"Aye," McKenna said, "As soon as I make a telephone call." She turned and went back upstairs to the second floor sitting room.
Charlotte had tears in her eyes and Sarah didn't care. "You best collect your things before he sees you again."
"He cannot send me away, who will do the sewing?" Charlotte asked, slowly walking toward the back stairs.
"We will find another seamstress," Sarah answered.
*
The Antler Hotel in Colorado Springs was an impressive structure, having been rebuilt after a horrendous fire just two years earlier. It stood at the end of Main Street and was a favorite place for the rich and famous to gather. Three archways marked the entrance to the four-story building and the furniture, as well as the lobby walls were covered in red velvet with gold trim. Matching curtains hung on each side of the tall windows and massive chandeliers hung from the high ceiling.
A regular in the place before the mansion offered a warm room for him to sleep in, Hannish MacGreagor entered and was warmly greeted by the manager. Mr. Goodwin, the man with him was also easily recognizable as the owner of the New National Bank .
"I wish a private meeting room and would you tell Mr. Graham I am here."
"Very good, Sir," the manager said. He asked a second man to find George Graham, and then showed Hannish to a small private room reserved for important guests. "May I bring you a drink, gentlemen?"
"Nay, but I thank you. We will not be here long."
George Graham looked relieved to finally see Hannish, but Hannish was not pleased to see him, and did not bother to introduce the man with him. "You will sign this release first."
Immediately suspicious, Graham took the papers Hannish handed him. "What is this?"
"It says that what I pay you today is the full amount owed."
Graham looked at the bank note and laughed. "'Tis less than a forth of what you owe me."
"It would have been more, but I subtracted your expenses on the voyage, your two week stay in the most expensive hotel in New York City, shoes, clothing, the watch my wife bought you and naturally, your stay at this hotel, which I shall gladly pay to be rid of you."
"But this is hardly enough to get home."
Hannish snatched the bank note back out of Graham's hand. "Very well, then you shall have to sue me for the full amount. I daresay, I can easily outlast you in such a legal contest, and the hotel will most likely not let you stay."
Graham was had and he knew it. Reluctantly, he took the pen Hannish offered him and signed the document. He watched the stranger sign as witness and then gave the document back.