Building the ranch cost a full 3,700 US dollars, and the subsequent expenses for renting and renovating houses in Strawberry, Valentine, Saint Denis, and Rhodes were also considerable. The shop in Strawberry alone cost 200 US dollars to buy, plus a full 50 US dollars for renovations.
After all, Ms. Dorothea was only responsible for finding connections and helping Dutch set up the shops, not for waiving the money directly.
The shop in Strawberry was still the cheapest one, and as for the security measures inside, there was no need to worry about that for now.
Strawberry could not serve as Dutch's planned base due to its remote location and small town size, so its subsequent development was weak and not considered for now.
To be honest, Rhodes was currently the town Dutch was most satisfied with. It was close to Saint Denis, close to the docks, had relatively developed railway transport, and the town's environment was also very good, much better than Valentine, a livestock town.
However, the Gray Family and that old hag's family in Rhodes could not be touched yet.
The Gray Family had been there for a long time, and they controlled official power, so they would definitely have some influence later. Causing trouble now was not very wise.
And the old hag's family's moonshine business was linked to Bronte in Saint Denis, so they couldn't be touched now either.
After all, Bronte represented the Italian Mafia, and he had been rooted in this place for many years. Moving against him might cause minor trouble with the Mafia later.
Of course, this was only for the Van der Linde Gang, who did not want to cause trouble for now.
What's more, in the original plot, a large part of the reason why the Pinkerton Detectives were able to act so brazenly in Saint Denis later was probably because Dutch, this fellow, disregarded the rules and directly ambushed and killed Bronte.
In a big city like Saint Denis, everyone played by rules. There were many open and covert struggles, and even more gun conflicts. But no matter how they fought, killed, or struggled, the rule was: you kill some of my men, I kill some of your men. Neither side went after the other's boss.
This was even more so with the Italian Mafia's rules. Today, you send a team to give me a show of force, seize my territory, take my goods, and kill many of my men. Tomorrow, I'll retaliate with a shock drill. This is all acceptable, all normal, and these are unspoken rules, as everyone is just trying to make money when they're out and about.
But there's one thing that's not acceptable: you can't go to someone's home and forcefully kill their boss! If you play like that, who can play with you? Everyone would resort to assassination. If you're not on good terms with me today, I'll go over and kill you tonight. What the hell are we playing at then? Just kill everyone, and then won't you be the pure boss?
This was the difference between outlaws and these rule-abiding figures. Even in the end, Bronte never expected Dutch to actually dare to kill him.
This was also why the Pinkerton Detectives had law enforcement power in Saint Denis.
We are all civilized people in the upper echelons of society, focusing on open and covert struggles. You, an outlaw, come and directly kill someone's boss. Who should they deal with if not you?
Therefore, before starting the arms business, Dutch felt it was better for them to lie low.
At the very least, they couldn't attract the attention of the Pinkerton, a violent organization, again.
And when it came time to develop arms, he, Dutch, would be the biggest violent organization!
And now, in Rhodes, opening a clothing store to profit and join the women's rights movement was already the best outcome.
As for whether this clothing store would be targeted by the two local bully families, there was absolutely no need to worry.
From the game's content, the women's rights assembly in Rhodes must have influential backing, perhaps even run by a group of noblewomen led by Dorothea. Otherwise, with the Gray Family's old-fashioned and domineering nature, they would have long since thrown those women into prison.
And now, Dutch's clothing store, operating under the banner of women's rights and backed by Ms. Dorothea and her associates, would surely gain a good standing in Rhodes.
This was the advantage of having powerful backing; their influence would undoubtedly serve as protectors for Dutch's rise.
The three rode their horses to Valentine.
At this time, the clothing store in Valentine was undergoing renovation. Dutch had no shortage of money, and Ms. Dorothea had connections, so the chosen location for the clothing store was the best possible, directly opposite Valentine's largest saloon.
Next to the clothing store was the Valentine Bank, ensuring that noblewomen who withdrew money from the bank could see the exquisite clothing in Dutch's store as soon as they stepped out.
And not far opposite the clothing store was the Valentine Police Station. At this moment, two police officers stood in front of the renovating clothing store, holding rifles and chatting idly.
Clearly, Sheriff Malloy highly valued the security of the clothing store, even patrolling the area himself from time to time during this period.
No wonder, the Senator's wife was too tempting! Just becoming their dog would allow him to directly cross social strata!
And across from the clothing store, next to the saloon, a new sign hung above the entrance of a small house.
"Veteran Club."
Some words were also written on the door below the sign.
"Veteran Club, exclusively for veterans. Here, you will receive free coffee and food."
Even before Dutch and the others approached, they could hear extremely lively conversations coming from inside.
"Sir!"
Just as Dutch, Arthur, and Hosea were slowly approaching the Veteran Club on horseback, the two police officers standing in front of the clothing store had already seen them. They immediately shouted, then quickly ran over.
"Oh, gentlemen, hello!" The two police officers quickly took hold of the reins of Dutch, Arthur, and Hosea's horses, then led them to be tied to a nearby hitching post, after which they stood aside with fawning expressions, like subordinates.
Seeing this scene, Hosea and Arthur were almost utterly shocked.
Huh? When did we gain such great influence in this place? Even police officers are actively coming forward to hold our horses?
While the two were still in shock, Dutch smiled and nodded, then dismounted from his horse.
"Oh, hello gentlemen, another pleasant day, isn't it? By the way, this Veteran Club is also my property. I think you can go in and have a drink to relax when you're free." Dutch smiled and nodded to the two police officers, which immediately thrilled them.
"Oh, sir, you are as generous as God." The two police officers were overjoyed.
Their wages were not high, barely enough to support their households. Normally, they had to pinch pennies to afford a drink. They never expected that simply holding a horse would mean they wouldn't have to worry about drinks in the future. This respectable gentleman truly was respectable.
"Alright, John, perhaps you can go in and bring some drinks to these two gentlemen. Also, tell Strauss that Valentine's police officers also enjoy veteran benefits. I think their protection of the public also deserves such an honor."
Dutch smiled calmly.
"Okay, Arthur." Arthur nodded, smiled and patted the two police officers on the shoulders, then walked into the shop.