Another Angel of Love

by Henry K. Ripplinger

  “Well, be glad and rejoice, for this is the day that the Lord hath made!”

  “Yes, yes, that is true. I will stand and accept the day as it comes.”

  “That sounds like a good plan. What time did they say they were going to pick you up?”

  “The car is to be here at ten-thirty this morning.”

  Mary smiled at him. “Looks like the Lord has it in for you today. You’re going to get real spoiled.”

  At precisely ten-thirty, a shiny black Lincoln pulled up in front of the store. For a moment, David thought the prime minister might step out.

  “There’s the car!” Mary exclaimed.

  “Oh my. Mary, what shall I do?”

  “Well, go out there and get in.”

  “Yes, yes, of course.” And for the first time in his life, he asked, “Mary, how do I look?”

  Mary took a deep breath and then another as she looked at him, giving him a chance to relax and do the same. “You’ll be the most handsome and distinguished-looking man there.” She kissed his cheek, then hugged him. “You’ll be just fine”

  He looked appreciatively into Mary’s eyes and thanked her.

  Mary made a little shooing motion and smiled warmly as he turned and headed out the door.

  Mary rushed to the window to watch David approach the car. A chauffeur wearing a black suit, white shirt and black bow tie stood smartly by its rear passenger door. She wondered if the chauffeur—who was looking straight ahead—had noted David’s nervousness or that David’s apparel was different from his usual clientele.

  “Good morning, Mr. Engelmann.”

  “And good morning to you,” Mr. Engelmann replied as he entered the car and sank into the tan leather seat.

  The chauffeur closed the door and swiftly rounded the car to retake the driver’s seat hidden behind dark tinted windows. After a pause, the Lincoln rolled away from the curb. Mary wished she could see the expression on Mr. Engelmann’s face as he was whisked away like some highfalutin dignitary.

  “You’re right on time, Mr. Engelmann,” said Mr. Balfour’s secretary. “Please have a chair over here.”

  As he sat down, David noticed a table littered with business and financial magazines. Since he had little interest in either, he sat back and gazed around the room instead. In one corner Mr. Webster waited beside another man. Mr. Engelmann waved hello. Mr. Webster appeared embarrassed by the gesture but reluctantly waggled his fingers in response.

  David didn’t have a chance to strike up a conversation before a buzzer sounded at the receptionist’s desk. Miss Blane, according to her desk plate, said, “Mr. Balfour would like all of you to please join him in the boardroom.”

  All three gentlemen followed Miss Blane towards two tall burgundy doors. She turned the brass handles and swung both doors open.

  Mr. Engelmann’s eyes widened as he took in the spacious room. A wall of west-facing windows presented a scenic view of Victoria Park and the Hotel Saskatchewan. At the far end of a very long mahogany table sat several be-suited gentlemen.

  Miss Blane directed Mr. Webster and his lawyer to their chairs then motioned Mr. Engelmann to follow her to the other end of the table to an empty chair between the other gentlemen.

  Mr. Engelmann relaxed a little. Sitting there, he looked like the president of a huge corporation surrounded by an arsenal of highly trained professionals, experts in their fields ready to protect him. In fact, the looks on their faces suggested they would do their utmost to get the price he wanted for the store.

  Mr. Balfour turned to Mr. Webster. “Mr. Webster, I presume?” At the other man’s nod, he suggested, “Perhaps you’d like to introduce your associate?”

  “Certainly. I’m Jim Webster and this is Reg Fuller, our lawyer.” Mr. Webster indicated the man beside him with a nod.

  “Good morning and welcome to you both,” said Mr. Balfour. “I’m John Balfour, Mr. Engelmann’s lawyer and this is Frank Watson, a chartered accountant, and Warren Thompson, a tax specialist,” he said, indicating the men on Mr. Engelmann’s right, then turned to the men on David’s left. “Neil Sharp, a broker and financial investor, and finally Al Gregor, my legal partner. Al will be looking after the details of the actual sale, should we agree on a final purchase price.”

  David looked at each man. He’d never in his wildest dreams thought so many would be required in order to sell his small business. By the expression on Mr. Webster’s face, David knew this sale already wasn’t going according to the plan he’d had when he’d first set foot inside the store.

  Mr. Balfour removed a stack of papers from his briefcase and laid one in front of David and each of his team, then slid a second package down to Mr. Webster and his lawyer. It stopped precisely in front of them as if Mr. Balfour had practised the move.

  “If we can all turn to page one, please,” Mr Balfour said. “You will notice that Mr. Watson has analyzed Mr. Engelmann’s business over the past three years.”

  David realized that was when he had first hired Henry.

  “It is significant to note,” Mr. Balfour continued, “how the profits have steadily increased. Based on the financial records supplied by Mr. Engelmann’s bookkeeper, this year, after salary to Mr. Engelmann and wages to his several employees, and including all other expenses, the business will turn a profit of just under $20,000. Mr. Watson further projected, based on past performance and the consistent increase in business, the net profit should easily increase to $40,000 over the next three years. And if Mr. Engelmann decides to expand into the adjacent lot, he can double the size of his establishment, make room for a parking lot and become a formidable force to other retail grocers.”

  “And then there’s the whole matter of good will,” Mr. Balfour went on. “Mr. Engelmann, as we all know, is a highly respected man in the community. The service and image he has established over the years is nothing short of entrepreneurial genius. A review of the graphs on page two detailing the increase in sales over the past three years shows a steady and sharp increase. It is just short of being vertical!”

  Before Mr. Webster and his lawyer could speak, Mr. Balfour introduced the tax specialist. “Mr. Thompson, I understand you wish to make a few comments.”

  “If everyone would please turn to page four,” Mr. Thompson directed, “you’ll see we have reviewed Mr. Engelmann’s income tax over the years and the financial statements of his business. You will note there are some tax-saving deductions we can make; however, the money received for selling the business would put him into a higher tax bracket and require him to pay significant capital gains. Mr. Engelmann’s store was purchased at a very good price, and all maintenance, expenses and the building itself have been fully depreciated. As a result there will be significant tax consequences.”

  “So what are you saying, Mr. Thompson?” Mr. Balfour asked.

  “Whatever price Mr. Engelmann asks for the store needs to be high enough to offset at least some of the money he will lose to Revenue Canada. If not, it would be better for Mr. Engelmann to keep the store open for another few years and reap the handsome profits that he would otherwise lose if the price were too low. It all depends on how badly Mr. Engelmann wants to sell his store at this time.”

  All eyes turned to Mr. Engelmann, looking for some reaction, but there was none. He knew they wanted him to say something profound, but in truth he really didn’t know what to say. And he’d long ago learned that when you didn’t know what to say, it was best just to listen.

  Everyone’s gaze returned to Mr. Balfour who then said, “I see. So, what do you believe to be a fair purchase price, Mr. Thompson?”

  “Based on Mr. Watson’s figures and analysis, including good will and capital gains, we have arrived at a bottom line figure.” Mr. Thompson pulled a sheet of paper from his attaché case, wrote a figure down, then passed it forward to Mr. Balfour.

  Mr. Balfour studied the fi
gure for a few moments and passed it around to all the other members of his team. David had the feeling they were putting on a show for the benefit of Mr. Webster and his lawyer. They had known the amount they were going to ask for before the meeting even started.

  When the paper finally arrived face down in front of him, David turned it over and nearly gasped aloud. His heart raced as he tried with all his might to maintain a poker face. He reread the figure: $75,000.

  He had only paid $5,800 for the store, including the lot. Was it really worth so much?

  Mr. Balfour’s voice broke through David’s shock. “Is the number satisfactory, Mr. Engelmann?”

  The eyes of all those assembled, especially Mr. Webster and his lawyer, were glued to Mr. Engelmann, awaiting his response. A mixture of nervousness, excitement and disbelief swirled inside him, holding him speechless.

  Reining in his emotions, he managed a, “That’s fine.”

  “Good, as long as you’re satisfied, Mr. Engelmann,” Mr. Balfour said. He then asked that the paper be given to Mr. Sharp.

  “Mr. Sharp, based on say 75 per cent of that figure, can you think of some investments your firm can make on Mr. Engelmann’s behalf that will ensure a sufficient return for his retirement years?”

  Mr. Sharp studied the figure for a moment. “A purchase of solid stocks—General Electric, Seagrams, Molsons, Imperial Oil—have been performing very well over the past ten years and pay a good annual dividend, yielding a steady return of 10 per cent. While one can never predict with absolute certainty what the future holds in the stock market, these are solid stocks and should weather any disruptions, providing Mr. Engelmann with a reasonable return in later years.”

  “Fine,” said Mr. Balfour. He retrieved the paper from Mr. Sharp, approached Mr. Webster, and placed the sheet in front of him and his advisor before striding back to his chair.

  David wondered what their reactions would be. Mr. Balfour had handed the paper to Mr. Webster and his lawyer face down. By the time they turned the sheet over, Mr. Balfour had returned to his seat and was watching them.

  Mr. Webster tried to mask his surprise, but David knew the figure was much higher than he had expected. Both Mr. Webster and his lawyer sat up, shocked, then leaned forward ever so slightly to have another look.

  After a long pause, Mr. Webster said, “This is considerably higher than the offer we were prepared to make. I’ll have to take this back to the company I represent.”

  Mr. Webster didn’t have to say the name of the company. They already knew. He coughed, then asked, “Are there any other conditions to this sale?”

  “Are there any other conditions to this sale, Mr. Engelmann?” Mr. Balfour asked. “For example, when do you want to vacate the premises? Will you leave the store’s coolers behind? The drapes and things like that, you understand?”

  By that time David had caught his breath and was prepared to speak. “Yes, yes, I understand. Thank you, Mr. Balfour.”

  He reached into his vest pocket and took out his own piece of paper. Mr. Webster and his lawyer leaned forward, anticipating another surprise. David slowly unfolded the paper, laid it in front of him and ironed the wrinkles out with the palm of his other hand. The tension in the room was almost palpable.

  “Yes, I do have one important condition of this sale, Mr. Balfour.”

  “And that is?”

  “I have a list of nine names. Each of these people has been a customer since I purchased the store in 1943. They have been faithful and loyal. They are getting on in age now, and many days it’s too difficult for them to come to my store. Our delivery service was a godsend to them.”

  Mr. Engelmann looked down the long table at Mr. Webster. “You have never said, but I suspect I know which company you represent.”

  Mr. Webster didn’t offer any sign of confirmation.

  “I am glad it is Safeway interested in my store, rather than some company looking mainly for real estate. I know Safeway is a much bigger store than mine, but a big company has a big heart, too.”

  Everyone at the table smiled. Even Mr. Webster.

  “The condition I ask for is that your company, Mr. Webster, look after these people until such time as they either pass on, go to a care home or are looked after by some member of their families. This is not too much to ask, and think how much Safeway will appreciate not only the business I had, but also the support and loyalty of my former customers.” And then, like a seasoned negotiator, he added, “No amount of money can buy that kind of loyalty.”

  Everyone smiled or chuckled to himself. Even Mr. Webster had a bit of a twinkle in his eye.

  “There is one more condition,” Mr. Engelmann went on, seeing he had won his first battle. “I have made plans to go away for awhile next spring, and when I return, I will have another special place of my own. But until next spring, I need my home and store. The sale can go through at any time. However, the possession date cannot occur until next June. I want my store to be open this Christmas and I’ll need time to tell my customers of the sale and also to clear out all my possessions. That is all, gentlemen,” Mr. Engelmann said, as though he were the chairman of the board, concluding the meeting.

  “Thank you, Mr. Engelmann,” said Mr. Balfour, “Please leave that list of names with me.”

  Mr. Balfour looked down the table at Mr. Webster. “I will prepare papers to reflect today’s discussion and have them sent over to your office first thing in the morning for your company’s consideration. Are there any further questions or comments?”

  “No, that will be fine, Mr. Balfour. I’ll expect the proposal at my office sometime tomorrow morning, then?”

  Mr. Balfour nodded, and with that, Mr. Webster and his legal advisor got up and left.

  After David thanked his team profusely, Mr. Balfour led him to the reception area.

  “Thank you, again, Mr. Balfour. I cannot believe such a thing has just taken place.”

  “You’re very welcome, Mr. Engelmann. It was our pleasure. We’ll be in touch.”

  Before Mr. Balfour returned to the boardroom he turned to his secretary, “Miss Blane, would you please escort Mr. Engelmann down to the lobby and have one of the commissionaires show him to the car?”

  Chapter Twenty

  Blinding sunshine splashed across David’s field of vision as he stepped out of the building. The breeze felt good as it fingered its way through his clothes to cool his sweaty body.

  “Oh, Mr. Engelmann!”

  David turned to see the chauffeur who had brought him to the meeting.

  “Mr. Balfour asked me to drive you home or anywhere you wished to go.”

  David just smiled and nodded. He’d never been so spoiled. “Thank you.” The Lincoln sped off with him inside. He felt like a millionaire who had just closed the biggest deal of his life. The excitement revived a subconscious old habit and he reached into his vest pocket for the cigars Anna had made him give up a long time ago. But perhaps he could indulge just this once. David leaned forward to slide the shaded window aside and tapped the driver’s shoulder.

  The driver glanced up in the rear-view mirror. “Yes, sir?”

  “Could you please stop at the next drug store? I would like to buy a cigar.”

  “Certainly, Mr. Engelmann. If I may suggest, sir, we just passed the Trading Post. They specialize in cigars and are well known for their Cubans.”

  “Yes, yes, that would be fine. By the way, what is your name?”

  “Douglas, sir.”

  “Yes, Douglas, that is an excellent idea. A Cuban cigar would be very fine.”

  Douglas turned the car, throwing Mr. Engelmann slightly off balance, and pulled up to the Trading Post. A few minutes later, David emerged with two cigars. He slipped one into his shirt pocket, then tore the plastic covering off the other. He wet the cigar with his tongue then bit off the end. He lit the cigar, to
ok a few quick puffs to make sure it was well lit, then walked over to the car. Douglas stood next to the open back door. David climbed in, well aware of the stares of passersby.

  They set off again and David turned so that he could look out the window. The back seat was large enough to comfortably transport six people. He pressed a button to lower the window and let in the warm fall air, leaning back a bit as he puffed away on the cigar. The world swirled around him. It had been over ten years since he’d stopped smoking. He imagined Anna watching him and immediately wished she were at his side.

  If only Anna were here, enjoying all the pampering with him. He regretted that he and Anna had not taken more time to enjoy themselves. Somehow they had gotten caught up in the never-ending needs of the store and had not gone on many outings. Even if they had wanted to, they could never afford to get away. And then Anna had grown sick. Who would have taken care of the store, anyway?

  Well, there was someone watching the store now. And even if it were only in his imagination, it would be nice for him and Anna to relax a bit.

  David leaned forward and said, “Douglas, do you think Mr. Balfour would mind very much if we drove through Wascana Park on the way back to the store?”

  “Certainly not, Mr. Engelmann.”

  The black Lincoln coasted through traffic, and David was surprised how quickly they reached the park. Douglas slowed down to follow the scenic drive beside the lake, where several boats glided on the mirror-like surface. The image of the tall white sails with the Legislative Building behind them was reflected perfectly in the still water. What a beautiful sight, David mused, how peaceful it must be to sail on the lake and enjoy the fall afternoon.

  Canada geese were feeding near the edge of the water and showed no sign of fear as the car crept by. An elderly couple sat on a bench, tossing bread pieces from a brown paper bag.

  That should be you and I, Anna. We lived a good life, a godly one, but perhaps not a balanced one.

  “Take time to stop and smell the roses.” The old cliché, crossed his mind. Yes, it was all too much work and hardly any play. Yes, there should have been more roses.