuse." His tone sobered slightly, though, eyes locking with Caleb's. "You want me to keep an extra eye on your place, don't you?"
Caleb didn't flinch. "That'd be appreciated. Last thing I need is more O'Driscoll or some other pests sniffin' around."
Hearing that Sheriff Malloy nodded his head. "You got it," he said firmly, extending his hand again. " You'll see me and my boys there most days. And if any more O'Driscolls or anyone else gets any ideas, they'll have to answer to us." Caleb laugh and shook his hand, sealing the unspoken agreement between them.
...
Name: Caleb Thorne
Age: 23
Body Attributes:
- Strength: 7/10
- Agility: 7/10
- Perception: 8/10
- Stamina: 7/10
- Charm: 6/10
- Luck: 6/10
Skills:
- Handgun (Lvl 3)
- Rifle (Lvl 3)
- Firearms Knowledge (Lvl 3)
- Past Life Memory (Lvl MAX)
- Knife (Lvl 2)
- Blunt Weapon (Lvl 1)
- Sneaking (Lvl 3)
- Horse Mastery (Lvl 4)
- 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 2)
- Alcohol Resistance (Lvl MAX)
Money: 1,582 dollars and 10 cents
Inventory: 7,107 dollars and 43 cents, 7 gold nuggets, 8 gold bars, 7 silver rings, 1 Double Action, 1 Schofield, 2 large bags of jewelry, 4 gold rings, 2 silver rings, 4 silver pocket watches, 3 gold buckles, 1 gold pocket compass, 2 platinum pocket watches, and 2 Colm's Schofields
Bank: -