Chapter 159: Old Friends Reunited
Land Farm.
Hosea followed Davey toward the mansion deeper inside the estate.
“Davey… this is… unbelievable. It feels just like seeing the Gray family or the Braithwaite family back in Rhodes Town.”
“A huge ranch, the moonshine business, all these guards, a luxury mansion…”
“The difference is, unlike those two families ruling Rhodes, Valentine only has you.”
Hosea’s admiration came straight from the heart.
The Grays and Braithwaites had spent over a century building what they had in Rhodes Town, yet Davey had matched their scale in just a few months.
In some ways, Davey had surpassed both families entirely.
And he had done it all without leaning on anyone else—purely through strategy and intelligence, not brute force.
That was the part Hosea respected most. He had never liked solving problems with violence.
“This is where gangs need to go in the future, Hosea. If you understand the flow of the times and stand right where the wind is blowing, even a pig could take off.”
“Look up ahead—John, Abigail, Uncle… and our little Jack.”
Davey didn’t elaborate further. He had already talked enough on the train.
Now Hosea needed to see the difference himself.
If Hosea could change Dutch’s mind, maybe the Van der Linde gang could have a new beginning.
But Dutch would never abandon his ideals—and Hosea could never truly sway him.
“Oh, Hosea! I never expected to see you here—this really is a surprise.”
“Don’t tell me you’re here as a spy to keep an eye on Davey too. That doesn’t sound like Dutch at all.”
“But I’ll tell you this—you’ll love it here. Endless booze, endless food, soft mattresses… fuck, I don’t even want to go anywhere else anymore.”
Uncle was the first to walk up, jug in hand, grinning from ear to ear.
Hosea stared at him in disbelief.
“Good lord… Uncle, is that really you? What happened to you?”
“You went from a scruffy drifter to a gentleman—you’re even dressed like one!”
“And your beard—trimmed to perfection. Uncle, you look like someone from high society now. All you’re missing is a top hat.”
“And Abigail—what kingdom’s princess are you from?”
“Oh, and our little Prince Jack—Hosea salutes you.”
“Well, John… you’re the only one who still feels familiar. Still the same as always—just as… uh… crude?”
“I’m starting to think you’re not worthy of Abigail and little Jack anymore.”
The distance created by time apart—and by how much John and the others had changed—vanished instantly under Hosea’s playful teasing.
Everyone laughed, and the atmosphere warmed right away.
Uncle laughed loudly. “Old friend, now that you’re here, don’t leave. I’m serious—Davey’s place is perfect for retirement.”
“Though there are some annoying rules… bathing every three days, changing clothes regularly. A real hassle.”
“Maybe Davey should assign me a beautiful lady to scrub my back. That would make things a lot more pleasant.”
Clearly, Uncle had assumed Davey talked Hosea into staying.
“I’m not as lucky as you, Uncle. I’m only here to sell those bonds we stole.”
“Seeing all of you living well here makes me incredibly happy, but Dutch—you know how he is. I can’t leave him yet.”
“We’re running a new plan in Rhodes Town. Without me, it falls apart. And an angry Dutch would be yelling in my face, calling me every curse he knows.”
Uncle looked disappointed for a moment but quickly smiled again.
“Alright, Hosea, you stubborn old mule. How long can those old bones keep moving anyway? You should really start thinking about retirement.”
Hosea chuckled. “Alright, alright—I’ll think about it. Let me enjoy a preview of retirement today.”
...
The mansion at Land Farm was filled with people.
It was nearly dinnertime.
With more mouths to feed, Davey had hired two additional maids, while Elisa served as his personal attendant.
The long dining table was covered with beautifully prepared dishes.
Tonight’s highlight was lobster shipped all the way from Boston.
A rare delicacy out here—brought in through Davey’s exclusive connection with Wells Restaurant.
At this point, Davey was Wells Restaurant’s biggest customer. Without him, the place probably would’ve closed its doors already.
Opening an upscale restaurant in a small cattle town like Valentine—only Wells could have come up with something so bold.
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