Harry Bodkin smiled from his desk as he watched his newest clerk, Dudley Richards chat with Mrs. Barker, "Yes, Mrs. Barker, you can rest assured that your money will be transferred to your sister's account my closing today," Richards smiled at the old lady.
Mrs. Barker smiled back, "Thank you! You know that my sister needs that money," she indicated with her index finger.
"And she will get it," Richards nodded as Mrs. Barker slowly walked to the door of the bank. "Have a good day, ma'am," Richards said as she left the building.
Harry Bodkin stood and placed his thumbs into his vest pockets. "I like your customer service, Richards," he stated as he walked toward the caged wicket. "You seem to be settling into the job just fine," the banker smiled.
"I am enjoying it," Richards said as he busied himself with some paperwork.
"Are you and the misses settling into Dodge well enough?" Bodkin asked.
"Oh, yes," the fair-haired clerk nodded as he looked up at Bodkin, "We are liking Dodge a lot," he smiled and went back to work. Bodkin nodded and picked up his hat, "I'm going to run a few errands and be back in time for you to take your lunch," the banker said as he opened the door.
It was a bright warm spring day. Clouds in the east, however, were a certain indication that some rain was forthcoming. Bodkin placed his bowler hat on his head and pulled the back door closed behind him.
The backer made his way along Front Street before crossing over to pick up some pencils and other office supplies at Jonas' general store. Doc just stepped down from his stairs and the two men almost collided, "Doc!" Bodkin said loudly and held his hat with his left hand. Doc almost reeled backward and looked up at Bodkin, "What are you trying to do? Run me over?" Doc barked at the banker even though he knew he was the one at fault.
Bodkin pursed his lips and chose not to comment. With a slight huff the banker sidestepped the doctor and continued on his way. Doc snorted in amusement before he turned and headed toward the Long Branch Saloon for his morning coffee and the newspaper.
Bodkin stepped down into the store and waited for Jonas to finish with another customer. The banker took the time to look over some merchandise that was on sale. Bodkin looked at the glass chimney and then placed it back where he'd picked it up.
"Mr. Bodkin?" Jonas asked as he stepped out from behind his service counter, "What can I do for you?" the store owner asked.
Bodkin turned on his heels, "Hello Jonas," Bodkin smiled. "I just wondered if my office supplies came in on last shipment," Bodkin watched Jonas as he remembered the order, "I believe it didn't Jonas said as he walked briskly to the storeroom and picked up the box.
"Now just let me check that everything is here. You know how sometimes things get on back order," Jonas said as he opened the box and compared the contents to the list. Jonas was satisfied with the order and closed the lid before sliding the box across the counter, "It's all accounted for," Jonas smiled.
Bodkin nodded, "That's great. Can I also get some new nibs for my pen?" he asked Jonas.
"How many would you like?" Jonas asked as he pulled a small box off the shelf behind him.
"Oh, a half a dozen should do," Bodkin smiled as he watched the store owner count out the nibs.
"How's your new clerk working out?" Jonas asked as he placed the nibs in a small paper bag.
"He seems to be going well. You should meet him sometime," Bodkin smiled and pulled his wallet from his vest and handed Jonas a few dollars.
"I just might get that opportunity this afternoon," Jonas smiled. "I need to get to the bank with a deposit," he said looking over his spectacles and handing the change back to Bodkin.
Bodkin nodded, "I'm sure Dudley will fit in very well in Dodge," he stated.
"I did meet his wife, Vivian," Jonas smiled. "She a quiet one, but she seems quite pleasant. I've suggested to my Ellen that she get to know her and make her feel more apart of the town," Jonas stated.
"I should see that my wife do the same," Bodkin smiled. "I'll see you later then," Bodkin said and turned to leave the store. Jonas busied himself with a few things before the next customer entered the general store.
Just as Harry Bodkin stepped out onto the boardwalk, he met Matt, in just about the same manner that he'd met the doctor earlier. Bodkin got flustered, "Am I invisible today?" he sharply asked the marshal.
No, Harry, your not. What's wrong?" Matt asked as he adjusted his hat back on his head.
"I've run into you, or rather the other way around and the same thing happened earlier with Doc!" the banker explained.
Matt shrugged, "Well you did have your head down. Maybe you have too much on your mind at the moment," Matt suggested to Bodkin. The banker made a face and then relaxed, "Maybe you're right," he sighed.
"Well, then take it easy," Matt suggested as he pulled his hat back down and continued his journey to the Long Branch.
"Take it easy?" Bodkin huffed. "I when I train a man for any of my positions, I make sure they know their job. And know it well," he said to himself as he referred to Festus Haggen. Sure the man did an all right job and could be counted on, but if there was anyone in Dodge looking to make a fast buck anyway possible, it was Festus. Bodkin fell to the hill man's plans of repainting the back - which only came part way to fruition as Festus "claimed" he's pulled a muscle in his back while reaching for a bucket of paint. Bodkin felt like a fool and worse, his business looked like hell for two weeks while Festus "rested" his back at a local fishing hole. If it wasn't for the marshal, the building would have remained half painted, but Matt saw to it that Festus finished the job, as his duties saw fit.
Bodkin slowly made his way up the boardwalk and decided that maybe a quick drink was in order to calm himself down. The banker turned into the Long Branch and sat at a table, where he opened the box and looked at his new letterhead. Bodkin smiled.
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Derrick Warwick stood outside the Bank finishing his cigar. He watched as a steady stream of customers came and went. It was now his time to join the line. Warwick kept his hat low and his eyes just under the brim. He purposely worked his way into Dudley Richards' line and after a few minutes he finally reached the wicket. "Hey, Dudley," Warwick smiled with this tobacco-stained teeth showing.
Richards swallowed hard and looked around the room. Everyone was busy so one on paid any attention to the ghost white of Richards' face at the sight of Derrick Warwick, "What are you doing here?" the meek man stammered.
"I came to visit my friend," Warwick smiled and pointed at the clerk. "Remember we have some unfinished business we need to take care of," Warwick said in a hushed voice as he leaned into the bars that separated him and Richards.
"I have no more businesses to conduct with you Derrick," Richards said with his voice quivering.
"Well. We'll just see about that. Tonight," Derrick smiled and pushed way from the counter and bid Dudley Richards "Adios," with a flick of the brim of his black hat. Richards nervously looked around and again everyone else was too busy to notice Derrick Warwick as he left the bank.
