Read Online Forever and Always by Leigh Greenwood - Free Book Online

She thought for a moment he might leave, but he seemed to reach a resolve.
    â€œI’m not a hero, and I don’t want anyone to think of me like that. I’m grateful you didn’t tell anyone who I was. I don’t want attention, I don’t want any thanks, and I don’t want to intrude on anyone’s prayers or thoughts. I would rather leave than have to face that.”
    Sibyl found it difficult to understand how anyone could feel that way, but he appeared quite sincere. “I’m sorry, but that’s impossible. I’ll remember you for as long as I live. Because of you, I’ll get to see my daughter grow up.” He looked so frail she was afraid he might collapse. “Won’t you have a seat and tell me how I might help you?”
    The man hesitated before taking the seat she offered him. Sibyl circled her desk and sat down. “I want to offer you a reward,” she said as soon as she was seated. “I don’t know how much is appropriate—”
    â€œI don’t want a reward!”
    The words came out with such force, Sibyl was shocked into silence.
    The man struggled to get himself under control before saying, “I didn’t come here for money. I have more than enough for my needs.”
    â€œOne can always use some new clothes or a nice meal in a restaurant.” Sibyl was surprised when he glanced down at his clothes then looked up and smiled.
    â€œI dress this way because it’s comfortable. Really, I don’t want any money. I came here to offer my help.”
    He could hardly have said anything that would have surprised Sibyl more. How could this man who looked like a vagabond help her? She struggled to keep her shock from showing in her face. When his smile widened, she knew she had failed.
    â€œLet me introduce myself. My name is Logan Holstock. I’ve only just arrived in the Arizona Territory. I was coming to the bank to open an account when I surprised the robbers.”
    â€œWhy did you choose our bank?”
    â€œIt was the first one I saw. The building was so impressive I figured it must be a successful bank.”
    Of course it was impressive. Norman wouldn’t have had it any other way.
    â€œIs there another bank I should investigate?”
    The more Mr. Holstock talked, the more confused she became. He didn’t talk like a vagrant, and he didn’t act like one. He intended to open an account, but he looked like he’d spent his last dollar weeks ago. He was clearly very ill, but he appeared to be ignoring it. “There is another bank,” Sibyl said, “but I hope you will choose ours.” She couldn’t say mine . It didn’t seem right. “Servicing your account will give me a chance to thank you for keeping us from being robbed.”
    â€œI wish you wouldn’t mention thanking me again.” He reached into the pocket of his thin jacket and pulled out a wallet. She knew very little about men’s wallets, but she could tell expensive leather when she saw it. How would such a man have such a wallet? Her surprise was even greater when he withdrew a handful of bills and handed them to her. A quick count added up to over five hundred dollars.
    â€œI hope this will cover my needs for the next two months or so.”
    She had trouble finding her voice. “It would be more than adequate for all but the most extravagant spender.”
    â€œI’m not a spendthrift. Now to the other reason I’m here.” He paused as though looking for the right words. “I’ve been told your husband kept you ignorant of the workings of the bank. I can only imagine how daunting taking over his position must be, so I want to help any way I can. I haven’t always been as you see me now. I was in commerce for a long time. I know how to handle difficult customers and build a business. I know how to read a ledger and balance books. I understand income versus expenses.”
    Sibyl