“Don’t worry about it, if he keeps looking at you like that, I may embarrass you by snapping him in half.”
Her look of shock has him feeling guilty. “I beg your pardon, Cassie. You can't help your beauty. I shall try to act the gentlemen for the time being. I have been here numerous times, and I doubt today will be any different. We will get your business taken care of and get out of here. I will take you out for a proper lunch,” he promises, cupping her cheek in his hand.
Before she can respond, she hears a man clear his throat behind them. Here we go, she thinks.
“The partners are ready for you now.” He quickly leads the way down the carpeted hall and Cassie takes in the scenery. The walls are lined in luxurious velvet, brocade wallpaper. The furniture is beautiful, and in the background, a piano is playing softly. It is a striking difference to the poverty that lines the streets just a few blocks away.
Many vagabonds sleep in the streets or alleys, behind businesses. Opium dens flourish, brothels are lined up with patrons waiting to get in, and saloons are everywhere. Desperation floats through the air in search of the destitute souls who come here hoping to strike it rich. Saddened by the thoughts, Cassie slips her hand into his and is reassured by a tender squeeze.
“Mr. Rivers, I understand congratulations are in order,” a deep voice calls out. Dalton greets the white-haired gentlemen in front of them with a smile and a handshake.
“Yes, sir, please let me present my wife. Mrs. Cassandra Rivers.” The more he says it, the more he likes the sound of it on his tongue, Dalton thinks.
Cassie smiles shyly and curtsies. “How do you do?” She quickly tucks into Dalton's side and waits for the formalities to be over. Two men, and one in a room behind a heavy glass door. Cassie listens with her mind and finds these two were told to get rid of Dalton quickly. They have much more pressing matters to attend to.
“Mr. Rivers, while we appreciate your tenacity and forward-thinking ways, you do not possess enough money to buy into the Pacific Railroad as a partner.” Mr. Grant says quickly, thinking, ‘Disgusting cowboys come here always asking for handouts.’ Cassie is furious at the snobbery here.
“I understand how you think that, but if you would look at my proposal, you will see how your stockyard would benefit from our partnership. We can move more than livestock on your cattle cars. It can also be used for the fur trade, bear and buffalo to be exact. Wool from sheep is another untapped potential. Ranchers are struggling to find buyers, and there is a potential for trade agreements with those ranches as well. The railroad will bring jobs, and people go where the jobs are. The town will prosper and so will the bank.” Dalton speaks passionately about his cause.
“I want to help bring the railroad to the Northwest. I know with my help and family name the ranchers would listen and see the potential for all involved.”
Cassie is touched by his ideology. Her father used to think that way too, but she knows money talks and these men are about to walk without it.
“We understand you feel strongly, Mr. Rivers but we are not…”
“Gentlemen, before we go any further. I believe I could be of assistance.” Cassie says softly. All the men, including her husband, look at her. “My father passed away recently and left me with a dowry, which I would very much like for your bank to handle. As a gift to my new husband, I would like to purchase a share of your Pacific Railroad in his name, of course.”
“Cassandra, I can't let you…” Dalton starts to argue, but Cassie stops him with a small raised hand.
“My father bequeathed his ranch to me, and I want you to use it to buy the shares you want.” She pulls the deed out and holds it up. “I will not take no for an answer, Dalton.” She turns to the men and waits for the argument.
“However noble your offer is, Mrs. Rivers, our bank does not need another ranch.” Mr. Smith snaps at her. ‘This is a waste of time, another woman who doesn’t recognize her place,’ he thinks.
Cassie's eyes narrow as she gazes at him. “Oh, you misunderstand, Mr. Smith. It's what my land sits on that is valuable. A thousand-acre ranch is valuable, but the gold mine beneath my property makes it priceless,” She says laying the deed down and tapping it.
“Mrs. Rivers gold mines are a dime a dozen out here. What makes you think yours is any more valuable than any other panhandler who walks in our doors.” Mr. Smith argues angrily, but Mr. Grant has gone oddly quiet. Cassie feels his interest.
“Perhaps it is time to talk to the man in charge, Mr. Grant. You would not want to be responsible for causing your bank to lose millions.” Cassie says softly looking at the older man.
“Now just a minute!” Mr. Smith starts to say, but he's too late. Mr. Grant has pushed the button under his desk.
“Give us a minute to discuss this.” Mr. Grant says with a heated look at Mr. Smith. After they leave, she turns to Dalton.
“Do you trust me, Dalton?” she asks softly.
“Cassandra, I don’t know what you are thinking. You can’t just sign over your ranch to me! You barely know me. No, I won't hear of it. Let’s go!” he snatches his hat and coat and jumps to his feet. She follows and grabs his arms, stopping him in his tracks.
