New Gods of North America

Compared to my last visit to Mr. Russell to discuss a commission,

this time Wayne didn't have to squeeze into a meeting with a bunch of people. Instead, he was led directly to Mr. Russell's study by the butler for a "one-on-one" negotiation.

When Wayne first saw that Chris—the identity assumed by the "Overseer" gang member who took down "Skinny" Charlie—at the manor, he was almost startled, thinking Mr. Russell had gathered another group for a meeting.

But after secretly inquiring with the butler, he learned that the guy had joined the manor as a bodyguard after his companions were wiped out.

Wayne was also a bit curious about when that Chris had been replaced.

However, this Chris acted like he didn't know Wayne at all. Although he remembered Wayne as one of the team leaders invited by Mr. Russell and had encountered Wayne's team in Clariceburg,

this Chris said he had never tried to talk to Wayne about cooperation because Wayne had too many people. He only recruited "stragglers."

Oh!

I didn't expect that the "Chris" I knew from beginning to end was a fake.

Little rascal, you're quite the actor, aren't you?

If I ever run into you again, I'll at least have Lina swipe that disguise mask of yours.

After meeting with Mr. Russell, even though it seemed there were no other competitors, Mr. Russell was still hesitant, seemingly troubled by something.

So Wayne took the initiative to ask, "Mr. Russell, regarding the security commission for the steam train operating company you have shares in, do you have any other concerns or requirements?"

"It's not entirely about business..."

Mr. Russell thought for a moment, then finally took several pre-drafted documents from his desk. "This is the commission contract drafted by the company's legal counsel. Mr. Wayne can take a look first and see if there are any objections to the terms. If any changes are needed, they are downstairs."

Wayne took them and looked.

Good heavens, the pages were filled with densely packed small print from a typewriter.

I think our detective agency also needs a legal counsel!

Fortunately, these commissions weren't too "cloudy and mysterious."

Although the terms were detailed, they didn't use buried-pit-style writing that only quoted things like "according to the requirements of such-and-such act" or "in accordance with the provisions of Article X, Section Y of such-and-such law" without specifying the content.

So Wayne could basically understand it.

The actual content of the contract was even quite generous. The main business included three major parts: providing security services for important train services, being responsible for clearing out bandits or thugs along the lines, and assisting in the pursuit of specific wanted criminals.

"Ensuring the transport security of specific train services" was charged per service, calculated based on the actual requirements or the value of the goods. In theory, the detective agency had to offer the most favorable price under the same commission conditions.

If the task wasn't completed, the steam train operating company could not pay or deduct compensation, according to the specific terms in the contract. However, compensation was only required in the event of major errors, such as when the number of people and weapons wasn't significantly inferior, but the security personnel still ran away without fulfilling their protection obligations or engaged in insider theft.

"Clearing out the thugs along the lines" or "assisting in the capture of specific wanted criminals" was similar to the previous commissions, but the steam train company no longer paid additional compensation proportionally. Instead, it was charged annually, with a portion paid in advance, a portion allocated quarterly, and a portion temporarily withheld.

The detective agency had to ensure that the incidence of cases targeting steam trains within the route was reduced to a certain target, and the steam train company's annual losses and number of cases didn't exceed a certain amount.

In addition, it also included providing a certain number of training sessions for steam train staff each year and at least a certain number of "general" on-train security details.

As for the specific contract amount, it was signed according to different routes. Those far from towns and with high crime rates were more expensive, and vice versa.

Based on the current routes alone, the total contract amount was $6,000 a year.

If calculated at $400 per person per year, it would be equivalent to hiring 15 fearless people who would have to travel back and forth along the steam train lines at any time, possibly without holidays. The hourly wage and working environment might not even be as good as a Western cowboy, and there were no injury subsidies.

However, Wayne thought it was acceptable.

The sheriffs of Western towns weren't actually busy all year round. In fact, as long as the troublemakers or organized gangs were dealt with, many small thugs would become honest on their own. And during routine patrols, it wasn't necessary to have a large force every time.

Considering that everyone in the detective agency was currently an Awakened, able to resist risks to a certain extent, and might also receive additional wanted criminal bounties, it was worth trying as the first long-term commission.

After Wayne finished reading, he nodded. "I have no objections to the contract content. Your company's terms are quite... reasonable."

I originally wanted to say generous, but I couldn't quite bring myself to say it.

Mr. Russell nodded somewhat absently, waited a while, and then suddenly asked:

"Wayne, I heard from Ian Fisk that your detective agency seems to have a pretty good relationship with the Church? Bishop Corleone visited the manor during Gladys' coming-of-age ceremony and specifically praised you."

Wayne didn't deny it. "Some of our detective agency's work, in a sense, is to assist the Church in maintaining stability."

"Are your current offices still in Georgeburg? Have you ever thought about moving to Richmond?" Mr. Russell asked.

Wayne told the truth, "I haven't thought about that yet. If Mr. Russell has any requests, I can consider setting up an office in Richmond."

"No, no..." Mr. Russell shook his head.

Strange, the pre-drafted contract was quite generous. He should have been sincere about wanting to cooperate before.

What is this guy worried about?

Wayne tried to figure it out, then tentatively said:

"Actually, our detective agency also has a good relationship with Pastor Bazini. When the case happened in Georgeburg last time, we also participated in the investigation with the Georgeburg Church."

Mr. Russell seemed a little surprised. "You have contact with Pastor Bazini too?"

"Of course."

Wayne felt that he shouldn't be blatantly lying. "A few days ago, our detective agency caused a little commotion in the academy, and Pastor Bazini took the initiative to send people to help us resolve it."

Mr. Russell's face finally showed a slightly relaxed expression, at least not so tense:

"In that case, please double-check the contract carefully. If there are no problems, I will call the lawyer up later, and then we can sign it."

Oh...

Is he really worried about church infighting, afraid of being accidentally injured?

But I don't think Pastor Bazini looks like he can outplay Bishop Corleone...