Short Stories from Wing's Authors.

And A White Picket Fence

by

Jim Daddio

Jason Walker loved New York City. He was born there, his parents still lived there and he vowed never to leave. He attended NYU and received his Master in Finance. He was twenty-nine, six feet tall, and at one hundred and eighty pounds had a firm thin body. His hair was light brown and his eyes dark green.

Jason had just completed his fourth year with The Thomas Brothers, LLC -- a Private Equity firm with a mission statement that specialized in locating, researching and buying small to medium size companies that they believed they could buy cheap, trim down, make profitable and then resell.

The firm occupied the entire thirty-fifth floor in the Pan Am Building in Manhattan. Jason had recently become the youngest junior partner of the firm. He now had his own office with a view of the skyline of New York.

Jason walked into his boss’s office. Robert Thomas was on the phone and motioned for Jason to sit down. When Robert hung up he said, “Congratulations on the Nova Window and Door Company deal. You did a fabulous job. One of the fastest turnarounds we’ve had in years. So, how are you going to spend your bonus?”

“I’m buying a condo in Boca Raton, Florida.”

“This is big news from the man who never leaves the City; the man who’s longest vacation was a weekend in Ocean City. And he’s buying a condo in Florida…for resale, right?’

Jason had to laugh. It was well documented that he was a work alcoholic. His nickname was ‘mister routine.’

“And you actually got on an airplane and flew to Florida? What’s that, the second or third time in your life you’ve flown?”

Jason turned a slight color of red. He smiled, “First time.”

“Sounds good. Invest it wisely, my friend.”

“I intend too. The condo is my first major investment.”

~ * ~

Jason was well known for his routines. The people in the office and the few friends he had met at the gym and from college knew about his regiments. He followed the same routine to a T every day. He would awake at six thirty. He didn’t need an alarm clock; the automatic coffee maker woke him up. He would drink one glass of orange juice, one cup of coffee, shower, dress and walk to the office. He would stop at the same coffee shop; buy another cup of coffee, a toasted bagel, then buy the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Everybody in the deli knew him and got into the habit of betting among each other if he would be there a minute early or a minute late. He hit the mark at seven-twenty five every day.

Jason would sit at the small round conference table in his office and finish his coffee and bagel and read the papers. He would move over to his desk and turn on his computer at eight sharp. He took a break at ten thirty, had a cup of soup and salad at noon and worked until seven thirty. He would walk home, stop at his favorite Italian restaurant and order a pasta dish to eat at home. The weekly routine never changed.

On Friday evening he always stayed home, or every other Friday he would go to his parent’s house for dinner. On Saturday morning he would awake at the same time, follow the same routine he did every morning and instead of walking to the office, he would walk to the gym. He would work out and hang out until noon, then have a sandwich and walk home.

~ * ~

On Monday he was called into his boss’s office. Robert said, “I have a challenge for you. There’s a company in a small town in West Virginia. Westville. It’s family owned and been in the Cutter family for over fifty years. It started out as a tool and die manufacturer. That business dried up. They’ve changed business models several times and have had some bad times over the years. But they now are manufacturing a tool that is used in microscopes and in some of these new MRI x-ray systems and are starting to make a comeback.”

“Sounds good. What else do we know?”

“For years the Cutter Tool and Die Company was the town…along with the coal mining industry. We’ve heard, and we don’t have much information, that they are looking to sell. So, Josh, do your magic and learn everything you can about the company, the family, the town…you know the routine. Put together a proposal. But you have to move fast on this one. If they’re looking to sell and if the company is doing well, the vultures will be hovering over Westville. I can assure you of that.”

Josh dove in. He began his research. He found out the founder was Winston Cutter. He had two sons and a daughter. The older son died a few years earlier and the other son, Charles, now ran the company along with the brother-in-law, Dan Forsome. Westville was located in the south western part of the state on the West Virginia/ Kentucky boarder. Since it was a privately owned company there wasn’t much information about the financial condition or sales figures. Josh knew there was only one thing he could do and that was to take a flight to Pittsburgh, rent a car and drive to Westville. He would learn what there was to know about the company so he could decide if it fit Thomas Brothers’ mission statement. If so, he would prepare a proposal for the board.

~ * ~

He stood staring at the gate. He heard the announcement. The people began to board the plane, but he stood frozen to the ground. The last person walked past the check in counter. The young lady standing at the counter looked at him. She sensed his nervousness. She smiled and called out, “Sir, you need to board now. We are ready to depart.”

Josh could feel the sweat drip down his face. He took a few short steps and stopped. Again the young lady called out, “Sir, please. You…”

Josh drifted toward the counter and handed the lady his boarding pass. He lowered his head and walked slowly down the ramp. All he could feel was fear as he stepped into the cabin.

~ * ~

Josh followed the GPS on his rental car. He didn’t know ahead of time that he would be driving over steep, winding roads that seemed to go on forever. It was the first time he had driven roads that were single lane and offered steep inclines and long unguarded lanes. At times he would pull over to let the other cars go past him. He was driving slow and swearing out loud the whole time.

He saw his first sign for Westville. It said he had ten miles to go. He breathed a sigh of relief. He drove around a sharp bend in the road and noticed a sign that read ‘Overlook.’ He pulled off the road and got out and walked to the railing. He was stunned at what he saw. It was the most amazing landscaping he had ever seen.

The deep mountains surrounded him and were filled with tall green trees and pines. He could see colors he never knew existed; red, yellow, pink and white flowers dotted the rolling hills.

The cool spring air surrounded him with an aroma he could almost taste. The sun sat high in a bright blue sky. He took a deep breath and felt the coolness of the afternoon breeze slide into his body. He looked over the railing to see a village sitting alone in this vast display of nature. The shinning sun seemed to bring the town to life. It looked like something out of a fairy tale. That has to be Westville. He hurried back to the car. He couldn’t wait to get there.

He drove down the steep, winding road. The end of the incline led him directly into the village. The first thing he noticed was a sign that read, “Welcome to Westville…for the rest of your life. He laughed at the how the word ‘rest’ was in italic. He immediately noticed the houses that lined the quiet street. They were small but all newly painted and well kept. The median strip was filled with all types of flowers and bushes. Jason knew very little about flowers but easily recognized several different rose bushes in red, pink and white. Everything was well manicured and maintained.

Jason spotted a sign that said ‘Old Town.’ He saw a large round-a-bout with a walking path and trees and flowers lining the path. In the middle of the area was a small gazebo that could double as a stage. There were park benches and a few picnic tables. He could imagine that every Fourth of July, Memorial Day and any other holiday the park would be filled with people. He imagined kids running around and the Mayor standing on the stage giving a speech. He could hear the band playing.

He walked slowly around the path. He looked down the winding street and noticed several shops. He read the signs for a hardware store, an antique shop, and a candle and linen shop. He looked over to see two people walk out of an old fashioned ice cream parlor. It was a sight he had never witnessed before. He felt a warm feeling over his entire body.

He walked further and saw a two story red brick building. The sign said ‘City Hall and Library.’ He smiled. It’s just what I was looking for.

He followed the sign to the room marked library. He walked inside and looked around for a few minutes before noticing a young lady sitting behind a counter.

“Hi, there,” Jason called out.

“Yes. Hello. I didn’t hear you come in. I was reading.”

“And that is the correct thing to do in a library.”

She smiled. “Can I help you find anything?”

Josh looked at her for a second. She stood up and walked out from behind the counter. Josh had always been good at sizing up the ladies he saw. It was part of his Saturday night ritual. She looked about twenty-five. She was about five foot five and weighed about one hundred and ten pounds. She had light brown hair, and the color of her eyes matched the color of her hair which was long and flowed across her shoulders. She wore glasses and had a warm smile. She wore very little or no make-up at all. She wasn’t what he called glamorous but she wasn’t homely either. He would classify her as a nice looking lady with a thin figure, but he couldn’t tell if it was curvy because she wore what he called a ‘granny dress.’

He said, “Yes. I was looking for information on the Cutter family history.”

She smiled and took off her glasses. “That’s unusual. Out of curiosity, may I ask why?”

Josh told her the story he had prepared. “A friend of mine drove through here a few weeks ago and told me how beautiful the town was. He stopped for dinner and said all he heard about was the Cutter family. So, I was in Pittsburgh on business and had some extra time…and…well, here I am.”

“And the Cutter family interests you?”

“Well, I did a little research myself and found the family story to be very interesting.”

“I can tell you that you came to the right place.” She extended her hand. “Jane Cutter.”

Jason’s head snapped back. He wasn’t sure how to respond. “Okay…you’re one of the Cutter’s. That’s good. Then I guess you can tell me where I should stay in town.”

“You’re staying?”

“For a few days. I have to say that everything I’ve seen so far has amazed me so much. I can’t wait to see it all.”

“Well, my aunt owns the Bed and Breakfast on the main street you drove in on. She serves great dinners, too. Home cooking.”

“Another Cutter?”

“Another Cutter. What can I say?’

“I just had a thought; if you don’t think I’m being too forward, please come over to your aunts and join me for dinner. Why read about the Cutter’s when you can probably tell me what I need to know?”

Jane thought for a moment. “Why not.”

“What’s a good time?”

“She serves dinner at six on the dot.”

He said good-bye and left. Ten minutes later he checked into the Bed and Breakfast and found his room. It was large room with a queen bed, a large dresser and a sitting area in front of a large double window that looked out over the rolling hills. It had an adjoining bath and was beautifully decorated and felt like home.

~ * ~

After dinner they sat on a swing on the front porch. The night air was warm and the slight breeze felt good against Jason’s face. Jason felt a relaxation he had never felt before. He said, “It’s so quiet and…and…”

“Serene?”

“A good word.”

“How did you like my aunt’s cooking.”

“First. She’s a wonderful lady. And second; barbeque pork, fresh mashed potatoes and green beans? I ate too much.”

“Any room for ice cream?”

“Right. In old town. Let’s do it.”

They walked along the well lit street. Jane looked over and said, “So, what do you think of our little town?”

“I have to say it’s a very well kept and lovely area. I don’t know much about flowers and trees and stuff like that, but it makes the town look unbelievable.”

“Did you notice the houses as you drove in?”

“Sure. All well kept and maintained.”

“And…and…”

“Let me think…”

Jane called out, “The fences. The white…’

Jason chimed in, “Right, right. All the houses have white picket fences.”

“That’s the town signature. Want to hear the story?”

“Sure.”

“After the Korean War ended and the soldiers returned, the town was in pretty bad shape. Charles used his own money to fix up all the houses and build the fences. It was his way of paying back the veterans and at the same time getting them to stay and work in the factory.”

They continued to walk in silence. Jane stopped and said, “I know why you’re here.”

He didn’t have to say a word. He knew she knew.

“We all know that my uncle’s been trying to sell Cutter Industries for awhile now. He has become the black sheep of the family. But I can tell you my grandfather would never approve of selling his company. He may be eighty-three but he still has a hand in the decisions. Trust me, he’s not selling.”

“Tell me about the company?”

They stopped at the ice cream shop, ordered and continued walking. Jane said, “It used to employ over two hundred people. Now about ninety. What happened is that if you drive five miles west you’d be in Kentucky. A Japanese company opened some type of electronics factory a few years ago and hired a lot of people. Then last year another Japanese company built a factory making automobile parts. Of course that meant more houses, stores, fast food and strip malls. Most of them are in Kentucky but a lot of building started in Westville. We’re trying to keep the small time feeling but progress, well…you know.”

Jason was absorbing all he could. He knew he had lot of work ahead of him learning about the two Japanese companies. When they got back to the Bed and Breakfast, Jane said, “It’s been fun. You’re nice. I’ve seen a few people around town asking about the company, but nobody has been as nice as you.”

“Thank you. That’s a nice thing to say.”

“So, good-night and if you need anything stop in at the Library tomorrow.”

“Wait. How about dinner tomorrow night? That is, if you’re not busy.”

~ * ~

Jason stood outside waiting for Jane. Again it was a pleasant evening with a sky full of stars and another warm breeze. She pulled up and Jason got in the car. He looked over at her and said, “Hey, you look…well, different.”

“ I took off the ugly glasses, put on some make up, fixed my hair a little differently and wore something besides those ugly long dresses you’ve seen me in.”

They ate a quiet dinner of fresh trout and mixed vegetables. TAs they drank a bottle of Chardonnay, Jane continued to talk about the Cutter family.

They walked outside. Jane said, “Come on. We have a small hunting and fishing cabin a few miles away. Want to go there?”

“Sure. You’re the chauffer.”

At the cabin, they sat on the small front porch overlooking the lake. The moon was bright and shinned down on the water. Jason said, “Jesus, it just keeps getting better.”

“I can tell that you really love all this.”

“I’m a New York guy. I love the city and very seldom leave it. But I got to tell you this is some place. It’s magical.”

Jane slid over and laid her head on Jason’s shoulder. “I’d be afraid to go to New York. I’ve been to Pittsburgh a few times and that was too big for me. I’d get lost in New York for sure.”

“Not if you were with me. I know all the streets, allies, corners…hell; I could get around blind folded.”

Jane laughed and lifted her head toward Jason. “I…I…have to tell you something. I’ve haven’t had a man since I was fifteen years old. And as you could imagine it wasn’t great. Take me inside and make love to me.”

Jason was taken totally by surprise. He reached for her and pulled her up to him. “Are you sure? Is this what you really want?”

“Quite talking and pick me up.”

Jason reached down and picked her up and kissed her as they walked through the door. She sighed, “Help me out. Show me, guide me and take me places I’ve never been.”

~ * ~

Jane was quiet the entire drive back to his room. Jason decided not to say a word until she talked first. They arrived at the Bed and Breakfast. He couldn’t wait. He looked over, “You okay with what….”

“Please go. I’m not feeling so well.”

“Jane, listen…”

“Please.”

Jason got out of the car and before he could close the door the car jetted down the street and the door slammed shut.

~ * ~

Jason drove to the Pittsburgh airport confused and upset. When he got to the airport he called information for the number of the library. He called several times but there was no answer. He figured that the flood was keeping people away.

He couldn’t figure out what had just happened to him. He had a job to do and he wasn’t about to let some family bullshit stand in his way. He was going to get to that asshole son and old man and buy the company. The information he received led him to believe that they didn’t have a clue to the fact that they had an excellent tool and for sure didn’t know how to sell it. This was a big time opportunity and if he did it right he would be a very rich man.

~ * ~

Jason hurried to the office on Monday morning. He arrived a half hour early and waited in front of his boss’s office. Robert arrived and motioned to Josh to follow him. Before he sat down he said, “I have to say I’ve been intrigued with your e-mail updates.”

“There so much to tell you.”

“You’re e-mails seem to be more about the town and the people than the information we need to proceed.”

“I know. I know. But the town and the people play a big part in the Cutter family history and the factory. Robert, it’s so beautiful there and the people are so nice. You have to see this place. Quiet streets, lovely homes and the trees and flowers…beyond compare.”

“Just be prepared to give the board a complete financial overview next week.”

~ * ~

Jason got to the office early the next morning and started to review his information. He waited until after ten and before calling the library. A female answered. “Hi, may I help you.”

“Jane, is that you?”

“Who is calling?”

“It’s me, Jason.”

Silence filled the air. Jason waited. He wasn’t sure what to say. The silence seemed to last for minutes. Finally Jane said, “Why did you call me?”

“Hear me out. I want to see you again. I’m coming down there tomorrow. I have some things I don’t want to talk about over the phone. It has to be face to face. Come over to your aunt’s place at seven. Please, say you’ll be there…tomorrow evening, okay?”

“Yes.”

Jason arrived and they agreed to go to the cabin. Jane was quiet and distant as she drove into the mountains and to the lake. Jason had decided not to say much until they got to the cabin.

They walked inside. He said, “You’re so quiet. I’m a little worried.”

She sat down and said, “It’s not easy seeing you again after what we did. I’m still not sure I did the right thing.”

“And you’re embarrassed.”

“Yes.”

“We made love because it was the right thing to do at the time. It was wonderful. A minute hasn’t gone by that I haven’t recalled those minutes we shared.”

“I can’t believe that it wasn’t just a one night ‘fuck Jane and leave her.’”

“It wasn’t. Not at all. Listen to what I have to say. See, once the deal is made and we buy Cutter Industries, our company will send in a team to manage the project. I will be part of the team. I’ll stay on and build my…our dream house on the lake. What do you think about that?”

“Like I said, I don’t see my grandfather selling.”

“Leave that to my company. For now just say yes.”

“Yes to what?”

“That the night we spent together was more than a one night stand and we can be together.”

“You’re a very fast talker, you know.”

Jason reached for her and pulled her close. He kissed her hard, pressing his lips against hers. Jane responded. She slowly opened her mouth and let his tongue slip inside -- as if she wanted him but didn’t want to let him know.

She whispered, “I’ll say yes. You can have me again but please don’t lie to me.”

Their love making was more exciting and energetic than the first time.

Before leaving, he said, “Set up a meeting with your uncle -- away from the factory, maybe in the Lake View restaurant. I’ll let you know what day and time next week. Can you do that?”

“Yes.” She smiled and turned away.

~ * ~

He arrived Monday morning and worked late into the evening, then left after nine and walked toward his apartment. His mind was working overtime and he didn’t notice the two men charging toward him. One of them grabbed him and threw him into the alley against the cold stone of the building. The man shouted, “Don’t be a hero, asshole. Give me your wallet and all your fucking money.”

His whole body shook with fear. He had never been robbed before and he wasn’t sure what to do. One of the men grabbed him and smashed him hard against the side of the building, then held a gun to his throat. “Your wallet. Money…now.”

Jason held up his hands and stammered, “Take it. My wallet is in my back pocket. My money clip is in my left front pocket.”

The other man yelled, “Your coat. Take it off. And those fucking shoes. Must be worth a couple hundred. Take ‘em off. And your watch. Take it off”

Jason ripped off his coat and threw it on the ground. He reached down and slipped off his shoes. One of the men grabbed the coat and shoes and started to reach for Jason when a voice called out, “Hey! Hey, what the hell’s going on? Jason, is that…”

The man started running toward them. One of the robbers slammed his gun into the side of Jason’s head and darted down the alley. The other man leaned over and kicked Jason in the side and said, “Fuck you.” He quickly turned and ran down the alley.

~ * ~

Jason awoke in the hospital. His head pounded and his whole body ached. He looked up to see his neighbor, Ken Downing, standing beside his bed. Ken said, “You doing okay?”

“I hurt all over. I was mugged.”

“I know. I saw what was going on and I came running and the two guys ran away.”

“That was you? Oh, man, you saved my life. How long have I been in here?”

“Since eight last night.”

“What time is it now?’

“Just after two in the afternoon.”

Jason sat up. He felt a bandage around his head. “I think I remember getting hit in the head. I heard some shouting and then I saw darkness.”

“One of the pricks hit you in the head before he took off. The other one kicked you in the ribs. I talked to the doctor. You have a slight concussion and sore ribs. Probably be going home tomorrow. The police are outside. They wanted a statement from you when you woke up. I’ll go get them.”

“Ken…thanks again, man.”

~ * ~

Jason left the hospital the next day and went home. He was feeling much better and was anxious to give the presentation. He sat up and grabbed his cell phone. There were ten messages from Jane. He called the number right away. Jane answered. “So, you finally called back.”

“I was mugged and I’ve been in the hospital and I….”

“Oh, my God, are you all right?”

“I have a slight concussion and bruised ribs.”

“It must have been horrible.”

“I can’t even tell you. But I’m already getting better.”

“What does this do to your trip?”

“We’re still on.”

“Good. It’s all set with my uncle. And I have a surprise for you. I talked to my grandfather and he is very receptive about selling the company. I gave him your card and he did some research on your company. He said he was very impressed.”

Jason had to keep from yelling out loud with happiness. He smiled and said, “You’re amazing. We are getting close, Jane, very close.”

~ * ~

Jason met with the board and they were all pleased to see that he was okay and were happy to have him back. The men on the board were Chandler Cunningham, VP of Finance. Ben Wright, VP of Acquisitions and Robert Thomas, President.

Jason began his presentation. He still hurt a little but didn’t want to delay any longer.

The presentation was much more detailed. He felt he had the information the board needed to proceed with their decision.

Robert said, “And you believe we can buy low, put the right people in place and sell quickly for a profit?”

Jason assured them that he did and the four men agreed to travel to Westville that next Thursday and meet with Charles Cutter. Jason called Jane and had her set up the meeting for a Thursday evening dinner meeting.

~ * ~

The four men flew to Pittsburgh, rented a four door Mercedes and Jason started the drive through the mountains. Robert Thomas sat next to him and Chandler Cunningham and Ben Wright sat in the back seat.

Jason talked the whole time about how beautiful the town was, with rolling hills, the array of flowers and the mountains and the lake. He talked about the people and how nice everybody was. He told the men that the town and residential areas were well kept and how hard the people worked to keep the small town feeling.

When they got to the overlook, Jason stopped and the men got out of the car to look at the view. The day was warm but overcast and a layer of low clouds covered the area. The sky was the color of gray steel and a mist filled the air. Nobody could see father than a few feet. They climbed back in the car and drove down the steep incline and into Westville.

“Wait until you see the road when we enter the town,” Jason said. “It’s almost hard to describe. And there’s a cool sign. It says, ‘Welcome to Westville…for the rest of your life’. Rest in is italic. Get it?”

Nobody responded as Jason rattled on. “All the houses are so well kept and they all have white picket fences and most have flower boxes on the front windows. Oh, the white picket fences are the signature for Westville. Before we go to the meeting we’ll have time to take a spin around old town. It’s cool. There’s an old fashioned hardware store and an ice cream parlor.” Jason continued to talk as he drove into town.

 Robert’s face froze and he stared out the car window as if he had been hypnotized. He quickly turned around to see the look of disbelief on the faces of the two men in the back seat. He could feel his heart beating against his chest. The area was in shambles. The row of houses that lined the street were dark and weather beaten. Some were boarded up. Some had windows broken and many looked abandoned. There was no welcome sign. There were no rows of newly painted houses. There were no trees or flowers. There were no white picket fences.

Jason continued to talk about how beautiful everything looked. Ben reached up from the back seat and grabbed Robert’s arm, raising his eyebrows as to show he didn’t know what was happening. Robert gave the two men a sign for them not to say anything.

Jason drove by old town. They saw the same thing. Most of the stores were boarded up and the street looked deserted. Several cars sat abandoned and the only sign of life they saw were two children running through the street.

Jason pointed. “That is City Hall and the library where I met Jane.” The men looked at the old brick building that was boarded up.

Jason drove deeper into town. He pointed out an old white house that was falling apart and told the men that it was the Bed and Breakfast where they would be staying. The three men again couldn’t grasp what was happening. Robert sat in disbelief and silence, not knowing what to do or say.

They passed the factory. It was a long two story building with two rows of windows. Some were blown out. There were a half a dozen cars in the parking lot.

Jason said, “I know it’s an old building, but look at the modern design of the entrance; the large double windows and modern lobby. They did a great job.” The men looked, but there was nothing but an old wooden door.

They approached the restaurant. Jason did nothing but talk about the view and the food. The restaurant was in fact an old railroad dining car, and the parking lot was empty when they pulled in.

Jason jumped out of the car. Ben leaned over the front seat and said to Robert, “What the fuck is going on? Jason has lost his mind. Why is he doing this?”

Robert shook his head. He was confused and shaken. He said, “Jesus, I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what’s going on. I did some checking up on Westville and I knew the town got hurt years ago when the coal mines closed. I should have known something was wrong with what Jason was saying in his e-mails. But I figured that Cutter Industries and the two Japanese companies saved the town. God, I was right there and didn’t see it.” He paused for a minute and then continued, “Plus, I didn’t say anything but I found out that Jason had lied about going to Florida and buying a condo. Some friends of mine saw him in the city on both weekends he said he went there. I figured he was just boasting. ”

Jason waved for the men to follow him into the restaurant. When they got inside he said, “Now, you guys have seen me with my dates and you know I date only hot babes. Jane is not hot, but she’s a very caring person. You’ll be impressed when you meet her.” He turned around and looked into the dining area. “That’s her over there. I’ll be right back.”

Robert waited until Jason walked away. “Oh, my god. There’s nobody there. He’s talking to an empty chair. He’s seeing all this in his mind. He imagined all this -- just like he imagined his trips to Florida.”

Chandler said, “It must have happened when he got the concussion.”

Robert sighed, “I’m afraid not. He sent me e-mails describing all this before he was mugged. Gentlemen, I’m afraid Josh has lost his mind.”

“What the hell are we going to do?” Chandler asked.

“First, don’t say a word to him about this. I know a doctor at my club. He’s at Bellevue Hospital. I’ll call him and get Jason in there as soon as we get back.”

Ben said, “I have an idea. Follow my lead. He’s coming back.”

Jason joined the men. He said, “Well, Charles will be a little late but that’s okay. Come on and meet Jane Cutter.”

Ben grabbed Jason’s arm and said, “Jason, while you were driving I took the time to review a few numbers in your proposal. Some things didn’t seem right. I talked to Robert and we need to halt the project and get back to the office to review this proposal again.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. We went over this already.”

“Yes, we did. But I have a few concerns we need to review. It’s over for now.”

Jason looked at Robert. “You okay with this?”

Robert responded, “I have to go along with Ben. If he’s not comfortable we need to pull back and take another look.”

“Well, okay. I’ll have to go over and tell Jane.”

Jason turned and walked back into the dining room. Robert ran his hand across his forehead. “I can’t believe I’m seeing this. I’ve known Jason for five years and it’s hard for me to understand how this could happen.”

Chandler said, “He wanted to believe what he imagined it would be -- not what it really is. He let his imagination become real in his mind.”

The four men walked to the car. “I’ll drive,” Ben called out. Jason flipped him the keys and sat in the back seat. As the car pulled out of the parking lot and started down the empty road, Jason turned around and looked out the back window and waved. “I’ll be back soon, Jane. Wait for me.”