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“Good girl, you’re absolutely right.”
At home, he warmed dinner for her and called his neighbor, Mrs. Carmen, to spend a few hours with Brianna while he visited Russell. “I’ll be back by nine. Brianna, you can watch your cartoons when you finish your homework, but you go to bed by eight.”
“Yes, Daddy.”
He suppressed a smile and blessed her friends for their good influence. She’d learned to be obedient, helpful, and generous.
“Goodnight, sweetie.” He kissed her forehead and left.
Half an hour later, he pulled into Mr. Malcolm’s driveway, climbed out of his car, and surveyed the imposing red-brick mansion, ivy climbing a trellis on one corner. A luscious fragrance emanated from the white flowers blooming in May.
Finger-combing his hair into place, he pressed the bell and listened to its melodious chime. An elderly butler opened the door, reminding Tim of an English movie.
“I’m Tim Kent, here to see Mr. Russell Malcolm.”
“Hello, Mr. Kent,” the butler said with a British accent. “Please follow me. Mr. Malcolm is expecting you.”
Old English elegance permeated the parlor and library where the butler led him. Ceiling-high bookcases filled with thousands of books lined the walls. Sitting behind an imposing dark desk, Russell stood and came toward him, his arm outstretched. “So glad you could come, Tim.” They shook hands, and he indicated a comfortable leather chair where Tim settled.
“I usually like a glass of bourbon before dinner.”
“I’ll have one, too.” Tim nodded, accommodating his host.
“As you can see, Tim, I’ve acquired a big fortune over the years. It hasn’t been easy. I’m sure you can understand I put in a lot of work and wouldn’t let anyone con me.”
“Ah… Has someone tried to cheat you?”
“Many times. But I’ve always got back my due.”
Tim frowned. Was the man a loan shark? “You may need a collection agency or a detective, but—”
“I’m not a loan shark. I’m a businessman. I buy and resell spare parts for cars, trucks, cranes, and other large equipment. My lawyer retired. I need one I can trust. All I ask is that you keep an eye on my company’s business and work with my accountant to prevent anyone from pocketing the money and stiffing me for undelivered goods.”
“Has it happened?”
“A few times. Either the people forgot to pay, needed a delay which we allowed them, or thought they could steal from me, in which case we went after them.”
“Is there any one in particular who owes you at the present time?” Tim preferred to have a clear picture of the situation he might entangle himself into.
“Only one, but it’s a bit complicated.”
“Why is that?”
“The man died in a plane crash last January.”
Tim jerked back. “My late wife died in that same crash.”
“I’m sorry, Tim. I didn’t know.”
“What’s the name of the man?”
“Ben Perkins.”
“Ah.” Tim stiffened.
“Did you know him?”
“No, but I met his family a month after the crash. One of their girls is my daughter’s classmate and best friend now. I don’t mind finding out what type of man Mr. Perkins was, but I won’t go after his wife.”
