With a heavy sigh, Charlie grabbed his hat and headed out of the bank after relocking everything. He thought of going to see Jefferson first but instead made his way to the police station. It was probably best to let them confront Jefferson. Charlie might very well punch the man in the nose if left to his own doings.
After seeing the police and giving them his thoughts on all that had happened, as well as Jefferson Lane’s address, Charlie went to the telegraph office and sent his father a telegram. The letter he’d written the night before would have to wait. Now was hardly the time to walk away from hisresponsibilities. Charlie might hate banking, but he didn’t want to let his father down, especially given that he’d been the one who neglected to get the keys back from Jefferson.
He returned to the bank and shortly after found Judge Kuykendall at his door. The man was a part of the local vigilante committee, and he assured Charlie that a posse had been formed to go after Jefferson Lane.
“He’s gone?” Charlie asked, not completely surprised by this news.
“Yes. The marshal went to question him and learned from his landlord that he’d departed on Friday. The marshal then checked with the railroad ticket master and with the stage company. It seems Jefferson was on the Saturday morning stage for Denver. Hopefully the posse will bring him back with the money still on him.”
“I suppose there’s a possibility that Jefferson didn’t take the money, but I don’t know how anyone else would have gotten in here and taken it without some sign of forced entry. Jefferson had keys.”
Judge Kuykendall nodded. “It seems to point to him, but he will have a chance to defend himself. We don’t want to jump to hasty conclusions, even when all the evidence points to him.”
Charlie nodded. He felt the same way. If he was wrong, and Jefferson hadn’t taken the money, Charlie didn’t want the man to be unjustly punished. Still, there was the matter that Jefferson had already taken about six hundred dollars by adjusting the books. He felt compelled to tell the judge.
“There’s something else about Mr. Lane that I didn’t mention to the police.”
By late morning, almost everyone in town had heard that the Cheyenne Savings and Loan had been robbed. Charlie wasn’t surprised when people started coming in to demand their money, fearful that the robbery would keep them from being able to withdraw their savings.
“Rest assured, folks, the bulk of the money wasn’t taken. You can withdraw your funds if you truly feel the need, but I can assure you that your money is safe, even if I must put my own money in to see you paid out. I would like to encourage you, however, to leave the money here with the bank.” He knew a great number of people heard nothing he said. They were afraid, and the thought of losing their money was uppermost in their minds.
“Banking procedures will continue as before. You can make your loan payments and make deposits to your savings accounts. It’s banking as usual,” Charlie assured.
Little by little the people headed home, some taking their money and others feeling confident enough of Charlie’s words that they left their money in the bank. When noon rolled around, Charlie was once again alone. He couldn’t help but fear this might well be the end of things for the little bank.
Melody arrived around one o’clock to brighten his day. She was dressed in a lightweight gown of blue and white. He’d never seen her wear it before and thought how pretty she was.
“Hello, Charlie.” Her voice was just a whisper. “I hope you don’t mind my interruption.” She held a basket in front of her and shifted it to her left arm. “I heard about the trouble.”
“It’s good to see a friendly face.” His smile almost immediately faded, however. “Unless, of course, you’re as worried as everyone else and have come to withdraw your money. I assure you your money is safe.”
“I wasn’t worried about the money,” Melody said, holding up a basket. “I guessed you probably wouldn’t be able to get away for lunch. I know it’s a little late, but I have fried chicken and fresh soda bread.”
He hadn’t gone to lunch for fear that if he closed the bank, even for half an hour, people might think the worst and start a riot. “Bless you. I’m starving. Bless you, too, for not being afraid that the bank doesn’t have your money.”
Melody shrugged. “We’ve never had much money and have always lived frugally. If the money is gone, I really don’t know what I’m missing.”
Charlie chuckled. “You are something special, you know that?” He wanted so much to take her in his arms, but he held back.
“I’m just me. Plain and simple.” She nodded toward his office. “Would you like to eat in there?”
“Yes. Let me take that for you.” He took the basket from her and led the way to his office. He was at odds as to how to broach the subject of all that had transpired between them but felt he should at least acknowledge what had happened.
He placed the basket on his desk and turned to face her. “I, uh, well, there’s a lot I’d like to say, but given the circumstances, I don’t want to rush you.”
“Oh, Charlie.” She smiled and pushed back her sunbonnet. “What else needs to be said?”
He chuckled. “Well, you never did say what you thought of the matter.”
“I thought I did.” Her brows raised as she stepped closer. “I specifically remember putting my arms around you like this.” She stretched up and clasped her hands behind his neck. “Then I raised my face to you ... like this.”
Charlie did what came naturally. What he’d wanted todo since she came into the room. He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her.
Melody was the one to pull away this time. “Do you remember now?”
“I do. I guess you were plenty vocal on the matter.”
She laughed. “Charlie, you are something else. Something so unexpected.”
