by Millie Mack
“I don’t think so. I found out from Mr. Heathrow that Barrington’s stroke will have lasting effects. Right now he barely recognizes his wife.”
“Such a shame. If they had only admitted to Todd’s accidental killing, there would have been such a different outcome.”
“Pride has a way of affecting families,” he added.
“Speaking of families, what do you want to do today?”
Charles looked up from the classified ad section he was reading. “We could go down to the docks and wander around.”
“Is there anything particular that we’re going to wander past?” she asked with a smile. “Perhaps there are some boats for sale that might be in our wandering path.”
Charles responded with a sheepish look on his face. “It’s harder to sell a boat in the colder months, so there are a couple of really good buys. Plus…”
“Charles, darling, let’s buy a boat,” Carrie said with tremendous conviction.
“What!” Charles couldn’t believe his ears.
“I’ve learned something during these last few weeks. You never know when something unexpected may change your life. If you want a boat, let’s go get one! After all, I got Baxter and a nice new car,” she said, scratching the orange kitten’s ears.
Charles popped out of his chair and sat beside his wife. “One thing about my buying a boat: the odds of my running into a tree are slim.”
“Now that’s a low blow.” Carrie laughed. She had reached the point where she could view the events of the last few weeks differently. “Besides, docks are made of trees, so the odds may not be as slim as you think.”
“Good point. We’re even!” Charles bent over and gave her a kiss. He went back to his paper.
“Hey, will you look at this?” Carrie had given up reading the paper with Baxter and was opening mail instead.
“A bill?”
“No, a letter from the Club.”
“What’s so unusual about that? We get letters from them all the time.”
“This one is different. ‘Mr. James Marshall announces with regret that the name of Edward Barrington III has been withdrawn for the office of president in the upcoming elections of the Tri-County Country Club.’ The letter goes on to say that ‘due to his recent ill health, he would be unable to fulfill such strenuous duties at this time,’ et cetera, et cetera. Well, the Club wasted no time in getting its affairs in order.”
“Who are they nominating to replace him?” asked Charles.
“The letter only indicates that the board of directors will meet in the next few weeks to create a new list of potential candidates.”
“I’m going to give the board Dan’s name. He would make a terrific president. I think he would bring a more modern approach to managing the Club.” Charles returned to reading the business section of the paper. “Now it’s my turn. Listen to this. Talk about life moving right along: ‘The firm of Barrington and Barrington is pleased to announce the appointment of Kent Barrington as president for the firm. Mr. Barrington was a senior partner at the West Coast firm of Jenkins Sparrow.’ The article then discusses his accomplishments at that firm, but then listen to the next paragraph: ‘Linda Barrington will assume new responsibilities as executive vice president in charge of financial operations.’ Then there’s more information about her background, and last but not least, it announces that Ms. Sara Chaney has been promoted to vice president in charge of new accounts.”
“Everything does come full circle. Is this the same Linda the family felt wasn’t qualified to be in the firm?”
“Yep, sure is, although she does have qualifications. She told me the night we met in the tavern that she’d earned an MBA in finance.”
“It’s also in keeping with what Brad said—that when push came to shove, Linda would support the family.”
“And there’s more family news. The firm also announces the merger of Barrington and Barrington with the Thurgood Financial Group.”
“Isn’t Thurgood Linda’s maiden name?” Carrie asked.
“Yes, it is. The original reason for the marriage of Brad and Linda was to have two of the strongest financial firms linked through marriage. The merger is probably a good idea. Linda and Kent will need lots of help to turn the company around after a scandal like this one.”
“Any mention of the indiscretions with the financial accounts?” asked Carrie.
“Now, Carrie, you know much of their business is with families in the county and from the Club. All these folks know what really happened through that great media known as the grapevine. But Kent and Linda are young. And they have the best reasons in the world for restoring the family business.”
“And what reason is that?” asked Carrie
“It’s the reason for which everything occurred. It’s the same reason that led you to draw the correct conclusions about the murder: tradition.”
