“Thank you.” Entertainment? What would be fun alone?
“By the way, buying the doll and filling little Missy’s wish list was a nice touch.” The line went dead.
So, they were watching him. Ugh, that made him feel odd, kind of creepy. Talk about Big Brother. Were they privileged to his thoughts too?
At least he knew how much money he had to last him. Aw, he’d forgotten and left the doll in his truck. No matter, he’d bring it in tomorrow. He stood and moved the few feet into the living room. For now, he planned to sit in his recliner and admire his personal Christmas tree while he listened to the nightly news.
Chapter Five
Suzi went to work early and turned over the new page of her calendar. December 1. Dread gripped her in its claws, threatening to choke the breath from her. She gasped for air. Dear heavens, she had so little time to raise the funds she needed.
Dad, how could you have left me in this mess?
Jacob’s appearance interrupted her reverie. “You can add these five, Dr. Stephens.” He handed her a list.
She gasped at the figures and names complete with addresses. “D-Do you think they’ll really come through with this much money?”
“Why wouldn’t they? This is when they’re looking for tax write-offs. I told you, a children’s home ought to draw a lot of checks at this time of year.”
In spite of the fact he acted sincere, she still didn’t completely trust him. How could she when this was of ultimate importance and she knew little about him?
Overlooking her misgivings, she said, “Thank you, you’ve helped tremendously. Since we’re sort of working together on this, why don’t you call me Suzi?”
“I’d like that. May I ask something?”
She smiled as she sat at her desk. “Certainly. I might not answer, but you can ask.”
“Why was that banker Welwood here? And with Harper, of all people? Do they have their claws into you?”
Should she reveal all her fears? “You remember I told you Dad took out a mortgage on the home. Welwood’s bank holds it. I’m afraid to cross him for fear he’ll call in the loan. That man Harper plans to demolish the home and build resort-style condos and a luxury golf course here.”
“I figured Harper had something like that in mind. Have you sought out another bank to take over the loan?”
His questions surprised her. “No… I didn’t realize that was an option. I mean, there’s only a month left—exactly a month. The payment is due January 1st.”
“Let me take you to a respectable banker and get you out from under that weasel Welwood’s thumb.”
She couldn’t help being skeptical. Was he attempting to manipulate her? Would he get a cut of the new loan’s interest? She might not be the world’s shrewdest businesswoman, but she certainly wasn’t born yesterday.
“And who would your banker be?”
“Homer McConnell at First National. He also happens to despise Welwood. I’m sure snatching this loan away from that man’s grubby paws would give Homer great pleasure.”
She frowned, wondering at his reasoning. “How would I be any better off? If we can’t meet one payment how would I reach another? Besides, isn’t refinancing expensive?”
“In some cases there are fees but this would give you some breathing room. You could extend the deadline and have longer to raise money.”
She propped her elbows on the desk and rested her head in her hands. “This is futile, pointless speculation.”
“What do you have to lose by talking to McConnell?”
He had a point. She was desperate. She raised her head. “I suppose talking to him won’t hurt.”
Jacob dialed a number and pressed his cell phone to his ear. “Homer, Jacob Porter here. Haven’t seen you since the Simpson’s big barbecue. How are Jeanne and the grandkids?... Congratulations, I heard Brett’s been accepted to West Point… Good, good… Listen, Homer, a friend and I need to talk to you this afternoon about a loan... Two will work great. See you then.”
“That’s it? We waltz in and talk to him?”
“No waltzing. You print out your financials and I’ll get to work. At noon, I’ll go home and change into a suit and accompany you to the bank.”
She snapped, “You’re assuming a lot, Jacob. I’m not some damsel in distress waiting to be rescued by the handsome prince. Do you think I can’t do my job?”
He held up his hands in surrender. “Whoa, I know you’re capable. But, you shouldn’t have to do two jobs and certainly not without morale support.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I don’t want to admit my gender’s failings, but you’ll get a more favorable result with a man in tow.”
Of course he was handsome, even wearing a sheepish expression. And, he was right. Men listened more to another man than to a lone woman.
“All right, and I’m sorry I snapped. This money situation is getting to me. I’ll go home at the same time as you and change into a power suit and killer heels.”
Jacob rubbed his hands together and grinned. “Look out world, here we come. I’ll see you about half past one.”
She watched him disappear down the hall. Who was the real Jacob Porter? What janitor knew bankers and millionaires? These circumstances were crazy.
If working with Jacob saved the children’s home, she would give his way a chance. She certainly hadn’t done too well on her own.
No, that wasn’t true. She was expert at managing the day to day operation of the children’s home. She knew and loved each child here and made sure they knew she did.
Where she’d failed was cleaning up after her father’s poor investments. Untangling the mess he’d left was heartbreaking. Her grandfather had left well-thought-out arrangements that would have provided infinite income for the home. If only Dad hadn’t unraveled Granddad’s plans.
When Valerie arrived, Suzi called her in and explained Jacob’s plan.
The secretary nodded. “I told you he’s not really a janitor. That man has another agenda. Make sure it doesn’t conflict with yours.”
“That’s my goal. What he says about the loan makes sense. And, look at the new pledges he has for us.”
Valerie tapped a finger against her chin. “He says he has. You haven’t received a check yet, have you?”
“No, I’ve only just addressed the new invitations. Please see they go out today.”
“You can bet I will.” Valerie picked up the stack of envelopes.
Suzi was busy with duties for the home and printing out the financial records she needed until a little past noon. She hurried home to change into her best suit and refresh her makeup and hair style. Some people insisted a redhead couldn’t wear red, but her red wool suit garnered her compliments. She paired it with black and gold earrings and brooch that matched the suit’s buttons. With her black heels and designer purse, she felt ready to face the banker.
When she opened the door and saw Jacob, she almost gaped at him. She’d known he was handsome, but in a dark blue suit, white shirt, red tie, and shined black shoes he could have stepped from a fashion magazine. On second thought, he looked too down-to-earth to be a model.
He tugged at his cuffs. “You look ready for a no-holds-barred meeting. Remember, take no prisoners.”
She stepped through the door he held open for her. “I hope our meeting goes better than that.”
“You have a car or shall we go in my truck?”
She stopped in her tracks. “This skirt is not made for climbing into a truck. We’d better take my car.”
“Lead the way.”
Paddy and her curiosity would be sure to hold them up with chatter. Perhaps she could go in through the garage’s side door. No, that would hurt Paddy’s feelings.
“You might as well come in and meet my housekeeper. She’ll never forgive me otherwise.”
“Sure, but we’d better hurry.”
Inside the house, she was aware Jacob inspected the rooms they passed through. In the kitchen, Suzi found Paddy.
“Orla Patrick, this is Jacob Porter.”
She assessed him as if he was a head of cabbage and she was deciding if he was fresh. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Porter. I hope you’re going to do what you’ve promised Suzi.”
“I certainly intend to, Mrs. Patrick, and please call me Jacob.”
“Miss, not Mrs. And you can call me Paddy as long for as you’re helping Suzi.”
“We’re going to use my car since Jacob drives a pickup truck.”
Paddy eyed Suzi’s skirt. “You’d never get into one of them trucks without showing all your natural gifts.”
Suzi hugged Paddy’s shoulders. “We have to hurry. I’ll tell you all about our trip tonight at supper.”
She led the way to the garage and pressed the button to raise the door. Her little blue Prius waited for them.
He held her door for her then walked to the passenger side and climbed in.
She glanced his way. “I thought you’d try to convince me you should drive.”
He fastened his seat belt and rested his hands on his thighs. “Happy to sit and watch the scenery. You know where the bank is?”
“I’ve lived here all my life. I probably I know where everything is and have at least met most of the people.”
“That must be nice.” His voice sounded wistful. “I always lived in the city. Never even met most of my neighbors.”
That idea was foreign to her. “Even when you were a child? Didn’t you play with the other kids on your block?”
This time bitterness tinged his words. “I was a foster kid. We had chores and homework and then went to bed. Not much time for play.”
“That’s a shame. You understand why I want to keep our children safe where they are. A children’s home is not ideal, but they have good food and are well cared for. Each cottage has a set of compassionate parents who insure the kids know they’re loved.”
His body appearing rigid, he turned his face toward the passenger side window. “Lots different from the place where I grew up. No love, just bare necessities.”
“The children we shelter are better off here than anywhere else. Most of their parents are troubled and couldn’t provide proper care even if they had the money. The Terry boys are different. If their father were to remarry, he would bring them home with him.”
He glanced at her. “You think he’s likely to get married?”
She concentrated on her driving. “He said he won’t marry anyone unless he’s sure she’ll be kind to his boys. He’s not a bad looking man and I’m sure there are women interested in him.”
“What about Missy?”
He’d mentioned her soft spot. “Oh, that makes me so sad. Her father’s anyone’s guess and her mother’s in jail on a ten year sentence.”
“Missy’s a sweet kid. Too bad she doesn’t have a family. I know she has a family situation in the group cottage, but I mean a real family.”
“I try not to have favorites, of course, but I have to admit she’s mine. I’d love to take her home with me and keep her. But then, there are others I’d like to do the same thing with.”
“Having met some of the kids, I can understand that. In my opinion, some people should never have kids. They don’t realize children are a lifetime commitment and constant responsibility. You can’t be a parent only when you’re in the mood.”
“What happened to your parents?”
His indifferent shrug didn’t fool her. “My dad ran out on my mom. About a year later, I came home from playing one day and found her in the bathtub with her wrists slit and the bathwater red. My brother was in his playpen, crying. Sure glad he didn’t climb out. He was probably hungry and scared.”
“How old were you?”
“Just turned five, my brother was barely three.”
“How horrible for both of you, but especially you.” She could only imagine the trauma he’d experienced at such a young age.
“My biggest fear was being separated from my brother. Thankfully, we were placed in the same foster home. There were six other kids there, so it was like a bunkhouse.”
“Oh, dear, there are ten children per cottage here, but we’re very strict with the parents. Whatever they do during the day, they have to devote all their time from after school until bedtime to the children. That’s helping them with homework, reading to them, spending individual time with them, and showing and telling them they’re loved.”
“Here’s the bank. There’s parking on the other side of the building.”
Suzi almost snapped at him that she could very well park her own car, but she caught herself. He hadn’t meant to be demeaning, she was sure. He was used to being in control and that was that.
When they stopped he unfastened his seatbelt but made no move to open the door. “I don’t want to upset you again, but would you give me the financials and let me do the talking when we’re inside?”
She wanted to refuse, but he’d arranged the meeting after all. “If you insist. I imagine you’ll need me to answer some questions. I don’t want to appear like a dumb puppet.” She handed over the papers. Fortunately, she’d put them in a folder before stuffing them into her oversized purse.
“You could never be mistaken for dumb or for a puppet. Shall we go?” He hopped out and came around to open her door.
They strolled into the bank and arrived at five minutes of two. Jacob escorted her through the lobby to an office near the back.
He nodded to the secretary seated at her desk. “We have a two o’clock appointment with Mr. McConnell.”
After a brief wait, they were shown into a plush office. “Come right in.” He shook Jacob’s hand before he turned to her. “And you must be Dr. Stephens.”
They seated themselves and Jacob pushed the folder across the banker’s desk. “Dr. Stephens’ father was taken advantage of by Oliver Welwood and now the children’s home is at risk. We hoped you could offer a solution.”
Mr. McConnell frowned. “Welwood, huh? Let me see.”
Jacob gave him a few minutes to look over the papers. “You can see the terms were outrageous.”
Incredulous, the banker looked at her over his glasses. “Your father broke the trust that protected the home?”
How embarrassing. “I don’t know why, Mr. McConnell. My grandfather had planned very carefully. Of course, he had no idea prices would escalate so fast, but we still would have been all right if my father hadn’t gambled on risky investments.”
He tsked. “I see he used Welwood as a broker. No doubt your father invested in some of that man’s speculative schemes.”
Jacob leaned back in his chair. “Dr. Stephens has planned a gala for the fifteenth to raise funds for next year. So far, response has been very good.”
The banker raised his eyebrows. “Oh? How much are the tables?”
“Eight to a table at a thousand a plate.”
“I’ll take a table.” He pressed the intercom on his desk. “Mavis, cut a check for eight thousand from my personal account and bring it in, would you?”
Suzi almost choked. She’d told people the plates were a hundred each. How Jacob had the nerve she hadn’t a clue. What’s more, Mr. McConnell hadn’t blinked at the price. Obviously, she needed tutoring on fundraising.
In a moment the secretary knocked and handed the banker a certified check.
When the woman had left, the banker said, “I believe we can soften this loan for you, Dr. Stephens. Leave these papers with me and I’ll have the new terms drawn up. We’ll also extend the note a year.”
So much weight was lifted from her that Suzi almost floated around the room. “I can’t thank you enough, Mr. McConnell.”
“I’ll have Mavis call you when the papers are ready to sign. That should only be a couple of days. In the meantime, have you considered moving your account to another bank?”
“I’d love to bank here. Perhaps your check would open an account?”
McConnell beamed at her. “My thoughts exactly.” He pulled out tw
o signature cards and gave one to her and one to Jacob. “Fill these out and I’ll get that set up for you.”
Jacob held his card and widened his eyes at her. Suzi nodded and filled out her card. He did the same with his. They handed them back to Mr. McConnell.
When they’d completed the process and were out of the bank, Jacob said, “I didn’t know what to do with that signature card. I assure you I have no intention of ever accessing that money. As soon as the loan’s approved, you can take my name off the account.”
She was too lighthearted to consider his dilemma. “Thank you for getting me set up with Mr. McConnell. I can’t tell you how much better I feel.”
“He and Welwood are bitter rivals. McConnell’s as honest as Welwood is crooked. I imagine your father was duped into investments that were merely paper schemes where Welwood profited.”
“I wish I could prove that. Dad lost so much money, Jacob. Embarrassing as that is, I know Dad was trying to help. He wasn’t much of a businessman. He was a professor of literature at the university until Granddad became ill and Dad had to take over running the children’s home.”
“How sad that he had to give up what he loved. But then, you’ve kind of done the same thing.”
“No, for me the situation is much different. I love working with the children and being around them. Dad never really got over leaving academia and I think he had a lot of regrets. Absent-minded professor fit him perfectly. He wasn’t that fond of kids in the first place, which made the job harder for him.”
“Well, Dr. Suzi, you’re on your way to working out your financial woes.”
She beamed a smile toward him. “Thanks to you. Won’t it be wonderful if all those pledges actually come in?”
“They will. You have my word I’ll haunt anyone who defaults.”
She laughed at his joke, but he wasn’t looking at her. Instead, he peered straight ahead with a grim expression on his handsome face.
Chapter Six
At the children’s home, Jacob gestured to his pickup. “Let me out by my truck. I have a change of clothes inside.”
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