Chapter 90: A Taste of Soft Rice
The distillery manager’s escape left Davey more than a little irritated.
In the end, it all came down to unreliable subordinates. If Arthur had handled it, he would’ve rounded them all up in no time.
Davey had hoped to settle the problem once and for all, but now it looked like things had only grown more complicated. These troublemakers were proving far worse than anything that had happened in Strawberry Town.
The biggest concern was that if the higher-ups at the distilleries took notice, it could spell real trouble for Davey, who was still in the early stages of building his business.
“I understand. Go handle it, Donal.”
“Yes, Mr. Callander.”
Davey didn’t blame Donal. The man’s abilities were limited, and much of what he was dealing with already pushed the boundaries of what he could manage. Still, the lack of manpower gave Davey a constant sense of unease.
The security company he had been planning to establish clearly needed to be formed sooner rather than later.
Since starting his moonshine operation, Davey had always intended to create his own security company. He needed enough people not only to protect his business but also to deal with his enemies. And clearly, a security company was the best way to achieve that.
But starting one wasn’t easy. By law, it required registration at the federal level, not just within a single state—certainly not in a small place like Valentine.
Plenty of cash was one part of the equation; connections were the other. The simplest route was to get help through a law firm.
Unfortunately, Davey didn’t know any trustworthy lawyers.
As a wanted man involved in the moonshine trade, even with a clean identity, he couldn’t just stroll into an East Coast city and hand himself over. Life in the civilized East was far more complicated than in the wild West. Once trapped there, escape would be next to impossible.
So, with a helpless sigh, Davey went to his study and began writing a letter to Catherine.
He didn’t care much about whether it looked like he was relying on her. Though they’d only met once, their current relationship made it natural to ask her for a small favor. If anything, it might even bring them closer.
Dear Beautiful Miss Catherine,
Today was a rainy day, but after receiving your letter, it felt as if the clouds had parted, revealing clear skies and bright sunshine.
After I sent my previous letter and heard nothing back, I grew anxious and uneasy.
Now I finally understand that no distance can truly separate our hearts.
How I wish I could board a train this instant, travel to your city, and appear before you—suddenly and unexpectedly—to give you a wonderful surprise.
But reality holds me back. I’ve run into a bit of trouble.
It’s not easy to admit, but I have no other choice. I hope you can help me.
Business in the West hasn’t been going well. It’s far too wild out here, so I plan to establish a security company.
But forming a company isn’t simple—I need a capable lawyer, and I don’t know any good ones.
So, Catherine, could you help me find a reliable lawyer and have him come to Valentine?
If it’s too much trouble, don’t worry. It won’t change how I feel about you—or how much I miss you.
Yours,
Davey
After reading the letter over once more, Davey nodded in satisfaction, then headed to the Valentine Post Office to send it by telegram.
“Sir, this is quite a long telegram—it’ll cost you quite a bit,” the clerk remarked, recognizing the gentleman who had once been so generous.
Telegraphy had become quite advanced since the 1830s, and even a small-town post office like Valentine’s had one.
But the service wasn’t cheap, charged by the word. In the West, telegraphs cost three cents more per word than in the East—ten cents per word in total.
Davey’s telegram contained 357 words, costing 35 dollars and 70 cents.
It was the first time the staff had ever handled such a lengthy and expensive message.
Davey smiled. “That’s all right, sir. This telegram is both a plea and a love letter. Its value can’t be measured in dollars.”
The downside of a telegram was that it wasn’t as private as a letter—since it had to be manually tapped out, the staff inevitably saw its contents.
“Very well, sir, if you insist,” the clerk said, seeing there was no changing Davey’s mind.
After paying the fee, Davey added a one-dollar tip.
The clerk quickly brought out the machine and began tapping.
“Sir, we also offer an express service. For an additional five dollars, the Federal City Post Office will deliver your telegram immediately upon receipt.”
Hearing that, Davey took another five-dollar bill from his pocket and handed it over. “Why not? That’s good news.”
After a brief pause, he asked, “Sir, is it possible to deposit money with the Federal Post Office to cover future telegram costs?”
My sweetheart might hesitate to send more, but I don’t want love to be kept waiting.”
The clerk looked uncertain. “Sir, we’ve never had such a case before.”
Davey immediately understood—it wasn’t that it couldn’t be done, only that it hadn’t been.
“Here’s two hundred dollars to cover any future telegram costs. Tell the gentleman at the Federal City Post Office who handles them that he can take five dollars for himself each time he delivers one—if he’s willing to help a man hopelessly in love.”
The clerk’s eyes widened at the sight of the money. “Oh, I’m sure my colleague will agree. He’d be more than happy to help a gentleman so completely swept away by love.”
In this country, with enough money, one could always feel the beauty of the world.
Author's Note
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