The Man on the Ladder 3: A Great Opportunity

previous posts:
The Man on the Ladder 1:  Dark Days Ahead 
The Man on the Ladder 2:  Creature Comforts

The Tall One and The Fat One strolled across the street to the First Bank of Valentine. The wood planks made a modest creak with every assertive step. The Fat One remained half an arm's length behind and to the left of the Tall one. They approached the teller.

“Greetings stranger. How may I help you this morning?” said the young teller. The Tall One replied, “Be a good lad and fetch me the banker. Kindly inform him there is an opportunity to make a handsome profit for his best customers.” The teller straightened even more. It took everything in him not to choke on the strong smokey odor emanating from the Tall One's clothes. “My apologies sir, Mr Perryman is taking a meeting at the moment. If you could wait over there,” he said timidly gesturing to a couple of empty chairs in the parlor, “He will be with you as he becomes available.”

This would not do. The Tall One changed places with the Fat One. Nothing was said. Other customers entered the bank creaking the floor as they paced in waiting. The Fat One just stared and smiled at the young teller. He didn't look particularly menacing or dangerous, but he had an atmosphere about him. A quiet cool. He was not one to be trifled with. After a moment, the teller said, “Pardon me, I will see how much longer Mr. Perryman thinks his meeting will be.” He rushed around the counter and entered a room off to the side. Mr. Perryman was in his empty office reading last Sunday's edition of the Rocky Mountain News. He did not take kindly to his nephew, the teller, entering his office during his reading time. He especially did not welcome the two strange men who gently pushed aside the teller before giving an explanation of the trespass.

The banker stood and offered his hand to the Tall One who accepted and they shook briefly. The Tall One removed his pipe from his breast pocket and sat down without exchanging words. “What can I do for you gentlemen?” asked Mr. Perryman. The Fat One just smiled and stood in the doorway. The Tall One pulled out a tobacco pouch from his pocket and packed his pipe. He put his feet on the banker's desk and lit a match with his thumb. He set the still lit match on the desk. It was tense in the office. It was all scripted. They had done this half a dozen times by now. All three men eyed the match as the flame charred the splinter and extinguished itself. On cue the Tall one began the conversation.

“Good Day Mr. Perryman. My name is Jacob Rose, this is my associate Charles Faulkner. We are part of a contingent commissioned to represent the interests of the Middle Pacific Railroad. We have a great opportunity for your top account holders, and more importantly, it's a profitable venture for yourself. No risk on your part and a high reward can be anticipated.”

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