“I’m not sure, but I do know this arrangement is only temporary.”
“I see.” Jefferson gave a slight shrug. “As for your question, I’ve been working in banks since I graduated from college. Working my way up, you might say. I hope one day to own my own bank, but for now I’d settle for just managing one.”
“I wonder why my father didn’t just put everything in your hands once Jacob felt the need to leave.”
“How is Mr. Decker doing? I knew he was having a terrible time of it here. He was always having headaches and nosebleeds. I do hope the doctor has found a cure for what ails him.”
“The doctor felt my brother just needed a rest, though he suggested it could be the altitude.” Charlie shrugged. “I don’t seem to notice it.”
“I hailed from St. Louis and later from Denver. I’ve spent a good deal of time in the mountains over the last few years. The altitude doesn’t seem to bother me either.”
“I’m glad to know that. We’ll no doubt have plenty of workto do to continue building the business, and I wouldn’t want you going the same way as Jacob.”
“No worries about that,” Jefferson replied. “I’m in perfect health.”
Charlie noted that the man did seem strong and capable. He could only pray that Jacob would heal and return soon. He looked back at his brother’s small office. “I take it that you usually work out here in the teller’s cage?”
Jefferson nodded and moved to stand behind the teller counter. “I manage the day-to-day transactions. You will handle all of the requests for loans, of course. I will make sure you get introduced to everyone as they come in. Most are just private citizens with nominal savings. We hold quite a few home and several dozen business loans. The newest business being a freight company who intends to expand as soon as the first loan is paid in full. That should happen later this summer. They’ve been quite devoted to getting the loan paid off.”
“I can’t blame them. I’m against carrying debt myself.” Charlie chuckled. “I suppose that seems strange for a banker whose bank name includesloan, but I’ve always been careful to save and pay for things in cash.”
“I agree with that philosophy,” Jefferson replied. “A man should never be burdened with debt. It’s a frightening thing.”
Charlie picked up one of the ledgers. “There are quite a few healthy savings accounts. Nothing too grand.”
“We have a few customers who are better off than others. There are men in this town who wield the power, and they are men of means. Some of them were good friends with your brother and trusted their savings to us. They intend to do more business with this bank in the future as well. I’m sure they’ll come by soon to introduce themselves.”
“That’s good to hear.” Charlie looked down a list of figures. “Jacob said that our species ... that is, our gold and silver reserves are held in my father’s bank in Chicago.”
“Yes. This is the Wild West, and marauders are known to cause problems, although I cannot imagine anyone coming into our bank to rob it. But it is possible. Look at the havoc wreaked by Jesse James and his gang. They could come this far west.”
“They’d have a lot of empty territory to cover to get here,” Charlie said, thinking it very unlikely.
“True enough, and there is our vigilante committee to deal with when the law is broken, as well as our marshal and deputies. And don’t forget the army. For miles around us, there is nothing to escape to, and it would be sheer madness to attempt theft. Still, your brother said it was wiser to leave that much gold and silver in Chicago.”
“I’m sure my father knows best.” Charles began to relax a bit. “So we have some wealthier clients who have put their money here. What about the loans? I know my father has never been one to lend on living collateral, such as crops and livestock. I’m not at all sure why he agreed to start this savings and loan, given his attitude, since most of the men who will need loans will be ranchers and farmers.”
“We can loan on the value of the land, your brother maintained. That is something tangible and credible. Values here have risen dramatically just since last year. At one time a lot was valued at one hundred fifty dollars. Now that same piece of land can sell for fifteen hundred. Land is a solid investment.”
“That is an impressive jump in value.” Charlie shut the book. “Well, I suppose it’s time to close things up. I need to make my way to the boardinghouse where I’m staying.”
“With the Coopers at Nineteenth and Hill, correct?” Jefferson asked.
“Good memory. Yes, that’s where I’ll be. A short walk and a very comfortable household. Mrs. Cooper is quite the cook.”
“I’ll be sure and remember that should any of my family need a place to stay when visiting. She does do short term, doesn’t she?”
Charlie shrugged. “I have no idea. I’ll have to ask.” He went to his office. “Is there anything more you want to put away in the large safe? I’m going to lock it now.”
“No, I’ve returned all that goes there.”
Charlie secured the safe and grabbed his hat. “Then make sure you secure the small safe and teller’s cage before you go. I’ll see you in the morning at nine.”
Jefferson held the door open for him. “Safe is secured, and teller’s drawer is emptied of cash and locked. The back door is locked, and I will lock the front as soon as we leave.”
Charlie stepped onto the boardwalk and waited while Jefferson locked the door.
“Good evening.” Charlie snugged down his hat against the stiff breeze and headed for his new home. Jefferson took off in the opposite direction. He seemed an amiable enough young man, but there was an air about him that reminded Charlie too much of friends he’d known growing up. Men who had been taught from boyhood that they were better than everyone else.
