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Fortunately, he kept his room clean, well to the what of his abilities at least, and Caleb set his satchel down and began cleaning his weapons, using the gun oil he had purchased earlier. The repetitive task was soothing, and it gave him time to reflect on the events of the past few days.
As he worked, his thoughts turned to Sheriff Malloy's offer. Becoming a deputy would give him stability and a steady income, but it would also tie him down. Caleb's ultimate goal was to make a name for himself and eventually cross paths with the Van der Linde gang.
He knew that by only staying in Valentine's he sooner or later would cross paths. For now, he decided to keep his options open and continue building his reputation.
With his weapons cleaned and his mind at ease, Caleb stretched out on the bed and closed his eyes. Sleep came quickly, and he dreamed of open plains, galloping horses, and the promise of adventure.
The next morning, Caleb woke early, feeling refreshed and ready for whatever the day might bring. He packed his belongings and headed downstairs, where he planned to buy some new clothes.
As he stepped outside, he saw a group of ranchers with Tom and Jed gathered near the stables. They waved him over, and Caleb approached, curious.
"Caleb," Jed said, stepping forward. "We've been talking, and we've got another job for you, if you're interested. There's been some trouble to the east, near Emerald Ranch. Cattle rustlers, by the sound of it. We'd pay you well to look into it, as this maybe part of the group of the thieves you managed to bust."
Caleb considered the offer. It was another opportunity to prove himself once again and earn some money on the side as well, but it would also take him further from Valentine. He nodded slowly. "I'll take the job. Tell me everything you know."
Jed and Tom began to fill Caleb in on the details of the cattle rustlers near Emerald Ranch. The news was sparse, but it painted a clear enough picture.
According to Jed, a group of armed men had been spotted harassing ranchers and stealing cattle in the area. Tom added that these rustlers seemed more brazen than most, riding in with guns blazing and leaving little room for negotiation.
They were either reckless or fools or confident in their skills, or perhaps all of it. Caleb listened intently, his mind already working through the possibilities.
Cattle rustling was a common problem in this era, both in the real world and in the world Caleb now found himself in. The group he had just dealt with in Valentine had been more organized and cunning, but these new rustlers sounded like a different breed entirely.
They were likely a gang of road boys, young and brash, with little regard for consequences. Caleb knew that dealing with them would require a different approach than the one he had used against Harlan and his crew.
Despite accepting the job, Caleb wasn't in a rush to leave Valentine immediately. He had a nagging feeling that the Van der Linde gang would be arriving in town soon.
Winter up north would have passed by now, and his memory skill immediately comes to light as he remembers everything, the gang would have already robbed Leviticus Cornwall's train near Colter and begun their descent into the heartlands.
Valentine was one of their first stops, and Caleb didn't want to miss the opportunity to cross paths with them. A trip to Emerald Ranch would take half a day, maybe less if he pushed Morgan hard, but he'd also need to spend a couple of days there to investigate and deal with the rustlers. Add another half day ride back, and he risked missing the gang's first arrival entirely.
Caleb weighed his options carefully. He could delay the trip to Emerald Ranch for a few days, giving himself time to see if the Van der Linde gang showed up in Valentine. If they didn't, he could always head east afterward. For now, he decided to stay put and keep an eye on the town.
After parting ways with Jed and Tom, Caleb made his way to the general store to buy some new clothes. His current outfit was functional but worn, and he figured it was time to upgrade. The store was quiet, with only a few customers browsing the shelves. Caleb picked out a sturdy pair of boots, a new hat, and a couple of shirts. He also grabbed a set of gloves and a bandana, practical items that would serve him well on the road. The total came to 20 dollars, leaving him with 226 dollars and 50 cents.
With his new clothes in hand, Caleb returned to the hotel to change. He felt a sense of satisfaction as he looked at himself in the mirror. The new outfit gave him a sharper, more professional appearance, something that might help him blend in better or command respect when needed. He packed his old clothes into the horse satchels on Morgan, figuring they could serve as backups.
The rest of the day passed quietly. Caleb spent some time at the saloon, playing a few hands of poker and listening to the chatter around him.
The townsfolk were still buzzing about his recent success, and he could feel their respect growing. A few even approached him to thank him personally, which he accepted with a nod and a smile. By evening, he had won a modest 20 dollars at the poker table thanks to his poker skills, bringing his total to 246 dollars and 50 cents.
The next morning, Caleb woke early again, his mind restless. He decided to spend the day scouting the outskirts of Valentine, keeping an eye out for any signs of the Van der Linde gang.
He rode Morgan along the trails, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon for anything out of the ordinary. By midday, he had covered a good portion of the surrounding area but found nothing unusual. He returned to town, feeling a mix of frustration and anticipation.
Caleb returned to Valentine, dismounting Morgan outside the saloon and hitching her to the post. He patted her neck affectionately before stepping inside, the familiar sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and the piano's lively tune greeting him.
The saloon was bustling, and as Caleb made his way to the bar, he received nods, waves, and quick greetings from the patrons. His reputation had clearly spread, and the townsfolk were beginning to recognize him as someone of importance or at least have some skills.
He approached the bar and ordered a whiskey, leaning casually against the counter as he took a sip. The owner of the saloon, Clifford Douglas, or Mr. Douglas, as most folks called him, was behind the bar, polishing a glass with a rag.
Caleb struck up a conversation with him, trying to subtly gather any gossip or rumors that might be circulating. He also aimed to improve his relationship with Mr. Douglas, knowing that the saloon owner was a well connected figure in Valentine.
As they talked, Caleb skillfully navigated the conversation, asking about any newcomers in town or unusual activities. Mr. Douglas, while not one to spill secrets easily, seemed to appreciate Caleb's polite demeanor and genuine interest.
"Ain't much new around here other than what you had done a couple of days ago," Mr. Douglas said, setting the glass down. "Though I did hear some folks talking about trouble up near Emerald Ranch. Sounds like a bunch of no good rustlers causing a ruckus. You might want to keep an eye out if you're heading that way."
Caleb nodded, already knew about the information concerning the rustlers from Jed and Tom. He was about to ask another question when a group of working ladies approached him, offering their "services."
Caleb politely declined, earning a few playful pouts and teasing remarks from the women. They laughed and moved on, their attention quickly shifting to other patrons. Caleb chuckled softly, shaking his head as he turned back to his drink.
Just as he was about to resume his conversation with Mr. Douglas, a sudden commotion erupted behind him. Whistles and teasing calls filled the air, drawing Caleb's attention. He turned around to see three women entering the saloon, their appearances and clothing instantly familiar to him.
One had a curvy figure and blonde hair, Karen. Another had brown hair and freckles scattered across her face, Mary-Beth. The third had black hair and dark brown skin, Tilly. Caleb's heart skipped a beat as he recognized them. Their presence could only mean one thing, the Van der Linde gang had arrived in Valentine.
Caleb's mind raced as he processed the sight. If Karen, Mary-Beth, and Tilly were here, then Arthur and Uncle were likely sitting outside Mr. Worth's general store, and the gang had already set up camp at Horseshoe Overlook. This was the moment he had been waiting for. The Van der Linde gang was in town, and Caleb was determined to make his move.
He quickly finished his whiskey and set the glass on the bar, nodding to Mr. Douglas while paying his tab of 50 cents. "Thanks for the drink and the chat," he said, his tone casual but his mind already strategizing. "I'll catch you later."
Mr. Douglas gave him a nod in return. "Take care, Caleb. And good luck with whatever you're planning."
Caleb stepped away from the bar, his eyes briefly scanning the room to ensure he wasn't being watched. He made his way to the saloon's entrance, pausing just outside to gather his thoughts.
The sight of the gang members had stirred a mix of excitement and caution within him. He needed to approach this carefully. Making a bad impression or drawing too much attention could ruin his chances of getting close to the gang.
He decided to start by observing Arthur and Uncle. If they were at the general store, it would be the perfect opportunity to introduce himself. Caleb walked down the street, his steps measured and deliberate.
As he approached the general store, he spotted Arthur and Uncle sitting on the bench on the porch, engaged in what appeared to be a conversation or argument as usual between the two of them, and just like in the game there were some drinks involved as well.
Arthur was leaning against the bench, his hat tilted slightly forward, while Uncle was gesturing animatedly, clearly in the middle of one of his tall tales.
Caleb took a deep breath, steadying himself. He approached the two men, his expression calm and friendly. "Afternoon," he said, tipping his hat slightly. "Mind if I join you two strangers?"
Arthur looked up, his sharp eyes studying Caleb with a mix of curiosity and wariness. "Don't see why not," he replied, his voice low and measured. "You new around here as well?"
Caleb shook his head. "Not exactly. Been in Valentine's for a little while now. Name's Caleb Thorne."
"Arthur Morgan," Arthur said, extending a hand. Caleb shook it, noting the firm grip. "And this here's Uncle," Arthur added, gesturing to the older man.
Uncle gave Caleb a lazy grin after sipping down his bourbon. "Pleasure to meet you, son. You look like a man who knows his way around."
Caleb chuckled. "I like to think so. Been doing some work around here, helping out the ranchers, dealing with a few troublemakers. Heard there's been some rustling near Emerald Ranch."
Arthur's expression shifted slightly, his interest piqued. "Rustlers, huh? Nasty business. You planning on heading out there?"
Caleb nodded. "Thought about it. But I figured I'd stick around town for a bit longer. Valentine's got its share of problems, and I'm not one to walk away from a fight."
Arthur seemed to approve of the answer. "Good to hear. This world could use more folks like you."
Caleb continued his conversation with Arthur and Uncle, maintaining a lighthearted and friendly demeanor. He could sense their initial wariness, a natural reaction given the high bounties on their heads and the constant threat of bounty hunters or lawmen especially Pinkertons trying to track them down.
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Name:Caleb Thorne
Age: 23
Body Attributes:
- Strength: 6/10
- Agility: 6/10
- Perception: 8/10
- Stamina: 6/10
- Charm: 4/10
- Luck: 5/10
Skills:
- Handgun (Lvl 1)
- Rifle (Lvl 1)
- Firearms Knowledge (Lvl 2)
- Past Life Memory (Lvl MAX)
- Knife (Lvl 1)
- Blunt Weapon (Lvl 1)
- Sneaking (Lvl 1)
- Horse Mastery (Lvl 1)
- Poker (Lvl 1)
- Hand to Hand Combat (Lvl 0)
Money: 246 dollars and 0 cents