Land Farm.
Davey received Luca Napoli and had Martelli brought in as well.
Also present in the hall were John, Arthur, and Davey's maid, Elisa.
"Sir, as you can see, Mr. Martelli has not been treated unjustly here. That alone should demonstrate my goodwill.
"This matter began when Mr. Bronte targeted me first. I merely responded in self-defense. So, sir, I trust you've brought Mr. Bronte's sincerity with you."
From the very first exchange, Davey took control of the conversation, setting its pace.
"Luca Napoli, Mr. Land. A pleasure to meet you.
"Thank you for your kind treatment of Mr. Martelli, Mr. Land. I've come today bearing Mr. Bronte's goodwill.
"Before this, there were many misunderstandings between us, weren't there? Certain petty individuals stirred trouble and misled Mr. Bronte, causing him to make the wrong decisions.
"We could cooperate very well, especially in the moonshine business. Mr. Bronte controls Saint Denis's vast market, which would allow us to earn far more U.S. dollars.
"To express his apology, if you're willing, Mr. Bronte can hand over those distillery managers who have been causing trouble behind the scenes and inciting others. You may deal with them however you see fit."
Luca Napoli spoke with deference. Even though he was representing Bronte, there was not the slightest hint of arrogance in his manner.
Perhaps he'd had such thoughts before, but after seeing the dozens of uniformly dressed, armed guards at Land Farm, he quickly put them aside.
He needed to report Davey's true strength back to Bronte accurately.
Napoli had seen plenty in his life. He understood all too well that making an enemy of a Western outlaw like Davey often led to serious trouble. And even Bronte, it seemed, had few effective ways to deal with someone like Davey, who lived and thrived in the West.
"Oh, oh, oh, that's not quite right, Mr. Napoli. I don't feel much sincerity there at all.
"You see, I already sent word to Mr. Bronte through the Braithwaite family about cooperating in the moonshine trade—and about dealing with those distillery managers.
"What I received in return was a threatening letter from Mr. Bronte, along with news about my ranch in Rhodes.
"So this is how Mr. Bronte expresses his apology and goodwill?
"That's unfortunate. I can't accept it."
Davey sat back on the sofa with his legs crossed, taking the cigar Elisa had just prepared for him. His tone remained calm and flat.
Napoli wasn't surprised. He never expected Davey to agree based on just those two conditions. The seemingly powerful Bronte was, in reality, the one at a disadvantage now.
"Mr. Land, Mr. Bronte truly wishes to cooperate with you. He simply doesn't know what you require.
"That's precisely why he sent me—to prevent any further misunderstandings.
"Although I can't make decisions on Mr. Bronte's behalf, you may state your demands. If they aren't excessive, I'm certain Mr. Bronte won't refuse."
Davey smiled slightly at that.
"Very good, Mr. Napoli. Now that's what sincerity looks like, isn't it?
"At the moment, I have more than forty of Mr. Bronte's men in my custody. Let's round it out and call it four thousand dollars. I don't think that's unreasonable.
"But Mr. Martelli should be counted separately. Otherwise, that would be an insult to Mr. Martelli, wouldn't it?
"Hmm… six thousand dollars sounds like a good number. What do you think, Mr. Napoli?"
Ten thousand dollars was certainly no small sum, but for Bronte, it wasn't particularly painful.
Napoli let out a quiet breath of relief. "Of course. I believe Mr. Bronte will agree."
Davey shook his head. "Not so fast, sir. I'm not finished yet.
"On top of the ransom, there are our company's operating costs—weapon losses, ammunition expenses. Bundle it all together and call it twenty thousand dollars.
"And there's one more thing. If Mr. Bronte is willing to help me with this, then I'd say that truly shows goodwill."
Thirty thousand dollars made Napoli's temples throb. Still, regarding the help Davey mentioned, he asked, "May I ask in what way Mr. Bronte could assist you, Mr. Land?"
Davey set the cigar aside, his expression turning serious.
"I imagine Mr. Bronte knows my background well enough. It's no great secret—especially not to him.
"My brother and I were once wanted men. We still are, technically. But now we want a more stable life.
"We've used a few unsavory methods along the way—nothing that would look good in the eyes of important people, wouldn't you agree?
"So I want Mr. Bronte's help. Use your connections with the federal government to capture the Callander brothers and hang them on the gallows in Saint Denis.
"My condition is that it must go through a federal court, follow the proper legal procedures, and be reported in the newspapers.
"Of course, if Mr. Bronte is willing to see this through, then those thirty thousand dollars will be my token of gratitude."