“I’m Charles Decker. This is my father’s bank, and I’ve come to take over for my brother Jacob until he can return.”
“That’s right, I heard from Jefferson that he was ill. I do hope he’s doing better.”
Mr. Decker’s gaze never left hers. “He is, thank you.”
“I’m so glad,” Melody replied. “He is such a nice man, and I enjoyed hearing about his family.”
“Jacob told you about his family?”
His question took Melody aback. “Why yes. He was quite sad to have left them behind in Chicago, but he said his wife was fearful of bringing the children west, where wild Indians were still known to raid. He seemed to miss them a great deal.”
“Jacob has always been very private. I’m just surprised that he would say a word about his family.”
“Melody has a way about getting folks to talk,” Jefferson interjected. “It’s her pretty face and kind spirit.”
“I can see that possibility.”
“So, Mr. Decker,” Melody began, only to be interrupted.
“Call me Charlie. All my friends do.”
Charlie was a much friendlier name than Charles and far less formal than Mr. Decker. “Charlie, I’m very glad to meet you. I hope you’ll enjoy Cheyenne and stay for a good long time.”
“I hope so too. I find the location quite beautiful and the people very friendly, Miss Doyle.”
“Melody. Like a song. That’s my name,” she said, laughing.
“Things are calming down now that the railroad is moving out. You will still need to watch out for undesirable characters, however. Cheyenne seems likely to always contend with a few hoodlums,” Jefferson said. “Miss Doyle, I have your money all counted out.”
She glanced over at him and found his expression a bit pinched. “Are you having a bad day, Jefferson?”
His frown deepened. “Why do you ask?”
“You look a tad miserable. I just wondered if there was something I could pray about on your behalf.”
Jefferson shook his head. “No, I’m just preoccupied with business.”
Melody looked back at Charlie. “You have a very dedicated associate, Charlie.”
“I have heard as much and am just now learning that for myself. He was here this morning seeing to bank operations before I even arrived.”
“Are you planning to make Cheyenne your home, Charlie, or are you just here temporarily?” Melody went to the teller’s window, where Jefferson stood waiting. She reached out to take the money, but Jefferson pulled it back.
“I have to count it out to you,” he snapped.
“Of course. Go ahead.” She held out her hand again but glanced back at Charlie. “All the regulations must be a hardship at times.”
“Yes, but adhering to them, just as with keeping God’s commandments, offers better benefits than ignoring them. Oh, and the answer is yes. If there’s a reason to stick around. I’ve long been ready for a change, and I’ve been seeking God to show me the direction He’d like me to go.”
Melody smiled. “So you’re a man of God, Charlie?”
“I am. And you? I mean, are you a woman of God?”
“Of course. God has seen me through so many bad times that I would have to be completely ignorant to ignore Him now. He is my mainstay.”
“Melody, I need you to pay attention,” Jefferson protested.
She turned back to him. “Go ahead.”
