Unnatural Acts (Stone Barrington 23)

“Then you’re a full-service attorney.”

“You betcha.”

“I have good news, Herbie.”

“By the way, it’s Herb, remember?”

“Of course, negligent of me.”

“What’s the good news?”

“Mike Freeman called his friend, the attorney general, on your behalf and yesterday the U.S. attorney released your ex’s brokerage account. You may now do what you will with the money.”

“That’s great news, Stone. After what I’ve seen and heard downtown, I’m going to put it all into High Cotton Ideas. My client is so happy with my services that he has offered me an investment opportunity.”

“I won’t ask you for details, to avoid having to explain myself to the SEC after the IPO takes place.”

“You give yourself good legal advice, Stone.”

“I do, thank you. And you owe me a very good dinner for what I had to do last night on your behalf.”

“I think I know exactly what that means,” Herbie said, “and I take the position that your lack of virtue was its own reward.”

Stone hung up, laughing.

21

Herbie oversaw the signing of the last of the closing documents, then invited Mark Hayes back to his office for a cup of coffee.

“How does it feel to own commercial real estate?” Herbie asked.

“It feels

just great,” Mark said, “and I want to thank you for suggesting that I buy the building personally and lease it back to the company.”

“And I want to thank you for your invitation to invest with you,” Herbie said.

“I’ve been thinking about that,” Mark said. He took a notebook from his pocket and did some scribbling, then ripped out the page and handed it to Herbie. “That’s the number of my shares you’ll get for investments of one, two, or three million dollars.”

Herbie took a quick look at the numbers and made a quick decision. “I’ll do the three million. I’ll draw up the documents, move the money today, and have a cashier’s check for you tomorrow.”

Mark nodded. “I’m impressed that someone your age can come up with that kind of cash on short notice.”

Herbie smiled. “I’m impressed that someone your age can start a company that’s worth the investment.”

“I suppose you’re wondering why I’m willing to sell you these shares,” Mark said.

“I expect you can use the cash for the renovation of your new building. That way, you won’t need to mortgage it.”

Mark nodded. “My new architect and builder tell me it’s going to cost a million dollars a floor to make the space habitable, and I’m going to reinforce the roof, so that I can build myself a penthouse up there.”

“What a great idea! I live in a penthouse, and I can tell you, you’re going to love it.”

There was a rap on the door and Bill Eggers stepped in.

“Good morning, Bill,” Herbie said.

“I understand our new client is here,” Eggers said, offering his hand to Mark.