Chapter 146: Task-Issuing NPC
Rhodes Town restaurant.
Davey had invited Mrs. Calhoon to join him for dinner.
“Mr. Calander, I wonder how you’re planning to support our women’s rights gathering.”
After some polite small talk, Mrs. Calhoon went straight to the point.
Ordinarily, support for a women’s rights rally meant donating some dollars or providing supplies—whatever the supporter felt inclined to offer.
And the level of support Davey gave would shape Mrs. Calhoon’s attitude going forward.
“Mrs. Calhoon, during today’s march, I noticed a very serious problem: the rally doesn’t even have its own base. The ladies have to be notified in advance before they can gather.”
“That tells me they likely have almost no opportunity to communicate with one another. They can only come together when you call for them—is that right?”
Hearing his question, Mrs. Calhoon nodded. “You’re absolutely right, Mr. Calander. That’s exactly how it is.”
Davey continued, “Which is why a bit of money or material support really wouldn’t change much.”
“I’ve decided to buy a fairly large shop in Rhodes and convert it into a coffeehouse.”
“The ladies will be able to gather there anytime—enjoying sweets, sipping milk tea—and it can serve as your rally’s base. What do you think, Mrs. Calhoon?”
“And all the staff will be women. If any of them don’t know how to make coffee or pastries, I can send them to Saint Denis for training. Naturally, I’ll cover all the costs.”
Mrs. Calhoon let out a quiet gasp. “Oh heavens, Mr. Calander… I can hardly believe you’re offering such tremendous support for our gathering. I’m truly grateful. I believe every lady and young woman in Rhodes will hold you in the highest regard.”
“A coffeehouse as our meeting place, and employment for women—there couldn’t be a better idea.”
Standing on the steps of the Rhodes bank and shouting at men, as she had done before, hardly suited a lady.
But speaking from a coffeehouse, with a cup of coffee or milk tea in hand—that was a far more dignified scene.
“Only… Mr. Calander, if it’s possible, could the pastries and coffee be just a little more affordable?”
“I’m sorry. I only hope more women can enjoy something respectable.”
Her tone carried a gentle plea.
Cafés normally opened in cities, not small towns, and were usually only frequented by the middle class.
Rhodes obviously didn’t have the spending power for a high-end establishment.
Davey smiled. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Calhoon. Since the café is being built for the ladies, it isn’t meant to turn a profit.”
“Every lady or young woman who comes in will get one free cup of coffee or milk tea each day, along with a delicate dessert. That’s my support for the women’s rights gathering.”
“As for the café’s name—I think Calhoon Café sounds perfect. What do you think?”
Mrs. Calhoon could hardly believe her ears. Davey was supporting the rally far more than she ever imagined.
Opening a café, creating jobs, giving out free coffee and desserts—none of it was a small expense.
And naming the café after her made his support unmistakable.
“Mr. Calander, if you ever need anything from me, please don’t hesitate to say so.”
For the first time, her sincerity showed plainly.
She understood there was no such thing as a free lunch—Davey surely had his own plans. But that didn’t matter.
She already had far more than she had ever hoped to gain. That was enough.
...
After settling things with Mrs. Calhoon, Davey went to find Arthur.
Because of his involvement, the Gray family hadn’t passed their intel to Lenny, which meant Arthur hadn’t teamed up with Lenny to deal with the Lemoyne Raiders.
So Davey would have to step in and act as the NPC handing out the quest.
The Lemoyne Raiders needed to be taken out. Only then could Davey move his moonshine operation directly into Rhodes.
Otherwise, how would he fund the women’s rights movement? Those free coffees, milk teas, and delicate desserts—those were all real dollars.
Rhodes wasn’t like Valentine, which had almost no foot traffic. Its permanent population was much higher, and it was the best gateway into Saint Denis.
That meant Davey’s income would rise to a whole new level.
With more money, he could hire more hands and expand his moonshine business even further—taking over places like Annesburg and Van Horn Trade Port.
And while no one had cracked the moonshine recipe yet, he intended to make a fortune while he still could.
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