“I need everyone to calm down,” Schmitz said, motioning with his hands as if he were trying to stuff everyone’s rage into a box. “Right now we have a city to rebuild, and that cannot happen until we clear away the debris. United Railroads has agreed to put up a bunker at First and Mission. Wagons loaded with the rubble that is not reusable will be brought to the bunker. From there it will be hauled away and dumped into the bay. This will create additional acreage to build on. However, before that can happen, we will need every available man, woman, and child helping with the cleanup. We intend to salvage what we can.”
An elderly man got to his feet. “The army shot my son-in-law.” The statement rendered everyone else silent. “He was doing nothing more than going through the rubble of our business. They didn’t even ask him who he was.” The old man’s eyes dampened. “My daughter is now a widow with five young ones to raise.”
Schmitz ran a hand through his wavy hair. “That is unfortunate, sir. However, you must understand that looters and thieves are everywhere. The soldier responsible no doubt made a mistake, but you see the problem with our situation. People need to be obedient to the law officers.”
“Which brings up a good point.” Another man stood. “Who’s in charge?”
Caleb listened as the arguments began to build again. The army believed they were in charge and had probably kept crime down in the midst of the chaos. However, the National Guard felt they were equally in charge, as did the city law officials.
“Folks,” the mayor said over the crowd, “you need to calm down. The army is only helping temporarily. They are maintaining order while your city officials coordinate relief and recovery.”
A young clerk came up to Caleb and Patrick. “I wonder if you would both step outside with me.”
Caleb frowned but nodded. He and Patrick followed the young man into the hall.
“Right this way,” the clerk said, looking over his shoulder. He led them to an office down the long, dimly lit hall. Opening the door, the young man stepped back. “Mr. Ruef would like to speak with you.”
Caleb stiffened, as did Patrick. A quick glance into the room revealed Ruef sitting at a desk, its surface cluttered with stacks of books and papers.
“Yes, gentlemen, do come in.”
“What do you want?” Caleb asked, moving to stand in front of the desk. He didn’t look back to see if Patrick had followed.
Ruef craned his neck to look past Caleb. “Mr. Murdock, I want to speak to you as well. If you would allow for bygones to be bygones in the spirit of our sad city.”
Caleb looked toward the door, where Patrick’s large frame filled the opening. He could see apprehension and anger in Patrick’s eyes. For a moment, Caleb feared Patrick would walk away, but finally the big Irishman came into the room.
Patrick’s eyes narrowed. “And what would ye be wantin’ to speak to me about?”
Ruef smoothed his mustache. “As I said, in the spirit of our sad city, we must put aside our past differences and make changes. Mayor Schmitz advised me to do whatever it took to see you were compensated and your business restored. I’m happy to say I have arranged everything.”
Caleb could feel Patrick’s tension. He was like a cat ready to spring. He put his hand on Patrick’s shoulder, but he looked at Ruef. “That is good news. I hope it also means that Mr. Murdock’s family home will be returned as well.”
“It does. I cannot vouch for how much damage it might have sustained from the quake, but it was not at risk from the fire.”
“And what of his business inventory and all necessary licenses?” Caleb asked.
Patrick remained silent, although Caleb knew it would take nothing more than a single snide comment or negative word from Ruef to throw him into action.
“It’s all been arranged. I have vouchers here that will allow you to pull money from the mint, as well as clearinghouse certificates established by the mayor’s office. Area merchants have all agreed to honor them. I’ve also had some of my men round up a large inventory of tools and supplies that you might have had prior to ... well, that’s unimportant at this point in time.” Ruef gave a nervous smile. “Suffice it to say, we have been more than generous, hoping to go beyond the loss and compensate you for monies you might have made. Outside you’ll find a large freight wagon loaded with various tools of your trade, as well as a fine team of Belgians that are also yours to keep. What we haven’t been able to provide, you will be able to purchase with the vouchers.”
He held out a sheet of paper, and Caleb took it.
“As you will see in this letter, we took you at your word—that is, we agreed with the amount you listed on the ledgers you submitted from your previous business. The monies you claimed were taken from your bank accounts and business assets have been approved, and all that we have provided will compensate for that.”
“But it won’t bring back my father.”
Ruef looked at Patrick for a moment. Caleb hoped he wouldn’t foolishly suggest that Patrick’s father got what he deserved. Right now, Caleb wanted nothing more than to see Patrick secure what was rightfully his. Their battle with Ruef could wait for another day.
Ruef cleared his throat. “No, I’m afraid it won’t. You have my utmost regret for that. However, I hope you will see that we are all doing our best to put aside the past in order to build for the future.”
“So that’s the way it’s to be, then?” Patrick asked. The undercurrent of anger was clear in his voice. “In the spirit of rebuilding our broken city, we’ll just sweep aside the wrongs done in the past?” His Irish brogue was thickening with emotion.
Ruef had the good sense not to react in anger. “We can hardly change what’s happened, but a good man looks to the future and how to make things better. Isn’t that true?”
“And yer a good man, looking to the future?”
Ruef shrugged. “I’m doing what I can, Mr. Murdock. Hundreds, nay, thousands are dead, and millions in damages have all but shut this city down. It seems the petty differences of old squabbles—even the major ordeals of our encounters—pale in comparison to seeing these poor folks get the relief they deserve. I believe even God himself would agree with that.”
