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When they returned, the camp stirred with interest. Eyes followed them. Conversations paused. Hosea didn't announce anything. He didn't need to. The chest spoke for itself. They brought it into Hosea's tent and set it down carefully. Hosea locked it again, then straightened, squaring his shoulders.
"This money," he said calmly, addressing Arthur and Caleb first, "gets used properly. No foolishness. No gambling. No ego."
Arthur nodded. "Agreed."
Caleb met Hosea's gaze. "Every dollar accounted for."
That afternoon, the mood of camp shifted subtly. Plans became more concrete. Less hypothetical.
Charles and Javier began sketching ideas for fencing and livestock management.
Pearson started listing supplies he'd need for proper storage. Karen and Tilly talked quietly about cloth and furnishings. Sadie listened, still wary, but less closed off than before.
They then spread a rough map on a crate.
"This money," Hosea said, tapping the spot marked near Valentine, "buys the land first. Quietly. Through intermediaries."
Charles nodded his head, "I can scout water sources. Make sure it'll last through dry seasons."
Abigail spoke next, her voice steady. "If we're doing this… Jack needs a real house. A fence. Safety."
Caleb met her gaze. "That's the point."
Arthur leaned back, arms crossed. "And construction?"
"We hire," Caleb said. "Local workers. Paid well. No faces from camp."
Hosea nodded approvingly. "I agree, just like we have talked about before."
By evening, the plan had shape.
Dutch remained in his tent.
Caleb checked on him once, standing outside the canvas, listening to the silence within. No shouting. No murmurings. Just absence.
It hurt more than he expected.
Over the next few days, Strauss returned from Valentine with ledgers in hand and quiet confidence in his step, giving full report to Caleb. Jasper's approval had been earned quickly. Funds were already being dispersed into separate holdings, creating layers of protection.
The land purchase was initiated through Strauss who used Jasper as a proxy. No Van der Linde or the gangs name anywhere near it.
At camp, tents began to feel temporary in a way they hadn't before, not precarious, but transitional.
One night, Arthur found Caleb sitting alone, staring into the fire.
"You alright?" Arthur asked.
Caleb nodded. "Just thinkin'."
Arthur sat beside him. "You know… if this works…"
Caleb looked at him.
"…it'll change everything," Arthur finished.
Caleb smiled faintly. "I know."
Arthur stared into the flames. "Never thought I'd see the day we planned somethin' like this."
"Neither did I."
Arthur chuckled. "Guess we're both full of surprises."
The fire crackled softly between them, its warmth pushing back the night chill as sparks drifted upward and vanished into the dark canopy of trees. Arthur's words lingered in the air for a moment longer before fading into the quiet rhythm of the camp settling down.
Somewhere nearby, Pearson cursed under his breath as he wrestled with a stubborn pot. Further off, Jack laughed at something Abigail whispered to him. Life, fragile but persistent, continued.
After that night, things moved faster than Caleb expected.
The very next morning, he rose early, long before most of the camp stirred. Purpose had a way of doing that to him now. There was too much to oversee, too many moving pieces that needed careful alignment if this fragile hope was going to turn into something permanent.
He made his decision quickly.
Valentine.
He would need to be there in person. Construction plans. Land arrangements. Workers. Materials. Money flows. It wasn't something he could manage from a distance anymore.
Strauss, unsurprisingly, was already awake as well. The man sat at a crate near his tent, ledger open, glasses perched low on his nose, pencil moving with methodical precision. Columns of numbers filled the page, neat and disciplined, nothing left to chance.
Mary-Beth, meanwhile, was humming softly as she folded clothes into a modest travel bag. Her mood was lighter than it had been in days, maybe weeks. The idea of leaving camp, even temporarily, seemed to energize her.
Caleb watched her for a moment before speaking. "You sure you want to come?"
She glanced up, smiling. "Very sure."
She closed the bag and tied it shut. "I've been sittin' on that story long enough. If I'm ever gonna finish editing it properly, I need a quiet place, actual quiet place other than here in camp. And Valentine's… calmer than here. Less shouting. Less gunfire. After all I'm going to be in the hotel room."
Caleb chuckled. "That ain't sayin' much."
Mary-Beth laughed softly, then grew more thoughtful. "Besides, you've already told me the first book. And the second. And the third." Her eyes sparkled. "Three books into six, Caleb. I can't just sit on somethin' like that."
He raised an eyebrow. "You really think it'd sell?"
"I know it would," she said without hesitation. "Magic, mystery, a boy growin' up fightin' somethin' bigger than himself? People eat that up. Especially somethin' new. Somethin' hopeful. With touch of magic that will definitely intrigued the readers, especially book lovers."
Caleb smiled faintly. Past Life Memory Skill or not, seeing her excitement made it feel worth it.
"Alright," he said. "But it might be a long stay."
"That's fine," she replied easily. "Gives me time to think. To ask around. Publishers. Printers. Newspapers. I don't need to rush, just need to know more."
After that Caleb goes to finished preparing Morgan. Caleb ran a gentle hand down her neck, murmuring softly as he brushed her coat, working out dust and burrs from the ride days before.
He took his time, methodical, grounding himself in the familiar routine. When he produced a small apple from his satchel, Morgan snorted approvingly, lips curling as she accepted it.
"You've earned it," he said quietly, scratching beneath her mane. "Long ride ahead."
Nearby, Strauss sat at a folding crate, ledger open across his knees, spectacles perched low on his nose. He was muttering numbers under his breath, pencil moving with precise confidence. Pages were turned, columns rechecked, figures aligned until he seemed satisfied. He closed the book carefully, tapping it once with his finger as if sealing the effort.
"The books are balanced," he reported calmly. "No discrepancies. Jasper runs a tight operation."
"I expected as much," Caleb replied. "Ready to go?"
Strauss nodded. "Whenever you are, Mr. Thorne."
Hosea and Arthur approached not long after, drawn by the quiet bustle of preparation. Hosea's expression was thoughtful, Arthur's curious but calm.
"So," Arthur said, glancing at the packed bags and saddled horse. "You headin' back to civilization."
"For a while," Caleb replied. "Someone's gotta make sure the place gets built right."
Hosea nodded approvingly. "When the house is done, you let us know. We'll prepare the camp. Move quiet. Together."
"I will," Caleb promised. "No delays."
He hesitated briefly, then added, "I'll also be headin' to Saint Denis at some point. Some unfinished business."
Arthur and Hosea exchanged a glance.
"For the gang?" Arthur asked.
"For our safety," Caleb answered.
That was enough.
Hosea smiled faintly. "Then do what you need to do. Tell us when it's done. We trust you."
Arthur clapped Caleb lightly on the shoulder. "Just don't get yourself killed."
Caleb smirked. "I'll do my best on that don't worry."
Mary-Beth emerged then, travel bag slung over her shoulder. "I'm ready Caleb."
Almost on cue, Strauss approached, ledger tucked under his arm, hat already on. "I am ready as well, Mr. Thorne. Miss Gaskill."
Caleb nodded. "Good timing."
Strauss mounted his horse first, movements careful but practiced. Caleb helped Mary-Beth up onto Morgan, making sure she was settled comfortably before tying her luggage securely behind the saddle. Then he mounted behind her, steadying Morgan with a gentle touch.
He looked back at Hosea and Arthur one last time. "We'll see you soon."
"Ride safe," Hosea said.
With a flick of the reins, Morgan stepped forward, Strauss following close behind. Camp slowly disappeared behind them, swallowed by trees and distance.
The road west stretched long and familiar.
They followed the same route Caleb had taken before with Arthur, the landscape unfolding in steady progression. Forests gave way to rolling fields. Rivers shimmered briefly before slipping out of sight. Familiar landmarks passed one by one, grounding Caleb in the certainty that this was no dream.
Mary-Beth leaned back slightly against him as they rode, relaxed. "You know," she said after a while, "the third book ends darker than I expected."
Caleb chuckled. "That's when the world starts showin' its teeth."
"Still," she said softly, "there's hope in it. That's what I like."
Several hours passed in companionable quiet before the outskirts of Valentine finally came into view. The town bustled more than usual, afternoon crowds moving between shops, wagons creaking along the main street, voices blending into a familiar hum of commerce and life.
They entered town through the three way junction, turned right, and rode down the main street. Heads turned, but not with suspicion. Caleb had cultivated that carefully.
Caleb led Morgan toward the hitching post directly in front of the Valentine hotel, easing her to a stop with a practiced pull on the reins. The familiar creak of leather and the low snort of the horse blended into the constant noise of the town, boots on wooden boards, wagon wheels rolling past, voices rising and falling in casual conversation.
He swung down first, boots hitting the dirt, then turned and reached up to help Mary-Beth down. She accepted his hand, steady and warm, landing lightly beside him. Strauss dismounted his own horse a moment later, adjusting his coat and brushing dust from his sleeves with habitual precision.
Caleb passed Morgan's reins to the post and secured them, then glanced toward Strauss. "You can head to the restaurant first. I'll help Mary-Beth settle in, then I'll join you."
Strauss inclined his head. "Right away, Mr. Thorne."
He offered Mary-Beth a polite nod. "Miss Gaskill."
Mary-Beth smiled back. "Good luck with the numbers."
Strauss allowed himself the faintest hint of a smile before turning and walking off toward the restaurant beside the Valentine stable and blacksmith, his ledger tucked safely under his arm.
Caleb reached for Mary-Beth's luggage, lifting it easily. "Come on."
They stepped inside the hotel together, the door swinging shut behind them with a soft thud. The interior was warm and smelled faintly of soap, wood polish, and old tobacco. The clerk behind the desk looked up, recognition lighting his face almost immediately.
"Ah there he is," the man said with a grin. "Back again, Mr. Thorne. And I see you've brought the lady you brought here before. Your missus, was it?"
Caleb smiled easily. "Good afternoon."
Mary-Beth smiled as well, polite but shy.
The clerk chuckled and reached beneath the counter, pulling out a familiar key. "Here you are. Same room as before."
Caleb accepted it. "Thank you kindly."
The clerk leaned forward slightly, eyes twinkling. "So the missus is stayin' in the same room as you then. Looks like the courtin's finally done."
Caleb laughed, genuine and unbothered, while Mary-Beth's face flushed a bright, unmistakable red.
"You could say that," Caleb replied lightly.
"Well then," the clerk said, clearly amused, "I'll have to congratulate the two of you."
Mary-Beth ducked her head, flustered, while Caleb simply nodded with an easy grin. "Much appreciated."
They headed upstairs, footsteps echoing softly on the wooden steps. Once inside the room, Caleb set Mary-Beth's luggage down carefully near the bed. The room was just as he remembered, clean, simple, with a sturdy desk by the window that let in the afternoon light.
...
Name: Caleb Thorne
Age: 23
Body Attributes:
- Strength: 7/10
- Agility: 7/10
- Perception: 8/10
- Stamina: 7/10
- Charm: 7/10
- Luck: 8/10
Skills:
- Handgun (Lvl 4)
- Rifle (Lvl 4)
- Firearms Knowledge (Lvl 4)
- Past Life Memory (Lvl MAX)
- Knife (Lvl 4)
- Blunt Weapon (Lvl 1)
- Sneaking (Lvl 4)
- Horse Mastery (Lvl 4)
- Poker (Lvl 4)
- Hand to Hand Combat (Lvl 4)
- Eagle Eye (Lvl 1)
- Dead Eye (Lvl 3)
- Bow (Lvl 2)
- Pain Nullifier (Lvl 3)
- Physical Regeneration (Lvl 2)
- Crafting (Lvl 3)
- Persuasion (Lvl 4)
- Mental Fortitude (Lvl MAX)
- Cooking (Lvl 4)
- Teaching (Lvl 2)
- Trilingual Language Proficiency - G, I, & C (Lvl MAX)
- Inventory System (Permanent - 10x10x10)
- Acting (Lvl 4)
- Alcohol Resistance (Lvl MAX)
- Treasure Hunter (Lvl MAX)
- Drugs Resistance (Lvl MAX)
Money: 3,526 dollars and 10 cents
Inventory: 112,892 dollars and 61 cents, 11 gold nuggets, 65 gold bars, 1 Double Action, 1 Schofield, 2 Colm's Schofields, land deed (Parcel), 1 Mauser, 1 Semi Auto Pistol, 1 Lancaster Repeater, 1 Old Wood Jewelry Box, 1 F.F Mausoleum small brass key, 1 Ruby, 1 Braithwaites Land Deed, & 1 Broken Pirate Sword
Bank: -