Chapter 70: A Talk with Arthur
Davey’s idea left Donal completely stunned.
He had never imagined that someone could be so generous.
In his mind, capitalists were all heartless—people who’d strip the flesh off their workers if they could. But Mr. Callander? He seemed like an angel sent down from heaven.
Donal could only imagine how fiercely the men would work once they heard about this.
Oh, perhaps he should start calling him Mr. Lander, but Donal was already used to “Callander,” and it seemed Mr. Callander didn’t mind either.
The cost of building ten houses was staggering.
Apartments like these were far pricier than ordinary homes, and Davey planned to furnish every unit—beds, flush toilets, washbasins, everything.
By his estimate, each house would cost nearly $2,500.
That meant ten houses would total about $25,000.
Of course, Davey didn’t intend to build them all at once—he’d do it one at a time.
At that pace, it would take about a year to finish all ten.
For someone like Davey, making $2,000 a day, $25,000 over a year was nothing.
And during that year, his workers—driven by the dream of one day having a home of their own—would surely work even harder.
Davey was a bit like Dutch, yet not the same.
Dutch also painted grand dreams for his men—but Davey’s dream was one everyone could actually see and, one day, reach.
Just after he finished giving Donal his orders, one of his men came running over.
“Mr. Callander, there’s a man named Arthur waiting for you at the saloon. Says he’s your friend.”
Davey flipped him a twenty-cent tip. “He is my friend. I’m glad you came to tell me.”
The man’s face lit up. “It’s an honor to serve Mr. Callander.”
Davey was building his image carefully—generous, approachable, and kind to everyone.
When he entered the saloon, he spotted Arthur sitting at a table, eating steak and sipping on a bottle of moonshine.
“Oh, Arthur, my brother! I’m damn glad to see you.”
Davey grinned and pulled Arthur into a hug as he stood to greet him.
“It’s good to see you too, Davey.”
“Sorry, I haven’t eaten all day, so…” Arthur said a little sheepishly.
Davey laughed. “No need to apologize, Arthur. Everyone knows the stew our Van der Linde Gang’s tiger makes isn’t exactly fine dining.”
The easy joke made Arthur relax. For a while, he’d worried Davey had grown too far above them—too different from the man he used to know.
But after hearing him talk like this, Arthur realized he’d been wrong.
“How’s that bastard Mac doing back at camp?”
“Hell, I’ve been so busy with business I haven’t kept an eye on him. Turns out the kid’s been drowning himself in booze and sleeping on women every night. If this keeps up, he’ll drink himself useless before long.”
“He’s my brother—my twin. I don’t want to see him ruin himself like that.”
As they talked, Davey waved the bartender over for a glass of light liquor.
“Don’t worry, Davey,” Arthur said. “Mac’s doing fine at camp. But honestly, isn’t that kind of life what we’ve always wanted?”
“Bill and Javier are jealous as hell of him.”
Arthur paused for a moment before adding quietly, “But Dutch… you know, Davey. He’s not too happy about it.”
Davey nodded slowly. “I understand, Arthur. After all, I’m the one who left the gang—if that’s how he sees it.”
“But I can still do something for the gang. Help out however I can.”
“We’re brothers, Arthur. You, me, John, Bill, Javier, Lenny, Charles—even that poor kid Sean—and the rest of them. Dutch too.”
“Of course, that doesn’t include that filthy rat. You know who I mean, Arthur.”
“We’ve lived together for eight years. Some joined later, sure, but in my heart, we’re all family.”
“And if my family ever needs help, I’ll never stand aside. I’ll do everything I can.”
Davey’s words struck Arthur deeply. He’d always believed that—even when Dutch called Davey a traitor, Arthur would’ve defended him without hesitation.
Now, hearing Davey speak like this only confirmed he’d been right to trust him.
“You’re right, Davey. We’re brothers—all of us. Well, except that rat.”
“I’ve always trusted you. Your plan worked, didn’t it? Maybe that’s what’s bothering Dutch. But I think he’ll come around.”
“Hosea came too. He’ll probably ask for your help selling the bonds. After all this time, we still haven’t managed to unload them.”
“You’re a big man now, Davey. I’m sure you’ve got the right connections.”
Author's Note
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