“God, please go with her. She’s in such despair,” Charlie whispered.
14
“Jefferson, we need to talk.” Charlie had been dreading the confrontation all day, but it was apparent to him after studying the books that Jefferson had been taking money from the bank for quite some time. Somehow the young man had managed to do it right under Jacob’s nose, and knowing his brother’s eye for details, Charlie was quite impressed.
“All right, but it’s nearly closing time, and I have plans tonight.”
Charlie nodded. “I understand, but this won’t wait. Please take a seat.” He motioned for Jefferson to take the chair in front of Charlie’s desk.
Sitting behind his desk, Charlie straightened and put his hands on the stack of ledgers. “I went through these. I’m sure you’re aware of what I found.”
“No. I haven’t a clue,” Jefferson said, looking bored with the entire matter.
“Jefferson, it’s clear you’ve been changing entries and skimming money from accounts. There’s no one else who could have done it. Not only that, but your initials are beside each entry.”
“Anyone can put down initials. I have done nothing wrong.”
“There are erasures and hard-to-read markings,” Charlie continued, “and it started shortly after the bank opened and has continued throughout the year.”
“I sometimes transpose numbers and have to fix them. I’m sorry. It’s always been a problem of mine, but I always make the corrections.”
“Jefferson, this isn’t just a matter of transposing numbers and correcting them. You know as well as I do that money is missing from the bank. I came in at five this morning and did a physical count. You’re the only one who could have taken it.”
“What about your brother? Mr. Decker could just as easily be to blame. He was always very secretive about what went on with the books.”
Charlie sat back and shook his head. “I’m afraid I need to let you go. I would appreciate it if you would return the money to the bank so that I don’t have to file charges against you.”
Jefferson jumped up and pointed a finger at Charlie. “I’m not taking the blame for your brother.”
“This has gone on even after my brother left. How do you account for that?”
The younger man shook his head. “I have no idea. You’re the banking genius. I’ve done my job and done it well. I remained faithful to see the bank open and running each and every day, even after your brother left. But did I get any thank-you for my efforts? A bonus?” He shook his head again. “No! Nothing. And now you’re firing me for something I didn’t do. I see no justice in this.”
Jefferson left without another word. Charlie remained at his desk as he listened to Jefferson storm around the frontroom, gathering his things. When the front door slammed shut, Charlie knew he had gone.
He didn’t know what to say about Jefferson’s charges toward Jacob. Charlie supposed anything was possible, but Jacob seemed the least likely to do anything underhanded. He loved banking and wouldn’t jeopardize anything related to his job.
No, it was clearly Jefferson who had done the deed. The missing funds totaled some six hundred dollars. That was far too much money to be a mere mistake in the books. The carbon copies of the receipts showed the discrepancies clearly.
Charlie closed his eyes. Now Jefferson was his enemy as well as Melody. He’d certainly made a mess of things in such a short period of time. He let out a long sigh.
Lord, what am I supposed to do now? What is it You’ve plannedfor me? You know my heart isn’t in this job, but I have to earn a living, and Iwant to honor my father that my days may be long. I don’t want to disappoint him.
He sighed again.I didn’t want to disappoint Melody either. Iknow once she thinks things over, she’ll understand. She’s a good woman, and she puts her trust in You, but right now she’s dealing with so much.The news of her father dying is overwhelming, and I’m asking You to help her. Please, Lord.
The front door opened, and Charlie wondered if Jefferson had returned. He got up and walked out to find Dr. Scott smiling in greeting.
“Charlie, my boy. I hope you don’t mind this intrusion.”
“Not at all. The bank day is pretty much done. I was just getting ready to lock up.”
“Wonderful. Then you can walk with me as I make my way back to my office on Fifteenth.”
It wasn’t in the direction Charlie had planned to go, but henodded anyway. “Just let me get my keys and lock up.” Charlie secured the bank and turned to Dr. Scott. “I’m ready.”
“Wonderful. I know it might seem odd for me to show up here unannounced, but I wanted to talk to you about church.”
“I’ve very much enjoyed your sermons. I like straightforward messages, the kind without pretense or show.”
