Mr. Decker and Charlie were already on their feet. Charlie’s father spoke in greeting. “It’s very nice to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Vogel.”
Melody didn’t wait to continue. “Marybeth, I don’t mind you knowing because you won’t force me to have a big wedding with parties. You understand my feelings. You had a quiet ceremony yourself and have told me you didn’t regret it at all.”
“No.” Marybeth shook her head. “I didn’t. It was perfect for us.”
Melody turned back to Charlie. “I’ve never worried about having a big wedding and fancy dress. The only thing that was ever important was the man I would wed. When Da suggested advertising for a husband and testing each applicant out, I wasn’t certain it could work. But here we are, and Iknow you are the choice Da had for me. Let’s marry Sunday, if Dr. Scott will do the deed.” She looked at Charlie’s father. “And maybe you would stand with me since my own father can’t be here to be at my side?”
Bertram Decker gave her a solemn nod. “I would be proud to do so and even prouder to call you daughter.”
The next day, Charlie was still struggling to get used to his father’s change of heart as they sat at breakfast. Bertram Decker was a completely changed man. The father Charlie had known in the past would never have allowed for a quick wedding, much less been an enthusiastic participant. And all of this in light of the bank robbery made it all the more impressive.
“Your mother will be upset that she couldn’t be here for the wedding,” Father declared. “However, I know we could never get her here by Sunday.”
“I wish she could be here. If you really think Mother is up to the trip here, I’ll talk to Melody and see if we might wait a week.”
His father’s face lit up. “I know she could easily make the trip. She loves to travel, and I’ve denied her so many adventures. I could arrange for someone to travel with her so that she wouldn’t have to worry about anything. My valet, Bixby, and her maid, Claudia, might do the job.”
“Let me speak to Melody when we go to see the property later today. I’m sure she’ll understand and want to wait. She would give anything if her mother and father could be with us. I know she won’t refuse me mine.”
“Wonderful. By the way, I think she’ll love the property you have in mind. The house is quite grand.”
“Grander than I had imagined.” Charlie and his father had inspected it late the previous afternoon. The house was well built and quite nicely situated. “And the builder was happy to get right to work on the school.”
“It was fortunate for you that he owned the lot next door. The contracts will be less complicated working with just one person rather than two.”
“I agree, but what about the bank, Father?” Charlie had put off talking about the matter in light of his happy plans to marry Melody.
“I’ve given it much thought on the trip here as well as after going through everything with you. I believe the best thing is to dissolve the bank, especially since Jacob has no desire to return to Cheyenne. There aren’t that many accounts left to worry about, and we can help the customers transfer to another bank.”
“I’d like to think they’ll find Jefferson soon. I don’t see how he could have gotten that far.”
His father gave a little shrug. “That is one of the differences with transportation being so readily available. People will have a much easier time getting away from bad situations.”
“The men who went after him were the best of trackers and know a great deal about the area. At least, that’s what Edward Vogel told me. He has worked with many of these men since last year. Edward’s at work right now, perhaps we could go and ask him if there has been any word on the matter.”
His father drank the last of his coffee and dabbed his lips with the napkin. “I think that’s a good idea.”
They walked the few blocks to the jail only to find a large gathering of horses and men outside. To Charlie’s utteramazement, Jefferson Lane was at the very center of the gathering, positioned on the boardwalk between two rough-looking characters. Jefferson looked terrified and small compared to his companions.
“That’s him,” Charlie told his father. “That’s Jefferson Lane.”
“Why, he’s just a child. What a sad beginning to a man’s life.”
They watched a moment from across the street, then made their way to join the noisy bunch at the jail. The men led Jefferson inside, and Charlie wasn’t surprised to see Nathan Baker, owner and editor of theDaily Leader, race in behind them. He and Jefferson were the same age, or nearly so. Both came to Cheyenne from Denver. Yet they were as different as two men could be. Baker was married with a child. He was an upstanding citizen and popular with the townsfolk. Jefferson was now an enemy to all, especially those who had placed their trust in the Cheyenne Savings and Loan.
Charlie and his father pushed through the crowd and into the jail. He found Edward standing to one side while the marshal took charge of Jefferson.
They made their way to where Edward stood. The first thing on Charlie’s mind was to find out if the money had been recovered.
“Glad you’re here,” Edward said. “We would have sent for you, and this saves us the trouble. They just brought him in.”
“I figured as much since he was still outside the jail.” Charlie glanced around. “Did they recover the money?”
Edward nodded. “They did. I don’t know how much of it, but I’m sure the marshal will talk to you as soon as they get Jefferson locked up.”
They didn’t have to wait long. Marshal Sweeney approachedthem, ignoring Nathan Baker, who was already asking questions. Another man was at the marshal’s side.
“Mr. Decker,” Sweeney said, nodding to Charlie. “This is Johnny Barnes. He led the posse.” The man was covered in dust and looked weary from his ride.
