Chapter 12 #2
“As most of you know,” a man began, “there have been many changes going on in Cheyenne of late. I’m going to introduce you to a man who is representing our largest and most active employer, the Union Pacific Railroad.
The president of the UP has sent us one of his right-hand men, Mr. Claude Danby, to report on the various Cheyenne projects that are now in progress. Mr. Danby.”
The audience clapped for the man as he approached the podium. Spencer noted his gray suit, black tie, and white shirt. The balding man was of average height and weight and with no distinguishing marks. He was the kind of man who would easily blend into a crowd unnoticed.
“Ladies and gentlemen of Cheyenne, it is my pleasure to report that President Adams sends his regards. We at the Union Pacific are delighted to announce that Cheyenne continues to be one of the largest and most efficient stops along the line. The new depot has proven itself a masterpiece of creativity. It has already serviced over a thousand trains. At this time, we are at work to build a roundhouse with ten stalls as well as a shop to create railcars, a woodworking and paint shop, a warehouse, and a variety of other structures. The Union Pacific is here to stay in Cheyenne.”
The audience broke into thunderous applause. Spencer knew that besides the Union Pacific, the only other major employer was Fort Russell. With those two employers expanding and adding new employees and soldiers, Cheyenne was bound to see prosperity.
“We will be adding several hundred new employees, which means that your town will see considerable growth in this year alone.
Our company has always been big on hiring family men as they make for a much stabler workforce.
This will in turn bring families to your community, and the railroad is ready to help with that as well.
We are making new railroad land available for housing as well as community needs.
We have expanded the UP hospital to provide adequate services, both routine and emergency.
Furthermore, we were pleased to see a new school being built on the south side of the UP tracks and hold great pride in this fair community.
“The Union Pacific is proud to be a part of Cheyenne and will endeavor to do whatever we can to promote statehood for the fair territory of Wyoming.”
There was more applause, and after Danby finished his short speech, George W. Baxter, another of the city officials, came to take the podium and began speaking of the topic on everyone’s mind: statehood.
“As most of you know, I was an active member of the constitutional convention we held last year to draft a state constitution.” Cheers again erupted. Baxter held up his hands to quiet the room.
“We are pushing hard for acceptance into the Union for this year. Delegate J. M. Carey is even now lobbying with great enthusiasm in Washington to see that the House of Representatives passes a bill to admit us as the forty-fourth state in these United States of America.”
As the audience again began to applaud, some of the men jumped to their feet to give shouts of approval. Spencer felt the excitement of those in the room. It was contagious. Even Chief Vogel clapped most enthusiastically. When they were once again calmed, Baxter continued.
“We feel confident that the vote will go our way, and then we will seek the approval of the Senate. These are exciting times in the life of our territory and soon-to-be state. We are on the cusp of a bright future.”
He continued to speak about celebrations and new opportunities to serve in the government while Spencer gazed around the room, seeking anyone who seemed out of place or disinterested. At the moment, everyone in the room seemed caught up in the momentum of Baxter’s speech.
Politics had never been Spencer’s point of interest. He had no desire to run for public office or butter up those who did.
He was content being out of the public eye.
It served his position as a Pinkerton quite well.
However, it was easy to see how a mob might be easily incited to do almost anything.
These people were the kind who would get this matter resolved in quick order.
There were at least five other speakers, and by the time they finished, Spencer was more than anxious to be on his way.
But his father-in-law wanted to introduce him to a number of men.
Cheyenne’s city fathers. The people who made things happen in Cheyenne.
Spencer took a bit more interest in this, knowing it was very possible one or all might be familiar with Eugene Astor.
Still, it wasn’t like he could just up and ask if they knew the man.
Nothing would be more questionable than that, and Spencer hadn’t gotten where he was with the Pinkertons by being amateurish in his duties.
He endured the introductions and made small talk with each. Finally, Chief Vogel signaled it was time to go, and Spencer happily followed. To his surprise, it had started to snow again. Would this winter never end? They crossed the muddy street, and Spencer let his father-in-law take the lead.
“How about some lunch?” Vogel asked.
Spencer didn’t want to appear anxious to get away, so he nodded. “Sounds good.”
They slipped into a local café and ordered coffee and the special. Spencer settled back in his seat and wrapped his hands around the warm cup. He took a long, slow sip and smiled. It was strong and hot and took the edge off his nerves.
“You seem wound up tighter than new springs. What’s going on with you?”
He hadn’t anticipated this question from the older man. He decided the truth was best.
“I guess I’m still a bit unsure of our relationship.
” Spencer shrugged. “I know Carrie and I married fast, and you question my love for your daughter. I think you’re entitled to feel that way and don’t blame you for wondering about me.
I guess if Carrie were my daughter, I’d wonder too.
Still, I can’t help but feel I’m being constantly scrutinized.
” He held up his hand. “Not that you’re wrong to do so. ”
“I’m glad to know you’re an understanding sort.” Vogel leaned back in the chair and studied Spencer for a long moment.
“I’ll answer any of your questions. I figure the only way you’ll feel better about me is to get to know me.”
Vogel nodded. “But I have a feeling there would still be things you’d keep hidden.”
His comment took Spencer by surprise. He cleared his throat. “I suppose we all have things we keep to ourselves.”
Vogel leaned forward rather quickly, and Spencer had to force himself not to jump. He knew Vogel would sense his tension and did his best to maintain eye contact.
“I know you’re important to my daughter. I can see by the way she looks at you that she cares deeply. She never looked at Nelson that way. But I can also see that she has her secrets. She always has. I guess I’d feel a mite better if the two of you realized you could trust me.”
The serving girl brought their food, but Spencer found his appetite was gone.
Vogel knew there was deception going on.
He was a good lawman and had studied the behavior of multiple individuals over the years.
He knew Spencer was lying to him. Carrie had known her father wouldn’t be easily persuaded by a pretense of marriage.
And now, even though they had a marriage certificate and had gone through an official ceremony, Edward Vogel still seemed to know they were lying about something. Maybe everything.
“Look, I’m not trying to impose on either of you.
I want you to know that I consider you a son now, same as I do my own boys.
I want us to be close and to know we can trust each other to be honest. We hopefully have a great many years to get this relationship to a place of comfort and ease, but it’s going to take honesty. ”
“I want that too.” Spencer realized he meant it. He wanted to know this man better. He wanted Edward Vogel to trust him and count him as a son. He was ready then and there to confess what he was up to. Maybe telling his father-in-law would be beneficial in the long run.
“I guess one thing I’d like to tell you—”
“Chief Vogel,” a man said, coming up to the table. “I wonder if we might have a word? In private. It’s urgent.”
Vogel gave Spencer a look that suggested his regret. “What is it?”
Spencer didn’t know whether to be relieved or aggravated as Vogel got to his feet. His stomach churned. Lies never sat well with him. Especially when it involved someone he truly liked and wanted to show respect.