Saint Denis, Bluewater Marsh.
This was one of the Laramie Gang's bases.
Although they often operated in Saint Denis, it was clear that their earnings weren't enough to support having all their members live in the city. That kind of expense was simply too high.
"Boys, we've got work," Laramie shouted from horseback. "Another big job—a small pig farm. But the owner's got a nasty temper and keeps turning down our employer."
"So saddle up, grab your revolvers. We're going to have a proper talk with that hot-headed gentleman and make our employer happy. Trust me, the payoff will be generous."
Unlike Dutch, Laramie didn't live here permanently. He stayed in Saint Denis itself, where he owned a house. He maintained several bases like this one, gathering his men whenever there was business to be done. Naturally, he also covered the gang's basic living expenses in normal times.
"Laramie, have you heard about that guy we crossed before?" one of the men said. "Davey Callander, the one from Emerald Ranch."
"He's set up a security company now and hired a large number of people. I even heard there are Pinkerton detectives working for him."
"And just recently, that Italian, Bronte's, sent a big force to deal with him. They were beaten easily by the men Callander left behind in Rhodes, and a lot of them were captured."
"I really don't think he's going to let us off so easily. Maybe you should think about how to deal with this, Laramie."
The speaker wore a cowboy outfit and clearly held considerable influence at this base. Laramie was the gang's leader, and this man was one of his generals. Since Laramie didn't live with the gang long-term, he relied on capable subordinates to maintain control.
It was obvious that this trusted lieutenant was now questioning Laramie's earlier decisions.
"Relax, Rich. Don't be so nervous," Laramie said calmly.
"I know crossing the Callander brothers is troublesome, but that doesn't mean they can definitely find us."
"Besides, we were just hired to do a job, weren't we?"
"I've heard the Callander brothers have already left the Van der Linde Gang. They're operating on their own now. Their reputation is loud, sure, but they're doing legitimate business."
"Maybe if we stop provoking them, they won't come looking for trouble. And I'll find a good opportunity to apologize to the Callander brothers. I think they'll forgive our earlier recklessness."
Bronte's held enormous influence in Saint Denis, and Martelli was the same. Naturally, gangs trying to survive in the city paid close attention to their movements.
When Martelli left with eighty gunmen, everyone knew about it. People assumed he would return victorious as always, but the outcome shocked them all.
At the same time, more and more gang leaders began to learn about the Callander brothers. It could be said that even before Davey ever set foot in Saint Denis, stories about him were already circulating.
As a gang that had offended Davey, the Laramie Gang was, of course, deeply uneasy.
"Alright… maybe I'm just too tense," Rich said after a moment.
"A few days ago, here in Bluewater Marsh, I ran into a wandering shaman—a Native American. They have these unusual ways of telling the future.
"I paid him one dollar, and he told me he saw blood and death. Maybe that's why I've been on edge."
Rich shared his experience, softening his tone as he spoke to Laramie.
Laramie shrugged. "They're just frauds, Rich. If they really had that kind of ability, would Native Americans today be driven around like cattle by the United States government?"
"Maybe you shouldn't have wasted that dollar."
"Now let's move. We've got business to finish. Trust me, it'll be just as easy as last time."
"From what I know, they've only got two or three cowboys. They're no threat to us. If they're sensible, they won't lose their lives."
Hearing Laramie say this, Rich had nothing more to add. The gang needed dollars badly, and they couldn't afford to pass up a job just because of a wandering shaman's words.
Even so, traces of worry still lingered on Rich's face.
...
Aberdeen Pig Farm.
It was only a small pig farm, but because it was close to Saint Denis, business had been fairly decent.
However, the amount Davey offered was clearly a figure Mr. Aberdeen couldn't refuse.
The farm was no longer occupied by Aberdeen himself. He had taken his family and hired hands and left. In their place were Mac, Emin, and employees hidden throughout the property.
Black combat uniforms blended seamlessly into the night, concealed in every corner of the farm.
The lights from the farmhouse stood out starkly against the darkness.
Inside, Mac, Emin, and three or four employees waited calmly, fully prepared.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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