Page 44 of Ardently Yours

Same Day

September 5, 1998

Charlotte Miller,

You are my equal. There is no “feeling like it.” It’s a fact.

I’m sorry my gift upset you. That was never my intention. I realize this may sound arrogant, but I want to put things into perspective for you.

The cookies you made for us took hours of your time. You went to the grocery store for the ingredients. You spent time mixing and baking, then you packaged and mailed them.

In comparison to your time and effort, my gift was nothing. It took me less than a ten-minute phone call to make the arrangements, and the cost was about equal in significance to me as buying a cup of coffee.

I wanted to make you both smile. And, I’ll admit, I was worried about Bronnie’s hanging habit. If I could give her something that would discourage climbing over deck railings, then I wanted to do it.

But I should have spoken with you first. For that, I apologize. It didn’t occur to me that your neighbors would be curious about it. I have no experience with life in a small town, and I didn’t realize that it would look out of place.

Calvin Marsh has resigned from his position in Blackwater effective immediately. A company with no obvious connection to my family offered him a change of career that he was, apparently, too greedy to refuse. Rumor has it that Marsh signed contracts with a twelve-year term.

Early severance could also subject Mr. Marsh to fees he could find extremely prohibitive if he happened to sign a legallybinding document agreeing to those stipulations. It’s generally best practice to have your lawyer go over a contract prior to signing terms. You’d be surprised how many people don’t even think to do so.

Did you know that, per contract, some employers establish the right to relocate their employees to whichever of their locations they deem most appropriate? I find that interesting.

Coincidentally, I hear Marsh’s new company may have opened a satellite office thirty miles outside of a tiny town in Alaska today.

Is the tundra far enough out of the crosshairs?

Trust me, Charlotte. When I know what I’m working with, I can usually find a solution.

Re: the pirate ship on your lawn, I’m asking you not to send that check. Please. It was a gift for Bronnie, and I’ll feel rotten if you take money out of your savings account to cover it.

Your “tell” when lying is a rise in pitch. You also tend to lift your fingers to your mouth, and you shake your head a small amount, as if your body is disagreeing with your words. Those can also be an indication of being nervous. Not everyone who does those things is lying. Context matters.

I suggest you tell people that the ship on your lawn is none of their business. But if you can’t, pay attention to your pitch and body language. Don’t fidget. Tell the story to yourself backward without elaborating on it until you can do it smoothly. Anticipate questions and practice your answers.

And, yes, I realize the irony of a man who spends his career catching people in lies telling you how to do it effectively. But you’re not a criminal, and you have a right to your privacy.

Use the knowledge wisely. With great power comes great . . . you know the rest.

Also Ticked, Arden

PS: Please forgive me. Also, thank you for the cookies. I’m looking forward to them. Also, I won't be telling Henry about the extra love.

Two Minutes Later

September 5, 1998

We’re still on for our phone call tonight, right?

Love, Arden

One Minute Later

September 5, 1998

Yes, of course. Also, that kind of power would be (hypothetically) concerning, Arden. However, I am, of course, over the moon to learn about the sheriff’s good fortune.

Love, Charlotte

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