If you want to read 20 Chapters ahead, be sure to check out my Patreon!!!
Go to https://www.patreon.com/Tang12
___________________________
After that, Caleb searched Allbright's belongings and found a ledger listing victims and their symptoms and 32 dollars that he put inside his satchel immediately. Trussing Allbright like a Thanksgiving turkey, Caleb slung him over Morgan's rump and began the trek back. The poisoner regained consciousness halfway, alternating between whimpering and ranting about persecution.
As Valentine's lights appeared in the distance, Allbright made one last desperate play, trying to throw himself from the moving horse. Caleb reacted instantly, grabbing his collar and slamming him back down.
"Try that again," Caleb said coldly, "and I'll deliver you piece by piece."
The streets were still filled with townsfolks as Caleb rode up to the sheriff's office, and townsfolk stopped to stare as Caleb brought his captive. Caleb hitched Morgan on the hitching post beside the sheriff's office, picked up Allbright, and put him on the shoulder bringing him inside the Sheriff's office.
When he entered, he attracted the attention of Sheriff Malloy who was on sitting on his chair alongside two deputies, where Sheriff Malloy's eyebrows rose as he looked at the bound figure brought by Caleb.
"Well, I'll be damned. You work fast son! And you actually got him as well." He gestured to his deputies. "Boys, get this trash in a cell where he will rot as he awaits his punishment."
As they hauled Allbright away, Sheriff Malloy opened the drawer on his table, took out a clump of dollar bills, and counted out fifty dollars before putting it down at the table. "Fine work, son. Here's your payment and be happy to know that those widows would appreciate what you did."
He then jerked a thumb toward the remaining poster. "Still feeling lucky? Dallas ain't no quack doctor like Allbright, he's killed several bounty hunters that we know of trying to catch him."
Caleb hearing that hesitated, thinking that he should do some more preparation first, since he had never heard of this Dallas gang before in the game. "Mind if I take a couple of days before going after Dallas? Need to resupply and check on some things."
Malloy nodded approvingly. "Course, smart thinking. Just don't wait too long, we never know if that 100 dollars reward be claimed by someone else. Word is that Drew Dallas and his boys have been holed up somewhere northwest of here around Mount Hagen. They're planning to rob stage coaches that passed from West Elizabeth heading to Annesburg and the other way around."
Caleb nodded to Sheriff Malloy, pocketing the bounty money. "I'll look into Dallas soon. Oh also Let Allbright know Sheriff that I hope he enjoys his stay behind bars." He tipped his hat before stepping back into the bustling Valentine's evening.
The night had settled over Valentine, lanterns casting long shadows on the dirt roads, the air thick with the scent of dust, horse sweat, and the distant aroma of grilled meat from the saloon.
With a satisfied sigh, Caleb mounted Morgan, deciding to do a little celebration, .and nudged him forward. The rhythmic clopping of hooves mixed with the distant sounds of laughter and piano music spilling from Smithfield's Saloon.
As he hitched Morgan to the post out front of the saloon, he took a moment to glance around. The town was still lively despite the late hour, cowboys walking around, ranch hands drunkenly leaning on each other, and several working girls fluttering around like moths drawn to a flame as they stood outside of the saloon.
Pushing open the batwing doors, Caleb stepped into the saloon, and the atmosphere shifted. Conversations paused, heads turned, and whispers spread like wildfire.
"That's the rustler hunter."
"He just brought in Allbright."
"I heard he took down that poisoner like it was nothin'."
Ignoring the murmurs, Caleb walked up to the bar, where Mr. Douglas was polishing a glass.
"Whiskey," Caleb said, placing 5 dollars and 50 cents on the counter. "The good stuff. And some lamb's fry as well Mr. Douglas."
Mr. Douglas chuckled as he grabbed a clean glass. "Well, if it ain't the man who cleaned up our rustler problem, finally come back. Now you're tellin' me on your come back, you went and got that damn poisoner, too?" He shook his head with admiration as he poured. "This one's on the house. And hold tight, I'll get your lamb's fry ordered up."
Caleb downed the first whiskey in one smooth motion, the burn warming his chest. "I appreciate that, Mr. Douglas. Let me pay for the next round." He said as he signaled at the 50 cents Mr. Douglas didn't take.
The bartender chuckled, took the 50 cents, and poured another shot before heading off to the kitchen to put in the food order. As Caleb took another sip, the scent of perfume and cheap tobacco filled the air as several working girls sidled up beside him. Their smiles were playful, their eyes assessing.
"Well, well, look what the cat dragged in, a real live hero!" one of them, a brunette, cooed, brushing a delicate hand against his shoulder. Her fingers trailed along Caleb's new gun belt. "Heard you're quite the... marksman."
"I do love a man who knows how to handle his... weapons?" a redhead giggled, leaning in close. "Maybe you'd like a proper reward for all your hard work, some... private celebrating?" whispered the girl, her breath hot against his ear.
The third, a blonde with knowing eyes, leaned across the bar and pressed herself to his side. "Our rooms upstairs are much quieter than this dreadful noise. Maybe you'd like to... inspect the accommodations?"
Caleb coughed, trying to keep his composure. He wasn't new to this kind of attention, but the sheer enthusiasm of the girls had him a little off guard. He chuckled, offering them a smirk as he tipped his hat.
"Ladies, y'all sure know how to make a man feel welcome," he said smoothly, "while I'm... deeply flattered..." He gently extracted himself, offering compliments in return, "A man could get lost in eyes like yours," to the brunette, "That color brings out your fire," to the redhead, and "You move like poetry," to the blonde girl.
His charming yet reserved demeanor only seemed to make them more intrigued. The surrounding patrons erupted in mixed reactions, some of the other patrons whistled and jeered in amusement, led by a grizzled rancher who slammed his tankard on the bar. "Attaboy, gunslinger! Show 'em how a real man shoots!" while a few drunken men grumbled saying pretty boys stealing all the attention, seeing the attention Caleb was receiving.
Before things got out of hand, Mr. Douglas returned, placing a steaming plate of lamb's fry in front of Caleb. "Alright, girls, let the man eat in peace," he said firmly. "You can flirt all you want after he's done. Now go on, there's plenty of other fellas needin' company."
The girls pouted but obeyed, moving on to other patrons while throwing lingering glances at Caleb. He exhaled in relief, muttering a quiet thanks to Mr. Douglas before carrying his food and drink to an empty table.
He ate slowly, savoring the meal, letting the warmth of the whiskey settle in his belly. It had been a good day, 50 dollars richer, another criminal off the streets, and a solid lead on his next bounty. Between bites, he mentally cataloged his next moves, which were first to restock supplies, like some provisions for the road, and second to visit the general store for better camping gear if he needed to stay out in the wild and some warm clothes.
Then next check Morgan's shoes at the stable, and lastly research Drew Dallas' gang before heading out. He wasn't foolish enough to rush into the hunt for Drew Dallas. If the sheriff's words were anything to go by, Dallas wasn't just a two bit outlaw, he was a proficient gunslinger and cold hearted killer with an expert gang to back him up.
As he finished his meal, the working girls attempted another round of flirtations, but Caleb remained adamant in his refusals. After some lighthearted teasing, he managed to slip out of the saloon and make his way toward the hotel.
The clerk at the front desk looked up in surprise as Caleb stepped inside. "Mr. Thorne! We were beginning to worry. Was about to pack up your things," the man said. "Thought you might've gone off for good. Your room's still yours for another two days. I was wonderin' what to do with your things."
Caleb smiled. "My apologies, had some business outside of town and it took longer than expected. Figured I'd be back in time."
The clerk nodded. "Good thing, too. Hate to have tossed a paying customer's belongings."
Caleb handed over 5 dollars to extend his stay before heading upstairs to his room. As he pushed open the door, the familiar sight of his simple yet comfortable quarters greeted him. He set his satchel on the small desk, loosened his gun belt, and sat on the edge of the bed, rolling his shoulders.
He needed a plan, since with the only small information he had got, Drew Dallas was no pushover. If he was holed up near Mount Hagen, that meant cold weather, rough terrain, and likely an ambush if he wasn't careful.
With those thoughts lingering, Caleb laid back against the mattress, exhaling as he stared at the ceiling. Tomorrow, he'd prepare. Then, the real bounty hunting would begin, unlike the one he just did hunting Allbright.
The next day, Caleb woke up from his sleep and stretched to keep his body flexible. He began packing his belongings, and organizing the provisions he had stored in the room. As he prepared to change clothes, he realized he only had two outfits, one he was wearing and the other left at the camp in Horseshoe Overlook. Deciding to purchase new clothes along with warm attire, he added that to his to do list.
Before heading out, Caleb continued his morning routine with push ups, sit ups, and calisthenics. Once finished, he went for his usual run around town. The townsfolk, accustomed to his habits, resumed their day without much fuss.
Completing his exercise, he paid the hotel clerk 25 cents for a hot bath. The soothing heat relaxed his muscles, and after freshening up, he exited the hotel and crossed the street to the general store.
As he entered, the bell above the door jingled, and he heard Mr. Worth call from the back room, "Welcome, welcome! Please wait a moment while I finish putting some things away!"
"Of course, Mr. Worth. Take your time," Caleb replied, making his way to the counter. He browsed the shelves idly until the storekeeper emerged, greeting him warmly.
"Well, if it ain't Caleb Thorne! Good to see you back, son. Heard about what you did yesterday, finally getting that no good Allbright!"
Caleb offered a modest smile. "Good to see you too, Mr. Worth. Just did what needed to be done, brought in a man who deserved justice and small peace for those he had done harm."
Mr. Worth chuckled. "Good to hear, and also bounty huntin' ain't easy work. You be careful out there. Now, what can I do for ya?"
Caleb opened the catalog and flipped to the outfit section. He pointed to the Vaquero outfit, deciding it would serve as his new attire. Next, he turned to the coats and jackets, selecting a thick wool coat for warmth. Lastly, he browsed the miscellaneous section for new camp gear, purchasing a bedroll and tent.
Mr. Worth nodded. "Good choices. Now, let's see... The Vaquero outfit would normally be 85 dollars and 50 cents, but for you, I'll knock it down to 70 dollars even. The wool coat is 20 dollars with a discount, and the camp gear will be 23 dollars in total. Comes to 113 dollars in total for all."
Caleb grimaced slightly at the price but counted out the money and handed it over. Mr. Worth placed it in the register before retrieving the ordered items. Caleb took his new clothes to the changing room and donned the Vaquero outfit. Checking his reflection, he saw a young man in his early twenties, black haired and black eyed, his slightly toned frame clad in rugged yet stylish attire. Smirking at his own reflection, he stepped out, carrying his old clothes and boots.
________________________________
Name:Caleb Thorne
Age: 23
Body Attributes:
- Strength: 6/10
- Agility: 6/10
- Perception: 8/10
- Stamina: 6/10
- Charm: 5/10
- 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 1)
- Eagle Eye (Lvl 1)
- Dead Eye (Lvl 1)
- Bow (Lvl 2)
Money: 185 dollars and 25 cents
Bank: 40 dollars, 2 gold bars, and a large bag of jewelry