Portriat

The next morning Jamie rose early. Jamie dressed quickly. He meant Mrs. Vargo in the dinning room. “May I interest you in some breakfast?” she asked.

“Thank you know. I have time to tend to lighting and have a walk. Oh, yes if you have need please feel free to use Lighting. I fear I will not have much time to give him the exercise he is use to. Lighting is a most gentle horse and has no bad habits,” Jamie said.

“A kind offer, I will be most please to assist you in your horse exercise as seeing mine did recently passed away,” Mr. Vargo said.

“Then with that settled, Mrs. Vargo I wish you a good day,” Jamie said.

“Same to you, sir,” Mrs. Vargo replied

Jamie bowed leaving the house for the stable. Lighting greeted him with a whinny. “Good morning to you as well,” Jamie said stroking him.

Quickly Jamie attended to his horses need explaining that Mrs. Vargo would be riding him. Satisfied Jamie left the stable. Outside he took a deep breath consulted his watch and went for a walk acquainting himself with his new city. The smells of the local bakery drew him in. He purchased a few rolls before returning to the outdoors. Jamie sat down on a bench taking in the morning sun as he enjoyed the bread. The church bell warned him that if he did not hurry he would be late for work.

Jamie ran into the bank with a sigh. He had made it before the bell stopped ringing. Slowing his steps Jamie made his way towards the teller window when someone called his name stopping him in his tracks. He did not have to turn around to know who it was.

“Mr. O’Brien, I would like a word.” Mr. O’Malley greeted him.

“Of course,” Jamie replied nervously joining Mr. O’Malley in the bank office.

“Sir, you have already greatly improved the running of this bank. I am so grateful you joined us.”

“Thank you,” Jamie stated surprised by this early compliment.

“That is all you may go,” Mr. O’Malley said.

“May I add that I am glad you sought me out,” Jamie said and meant it.

Jamie ’s admiration for Mr. O’Malley grew. Shawn O’Malley was kind yet firm when needed. He demanded no more from his employees than he did himself. Mr. O’Malley on many occasions performed the lowest duty in the bank.

In Jamie’s eyes Mr. O’Malley had but one flaw. Mr. O’Malley demanded perfection. Mistakes were not tolerated no matter how small. This made his employees fear him yet on one would speak against him. Shawn’s kindness outweighed his fault.