Page 5 of A Chance for Candace

Jessie was surprised the man brought up the one question on his mind. He nodded. “You’re absolutely right. I’ve heard about the drought and how so much was lost. I know water has been found with the water finder. Will that be enough to bring the town back to prosperity?”

Mr. McVey leaned over his desk. “What do you do for a living, sir?”

“I’m a baker. Have you heard of Logan’s Baked Goods?”

“I haven’t, I’m sorry to say. I’m sure it is a fine business and you will do well if you plan to move it to Nebraska. They need business owners who want to build a new town with men and women who can dig in and work hard. You look like that type of man.”

Jessie just nodded. He stared hard at the insurance broker. “Why do you want to sell it? Why did you leave if you think a business will prosper there?”

McVey didn’t hesitate. “I left when the drought happened and it didn’t look like it would ever end. I thought for sure Last Chance was dead. In all honesty, I figured I lost it all there and the building would stay empty. Then, this guy comes along with a water finder and all of a sudden the town starts bouncing back. I built a business right here that is doing well. I don’t want to start over again. So, one lucky person gets to buy my storefront. It has a small apartment above the store. I am practically giving it away. I think you, sir, are the perfect owner for this property.”

“You sure do talk a lot,” Jessie mentioned. He had a feeling this might be a good deal and yet something was holding him back from purchasing it on the spot. “Have you had many offers yet?”

McVey shook his head. “You are the first. Look, I know it seems too good to be true. I’m not a shyster, Mr. Logan. I have a perfectly legitimate business right here in Chicago, with plans to build onto this business. I’m not interested in ever going back to Last Chance. I want to unload it and invest the money into my current business.”

It all seemed legitimate. Jessie gave it a thought for a few more seconds then nodded. “I’ll buy it.”

“You will?”

“Yes. But not for the amount you asked.” He pulled a small piece of paper out of his pocket and laid it on the desk in front of McVey. “That’s all I’m willing to purchase the building for since it’s a huge risk on my part to travel to Nebraska.”

McVey took the paper and held it up to his face. He frowned. Then, he stared at Jessie for a moment. Finally, a huge smile crossed his face. He stood and held out his hand. “It’s a deal. You are about to become the sole owner of this wonderful property in Last Chance. Congratulations!”

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