Yellowstone: Wind in the Smoke

A few days later, after starting the construction of underground drug factories, Dante turned his attention to a legal revenue source: truffle cultivation, as a way to launder money and diversify the family's income.

The idea of cultivating truffles had vaguely crossed Dante's mind after enjoying a pasta dish at the restaurant he visited with Susie days earlier.

Dante knew truffles were annual fungi that typically grow under pines, oaks, and chestnut trees. They are usually spread about a meter around the tree's base and buried a few centimeters to half a meter underground. Due to their extremely strict growth requirements, truffles cannot be easily cultivated artificially. Their scarcity makes them rare and highly valuable.

While French and Italian truffles are famously expensive, Dante had read that the United States also produces high-quality truffles. Truffles found in Montana, however, differ slightly, offering a lighter and crisper flavor. Nonetheless, they remain a lucrative product.

Currently, Dante wasn't exactly playing the role of a truffle hunter, as everyone knew it wasn't the season for truffles to mature. That wouldn't happen until October. But that didn't stop him from exploring new ideas to generate wealth for his family.

To some observers, Dante might appear naive, someone who barely understands the world but pretends to know more than he does. Yet Dante didn't care about these opinions. He had selected several cultivation sites in the forest near the stream and decided to work hard to make the most of his time on the ranch.

He spent long hours outdoors, using a small rake to loosen the soil and digging near tree roots. When he spotted small lumps in the ground, Dante felt a surge of satisfaction.

"Look closely—this area is perfect for truffle growth," he said. "That's good enough to start."

After marking four or five promising spots, Dante quickly fetched a bucket of water and began treating each cultivation site. With a small ladle, he carefully poured fertilized water into the soil.

Though the process was tiring, Dante was determined to follow every step needed to promote growth and accelerate the truffles' maturation.

To support this endeavor, Dante had hired a team of workers, each undergoing a rigorous selection process. While a few were from the nearby Indian reservation, most came from other areas, as working for the Dutton family wasn't an attractive option for many locals. However, there were always people looking for steady work.

"In general, any place with a good natural environment and nearby water makes an attractive site," Dante said, though he couldn't shake off some concerns. Plant growth requires consistent nutrients, and there was always the risk of failure.

His father had dismissed the idea as a waste of time, but Dante trusted his instincts. When it came to business outside his father's realm of expertise, Dante rarely made mistakes.

"I want fences set up around this area to protect these crops. Handle it carefully," he instructed his workers, ensuring every detail was addressed.

Balancing the ecosystem was crucial; grass had to grow steadily alongside the truffles to maintain a natural environment.

Dante immersed himself in the work, almost living like a wild man, camping out in the fields to monitor progress. No matter the hardships, he was convinced the effort would pay off.

For three days, five days, a week, Dante persevered. Sleeping under the stars wasn't an issue when the camping spots were secure. The potential success of the truffle cultivation, bringing in additional income, made every sacrifice worthwhile.

However, while Dante focused on truffles, few were aware that his secret business ventures were thriving. Within a short time, three hidden cannabis factories had been set up on ranches inaccessible to outsiders.

As his influence grew in Montana, so did his bond with Susie. Spending more time together allowed their relationship to deepen, solidifying their connection.