Portriat

Unable to set into words exactly what happened next, I will refer to the events as a dream. Yet more then a dream. I, a man in the century of science and knowledge stepped back into time.

As I slept I dreamt of a man on horseback riding towards New York City. He stopped at the first general store buying a paper. Through his eyes I read the date Feb 4, 1798. After reading the date the man folded the paper placing it in his saddlebags. He remounted riding through the street, stopping before a tall building with a sign that read, First Bank of New York.

The man took a deep breath before dismounting. He glanced from the ground to the roof before mounting the bank’s step. Reaching the wooden door, he took a deep breath settling him before entering. The man nearly jumped when a young man addressed him.

“Good morning, Sir,” the man greeted him. “How may I help you?”

“Yes, you can, good man, I am Jamie O’Brien. I have an appointment with Mr. O’Malley,” Jaime replied pulling a letter from his pocket to check a name. Satisfied he had said the correct name he continued, “If you would present my card?”

“Wait here, Mr. O’Brien,” replied the clerk reading Jamie’s card.

The clerk disappeared into the office behind him returning quickly.

“Mr. O’Brien, if you would step in?” the clerk said addressing Jamie

Jamie pasted the clerk with a bow of thanks before greeting a frail man standing beside an office desk.

“Mr. O’Brien, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” Mr. O’Malley exclaimed extending his hand in greeting.

Jamie took the extended hand and shook it. He was surprised to find such strength in the fine hand.

“Please, Mr. O’Brien be seated,” Mr. O’Malley offered taking his own seat.

Jamie sat down unsure what to think about this man, who appeared as if a good breeze could blow him away. Mr. O’Malley seemed very young, too young to be a bank owner. He pondered these thoughts in silence. Feeling the awkwardness, Jamie regained his wit.

“Mr. O’Malley, it is an honor to met you,” I extent my gratitude for the offer you sent me though I do not understand why?”

“I thought I had made myself clear in the letter. I seek a qualified assistant someone, who can step into my shoes at any moments notice. Perhaps, it is not clear?” Mr. O’Malley acted as if he was making up his mind than added, “So I will take you into my confidence.” Mr. O’Malley watched Jamie’s face before continuing. “My health is not always what it should be. In truth, I am subject to sudden illnesses. My sister has filled the assistance’s position in the past, but I wish to free her from these responsibilities. You, Mr. O’Brien, will work in the capacity of assistant manager.”

“This I understand. My quandary is why have you chosen me? Where did you come to hear of me, for I did not even advertise? I came today more out of curiosity than….”

“I see your point,” interrupted Mr. O’Malley, “I wanted to have the best so instead of advertising, I wrote to all the banks inquiring after their brightest apprentices, from all the response I received, I chose you.”

Jamie sat in silence for a moment to sure of what to say. “I fear sir; my skills may not live up to your expectations. It is true I have been in banking most of my life. My father ran the bank where I apprenticed. I had always thought I would work there.”

“Then you are not interested?”

“Oh, but I am” Jamie stated becoming more excited by the moment.

At last he would be on his own. He could prove to everyone, including himself, that he was a success. A success he achieved on his own with no help from his father. “I definitely want the position.”

Mr. O’Malley sighed in relief. “Mr. O’Brien, let us discuss your duties. You will of course have to aquatint yourself with all the working of this bank. I understand your family bank works a bit different then ours. Mr. Vargo shall acquaint you will how our bank operates. Then over the next few weeks Mr. Finch, my head clerk, introduce you to our investors. If you see any area of improvement you will have the freedom to implement them. Does that meet with your approval?”

“Yes,” Jamie stammered still trying to take it all in.

“When can you start?”

“This very moment,” replied Jamie with a smile.

“Very good. Follow me, I’ll turn you over to Mr. Vargo. His is our best teller.”

Mr. O’Malley led the way to the tellers’ windows. There Jamie saw a small mousy gentleman, whose glasses had a tendency to slip down his face.

“Mr. Vargo, let me introduce our new assistant manager, Mr. O’Brien. Please acquaint him with our accounts,” Mr. O’Malley sternly informed the clerk. “Do not monopolize his time with your remarks. I hope I make myself clear.”

“Certainly sir,” Mr. Vargo replied pulling on his cravat.

Jamie smiled his impressions about his man were correct he was mousy and from Mr. O’Malley’s comment a bit of a gossip.

“I will leave you gentlemen to it,” Mr. O’Malley said returning to his office.

Mr. Vargo remained silent until the office door closed, shut tight. The small man swallowed hard assuming a superior demeanor before opening his mouth.

“Mr. O’Brien, do you have any questions?”

“Questions?” Jamie puzzled thinking it a very odd way to begin this particular conversation.

“After meeting Mr. O’Malley, many people have questions. It would be best to address them to me. Mr. O’Malley is rather difficult. He is a very private person. I mean private, any comment about his person or questions about his action has lead to dismissal from one’s position. Last year one employee asked Mr. O’Malley the date of his birth and was let go.”

“Surely, you do exaggerate. I have not found him so. He was quite open” Jamie remarked warmly. “This does resemble the idols talk Mr. O’Malley remarked upon.”

“Do not take offense. I meant nothing by it,” Mr. Vargo quickly correct himself. “It is just Mr. O’Malley will brook no personal questions. I meant only to put you on your guard. Men have lost their positions by asking the wrong question.”

Mr. Vargo up an emphasis on the last phrase. Jamie quickly understood that he had been a bit rash in correcting his peer.

“I am somewhat surprised to see a man, who has a reputation for being ruthless is so young and frail.” Jamie ventured in an attempt to show Mr. Vargo he understood.

“His frailty came from the war. In the battle of Trent Mr. O’Malley was wounded and his constitution weakened,” explained Mr. Vargo. “Mr. Simon gave Mr. O’Malley a job because he was a veteran. From what I have heard, it didn’t take Mr. O’Malley long before he owned the bank.”

“There is an implication in your voice that Mr. O’Malley accusation of the bank was not of an honorable manner?” Jamie asked.

Mr. Vargo cleared his voice. “No, I did not mean that at all. I actually admire his business sense.”

“Mr. O’Malley mentioned he had a sister,” Jamie interjected suddenly not interest in office gossip.

“That he does and what a beauty she,” Mr. Vargo exclaimed taking a deep breath as the office door opened.

On seeing his boss, Mr. Vargo open a book next to him.

“Mr. O’Brien as you can see there is a page for each depositor,” Mr. Vargo said swiftly drawing Jamie’s attention to the books.

Mr. Vargo went on to explain how they were set up. Jamie feeling like a bug under a magnifying glass listened to every word. Jamie was surprised to see a mistake in the set up. He was about to point it out but decided to wait until later.

Mr. O’Malley watched a few moments before stepping directly over to Jamie.

“How are you getting on, sir? I hope Mr. Vargo is being helpful.” Mr. O’ Malley inquired.

“Yes, very informative. I believe I could offer some suggestions on improving your system,”

“Indeed, sir we will have to talk about it, but I fear I must go out at present. Mr. Shay requires a loan. I will return within the hour maybe then? Until I return Mr. O’Brien I will leave you in charge. See Mr. Finch if you find you are in need of assistance.”

“Yes of course, Mr. O’Malley,” Jamie replied with a tip of his head

Mr. O’Malley smiled taking his leave. As good as is word Mr. O’Malley returned promptly one hour later.

“Mr. O’Brien, I have a moment now is you would wish to discuss improvement on our accounting.

“Certainly, Mr. Vargo if I could trouble you for the book?” Jamie asked.

Mr. Vargo handed Jamie the book and watch with interest as Jamie stepped into Mr. O’Malley’s office.

“There goes another manager,” Mr. Vargo mention to one of his co-workers.