Текст книги "Jack Taggart Mysteries 7 - Book Bundle"

Автор книги: Don Easton

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Текущая страница: 130 (всего у книги 141 страниц)

Willy had a head of curly hair sticking out from under a woollen cap and a moustache that grew to the bottom of his chin. He was dressed in jeans and wore a T-shirt with a pattern of nautical rope knots displayed across the chest.

Jack had seen him on the pier a short distance from Oskar’s boat chatting with people who were excited about their entry in the race. Willy’s appearance allowed him to fit in perfectly.

Jack outlined the good news that he had passed the first stage of the interview and explained what was to follow. The bad news, he told them, was that there was one other applicant by the name of Stewart Potter being considered.

“Maybe we could break his leg,” suggested Willy.

Jack grinned. “Wrong, Willy … wrong!” He chuckled for a moment before becoming serious again and continuing, “It would be a serious problem if Potter was hired. I think we would have to risk telling him, even though it could jeopardize the operation.”

“At least it sounds like you would then be hired next,” said Willy.

“Oskar is offering a really good salary. I think if Potter backed out, it would most certainly draw suspicion. Oskar is already talking about retiring. Suspicion now might convince him to retire immediately. If he did, we would probably never get him for murder, let alone find out who orchestrates the murders.”

“And if we don’t tell Potter, he could get murdered,” noted Willy.

“Exactly. Another problem is identifying whoever it is that Oskar works for. Mr. Merlin or Marlin. Even if Oskar retires, who is to say that the other guy won’t go right on killing people?”

“Better hope you’re hired and not Potter,” said Willy, solemnly. “I’ll do a background check on him and see what I can discover about the guy in case we do need to approach him.”

“My hope is that I impress the clients more than he does,” said Jack.

“You should have that going for you,” said Willy. “Didn’t you say that Oskar is looking for someone who is really friendly and outgoing?”

“According to my source, he is,” replied Jack.

“Well, I’ve never really thought of accountants as being party animals. I bet Potter is some shy guy who lives at home with his mom.”

“We can only hope.”

“Serve these clients up some of your olive soup.” Willy grinned. “They would never forget you.”

“I don’t know,” replied Jack. “Seems to me your memory wasn’t so good after a few martinis.”

At three o’clock in the afternoon, Willy’s initial background check of Stewart Potter left Jack feeling apprehensive.

Potter was thirty-five years old and had spent the last six years working as a forensic accountant for a large accounting firm. Prior to that, he had worked in various African countries for the Red Cross.

“So much for him being a shy guy living with his mother,” said Jack.

“Yeah, guess I was wrong about that,” admitted Willy. “He is married and has four children. Two adopted seven-year-old twin boys from Somalia, one four-year-old daughter with Down Syndrome, and another six-year-old daughter.”

Jack saw the glum look on Willy’s face and felt the same way. The idea of Potter being set up for murder sickened them. Jack knew he could not knowingly risk Potter’s life.

Jack thought about the victims who had already been murdered, starting with Jennings who had his throat rammed into the broken glass shards of a window before Christmas eight years ago. Another killed while scuba-diving. Other unidentified victims not yet discovered, up to Lorne Welsh’s violent death in a hotel room in Moscow … and the family he left behind.

Jack glanced at his watch and saw that he had less than an hour before returning to the Corporate Asset.

I have to win out over Potter. There is simply no other option …

Chapter Twenty-One

Jack trailed behind another man as they walked down the pier to where the Corporate Asset was moored. When he arrived, he discovered that the man in front of him was Stewart Potter.

Oskar was on hand and introduced the two of them. Potter was a short man with a horseshoe pattern of brown hair around his prematurely balding head. His body looked skinny except for a rotund stomach. He gave Jack a big smile and a hearty handshake.

“My competition, eh!” he said, grinning. “Don’t get too close to the edge of the pier or I might push you in.”

“Actually I was contemplating breaking your leg.” Jack chuckled.

Oskar passed each of them an envelope and said, “There’s five hundred dollars cash for each of you. I want receipts. If more is needed, let me know. Otherwise, come Monday morning, I will speak to each of you alone and let you know who I have selected. Jack, meet me down here at nine o’clock Monday. Stew, come at ten.”

Oskar then took them into the galley and introduced them to three other men. The first man, Mr. Yu, was wearing a black suit, black tie, and a white shirt. He had all black hair, but Jack guessed his age at about sixty and knew the hair was dyed. Jack noticed that Oskar had not told Mr. Yu to remove his shoes.

The second man, John Barfoot, was dressed similar to Jack in a golf shirt and slacks. He was a large man and had a full head of wavy silver hair that made his bright blue eyes sparkle. Jack guessed that he was in his mid-sixties.

Upon introduction, Barfoot’s hand engulfed Jack’s as he gave a firm handshake. Along with the handshake, Barfoot gave a small smile that said he was sympathetic to the competition that Jack and Potter were going through.

The third man, Len Stein, was small in stature and in his early forties. He wore an open white silk shirt to expose a heavy gold chain over a waxed chest. His black hair was slicked back into a short ponytail, which did little to hide the bald spot on the top of his head. Two gold loops adorned one of his ears.

“Yeah, hi.” Stein frowned when Jack stuck out his hand, before giving Jack’s fingers a quick shake with his thumb and the tips of his fingers.

“So gentlemen,” said Oskar, “I thought we would socialize on board for a couple of hours. I’ve made reservations at Milestones here on the harbour at seven, so until then, let’s enjoy ourselves and get to know each other. Everyone help themselves to whatever you would like to drink. There is beer and a pitcher of margaritas in the fridge and liquor in the cupboard. Don’t be shy.”

Jack and Stewart saw that everyone else had a drink, so they went to the fridge.

“What’s your poison?” asked Stewart, as he opened the fridge.

“Just a beer, thanks,” replied Jack.

“Good thinking,” said Potter, handing Jack a beer and taking one for himself. “Two margaritas for me and I’m liable to do a face-plant on the dock.” He then raised an eyebrow at Jack. “Are you sure you wouldn’t like me to pour you a pitcher of them for yourself?”

Jack smiled. “What do you go by? Stew, Stewart, or Mr. Potter?”

“Please, no Mr. Potter stuff,” he replied. “And no jokes about whether or not I’m related to Harry. I think I’ve heard them all.”

Jack smiled and nodded.

“Most of my friends call me Stew or Stew Pot. You can call me anything you like as long as it’s not late for dinner,” he said, patting his stomach for emphasis.

“Stew Pot it is,” said Jack.

Over the next few hours, Jack mingled as best he could with everyone on board. The conversation was fairly light, with a smattering of talk in regard to world economics.

At seven o’clock, they walked the short distance to Milestones for dinner and then returned to the Corporate Asset for more drinks.

Once back on the boat, Barfoot sidled over to Jack and said, “So, I understand that you’re stuck babysitting me on Sunday.”

Jack smiled. “I wouldn’t call it babysitting. Oskar is picking up the entire tab and has told us to have a good time.”

“Tough for you to have a good time when you know you’re getting graded,” replied Barfoot. “Not to mention, I’m almost twice your age. I’m sure you would rather be home with your family.”

“Not really,” replied Jack. “I’m divorced.”

“Kids?”

“Yes, two boys, aged two and three.”

Barfoot frowned. “I am really sorry to hear you’re divorced. It’s tough on kids to grow up without a father.”

“I try to see them every chance I get. Maybe things will work out.”

“Oh? I don’t want to get personal, but is there any chance of reconciliation?”

“Possible. She lives in Vancouver, but often brings the boys over for a visit.”

“Well, if you’re willing to listen to an old guy like me, I can pass on some advice.”

“I’m all ears,” said Jack.

“I don’t have any children and my wife passed away a couple of years ago. I spent a lifetime accumulating wealth. Currently I have a bungalow in Belize, an apartment in Tuscany, and my main home is in Malaysia. The house has a pool, is right on the ocean and has live-in servants. I’ve also have a power boat moored out front.”

“Sounds great,” replied Jack, but he sensed frustration and could feel the man’s loneliness.

“Yeah, it sounds great, but I can tell you, it means nothing if you don’t have someone to share it with. I would trade it all to have a family. My advice to you is that the most important stuff in life is not stuff.”

“I appreciate what you are saying,” said Jack, “and I do believe in family values.”

Barfoot stared solemnly at Jack.

“Really I do,” emphasized Jack. Wrong guy to tell I’m divorced …

“I hope so, son, I hope so. Right now you are young, strong, and full of vitality. But the years go by fast. Don’t lose sight of what is really important. I eat in the finest restaurants all over the world. I travel first-class and drink one-hundred-dollar bottles of wine, but would trade it all to live in a tent, if it was with a real family.”

Barfoot eyed Jack to see his reaction, but he only nodded in response.

“Don’t measure success in money,” continued Barfoot. “Measure it in the amount of laughs you have as you go through life.”

“It is also easier to laugh on a full stomach,” replied Jack, “but I do understand what you are saying.”

Barfoot smiled. “Guess that’s enough babble from an old man. What plans do you have on Sunday when it’s your turn to babysit me? And don’t give me any guff that it’s not babysitting. I may not wear diapers yet, but I am sure those days are coming.”

Jack grinned. “I’m open to do whatever you would like. I could give you a tour of the city. Perhaps Butchart Gardens or —”

“Been there, done that,” said Barfoot, with a wave of his hand. “I’ve been to Victoria several times in the past. What would you do if you weren’t looking after me?”

Time to bring on the family atmosphere … “Well, I would probably go out to my favourite golf course and spend the day screaming ‘fore’ until my throat was hoarse.”

“That sounds good to me.” Barfoot chuckled. “I’m a duffer myself. I’ve done a few of the local courses. Bear Mountain, Olympic View.”

“Those are nice courses,” said Jack, “but my favourite is the Metchosin Golf Club.”

“I’m not familiar with it,” said Barfoot.

“It’s a family run golf course. Owned by Grant and Sue and usually managed by their daughters, Shannon and Kate. The golfers there are generally more, uh, mature in age and —”

“You mean old,” said Barfoot.

“Not necessarily,” Jack said with a light laugh. “I meant less of the young drunken sots who sometimes show up at courses and spoil the game for others. Also, the golf course itself has fairly wide fairways, so it’s forgiving, although most of the greens are challenging. The atmosphere is friendly and people frequently play off the wrong fairways to get back on their own.”

“Sounds like my kind of golf,” replied Barfoot. “How about giving me some time on my own Sunday morning and pick me up right after lunch? Say one o’clock?”

“No problem,” said Jack. “I’ll book a tee time for two o’clock.”

Stew and Mr. Yu had left the boat an hour earlier on Stew’s suggestion that they go for a walk over to the Parliament buildings that faced the marina. The buildings were decorated with thousands of lights and were a popular nighttime tourist attraction.

Upon their return, Mr. Yu told Oskar that he was tired and wished to go to bed soon. Oskar relayed the information to Jack, cautioning him that he had little time left to impress Mr. Yu.

“Go ahead,” said Barfoot. “You’ll have lots of time to impress me on Sunday.”

“It won’t be with my golfing abilities,” replied Jack.

Barfoot smiled and said, “If you later suggest we place wagers on the game, I’ll know you’re hustling me.”

Jack spoke with Mr. Yu and asked, “Are you interested in art, such as sculptures?”

“Yes, I have much art in my home in Shanghai,” said Mr. Yu.

“I realize that there is a fifteen-hour time difference between here and Shanghai. I am sure you are tired. I know I would be.”

Mr. Yu smiled apologetically and nodded.

“The Empress has an impressive collection of art for sale. How would it be if I walked you back to your hotel? We could view some of the art and it would give us an opportunity to talk before you head up to your room?”

Mr. Yu liked the idea and Jack spent the next half hour alone with him. Unfortunately, it was clear that Mr. Yu was exhausted and not open to conversation.

Jack bade him goodnight and returned to the Corporate Asset. As he stepped back on board to go downstairs into the galley, he saw Len Stein coming up the stairs so he stood back and waited.

Stein was carrying a margarita and stumbled to one side on the stairs, spilling half his drink. Jack reached out his hand to assist him.

“What the fuck? I don’t need your help,” said Stein, looking indignant. “If you weren’t standing there blocking the light, I could see better.”

“Sorry,” said Jack, stepping back again.

“Ah, this is better,” said Stein as he reached the stern. “Needed some fresh air. Gotta admit, the air here is better than in the Big Apple.”

“Oh, so you’re from New York,” said Jack, trying to be friendly.

“Didn’t I just say that?”

“I guess you did,” admitted Jack.

“I hear you’re looking after my entertainment tomorrow,” Stein said, in a voice that sounded argumentive as he stared up at Jack’s face. “Hope you’re not going to repeat everything I say,” he added, with a sarcastic laugh.

“Sorry, guess I’m a little nervous,” said Jack. Small-man complex coupled with a desire to bully. You poor, pathetic little man …

“Yeah, well, treat me good and I’ll put in the right word for you.”

“Thanks.”

“This is my first time out to the sticks. What do you do for entertainment? My wife said she wants me to bring her back a picture of me feeding a grizzly bear.” Stein laughed.

I’d like to feed you to a grizzly bear. “Victoria is a beautiful city. There are many spots I could take you to see,” suggested Jack. “Some great restaurants.”

“Yeah, I’d like to see her beautiful spot and eat there,” said Stein, pointing to a teenaged girl who had ventured out onto the deck of a nearby boat. “Hey, honey!” he yelled. “How about coming over here for a party?”

The girl headed below deck and a moment later the girl’s father stuck his head out and scowled at Stein.

“Fuck him,” said Stein, turning to face Jack again, before gulping down the rest of his drink. He then handed Jack the glass. “Get me another one.”

Jack glanced at the narrow space between the pier and the boat. Wonder if I could jam his body in there and make it look like he fell in and drowned …

“I meant now, not tomorrow,” prodded Stein.

Jack did as directed. He knew Stein was too drunk to notice that the drink he would make had far more tequila than it should have. Dealing with an obnoxious drunk would not benefit anything and he hoped this next drink would be Stein’s last for the night.

Jack smiled as he returned and handed Stein the drink. “Lots more where that came from.”

“Yeah, that’s a good one,” said Stein, after taking a large slurp. “What say I finish this and we go some place and find some women to party with. I’m also in the mood for a little … you know,” said Stein, touching the end of his nose with his finger and sniffing loudly. “You got some?”

“I don’t do coke,” said Jack. “As a matter of fact, I don’t do any drugs.”

Stein stumbled back a step and said, “Well … listen to you. Mr. Goody Two-shoes.” His face clouded in anger. “Quite frankly I don’t give a fuck if you do or not.” He jabbed his finger in Jack’s chest and added, “But you’re here to look after me. Don’t forget that!”

“I understand,” said Jack. “Tell you what, let me go inside to use the head and I’ll be right back.”

Jack went downstairs on the pretext of going to the bathroom, but instead took Oskar aside and said, “Mr. Stein is wanting me to get him some cocaine. Also wants to go out and party someplace else. He’s pretty drunk.”

Oskar shook his head and said, “I know he can be a little difficult sometimes, but he is a major client. He has a lot of say in the pension-fund investments of one of the largest retail chains in the States. Just do your best,” he added and turned away to talk to Barfoot.

Jack used the washroom and then procrastinated around the bar, where he mixed another powerful margarita for Stein. It wasn’t needed. As he went back up the stairs, he heard Stein vomiting over the side of the boat.

“Fucking airplane food,” said Stein, while wiping his chin with the back of his hand. “I should sue the bastards,” he spluttered, before turning and vomiting again.

Ten minutes later, Jack saw Stein safely back to The Empress and helped him open the door to his room.

“Yeah, I got your number,” belched Stein. “I’ll call you tomorrow when I’m ready. I need some sleep.”

Jack nodded and left, but as he crossed the street from the hotel to the marina, he saw Stew and Barfoot saying goodnight to each other at the far side of the crosswalk.

“I’ll pick you up at twelve o’clock for lunch then,” confirmed Stew.

“I’ll be ready and waiting in the lobby,” said Barfoot. He saw Jack and said, “And I’ll see you on Sunday.” With a nod toward the hotel he added, “And good luck to you with Stein tomorrow. From what I’ve seen of him, you might need it.”

“Thanks,” replied Jack, feeling slightly relieved as Barfoot crossed the street. At least one person is sympathetic with the asshole I have to deal with.

“Oskar said to tell you that the party is over for tonight,” said Stew.

“Good. Where you taking him tomorrow?” asked Jack with a nod of his head toward Barfoot.

“Yes, I guess it wouldn’t do if we both took him to the same place,” said Stew. “He asked and I said I wanted to surprise him. I’m going to take him to Butchart Gardens for lunch and spend the afternoon checking out the flowers. For dinner I am thinking French cuisine.”

“Sounds nice,” said Jack, smiling to himself. He decided against telling Stew that Barfoot wasn’t interested in seeing Butchart Gardens again. It is, after all, a competition. A competition between life and death …

“How about you?” asked Stew. “What are your plans with him on Sunday?

“I’m taking him out golfing for the afternoon. Not sure about dinner yet.”

“What about Len Stein? What are you going to do with him tomorrow?”

“I don’t know yet. Guess it will depend upon what he wants when he wakes up. Tonight he wanted me to line him up with some powder,” said Jack, pointing to his nose.

“Powder? What do you mean?”

“Cocaine.”

“Oh my God. He does that?”

“Apparently.”

“What did you say?”

“That I don’t do any drugs.”

“Me, either.” Stew looked apprehensively at Jack. “What do you think I should do if he asks me for that when I take him out on Sunday?”

“I mentioned it to Oskar and he said Stein was an important client, but other than that he was non-committal. If Stein asks you, I would refuse.”

“I certainly would. I guess if we both do, there isn’t much he can say,” added Stew.

“Exactly.”

“Well, good luck,” said Stew, extending his hand. “May the best man win.”

Jack shook his hand and walked away. He thought about the night’s events and Stein’s behaviour. What will tomorrow bring?

Chapter Twenty-Two

It was one-thirty Saturday afternoon when Stein called Jack.

“Where are you?” asked Stein. “I walked down to the boat and nobody is around. I thought you were suppose to look after me.”

“I was waiting for you to call.”

“Well, I’m calling now. I’m starving. It’s almost suppertime in New York. Get over here.”

“I’ll be there within half an hour.”

“Yeah … that’ll be okay. I’ll meet you downstairs in the Bengal Lounge.”

Jack met Stein twenty-five minutes later in the lounge in The Empress. Stein stood up as soon as Jack arrived and said, “Let’s get out of here.”

Jack waited as Stein charged two Bloody Mary cocktails to his room and they walked outside.

“Well, what do you have lined up for me?” asked Stein.

“What are you in the mood for?”

“I want oysters and a bottle of white wine. After that, I want to go see some naked women and see if the oysters work.” Stein chuckled, elbowing Jack in the ribs.

“The Wharfside is a good place to eat,” said Jack. “There is also a strip club named Monty’s, that is nearby. Both are in walking distance.”

“Great, what are we standing around for? Let’s go.”

It was four o’clock when they finished lunch and walked to Monty’s. Stein picked a table that bordered the stage and quickly caught the stripper’s attention when he tossed a ten-dollar bill onto the stage.

Stein soaked up the woman’s attention as she crawled like a cat across the stage and brushed her bare breasts across his forehead. When she retreated to another part of the stage, Stein turned to Jack and said, “I know what these girls like,” he said, and tapped the back of his hand. “Give it to me.”

“Give you what?” asked Jack.

“The coke. I’ll put a little on the back of my hand and give her a real treat.”

“I told you last night, I don’t do drugs.”

“What? I don’t believe this,” spluttered Stein. “And I told you I don’t give a rat’s ass if you do or not, but you’re supposed to be looking after me!” Stein gazed around the room and said, “I’m sure someone has some. Go ask.”

“I’m not a drug trafficker,” said Jack. “Go get it yourself if you want.”

Stein sat back in his chair and glared at Jack. “You know something? I don’t like your attitude and I sure as hell don’t like you … so fuck off! Get out of here and leave me alone.”

“With pleasure,” replied Jack. “You’re an embarrassment to be seen with.”

Jack returned to the motel where he was staying and debriefed his cover team. They were sympathetic to his plight and he suggested that they take the rest of the night off, with the exception of two of the team who were still out watching Oskar and Mr. Yu.

So far, there had been nothing significant to report on that end as Oskar was seen taking Mr. Yu to the usual tourist haunts.

Willy invited Jack to come over and spend the rest of the evening at his house, but Jack declined.

After everyone left, Jack was left feeling tired and depressed. He went to bed early, but felt apprehensive about his altercation with Stein and had a restless night. His only hope was that Oskar would be sympathetic as to the reason behind what would surely be Stein’s poor assessment of him.

To impress John Barfoot was even more critical and Jack went over what he knew of him. The guy seems lonely and family is important to him. Wish I hadn’t told him that I was divorced …

At one o’clock Sunday afternoon, Jack was about to enter The Empress Hotel to pick up John Barfoot, when Stew called out to him.

Jack turned as Stew, carrying a small plastic bag, quickly approached the hotel.

“What did you do to Stein last night?” asked Stew.

“Nothing,” replied Jack. “Last I saw of him was around four o’clock yesterday afternoon at a strip bar. I parted company with him then, at his request, I should add.”

“He phoned me at ten o’clock this morning to come and get him,” said Stew. “He was robbed.”

“Robbed? Was he hurt?”

“No, he woke up in some motel down on Gorge Road. His money and credit cards were gone. He thinks he might have been drugged. When he came to, he phoned me to come and get him.”

“Did he cancel his credit cards?”

“Yes, I got him to do that. He doesn’t want to report it to the police.”

“Because his wife might find out he was with a hooker,” said Jack.

“Uh, yeah. How did you know?”

“Just a wild guess,” replied Jack.

“He told the credit card companies that he lost his wallet, maybe at some bar he was at earlier in the night called The Fox.”

“The Fox? That’s another strip bar. When I left him, he was at Monty’s.”

“He told me that he thinks one of the hookers slipped a drug in his beer at the motel.”

“One of the hookers?” said Jack. “Sounds like the oysters worked.”

“Pardon me?”

“Nothing. What are you doing?”

“Got him some Tylenol,” replied Stew, holding up the plastic bag. “I think he is going to stay in his room today. He told me he wants to be left alone.”

As Stew headed off, Jack was greeted by John Barfoot who was waiting in the lobby.

“I’m ready,” said Barfoot. “Let’s see this family-run golf course that you’ve been bragging about. Maybe they’ll adopt me,” he added with a smile.

The drive to the Metchosin Golf Club took forty minutes and their conversation was easy-going. When they arrived, Jack introduced Barfoot to Shannon, who was working behind the counter. By the time they had rented clubs and a cart, Barfoot had met some of the regulars, including Shannon’s father, Grant.

“This really is a family-run business,” said Barfoot, as he prepared himself for the first tee shot. “I can see why you like it here.”

“Also a good course for those who are relatively new to the game,” said Jack. “Most everyone is friendly and not critical or judgmental if you make a bad shot. Or I guess I should say the bad shots I usually make.”

“That’s good to hear. I am a bit of a beginner myself.”

Over the next three and a half hours, Jack discovered that Barfoot was anything but a beginner. When Barfoot politely asked Jack if he wanted any tips on how to improve his game, Jack readily accepted. When they were finished, Barfoot asked, “What would you normally do after a game?”

“Well, for me, I would go to my favourite pub and have a beer and a burger, but seeing as Oskar is treating us, I’m sure you would prefer a more luxurious dinner.”

“What is your favourite pub?” asked Barfoot.

“The Country Rose,” replied Jack. “It is a pub that also has a family-type atmosphere. Mostly frequented by a more mature crowd.”

“No heavy metal.”

“None,” smiled Jack. “Judy runs the place and most of the waitresses who work behind the bar and serve drinks are really friendly and proficient. Debby, Laura, and Yvonne have worked there for years, so it really is kind of like a family.”

“A place where everybody knows your name.”

“Exactly.”

“How’s the food?”

“The food is pub fare, but it’s great. The Rose burger is one of the best burgers I’ve ever had.”

“Sounds like a place I would like. Let’s give it a try.”

“Are you sure? We could certainly go to any of the top restaurants of your choice.”

“The Country Rose is my choice.”

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the pub and a waitress came to take their order.

“Which one are you?” asked Barfoot. “Debby, Laura, or Yvonne?”

“I’m Debby,” she replied, giving Barfoot a curious look before glancing suspiciously at Jack.

“It’s okay,” chuckled Barfoot. “Jack has bragged about this place. Everything he told me is good.”

Jack ordered a local beer called Race Rocks and Barfoot said he would try it as well.

As they enjoyed their beer, Jack said, “You told me your main home was in Malaysia. Why there?”

“Partly location,” replied Barfoot. “Many of the companies I look to invest in are in Asia. It really is an expanding market over there.” He winked at Jack and added, “Not to mention, it is also cheaper and warmer.”

Jack smiled and said, “I have a suspicion that being cheaper is not a real concern for you.”

“Maybe not, but being warm is. The trouble of becoming an old fart is your blood thins. I like it hot.”

“You’re not that old.”

“You’re not that good of a liar,” chuckled Barfoot.

“How long have you known Oskar?” asked Jack.

Barfoot reflected a moment. “I’ve been in this business about thirty-five years. I think I first met Oskar about ten or twelve years ago. We are in much the same business.” Barfoot rubbed his chin as he gazed reflectively, then said, “Except he must be doing better than me. He is already talking about retirement and selling his company.”

“Retiring? He seems young for that,” replied Jack, not wanting to sound like he already knew.

“I think so, too. A guy needs something to do. Laying around on the beach is nice for a little while, but after that, I think if you don’t start using your brain, it will shrivel up like a raison.”

“Use it or lose it,” quipped Jack.

Barfoot gave Jack a sideways glance. “I probably shouldn’t have told you about his talk of retirement.”

“It’s okay,” said Jack. “Can’t see that it would affect anything by me knowing, but I’ll keep it to myself.”

“Why are you interested in joining his company? Is it strictly for the money?”

“I wouldn’t do it for free,” said Jack, “but I also like what the company represents.”

“And what does it represent?”

Murder incorporated comes to mind … Jack refrained from blurting out his thoughts. Instead he took a sip of beer and said, “I think it can best be summed up by quoting the Scottish economist and philosopher, Adam Smith.”

“The man who wrote The Wealth of Nations back in the 1700s?”

“Yes. I may be slightly off on his quote, but it went something like, ‘All for ourselves, and nothing for other people, seems, in every age of the world, to have been the vile maxim of the masters of mankind.’”

“I think your quote is accurate,” said Barfoot. “I’m impressed.”

“Ah, don’t be.” Jack chuckled. “I tried to memorize it last week, hoping I would get a chance to use it when Oskar interviewed me.”

Barfoot laughed. “Well, at least I know you’re honest.”

“Still, I think it’s a good one. As I understand it, his philosophy is that a good life is not only representative of the material goods you have, but also includes a combination of intellectual endeavour and high moral character. I think companies who pursue ethical investments have the potential to include all three.”

“I’m pleased that you would adhere to such a philosophy, but even if you have high morals and a good heart, making the right decision is not always easy.”