Everyone gathered around, the shock in their eyes completely undisguised.
After all, everyone was a gunman and could more deeply appreciate how difficult all this was.
This wasn't even human anymore, was it?
Thor even thought: In Henry's eyes, our heads probably look like tomatoes - crisp and juicy, easily exploded.
Henry waited for everyone to come before him, then had them line up in three rows from tall to short and began a simple speech.
"Working under me, I'll do my best to ensure your safety. Opportunities and money won't be lacking. Outstanding service will definitely have generous rewards, and injuries will have sufficient compensation."
"I have just two requirements - first: obey my orders; second: still obey my orders, no conditions to negotiate. Do you understand?"
Everyone answered sporadically: "Understand~"
Henry shouted loudly: "Haven't you eaten? More orderly, louder! Do you understand?"
Everyone immediately shouted in unison: "Understand!"
"Luke, explain the specific regulations and police station benefits to them, then pair them into twelve groups of two each and arrange a full-day patrol schedule."
"Those without daytime patrol duties should practice shooting. Luke and Pete will lead them initially - each of you take six groups. Pete has assignments these next few days, so you handle it first."
"Yes, Sheriff." Luke immediately agreed.
Henry continued loudly: "There are many outside strangers in town these days - it's not so peaceful. After these few days pass, I'll treat everyone to drinks and barbecue. Now everyone focus and quickly get into position. Carelessness could be fatal. Always remember - this is the West!"
After the speech, Henry handed out temporary officer badges to each of them one by one.
Among the remaining four officers, only Luke was relatively clever, while Henry trusted Pete more.
This would do for now. Someone would definitely stand out among these 24 newcomers.
Meanwhile, lawyer Benjamin received Linda in his office.
The two were very familiar, since both Bryan Mills and Benjamin were backed by William.
Benjamin had originally been brought to town by William to handle his legal affairs.
Linda said: "Mr. Benjamin, these are my requirements."
Benjamin asked strangely: "I remember Bryan Mills once went to great lengths to buy a Steinway piano. The piano itself was worth $500. Don't you need my help handling it?"
Linda said firmly: "I plan to give this piano to Henry, and Paul too."
Benjamin suddenly understood and said with a smile: "Then there's no problem. I'll help you handle this quickly."
"Then I'll trouble you, lawyer Benjamin." Linda took her leave after speaking.
Benjamin looked at the time - only after 5 PM - so he organized his file folder, put it in his briefcase, and walked toward the police station.
More than ten minutes later, after hearing Benjamin's explanation, Henry said: "In that case, I'll purchase it for the $500 Linda is asking. But since she's fully entrusting you to handle this, let's complete the transaction after she leaves town."
Benjamin smiled and said: "No problem. Your offer is definitely the highest anyway."
Henry shrugged and said: "After Linda tells me about the piano and Paul, I'll tell her I'll negotiate with you and let the piano stay in that house for another ten-plus days until I finish my current business."
Benjamin nodded and readily agreed: "No problem."
Henry said: "Then it's settled."
Benjamin smiled: "Settled!"
Henry stood up and shook hands with Benjamin, saying: "Thank you, lawyer Benjamin."
Benjamin also stood to shake hands and said sincerely: "It's my duty. Please find me anytime you need help, Henry. I'm very happy to provide services for you."
"Let's go, I'll see you out. I'm also getting off work." Henry released his right hand and walked toward the office exit first.
The two parted ways at the police station entrance, each going their separate directions.
Henry went to Linda's house. He needed to ask when Linda planned to leave town so he could arrange his actions.
The huge black market bounty was almost certainly the McKinley family's doing. Passive counterattacks weren't Henry's style.
If Linda was staying a while longer, he planned to discuss with Mayor William about having Linda live at his manor.
This would prevent being shamefully attacked at home while he was fighting evil - having Linda and the two children kidnapped.
If it was only one or two days, he'd work harder these two nights patrolling, coordinating with the newly appointed night-duty temporary officers and border collie Paul. This should keep Linda safe.
Moreover, the McKinley family intelligence should arrive in the next day or two, then he could act.
When Henry reached the small garden at Linda's front door, Pete was putting Becky on his shoulders playing horseback riding, making her giggle continuously.
Seeing Henry, Pete asked happily: "Henry, are you here to replace me? Mary should have dinner ready."
Another wife slave.
Henry scornfully glanced at his excited face and found he completely failed to grasp Henry's deep scorn. Instead, he bounced a few more times enthusiastically before putting down the delighted little girl.
Henry said: "I have business tonight. After you eat, go to the police station and have Luke arrange a group to come over. You should also be alert at home tonight - bandits might target you too."
"Yes, Sheriff Henry!" Pete jokingly gave another military salute before leaving happily.
It was precisely his active, optimistic personality that had gotten along well with the originally taciturn Henry.
Now many people were wary of Henry, not only because his marksmanship was godlike, but also because of his patient disposition.
After all, Henry was definitely not the type of hero who would foolishly charge forward into danger.
Henry bent down and picked up Becky, who was looking forlornly at Pete's departure, teasing her while walking into the house.
Six-year-old André was playing with a wooden revolver in the hall. Upon seeing Henry, he happily aimed at him, his mouth going "bang bang bang" continuously.
Probably aftermath from witnessing Henry's mighty display killing ten assassins yesterday.
However, Henry always favored girls over boys and ignored André's eager gaze, turning toward the kitchen and leaving André only a cold back view.
Seeing Henry, Linda said happily: "I cooked your portion too. I was just about to have Pete call you."
Henry smiled and said: "Wonderful. Do you need help?"
Linda shook her head and said: "Take them to wash their hands. It'll be ready shortly."
When Henry returned to the dining room with the two after washing their hands, it was already full of food: red wine braised beef, roasted duck breast, pudding, bread, and tomato cheese salad.
Dizzy! The previous chapter was supposed to be published at dawn, but I accidentally published it early instead of setting a timer. I had to add another chapter. I hope this doesn't affect the subsequent data. Tears.
(End of Chapter)
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