Page 120 of Just Trouble

Richard nods. “And I have to think that the engine driving sales for a band would be either new content or public appearances.”

It’s easy to see how Daph comes by her intelligence. “True,” I admit, waiting.

Richard chooses his words with care, a hint that this isn’t easy for him. “It’s not my business, but in a way, it is, since I want to do all I can to ensure Daphne’s happiness. So, I wondered how you are doing financially. Such a large expenditure would drain the resources of many people.”

I am uncomfortable with this question, especially as he’s hit the nail right on the head. I’ve been fretting about my cash flow. I’m not a finance guy, adept with leveraging assets to make them work harder. I just pay my bills and make more money, but right now, my pool of assets is steadily diminishing. I’ve been wondering whether I’ll be able to finish what I’ve started. There are the donations from local people and they’re great, but most of them are on the smaller side. It doesn’t take long for a couple of thousand dollars to be devoured in the installation of a huge metal roof, or the rewiring of a theatre.

But I’ll be damned before I admit as much to my father’s ally.

Richard carries on. “I thought you might, you know, ask for help. You’ve undertaken a noble venture here and an expensive one.” He gives me an assessing look. “But last night I realized that you’ll never do that. You’ve never been taught that you can rely on anyone else, and on those rare occasions when you’ve asked for anything, you’ve been declined. Why would you ask anyone for anything?”

He’s absolutely right, but hearing it said aloud leaves me feeling naked.

“I asked Daph for help,” I remind him.

“Exactly,” he says with satisfaction. “And that’s obviously significant to both of us, particularly as she agreed.”

“And she set up the donation program.”

“True. But, in the interest of being part of the solution, I’d like to offer you a contribution.” He names a number that is more than enough to make everything come right. “It can be a loan, if you want to repay me in some specified period of time. It can be an investment, if you want a silent partner in the Odeon. The choice is yours and the funds can be transferred tomorrow.”

When something sounds too good to be true, it often is, so I ask. “Why are you doing this? Why would you break rank with Patrick?”

Richard leans back in his chair and considers the ceiling, templing his fingers together. “You probably don’t remember my wife, Christine.”

“Only vaguely,” I admit. “I knew her to see. My mom cut her hair.”

He nods, a smile of reminiscence softening his features. “Of course,” he says softly, then straightens. “We moved a lot when I was a kid, so I never felt that I was from anywhere specific. But Christine had grown up in Empire, as had her parents before her. She had roots in this town and she loved it so much. I couldnever have asked her to leave it, so we came here to begin our lives together. Married in the Anglican Church right over there. Rented the apartment over Jim’s Antiques until I made partner here, then lived upstairs here for five years before we could buy the house. Mr. Weatherby was very good to us, but it was tough to make ends meet in such a small place. When I tell Daphne that there’s not much of a living to be earned from wills and divorces in a town the size of Empire, that’s because I’ve been there and done that.”

I nod understanding.

“And then I met Patrick. More than that, Patrick began to grow his business by leaps and bounds. He needed legal counsel on retainer, and I jumped for that opportunity. It changed everything for us, gave us financial security and ensured that I could give Christine and Daphne the lives I wanted them to have. Of course, it came with a price, and that price was and is Patrick.”

He pauses for a moment and I think of Faust, making his deal with the devil. I know all about Patrick ensuring that a choice is regretted and I feel sympathy for Daph’s dad.

He continues with resolve. “Christine disliked Patrick and she hated what happened to Empire as his businesses grew. It was the one thing we argued about, and the one thing we stopped discussing because it became such a sore point. I know she wanted me to step away, for the sake of principles, but I knew that we needed that money. Daphne was destined for university and a law degree, and only the best school would do. Christine never had a job outside of the home, which suited both of us, but it meant I had to be the one to provide. I had to make the choice for our future.” His voice hardens when he says this, and I know it wasn’t an easy decision for him to make. “I thought we’d have our retirement together to enjoy the results.”

He looks away and his throat works. “And then Christine died.” His words are hoarse. “Just like that. She was there at breakfast, the same as every other day, and before lunch, the neighbour called to say that she was dead.” He snaps his fingers, still looking incredulous though I know it’s been a few years. “She had an aneurysm and the only blessing was that it was instant for her.”

“I’m sorry.”

He inclines his head in acknowledgement and continues. “I still can’t believe it some days. I still listen for her when I get home. I still expect her to call in the middle of the afternoon.” He shakes his head. “But that’s never going to happen. I’ll be honest. I was skeptical when you showed up with your big plan. I thought Patrick would win again and you would be ground under his heel. But you’re tougher than that, Luke, and maybe that’s what he taught you. Never expect anything from anyone, and never surrender. That’s quite the legacy and I admire what you’ve accomplished.”

He pauses for breath. “Since you arrived here, though, I realize your achievements to date are just the tip of the iceberg. I’d like to help. I’m tired of just putting one foot in front of the other. I’m tired of surviving each day so I can do it all again. I’d like to be part of the rebirth of Empire. And I’m prepared to put some of that money to work in fostering a change, for Christine’s sake.”

I am overwhelmed by this confession and have a hard time finding a reply. “You have to have guessed that my instinctive response is to decline your offer,” I say, and we smile at each other warily. “But for the sake of Daph and personal growth and Empire, I’m going to kick that impulse to the curb.”

“Good.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He stands up and offers his hand. “Richard,” he corrects me and we shake hands. I’ve never had an older man take my side in anything and I realize in that moment that Richard has a wealth of experience he may choose to share.

“I’d prefer a partner,” I say, “and maybe not an entirely silent one.”

His smile flashes. “I’d like that a lot.”

The office is filled with a warmth that takes me by surprise, yet feels so very welcome.

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