"I should be the one apologizing, officer."
"I was negligent about the banquet arrangements—thank you for the reminder."
"For tomorrow's dinner, gentlemen, you're welcome to bring your spouses. And for those who aren't married, feel free to bring your sweethearts."
"As for any officer without a sweetheart—well, there's still time to find one."
Davey's playful humor instantly broke the awkward atmosphere, and laughter filled the station.
The officers quickly warmed to the generous Mr. Callander.
Davey knew it wasn't his charm they liked—it was the charm of money.
Sheriff Malloy was pleased as well. These men had been with him for years, and he didn't want to fire one of them over a minor slip. In Valentine, the sheriff's word was law.
That was different from how things worked in Davey's previous life. Valentine didn't even have a mayor—and even if it did, it wouldn't change the sheriff's authority.
In the United States, elected mayors served voluntarily and earned no salary—so-called "unpaid civil servants."
In later times, it became a running joke that even dogs or children were sometimes elected mayors.
...
Once they stepped out of the station, Mac was fuming.
"Fuck, Davey! Why'd you invite them to Wells Restaurant? That's a fortune!"
"And letting them bring their families? A hundred bucks won't even cover it!"
John didn't understand either.
They had just looted a few dozen dollars from the secret room and split it between them—that was already worth celebrating.
But Davey was acting like money grew on trees, inviting the whole department to a fancy dinner.
Davey ignored Mac and patted Doctor Ben Calloway on the shoulder.
"Mr. Calloway, please be sure to attend tomorrow's banquet. I believe our partnership will be very rewarding."
Doctor Calloway was in great spirits. He was finally free from the O'Driscoll Gang's threats—and he despised anyone who used his wife against him.
Davey's friendly attitude and fair business split made him feel much more comfortable.
"Of course, Mr. Callander. I'm certain we'll work together wonderfully," Calloway replied before leaving to handle the aftermath of the hidden room incident. His clinic would clearly stay closed for the day.
After the doctor left, Davey threw an arm around Mac's shoulder.
"Mac, don't worry about a little money. He's going to protect our business."
"Only then can we expand what we've started here in Valentine."
"Listen, Mac—I have a plan..."
John followed beside them, and when he heard those words, something flickered in his eyes.
It was like seeing Dutch again.
...
The next evening's banquet.
Every member of the Valentine Police Department showed up—with their families.
Dining at Wells Restaurant was a rare luxury.
Many married officers even brought their children, bringing the total to nearly seventy people—practically filling the entire place.
Some officers felt a little embarrassed for bringing so many kids, thinking it might be a bit much.
But they couldn't resist giving their children the chance to experience such a fine evening.
Davey didn't mind at all. He even told the restaurant staff to prepare special children's meals for every child—and arranged for each one to receive a small toy as a gift.
Even if those toys were only worth a few cents, the gesture meant everything.
The officers who'd brought kids felt proud and grateful to Mr. Callander.
And Davey hadn't forgotten the ladies either—each woman received a small gift, either perfume or a hairpin.
The presents weren't expensive, but they were elegant, and every woman received the same.
The delighted exclamations from their wives and sweethearts filled the room, satisfying the vanity of every man there.
One after another, they toasted Davey, expressing their thanks.
Even though the drinks were mild, after so many toasts Davey felt a little lightheaded—but his strong constitution kept him steady.
Fueled by the alcohol, he walked a bit unsteadily toward the deputy sheriff.
The deputy tensed up as Davey approached.
Just yesterday, when Davey had stepped out of the clinic, the deputy had been ready to shoot him dead—until Davey shot the gun clean out of his hand before he could even react.
That was the mark of a sharpshooter.
Now, if Davey chose to humiliate him, the deputy would lose all dignity—and possibly his job.
The sheriff had the power to hire and fire anyone under him, even his own deputy.
Sheriff Malloy turned his gaze toward Davey, curious to see how he'd handle the situation.
And truth be told, if Davey insisted, Malloy wouldn't mind firing his deputy.
After all, Davey had given him far too much to say no.