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Mary-Beth studied him for a moment, her expression softening. Then she nodded slowly. "Alright." She popped a fry into her mouth, chewing thoughtfully before speaking again, her voice quieter now. "You know… only you could pull somethin' like this off. Achieve your dream while still ridin' with the gang. You haven't even been with us that long, and look at you."
Caleb stilled slightly at that, his eyes narrowing just a fraction. He hadn't expected that turn in the conversation. "Mary-Beth…" he started, but she went on.
"Me and the others…" She let out a small laugh, but it held no real humor. "We haven't achieved a single fragment of what we dreamed about. And when we thought maybe we could, after all those times we spent… the Blackwater mess happened." Her tone hardened faintly at that last part. "And now here we are. Creating more problems, digging a deeper hole. It feels like our dreams got further away, not closer. A life worse than before."
Caleb stared at her for a beat, then set his burger down slowly. He hadn't expected this vulnerability from her, not here, not now. For a long moment, he said nothing, just studied her face, the quiet sadness shadowing her eyes. Then he leaned in slightly, his voice low, steady as steel.
"Mary-Beth… your dreams will come true. All of 'em. Now that I'm here… I'll make sure of it." His gaze didn't waver. "Not just for you. For everyone. No more runnin'. No more livin' like this. I'll see to it that we all have a better life. Law won't be huntin' us down forever. Not if I've got any say in it and stop everything from going downhill for us."
She held his gaze for a moment that stretched long and quiet, the noise of the street fading around them. Then, slowly, she nodded. "I believe you Caleb," she said softly.
They finished their meal after that, the air between them heavier but filled with an unspoken resolve. When the last bite was gone, Caleb stood, leaving a small tip of 2 dollars on the table despite Jasper's protests earlier, and the two of them said their goodbyes to Jasper and the boys before stepping back into the cool night air.
The walk back to the hotel was quiet, companionable. Mary-Beth kept close to him, her arm brushing his now and then as the lantern-lit street stretched before them.
When they reached the porch of the hotel, Caleb slowed and spotted a familiar figure leaning against the post, a cigarette glowing faintly between his fingers. Broad shoulders, work-worn hands, a face carved by years under the sun.
George.
The carpenter turned his head as Caleb approached, his eyes narrowing briefly before recognition lit them. He straightened, tossing the cigarette aside and grinding it under his boot before stepping forward.
"Caleb," George greeted, his deep voice rolling like gravel. "Been waitin' on you."
Caleb offered his hand, and George gripped it firm. "I heard from Mr. Douglas you were lookin' for me. Said you had another work and looks to hire me."
"That's right," Caleb said, releasing his hand. "Didn't figure you'd come so quick."
George shrugged. "Soon as I heard, I came. The clerk inside said you weren't back yet, so I waited." He jerked his chin toward the hotel door. "What's the job?"
Caleb's lips curved into a slow, deliberate smile. "Biggest job I've had yet." His voice dropped, low and certain. "I just bought the land where the stall sits. I want a building there. Not just wood nailed together, a proper establishment. Some Solid walls, a real roof, a raised wooden floor. Big space inside. I want it sectioned inside, a dedicated kitchen in the back, completely separate from the serving area. Bigger windows up front. Maybe even a covered porch area for outdoor seating. I want it to feel permanent. Impressive. Somethin' folks in Valentine ain't seen before."
George whistled low, scratching his chin. "That's a tall order, Caleb. Materials alone… lumber, nails, glass… not to mention the labor. It'll cost you."
"I know what it'll cost," Caleb said, his gaze steady. "I'm not lookin' for cheap. I'm lookin' for quality. You built the stall, and it's held up perfectly. I want you to head this project. Hire whoever you need, Seth, Elias, others you trust. You're the foreman. You give me a quote for materials and labor, and if it's fair, we have a deal."
George studied him for a long moment, seeing the determination in Caleb's eyes. This wasn't a pipe dream; this was a man with a plan and the means to see it through. A slow grin spread across the carpenter's face.
"Alright, Caleb," he said, extending a calloused hand. "You've got yourself a deal. I'll get you a quote by tomorrow morning. We'll build you something this town won't forget."
Caleb's grin widened, sharp and certain. "Good. Tomorrow mornin', we talk more details."
"Fine by me," George said. Then he cast a brief glance at Mary-Beth before nodding back to Caleb. "I'll be here bright and early."
"See you then," Caleb said firmly.
George tipped his hat and strode off into the night, leaving Caleb and Mary-Beth standing there on the porch, the quiet weight of plans and promises settling between them.
Caleb opened the door for her, his mind already racing ahead, envisioning timber and nails, a building rise to where once there was only walls without roof and flooring.
Entering the hotel together, Caleb and Mary-Beth crossed the dimly lit lobby, their footsteps echoing softly against the wooden floorboards.
The clerk behind the counter gave them a polite nod, which Caleb returned without a word. Together, they climbed the stairs, the hush of night settling over Valentine outside as lanterns flickered along the main street.
On the second floor, Caleb walked her to her room. When they stopped before the door, Mary-Beth turned slightly toward him, her hand still resting lightly on his arm. For a brief moment, neither of them spoke, the silence heavy but not uncomfortable. Finally, she offered a gentle smile.
"Goodnight, Caleb," she said softly.
He tipped his hat, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Goodnight, Mary-Beth. Sleep well."
She lingered a second longer before slipping inside, the door closing with a quiet click. Caleb stood there a moment, his gaze lingering on the wood before turning toward his own room down the hall.
Once inside, he shut the door and let out a long breath. The day had been full, deals made, plans laid out, promises given. And tomorrow would demand even more.
He unbuckled his gunbelt, setting it carefully on the small table beside the bed, then tugged off his boots. The mattress creaked as he lowered himself down, and within moments, exhaustion claimed him. Sleep came quick and deep.
Morning broke with a pale light spilling through the window. Caleb stirred, sitting up with a low groan and stretching the stiffness from his limbs.
Sliding from the bed, he opened the wardrobe and changed into his Vaquero outfit, a sharp, practical choice that spoke of both style and authority. His old clothes vanished into his system inventory with practiced ease.
After adjusting the brim of his hat in the small mirror, he stepped out, boots thudding softly down the stairs and onto the porch. The crisp morning air greeted him and so did George.
The carpenter was already there, broad-shouldered and solid as ever, leaning against the railing with arms crossed. But he wasn't alone. Seth and Elias flanked him, both looking eager and curious.
As soon as Caleb emerged, all three men straightened.
"Mornin', Caleb," George rumbled.
"Mornin'," Caleb returned easily, his keen eyes sweeping over the group.
Seth grinned wide, his boyish face lighting up. "Well, I'll be damned. Caleb! Been a while since we seen you."
Elias smirked, arms crossed over his chest. "Yeah. You disappear on us, and now look at you, walkin' out like a man with a purpose. Heard you've been busy."
Caleb chuckled low, an easy smile curving his lips. "Had some business outside town, like before. Took some time to see through."
Elias's smirk deepened. "Business, huh? And in that time, you went and courted a lady, brought her back into town with you. Impressive maneuver, Caleb."
Caleb let out a short laugh and swept into a theatrical bow, one hand over his chest. "What can I say? When a man's got a mission to do, he finds all kinds of data to fulfill it."
That earned a round of chuckles from the three men. The air between them loosened, warm with camaraderie. Then Caleb straightened, his tone sharpening just enough to signal the shift.
"Alright, boys. Let's get down to business." His gaze slid to George. "You tell Seth and Elias about the plan we talked about last night?"
George nodded once. "Told 'em everything. They're interested. All in on it, matter of fact. But for a job like this…" He hesitated, scratching his chin. "But like I said before, I'm gonna need more men. Extra hands for hauling and hammering."
Caleb considered that, then tilted his head slightly. "What if I have my male employees help? That'd cut down labor costs. Money for labor can just be split between you three. What d'you say?"
George fell quiet for a moment, weighing it. Finally, he nodded slowly. "That'll work. I don't need every man to know carpentry, just enough hands to lift and nail. You, me, Seth, Elias… we'll handle the tricky parts. They can do the grunt work."
"Good," Caleb said, satisfaction glinting in his eyes. "So we've got that settled." He shifted slightly, fixing George with a steady look. "How much for materials? Labor costs we'll sort out after construction's done. We can negotiate that later."
A low chuckle rumbled from George's chest. "Look at you, turnin' into a real businessman." He did a quick mental tally, then nodded to himself. "Eight hundred dollars. That'll cover lumber, nails, glass, hardware, and some extra. If we need more, we'll buy as we go."
Caleb didn't hesitate. Reaching into his satchel, he drew out a neat stack of bills, fresh from his system inventory, and handed it over. "Count it."
George did, his rough fingers flicking through the notes. "Eight hundred on the dot." He gave a sharp nod. "We'll start tomorrow. Gotta get the supplies today. You tell your boys about the work, they'll need to be ready."
"I'll do that," Caleb said, his voice firm. "See you tomorrow, then."
The three men tipped their hats and turned to go, plans already turning into reality as they strode down the street. Caleb watched them disappear before pivoting toward his next stop.
The food stall.
By the time he reached it, the Valentine main street was stirring fully awake. The sun rode higher, casting long beams across the dirt.
The stall was alive with motion. The scent of sizzling patties and frying potatoes drifted on the air, mingling with the salty tang of lard oil. Customers lingered along the counter, some sitting on barrels or leaning against the rail while they waited for their orders.
Caleb approached, tipping his hat to Mickey and Troy, who were moving trays back and forth. "Mornin', boys," he greeted.
"Mornin', Caleb!" they chorused, grinning wide.
He stepped inside, his sharp gaze sweeping the interior. Simon stood over the cauldron, carefully lowering baskets of long strip potatoes into bubbling oil. Jasper worked the griddle, pressing patties with a practiced hand, while Jessie darted between counter and station, scribbling down orders.
The moment they saw him, voices rose in greeting. "Boss!" Jasper called, flashing a grin.
Caleb smiled faintly, lifting a hand. "Jasper, swap with me. You man the counter. Jessie, help Mickey with serving. I'll handle the patties."
...
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: 1,580 dollars and 10 cents
Inventory: 5,407 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, 2 Colm's Schofields, and land deed (Parcel)
Bank: -