At this time in a hotel in eastern Denver, a middle-aged Spanish white man with an aquiline nose named Carlos was talking about Henry.
"We can confirm that Kalenbeck should have gone to Fresco Town four days ago to assassinate Henry, but there's been no news since. He's probably in grave danger."
Pizarro, with his half-gray full beard, said dissatisfiedly: "He's been here nearly ten years and has become completely obsessed with killing, losing sight of priorities. At this crucial moment when our family's treasure hunt of nearly two centuries shows promise, he actually went on an assassination mission carrying such an important map!"
"Sigh, based on what he hinted at in his telegram, he should have indeed found the map, but..." Carlos shook his head.
Pizarro said: "We must act immediately. With so many of us here, every day we wait is enormous expense. After you settle the team, go to the black market to purchase Henry's latest intelligence - preferably knowing his plans for the next few days."
Carlos took the order and left.
——
Over an hour later, at the McKinley family manor in Denver.
After reading the telegram from Richard, Brendan asked: "Has Sean replied to this morning's telegram?"
Butler Elliott answered: "Not yet."
"Still no news from Kalenbeck?"
"Four days now, nothing!"
"Jesse James and John Gale?"
"Young master, they haven't responded yet. Someone claims to have seen Jesse in the Windy City of Chicago."
Brendan felt irritated.
Kalenbeck had very likely transformed from a venomous snake into a dead snake.
This Henry was truly too troublesome. Could this really be a young man who had been completely ordinary for the past twenty years?
"Send another telegram to Sean. Tell him that besides ensuring proper hospitality for Richard and his wife, he must guarantee their safety. Tomorrow at noon arrange sufficient warriors to provide support at Death Valley if necessary, and up to 30 guards can be transferred from the smelting plant."
"Yes, young master." Elliott took the order and left.
——
Fresco Town.
Accompanied by Pete, Linda took Becky and André to visit two families with whom she frequently socialized.
She also brought some small pastries she had made to say goodbye to her friends.
At the same time, Becky and André needed to bid farewell to their little friends.
They would go to Mayor William's house in the evening, and that would be about everything.
——
Meanwhile, at Denver train station, one man and two women disembarked from a train, followed by a male servant, a female servant, and six guards.
McKinley family reception staff Dylan quickly stepped forward to greet them.
"Hello, Mr. Mellon. I'm Dylan from the McKinley family. Welcome to Denver, you and your wife. Please follow me."
Richard Mellon nodded and followed with the two noble ladies and their entourage.
Soon the two noble ladies were seated in the McKinley family's luxurious four-wheel, four-seat open carriage - this was currently the most fashionable standard equipment for noble ladies' garden tours, with a foldable canopy in the rear seat.
The two noble ladies sat in the rear of the carriage, both holding small umbrellas for sun protection while using their own elegant methods to quietly observe others.
Behind the carriage, in the space reserved for servants to stand and serve, stood the male servant.
As for Richard, he would ride with 4 guards to handle business matters first, then join the two noble ladies in the evening for the McKinley family banquet.
The older noble lady was Richard's new bride, Madeline Jones, while the younger was her cousin, Edith Jones.
After receiving Brendan's request to connect with William, Richard felt this was a rare opportunity to expand in Colorado's mining industry. After considering for a day, he agreed.
The Mellon family had entered Colorado's mining industry several years late, currently owning only one lead mine and one coal mine, neither of which were large-scale or rich deposits.
Since taking over, Richard hadn't yet visited the family's mining properties in the area - this trip would be perfect for inspection as well.
At this time, Edith said enthusiastically: "Madeline, fortunately I came to visit you this time, so I could get out and relax. I'm truly suffocating at home!"
Madeline held her small fan and smiled: "You're very lucky that uncle agreed to let you attend women's college in England."
Edith sighed and whispered in Madeline's ear: "What use is that? I envy you instead - marrying a good husband, young and promising, who loves you so much and can take you traveling around such distant family enterprises."
Madeline also sighed softly and whispered back: "We women are always required to maintain chastity, manage households, and support husbands while teaching children. Our life trajectories can only be fixed between home and church. Thinking about the next few decades being like this, I often feel suffocated."
Both suddenly lost interest in talking and stared blankly at the street scenes rushing toward them and then passing behind - similar scenes constantly repeating, like a predetermined life.
——
Henry woke up refreshed and discovered he had slept nearly four hours - it was almost 5 PM.
After washing up, he went to Mayor William's office.
"Grandpa William, I plan to escort Linda, Becky, and André to Denver with several officers tomorrow morning. She'll catch a train to New York there," Henry said directly after sitting down.
"Well done, Henry. Have you arranged a carriage?" William asked.
"Not yet. I planned to borrow one from Drummond - his carriages are decent, unlike the police station's carriages which are all for transporting people or goods and very uncomfortable."
"No need. Use my two-door hardtop four-wheel carriage directly. Come over tomorrow morning and I'll have my coachman drive you."
"Good, Grandpa William. I think Becky and André will be very happy."
Although this type of carriage had half the horses, seats, and size compared to the most luxurious four-horse, four-person carriages, the internal luxury level hadn't been reduced.
Especially in height - both men and women could sit inside without removing their hats, making this hardtop four-wheel carriage standard equipment for countless European and American wealthy families.
"Among the 20 bandits who launched the surprise attack during my duel with Barrett, 12 were from the Wild Wolf Gang and 8 from the Skull Gang. Both gangs have been almost completely eliminated."
"Very good, Henry. You've cleared out quite a few bandits these past days. Be especially careful about your own safety recently - they might retaliate against you."
"I know. Thank you for your concern, Grandpa William. I'll leave now." Henry finished speaking and stood up decisively to leave.
It wasn't that he didn't want to be honest with William about his actions these past two days, but it was inexplicable - how could one person achieve such battle results?
Whether he confessed or not, William would suspect or even confirm that he was cooperating with others.
So Henry simply didn't explain, letting William speculate.
In fact, Henry having other cooperative partners would be very normal.
Henry just needed to do his duty regarding other matters that should be reported or requested.
Anyway, Henry himself had a clear conscience. If William could trust him, he'd work longer; if not, he'd resign.
(End of Chapter)
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