Everyone gathered around, their shock completely undisguised.
After all, they were all gunmen and could more deeply appreciate how difficult all of this was.
Are these even humans anymore?
Thor even thought: In Henry's eyes, our heads must be as crisp and juicy as tomatoes, ready to burst at any moment.
After everyone had come before him, Henry had them line up in three rows, from tallest to shortest, and began a simple address.
"When you work under me, I will try my best to ensure your safety. There will be no shortage of opportunities or money. Meritorious service will definitely be generously rewarded, and injuries will receive sufficient compensation."
"I have two requirements—first: obey my orders; second: still obey my orders. There are no negotiable terms. Do you understand?"
The crowd answered sparsely: "Understood~"
Henry shouted loudly: "Haven't you eaten? Be neater, speak louder, do you understand?"
Everyone immediately shouted in unison: "Understood!"
"Luke, you tell them about the specific regulations and police station benefits, then divide them into twelve groups of two, and arrange the full-day patrol schedule."
"Those who don't have patrol duties during the day will practice shooting. You and Pete will lead them initially, six groups each. Pete has a mission these few days, so you take charge for now."
"Yes, Sheriff," Luke immediately agreed.
Henry continued in a clear voice: "There are many unfamiliar outsiders in town these past few days, so it's not so peaceful. After these few days pass, I'll treat everyone to drinks and barbecue. For now, everyone, concentrate and quickly get into shape. Carelessness could be fatal. Always remember—this is the West!"
After his speech, Henry handed out the temporary police officer badges to them one by one.
Among the four remaining people, Luke was the most astute, and Henry trusted Pete more.
Let's do it this way for now. Someone among these 24 newcomers will surely stand out.
Meanwhile, Attorney Benjamin received Linda in his office.
The two were very familiar because both Brian and Benjamin were backed by William.
Benjamin was originally invited by William to the town to handle his legal affairs.
Linda said, "Mr. Benjamin, these are my requests."
Benjamin asked strangely, "I remember Brian once went to great lengths to buy a Steinway piano; the piano itself was worth 500 us dollars. Don't you need my help to handle it?"
Linda firmly stated, "I plan to give this piano to Henry, and Paul will also be handed over to him."
Benjamin suddenly understood and said with a smile, "Then there's no problem. I will assist you in handling it as quickly as possible."
"Then I'll leave it to you, Attorney Benjamin." After Linda finished speaking, she bid farewell and left.
Benjamin checked the time; it was only a little past five in the afternoon. He tidied up the file bag, placed it in his briefcase, and walked towards the police station.
About ten minutes later, after listening to Benjamin's explanation, Henry said, "Since that's the case, I'll buy it for 500 us dollars, which is Linda's asking price. However, since she has fully entrusted it to you, let's complete the transaction after she leaves."
Benjamin said with a smile, "No problem, your offer is definitely the highest."
Henry shrugged his shoulders and said, "After Linda tells me about the piano and Paul, I'll tell her I'll consult with you and have the piano stay in that house for another ten-plus days until I'm done with my tasks."
Benjamin nodded, readily agreeing, "No problem."
Henry said, "Then it's settled."
Benjamin chuckled, "Settled!"
Henry stood up and shook hands with Benjamin, saying, "Thank you, Attorney Benjamin."
Benjamin also stood up and shook hands, sincerely saying, "It's my pleasure. Please feel free to contact me anytime if you need anything, Henry. I'm happy to offer my services."
"Let's go, I'll see you out. It's also time for me to get off work." Henry released his right hand and led the way out of the office.
The two parted ways at the police station entrance, each going their separate ways.
Henry went to Linda's house. He needed to ask Linda when she planned to leave the town so he could arrange his own actions.
The huge bounty from the black market was most likely from the McKinley Family, and passive retaliation was not Henry's style.
If Linda was going to stay for a while longer, he planned to discuss with Mayor William about having Linda stay at his manor.
This was to prevent being shamelessly ambushed and having Linda and the two children kidnapped while he was fighting crime.
If it was only for a day or two, he would work a bit harder, patrol at night for these two nights, and with the newly appointed night-shift temporary police officers and the Border Collie Paul, Linda should be safe.
Moreover, the McKinley Family's intelligence should arrive tomorrow or the day after, and then he could act.
When Henry reached the small garden in front of Linda's house, Pete was playing horsey with Becky on his neck, making her giggle.
Seeing Henry, Pete happily asked, "Henry, are you here to relieve me? Mary should have dinner ready by now."
He was also a devoted husband.
Henry disdainfully glanced at his excited face, realizing that he hadn't grasped his deep contempt at all. Instead, Pete enthusiastically bounced a few more times before setting the giggling little girl down on the ground.
Henry said, "I have something to do tonight. After you finish dinner, go to the police station and tell Luke to arrange a group of people to come over. You also need to be vigilant at home tonight; the bandits might target you."
"Yes, Sheriff Henry!" Pete comically saluted before happily leaving.
It was precisely his active, optimistic nature that allowed him to get along well with the originally taciturn Henry.
Many people now felt apprehensive about Henry, not just because of his divine marksmanship, but also because of his forbearing temperament.
After all, a foolish hero who charges head-on into danger would never be Henry's type.
Henry bent down and picked up Becky, who was looking forlornly at Pete walking away, holding her in his arms, teasing her as he entered the house.
Six-year-old Andre was playing with a wooden revolver in the living room. As soon as he saw Henry, he happily aimed at him, making continuous "bang bang bang" sounds with his mouth.
This was probably a lingering effect from witnessing Henry's display of power, killing ten assassins yesterday.
However, Henry always favored girls over boys, so he ignored Andre's longing gaze and turned to walk towards the kitchen, leaving Andre with a cool, distant back.
Linda saw Henry and happily said, "I cooked your portion. I was just about to have Pete call you."
Henry smiled and said, "That's great, do you need any help?"
Linda shook her head and said, "You take the two of them to wash their hands. It'll be ready soon."
When Henry returned to the dining room with the two of them after washing their hands, the table was already filled with dishes: red wine beef stew, roasted duck breast, pudding, bread, and tomato and cheese salad.