The huge factory fell in heavy silence. Only the noise of breathless breathing broke the oppressive atmosphere, while Caleb Mercer came in the room, each step resonating like a sentence. His impassive face betrayed implacable power, but behind this calm was hiding a sharp intelligence, capable of manipulating any situation in its favor. Caleb cast a circular glance, lingering on each protagonist as if they were reviewing them.
Grim, straightening his sore back, did not look back. He knew the name of Caleb Mercer, this outlaw respected in the most ruthless circles. Rumors said that he had a considerable influence, both in gangs and among the corrupt authorities. And seeing Caleb here meant that the issues far exceeded the simple exchange of blows.
-"So, Caleb, what do you have to tell us? Grim said, trying to hide the tension in his voice.
Caleb crossed his arms, his eyes piercing each man and each woman present in the room.
-"What I have to say is that this rivalry has nothing to do here," he said in a firm and deep voice. “You are all playing a game that goes far beyond your personal quarrels. »»
Sadie, still furious at the altercation with Stanley, couldn't help but singer.
- "Do you want to moralize us, Caleb?" Because I warn you, Grim and his boyfriend here we were looking for us. »»
Caleb turned to her, her black hard eyes like steel.
-"Shut up, Sadie. Your arrogance will eventually lose you, one day. His freezing voice immediately silenced all whispers.
Silence settled. Grim felt that this moment was not a simple gang meeting, but something much more serious. The tension was palpable, each movement seemed weighed, calculated, as in a chess game where each pawn advanced at their own risk.
Caleb looked at Grim, gauging the man with a cold curiosity.
- "Grim Williams, arachnid leader. It is said that you and your gang are looking to extend your territory. And I bet that you have heard of this cargo which must pass near Black Hollow. »»
Grim remained silent for a moment, analyzing Caleb's words. This famous cargo - a rumor had circulated about an exceptionally rich transport, which was to be kept by some corrupt men. But that Calebtalking about it with such certainty meant that he knew much more than he let on.
— “Perhaps so,” replied Grim casually. “But I don’t see why this concerns you. »
Caleb smiled slightly, a mirthless smile.
— “It concerns me because this convoy belongs to me. I arranged it personally, and I don't want any complications. »
Stanley frowned, understanding that the situation was becoming more and more delicate.
— “So why tell us? » he asked, with a touch of challenge.
Caleb looked at him, his eyes sparkling with almost menacing amusement.
— “Because I need people like you.” Capable, ambitious men who are not afraid to get their hands dirty. »
Lila, still slightly stunned by Grim's intervention, intervened with calculated coldness.
— “What exactly are you proposing, Caleb? »
He resumed his usual calm, revealing a proposal that left everyone attentive.
— “You have a chance to be part of this operation. I need a few more men to secure the convoy and deter those who would attack it. But there is no question that this temporary alliance will become a problem between us. Each of you will gain a share, if you follow my instructions. »
Rufus growled, suspicious.
— “And how can we be sure that you’re not going to screw us over in the end, Mercer?” »
Caleb burst out laughing, a dry, icy laugh.
— “Because, Rufus, if I had intended to eliminate you, I would not need to gather you here. And certainly no need to talk. »
Silence returned, as everyone in the room digested the proposition. Grim was no fool: he knew Caleb was looking to use them, but the reward was too good to pass up without thinking. And with a temporary alliance, he had a chance to study Caleb closely, observe his methods, maybe even plan ahead.
“Okay, Caleb,” Grim said at last. “I am ready to cooperate, but on one condition: no one double-crosses anyone. »
Caleb nodded, displaying an enigmatic smile.
— “That’s what I thought, Grim. GOOD. So get ready. The convoy passes in two days. Be at the north exit ofBlack Hollow at dusk. And a last advice… ”
He stared at them in turn, his gaze landing for a long time on each.
- "If one of you decides to betray our arrangement, he will discover what my enemy means. And believe me, nobody here wants to experience it. »»
The threat of Caleb, although pronounced with a freezing calm, resonated in everyone's mind as a deadly warning. The tension faded slightly while the message of Mercer was embedded in each spirit. Without one more word, Caleb went out, letting the other outlaw digest the idea of an unlikely alliance for a master stroke.
Grim exchanged a look with Stanley, a sly smile appearing on their tired faces. An alliance? Maybe. But an alliance that could well become the next step towards their own objective: to reach the summit of the world of outlaws, and to prove that even the most powerful men, like Caleb Mercer, could be defeated.
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This chapter sets up a complex strategy game, where each actor is advancing cautiously, aware that the slightest error could be fatal. The rest promises a masterful blow, a face-to-face and cunning face between Grim, Caleb, and the other protagonists, in an atmosphere of challenge and nascent rivalry.
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THE LEGEND OF THE ARACHNID
AventuraThe Legend of the Arachnique delves into the epic tale of Grim Williams, a rebellious heir who becomes a legendary outlaw, forming a gang as fearsome as it is united. With his faithful companions, he challenges the Wild West, between daring heists...
