Luke saw no reason to worry his father with his concerns about the railroad. “I guess I’m extra tired and worried for you. I want to make sure you know that despite the way things started out between us when you arrived, that is all past us. I hold no grudge against you. You will have the best of care. We will see you through this.”

His father nodded. “I know. JT told me that’s what families do.”

Luke smiled. “He’s a very clever boy.”

“Indeed, he is. I’m going to look forward to being his grandfather.”

Chapter 25

Theodore felt more than a little anxious about reporting for work after his trip to St. Paul. He knew the word had already been telegraphed to Luke that the route was off in more places than they’d originally figured. It was all one section of the route, but Theo had made certain that the variance was significant. Well, to be honest, it was the engineer’s new route that changed things, but no one would ever know that. Everything had been signed in Lucas Carson’s name, even if it had been forged.

He fumbled for his key. He was already celebrating Lucas Carson’s demise. When Jay Cooke learned it was his fault that the rail route was off, surely Luke would be fired and his good name ruined. The idea had excited Theodore so much that he’d hardly been able to sleep.

As he moved to unlock the door, he found it was already unlocked. When he came inside, he could hear voices from Luke’s office. He crept closer.

“Who could have known what this would do? I’d like to think the numbers were changed for the purpose of improving the line, but my gut tells me otherwise.”

Theo wasn’t sure who was talking, but then Luke responded. “It’s actually a miracle. Definitely God’s blessing. The engineer said the new route was far more stable. We might have had only a few runs before the rails broke had we put the track in the original area. Who could have known about that bedrock? It’s made for the best of foundations and will keep the line solid for years to come.”

Theodore frowned. What were they talking about? Surely not the new route his engineer had helped figure out. He continued to listen.

“Well, whoever was responsible has saved Jay Cooke millions,” the other man replied. “You’re sure to be rewarded.”

Theodore went to his desk and sat down without even bothering to remove his hat and coat. He had a sinking feeling. From what he could surmise, the new route had not caused the railroad the harm he’d intended, but rather made the line better. This couldn’t be. He got up again and headed for the door. He needed to speak to the engineer. He needed to understand what was going on.