The banker smiled at Charlotte then looked at Bret. “One or two always enjoy thinking the worst. However, most who know Mrs. Dunn will agree she always acts in a proper manner and sets a good example for her children.”
Charlotte sensed she blushed. “Thank you, Mr. Edmondson.”
He handed her the deed. “Here you are, Mrs. Dunn. I’m happy things have worked out for you. When I heard the rest of your cattle had been rustled, I admit I was worried. Mr. Winfield sent word he’d be in today and I’m sure he intended to force his hand and get the mortgage. My investors have already exerted a great deal of pressure.”
“Thank you for supporting my welfare and that of my children. You’ve been very kind, Mr. Edmondson, and a true friend.” She added the deed to her purse.
Perhaps she should to say something that wouldn’t give away their plans. “I’ve been terribly worried since Ike was shot and our first cattle were rustled. I hope the sheriff can locate and return the cattle. Not much of a ranch with no animals.”
Bret remained seated. “While I’m here, I’d like to open an account. Can you take care of that or do I need to speak to a teller?”
“I’ll be happy to help you.”
Charlotte stood. “We’ll wait in there and give you some privacy.” She ushered her children into the lobby.
Moose followed her. “I sure feel better, Mrs. Dunn. You and your children are fine people. That’s a nice bunkhouse and a real good ranch. The fire damage won’t be hard to repair.”
“I feel more than just better, Moose. I could dance around the lobby.” She grinned. “Don’t worry, I won’t actually do so.”
He chuckled. “Wouldn’t bother me if you did.”
Davie had been looking outside but came to stand in front of her with a solemn expression. “He’s coming.”
There was no need to ask who her son meant. Sure enough, Elwood Winfield walked into the bank.
Mr. Winfield smirked as he approached her. “Here to throw yourself on the bank’s mercy? I believe you’ll find financial institutions show none.”
Charlotte forced a smile. “And a good day to you, too, Mr. Winfield.”
He reached for the doorknob to Mr. Edmondson’s office.
The head teller must have anticipated this because he’d rushed over and now stepped in front of the door. “Sorry, sir, but there’s someone in with Mr. Edmondson.”
“Tell him I’m here. I have important business to conduct.”
“Sorry, Mr. Winfield, I’m not allowed to interrupt him. I don’t think he’ll be long. Please feel free to wait or you could come back later.”
Charlotte’s smile was genuine this time. “Sounds like you’re not as important as you believe you are, Mr. Winfield.”
He stabbed the air with his index finger. “You’ll find out exactly how important I am when you’re forced to abandon your ranch. You should have taken my offer to buy it.”
Davie looked ready to do battle but, with a motion, Moose stopped him from speaking.
Charlotte kept her voice pleasant and smiled. “Your offer was far too low, as I’m sure you’re aware. Besides, you know that ranch will go to my oldest son one day.”
“Not likely. I suggest that while you’re in town you look for somewhere you and your brats can move when you leave the ranch. If your ranch hand is good, he can keep his job.”
This time Davie had to tug on Moose.
“Moose is an excellent ranch hand whose expertise is invaluable.” To prevent a laugh, Charlotte examined her gloves. “I’ll be staying at the ranch for several years. I’m sure Davie will provide a home for me when he’s ready to marry and start a family at the ranch.”
She widened her eyes. “Oh, I just had an idea. Why don’t you sell us your ranch then the younger children and I could move there? That’s the perfect solution. In fact, my son suggested that very thing.”
Winfield sneered. “Very funny. You can’t buy a bag of coffee, much less a ranch like mine.”
“You’re wrong. We have cash in the bank for groceries, salaries, and so forth. Of course, we’ll have to obtain cattle.” She narrowed her eyes. “As you know, cowardly rustlers stole ours in two bunches. Can’t have a cattle ranch without cattle.”
“You’re not facing reality yet. You will soon.”
The bank president’s door opened and Bret stepped out followed by Mr. Edmondson.
Mr. Edmondson shook Bret’s hand. “A pleasure doing business with you. I trust I’ll see you again soon.”
Winfield was aghast. “You? I was kept waiting because of you?”
Mr. Edmondson winked at Charlotte then turned toward Winfield. The smile he sent Winfield didn’t reach his eyes. “You wanted to see me, Elwood? Won’t you come into my office?”
Bret chuckled as he took her elbow and guided her toward the door and onto the boardwalk. “What do you say I treat everyone to ice cream?”
The children cheered, agreeing that was a great idea. The ice cream parlor was part of the drug store a couple of doors away. They found seats at two of the marble-topped tables and gave their orders.
Davie, who sat with the adults, laughed. “Did you see Mr. Winfield’s face when the teller wouldn’t let him go into Mr. Edmondson’s office? Man, was he mad.”
Moose slapped his thigh. “Sure would like to be a fly on the wall about now and hear the conversation in that office.”
Bret appeared relaxed. “I suspect it’s not pleasant for everyone concerned. I happened to mention last night’s fire to Mr. Edmondson.”
In spite of the seriousness of the fire and the man who was
