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But before I can explain, Beau Hamilton walks into the bar. He glances around like he’s looking for someone. He looks upset or tired. It’s also forty degrees outside and the guy is sweating.
I glance at the Inn guest at the corner table who sees Beau and straightens in his seat.
“Can I get a pint of the house ale please?”
Dad pushes off the bar. “Sure thing, Beau.” He hands Beau his pint and doesn’t bother with charging him. Everyone knows Beau’s auto business has been struggling since he took over for his father five years ago.
I watch him walk over to the man in the corner, sliding into the seat across from him.
There’s a short exchange I can’t make out.
“Lower the music,” I tell Dad.
Dad twists and mutters back, “That’s not wise. If it gets too quiet, they’ll leave.” Dad pulls two shot glasses and pours an expensive bottle of scotch into them. Then cocks his head toward the two men.
I nod and pick up the glasses, moving toward the section.
“Alright, do you need more time?” I hear the man ask Beau.
“No. I’m not getting it.”
“What do you mean you’re not getting it? Just last week you said you’d have the full amount soon. That you had a sure thing coming through.”
“Well, it didn’t, okay? We’ll need to go back to our payment plan.”
“It’s high interest.”
“I kno—” Beau spots me, and I offer a tight smile.
“Gentlemen.” I hold up the pair of shots before setting them down.
“We didn’t order this,” Beau says flatly.
“Hey, you’re Chase Reeves.” The man holds out his hand. “Rick Kingsly.”
“Welcome to Hideaway Springs, Mr. Kingsly. What brings you to town?”
“None of your—”
“I’m a small business lender.”
I look pointedly at Beau. “Is that so? So you’re in town for business?”
He looks at his client. “I am.” He turns to me with a smile. “I’m in town with the expectation of a payoff.” He starts to stand. “But it looks like I was misinformed and will be adding this trip expense to the balance due.”
Beau shakes his head.
“Must have been a pretty hefty sum for you to make a trip out here.”
“Just over a quarter of a million. I was willing to cut a good chunk of the interest accrued over the last five years.” He glances at Beau. “But I think I’ll go tell my client that we’ll be renegotiating the terms of the loan.”
I make room for Kingsly to step out, and he takes a shot of the scotch and sets the glass down. “It was great meeting you, Chase. Good luck with the season.”
I nod and offer a small smile as he heads back up to his room.
Dad’s eyes follow him briefly then turn to me. I take Rick’s seat.
“Planning to come into some money soon, Beau?”
