“That's a beautiful sentiment, Mrs. Rivers. Let us see if you can back up your claims about your family land.”
Turning they are greeted by a tall, thin older gentleman who appears to be about fifty years old. He smiles at them, and Cassie finds his thoughts are all about numbers. His mind is running percentages, odds, and ratios while discussing banking. He is the perfect person for this job.
“I am Harry Wells, and I welcome you to my bank. You have piqued my interest so please sit and let’s discuss this in detail.”
Dalton guides Cassie to the chair on the other side of a big desk, and they all take a seat.
“Thank you for your time, Mr. Wells,” Cassie says and reaches for Dalton's hand. The moment he touches her all her doubt fades. A soft smile floats on her face, and she knows that this the right choice.
“My father believed in his land, but he lost sight of it when the mine was discovered. It’s a valuable mine with untapped potential, and I can prove it.” Cassie lifts her carpet bag, which, until this second has passed unnoticed by the men in the room.
She lifts the first ten-pound bag of gold flake and puts it on Mr. Wells' desk. “I would like to get this exchanged for cash, at the current rate, of course,” both men lean forward, and Mr. Wells clears his throat.
“We can do that for you. However, this could be from any…” Harry stops speaking when Cassie pulls the second bag and drops it with a thump on his wooden desk. Mr. Wells does not try to hide his surprise at this development. His brown eyes are huge in his face, and his mouth opens slightly in shock.
“Both of these, please. Also, I would like my husband to be a partner with a one-tenth share in the railroad. I would like a percentage, ten percent, to be placed in a trust with your bank, in my maiden name, from any earnings you realize from the mine.”
Dalton sits in stunned silence. All the color fades from his tan face when he realizes she's been walking around with two bags of gold on her. The thought of all that could have befallen her if anyone else had known about this horrifies him.
“Cassandra surely you haven’t been walking around San Francisco with all of your gold in that bag?” he bellows at her.
“Of course not, Dalton. That's not all of it,” she snorts at him.
He starts to laugh, and Mr. Wells joins him. Their laughter turns to a roar, and they laugh until tears run before finally slowing down. They look at her with new respect and Cassie blushes. “Did I say something wrong, Dalton?”
“No, sweetheart, you said it fine,” he says wiping his eyes. He leans over and kisses her on the mouth, while Mr. Wells pushes his button. Cassie is stunned by the feel of his mouth on hers, she stares at him with a blush on her cheeks.
“Now, Mrs. Rivers lets discuss your terms. While I will allow that this much gold is shocking, that does not mean that more will be found.”
His voice draws her back to the meeting. The smile on Cassandra's face stops him.
“Mr. Wells, I am sure once you send a surveyor to the area, he will verify what I’m telling you. The gold you see before you is only a portion of what is possible. It's a three-day ride on horseback to my father's ranch, but I did not travel at night. I'm sure your person could get there much faster. Send your surveyor and have him verify what I am telling you if that is agreeable.” She sketches out a quick map of the town and slides it to Mr. Wells.
“Splendid idea, Mrs. Rivers. You are one lucky man, Mr. Rivers,” he says staring at Dalton.
Mr. Grant and Mr. Smith rush back in, and both stare wide-eyed at the gold on the desk. “Listen closely, boys. I want a surveyor leaving today for Mrs. River's ranch to verify the validity of her claims. Solomon Abbott is available, double his salary. I want this done quickly and quietly. In the meantime, I want a contract written up stating that Mr. Rivers is a new partner with the Pacific Railroad. They will be staying in a suite at the Palace Hotel. Make it happen.”
“All our partners stay there, and you are in time for the Royal Ball which is being held tomorrow night. Two tickets will be left in your suite.” Harry explains and turns to the two men and continues.
“I will also need another contract regarding the property and the mine with a ten percent share put in trust for Mrs. Rivers in her maiden name. How long were you planning on staying with us?” he asks Dalton.
“We are trying to get train tickets, but that is proving difficult sir,” Dalton replies.
“Not anymore, Mr. Rivers. Our partners travel for free. You will be in a club car which is the newest available. You will love it. I will see to the arrangements. Enjoy your stay at The Palace, and I will contact you when the surveyor returns. Perhaps I will see you both at the ball tomorrow evening,” Mr. Wells states and takes his leave.
Daltons head is spinning, he came in here with little hope and now Cassandra has turned it all around for him. She has no idea what this will mean to the town and
