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The morning of the third day came bright and heavy with humidity. The camp buzzed with activity, Pearson was unloading more supplies, the women were scrubbing furniture, and Dutch was pacing near the fountain, deep in conversation with Hosea. Caleb approached the two, dressed neatly for travel, his revolvers holstered and a satchel over his shoulder.
"Dutch, Hosea," Caleb greeted with a respectful nod. "Figured I'd let you know, I plan on headin' into Saint Denis for a bit. I want to get the lay of the land, see what kind of opportunities might be out there for us, maybe find some work and gather information, anything that could help us make some money. A city that size has to be flowing with money. Maybe sell off some valuables while I'm at it as well."
Both older men looked at him, exchanging a silent glance. Hosea's brows furrowed slightly in thought, but his tone was calm. "You ever been to Saint Denis before, son?"
Caleb nodded smoothly, turning on the charm and Persuasion Skill that had saved his skin more than once. "Only one time I have given there. Stayed there for several days before I made my way north, back when I was still runnin' errands through Valentine. Got a feel for the place. I know the main streets, the general feel of the place. City's big, but I can handle it."
Hosea puffed on his pipe, studying him. "It's a different kind of beast, that city. But… you've got a good head on your shoulders. Might do us some good to have someone lookin' for new prospects."
Dutch had been silent until now, eyes narrowing faintly as he examined Caleb. There was that glint again, sharp, calculating, and something darker beneath. Then he spoke, voice smooth as ever.
"Since you're so eager to go, and since you have some... familiarity... with the city," he said, a strange, almost predatory glint in his eyes, "there is a specific matter you could look into for me." He paused for effect. "Do you recall the name that wretched Braithwaite woman spat out? Angelo Bronte."
The question caught Caleb off guard, though he didn't show it. His mind immediately recalled the conversation with Catherine Braithwaite, the venom in her tone when she'd spat the name. "Yeah, I remember. The old hag mentioned him. Said he was the man she'd sell Jack to if we hadn't gotten there in time."
Dutch nodded slowly, leaning forward in his chair. "Good. Then here's what I want. You're going to Saint Denis anyway, use that time wisely. See what you can find out about this Bronte. A man of such... influence... must have considerable resources. Who he is, where he operates, what kind of power he holds. If there's an opportunity there, I want to know it."
Hosea's expression grew cautious. "Dutch…" he began, but Dutch cut him off with a raised hand.
"This man runs things in Saint Denis," Dutch continued, his tone sharp. "The city's crawling with the rich, the corrupt, and the powerful. If we're going to carve a place for ourselves in that city, we'll need to deal with people like him. Carefully. But knowledge is power, and Caleb here seems like the man for the job."
Inwardly, Caleb was reeling, though he showed no sign of it. He'd expected Dutch's obsession with Bronte to surface, but he hadn't anticipated being the one thrust onto the front line.
This wasn't a mission of trust, like those given to Arthur or even John. This felt like a test, or worse, a setup. Send the person he didn't like, the one who questions me, to poke the city's most dangerous predator.
If Caleb succeeded, Dutch benefited. If Caleb failed and ended up dead or captured, Dutch would be rid of a perceived problem. Of all the people to send poking around Bronte, it had to be him.
He was caught. To refuse would be to openly defy Dutch and likely forfeit his trip to Saint Denis, ruining his own plans. He had no choice but to play along.
"Of course Dutch," Caleb said smoothly, nodding with just the right tone of loyalty. "If I'm going to the city, might as well make it worth our while. I'll look into Bronte, see what I can dig up. Discreetly. No promises on what I'll dig up, but I'll make sure it's useful.é"
Dutch's smile widened, but it never reached his eyes. "Good man. I knew I could count on your... initiative. Opportunity comes to those who seek it. Just remember who we are, we're free men, not beggars. We take what we're owed."
It felt like praise, but Caleb heard the undertone, the same patronizing edge Dutch used when someone was stepping exactly where he wanted them to.
Hosea exhaled slowly, clearly uneasy but unwilling to contradict Dutch in front of Caleb. "Just… be careful, Caleb. Saint Denis isn't like the rest of this country. The law runs deep there, and men like Bronte, well, they play by their own rules. It's civilized on the surface, but underneath, it's all knives and lies. Keep your wits about you."
"I always do," Caleb said with a small smirk.
Dutch seemed satisfied. "Good. Then go. See what you can find. And if you see opportunity, seize it. That city's crawling with money, and it's about time some of it ended up in our hands."
With that, the meeting was over. Dutch turned and strode toward the porch, already calling out for Arthur to discuss some new idea. Hosea lingered for a moment longer, giving Caleb a small, knowing look. "You've got a good heart, son. Just don't let his dreams drown you."
Caleb gave a faint chuckle, tipping his hat. "Don't worry, Hosea. I'll keep my feet dry."
As Hosea walked off, Caleb stood there for a moment in the rising morning light, the cicadas humming around him.
His path was clear now. He'd head into Saint Denis, meet the city's pulse for himself, and gather information, not just for Dutch, but for his own understanding of what kind of power men like Bronte truly held as in the game, Bronte's power wasn't shown to the full extend.
The morning heat pressed down thick over Shady Belle as the sun climbed higher, burning the mist off the swamp and filling the air with the heavy scent of wet moss and mud. The sounds of hammering and scraping echoed through the camp as the gang continued to settle into their new home.
Somewhere on the camp, Pearson shouted for someone to help him move another crate of salted beef, while Kieran and Bill under Miss Grimshaw supervision worked together to scrub an old cabinet salvaged from the upper floor.
Inside his room, Caleb stood before the cracked mirror mounted on the wall, the golden light streaming through the dusty window bathing him in an amber glow. His reflection stared back at him, calm, steady, but there was a spark in his eyes, that glimmer of both anticipation and wariness.
He exhaled slowly, centering himself. Then, with practiced movements, he began to change into his McLaughlin outfit. The shirt, now freshly washed and smelling faintly of soap and swamp air, felt cool against his skin.
Then he picked up his Lancaster Repeater and slung it over his shoulder, followed by his trusted Pump Action Shotgun strapped across his back diagonally.
Stepping out into the open hall of the mansion, he was met with a flurry of life. Bill was fixing a window frame, muttering curses under his breath. Tilly and Abigail were folding sheets near the dining table.
Caleb spotted Mary-Beth outside near the porch, her sleeves rolled up, a cloth tied around her hair as she worked with a small pile of laundry. The sight made his chest soften. She looked radiant even amidst the dull swamp light, her face slightly flushed from the heat but glowing with quiet determination.
He walked toward her, boots crunching on the old wooden floorboards, and called softly, "Mary-Beth."
She turned, and her eyes lit up immediately. "Caleb," she said, smiling as she stood up and wiped her hands on her skirt. "You're already dressed for riding. Going somewhere?"
Caleb gave her a small, apologetic smile. "Yeah. I'm headin' into Saint Denis. Figured I'd let you know before I go. I'll probably be gone for a few days, depends on what I find."
Her expression softened, the smile faltering just a little. "You are going now?" she asked, almost whispering. "Saint Denis… that's a big place, Caleb. Full of people, danger, and lawmen." She hesitated before continuing, her brows furrowing slightly. "You got Dutch's permission for this, right?"
Caleb let out a breath, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah… that's the thing. I did ask him and Hosea, but Dutch decided to give me a little extra assignment while I'm there."
Mary-Beth's eyes widened. The tension between Caleb and Dutch was no secret to her. "What mission?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Caleb gave her a soft, gentle smile meant to ease her fears. He leaned closer so only she could hear. "He wants me to look into that man Catherine Braithwaite mentioned. Angelo Bronte. Gather information on him."
The name made her expression darken instantly. She of course knew about how the Braithwaite woman's mention of that name during Caleb and the guys alongside Sadie rescue Jack. "Angelo Bronte…" she repeated softly. "That's the man that witch said she'd sell Jack to, isn't it?"
Caleb nodded again, his voice calm but steady. "That's right. Dutch wants information on him. Wants to know who he is, where he operates, how much influence he's got. Basically, he wants me to get close enough to the snake without gettin' bitten."
Mary-Beth stepped closer, her worry deepening. "Caleb… that sounds dangerous. If what that woman said was true, this Bronte isn't the kind of man you can just spy on. He's… he's powerful, right? The kind of man who can make people disappear?"
He smiled gently at her, the kind of smile that carried reassurance even in the face of danger. "Don't worry, darlin'. I can handle myself. If I want to hide, Bronte won't ever find me. I've been through worse, and I always come back."
Mary-Beth frowned, her eyes searching his face for any sign of doubt. But when she found none, she finally exhaled softly, nodding, though her hands twisted nervously in front of her. "You always make it sound easy," she murmured, half in admiration, half in fear.
"Maybe it ain't easy," he replied softly, "but it's necessary."
Without another word, she stepped forward, rose onto her toes, and kissed him, soft and lingering at first, then deepening until both their breaths became uneven.
Her fingers brushed against the edge of his collar, her heart thudding fast against his chest. When they finally pulled apart, her cheeks were flushed, and she looked up at him with a mix of love and exasperation.
Caleb grinned teasingly, brushing a thumb over her lips. "Now that's a good luck charm I won't forget."
Mary-Beth glared playfully through the faint blush on her face. "Just… come back to me, alright?"
"I always do," he said simply. Then he hugged her tightly, feeling her warmth one last time before letting go. "I'll be back soon. Promise."
He pulled her into one last, tight hug before he turned and walked away, she stood watching him go, her heart heavy yet proud. Caleb walked toward the hitching post where Morgan was tethered.
Sean and Lenny stood guard near the front gate. They perked up when they saw him leading his horse out.
"Oi, Caleb!" Sean called out, grinning. "Where d'you think you're off to, lookin' all fancy and ready for war?"
Caleb chuckled as he tightened Morgan's reins. "Headin' into Saint Denis for a bit. Need to look around, maybe find some work, see what opportunities the city's got."
Lenny raised an eyebrow. "Saint Denis? That's a long ride. You get Dutch's permission for that?"
Caleb swung himself up onto Morgan's saddle, smiling faintly. "No need to worry. Already spoke with Dutch and Hosea. Got their say-so."
Both men looked relieved. Sean nodded approvingly. "Good. Thought we were gonna have to stop you from ridin' off and catch a bullet from Dutch for it."
Caleb laughed, shaking his head. "Not this time."
With that, he gave Morgan a gentle kick, and the horse started down the dirt path leading out of Shady Belle. The sounds of the camp faded behind him, the chatter, the hammering, and the laughter, replaced by the rustle of trees and the distant call of swamp birds.
The air was heavy with humidity, but Caleb didn't mind. He rode with quiet purpose, eyes scanning the horizon as the swamp gave way to more open roads. The trees thinned, and the ground rose slightly as he made his way north toward Bolger Glade.
He followed the familiar route, past the remnants of the old battlefield where ghostly white fog still clung to the ground. The graves and broken cannons stood as silent witnesses to a war long gone, and Caleb gave a small nod of respect as he passed.
At the three way intersection ahead, he turned right, guiding Morgan along the main road. To his left stretched the sprawling fields of Caliga Hall, the Grays' plantation, its white fences gleaming faintly in the sunlight. The wind carried faint sounds of workers and the rhythmic creak of wagons.
The road curved, and before long, he crossed a large wooden bridge spanning a slow moving river. The water shimmered under the sun, reflecting the surrounding trees like liquid glass. As he rode across, the faint rumble of a train horn echoed in the distance, a sound that grew louder as he neared the edge of the city.
...
Name: Caleb Thorne
Age: 23
Body Attributes:
- Strength: 7/10
- Agility: 7/10
- Perception: 8/10
- Stamina: 7/10
- Charm: 6/10
- Luck: 8/10
Skills:
- Handgun (Lvl 4)
- Rifle (Lvl 4)
- Firearms Knowledge (Lvl 4)
- Past Life Memory (Lvl MAX)
- Knife (Lvl 3)
- Blunt Weapon (Lvl 1)
- Sneaking (Lvl 3)
- Horse Mastery (Lvl 4)
- Poker (Lvl 4)
- Hand to Hand Combat (Lvl 3)
- Eagle Eye (Lvl 1)
- Dead Eye (Lvl 3)
- Bow (Lvl 2)
- Pain Nullifier (Lvl 2)
- Physical Regeneration (Lvl 1)
- Crafting (Lvl 3)
- Persuasion (Lvl 3)
- Mental Fortitude (Lvl MAX)
- Cooking (Lvl 4)
- Teaching (Lvl 2)
- Germanic Language Proficiency (Lvl MAX)
- Inventory System (Permanent - 10x10x10)
- Acting (Lvl 3)
- Alcohol Resistance (Lvl MAX)
- Treasure Hunter (Lvl MAX)
Money: 1,814 dollars and 46 cents
Inventory: 104,021 dollars and 22 cents, 7 gold nuggets, 58 gold bars, 7 silver rings, 1 Double Action, 1 Schofield, 2 large bags of jewelry, 5 gold rings, 5 silver rings, 6 silver pocket watches, 3 silver buckles, 3 gold buckles, 1 gold pocket compass, 2 platinum pocket watches, 2 Colm's Schofields, and land deed (Parcel)
Bank: -