Sons of Fortune

Su Ling wrapped her arms around her husband. “You’ve faced far worse than this in Vietnam and so did I in Korea, and you didn’t flinch.” Nat had almost forgotten what had happened in Korea, although it was obviously still troubling Su Ling.

“What about the Cartwright Fund?” she asked as Nat helped her set the table.

“Lost around fifty thousand, but it’s still showing a small profit over the year. Which reminds me, I must ring Mr. Russell and apologize.”

“But you’ve also made them handsome returns in the past.”

“Which is why they put so much trust in me in the first place,” said Nat, thumping the table. “Damn it, I should have seen it coming.” He looked across the table at his wife. “What do you think I should do?”

Su Ling considered his question for some time. “Resign, and get yourself a proper job.”

Fletcher dialed the number without going through his secretary. “Are you free for lunch?” He paused. “No, we need to meet somewhere where no one will recognize us”—pause—“is that the one on West 57th?”—pause—“see you there at twelve thirty.”

Fletcher arrived at Zemarki’s a few minutes early. His guest was waiting for him. They both ordered salad, and Fletcher called for a light beer.

“I thought you never drank at lunch?”

“Today is one of those rare exceptions,” said Fletcher. After he’d taken a long draft, he told his friend what had taken place that morning.

“This is 1976 not 1776,” was all Jimmy said.

“I know, but it seems that there are still one or two dinosaurs roaming around, and God knows what other bile Elliot fed to his uncle.”

“Sounds like a nice guy, your Mr. Elliot. You’d better keep your eye on him as you’re probably the next one he has in his sights.”

“I can take care of myself,” said Fletcher. “It’s Logan I’m worried about.”

“But surely if he’s as good as you say he’ll be quickly snapped up?”

“Not after a call to Bill Alexander asking why he left so suddenly.”

“No lawyer would dare to suggest that being gay was a reason for dismissal.”

“He doesn’t have to,” said Fletcher. “Given the circumstances he need only say, ‘I would prefer not to discuss the matter, it’s somewhat delicate,’ which is far more deadly.” He took another swig. “I have to tell you, Jimmy, that if your fir

m were lucky enough to employ Logan, they would never regret it.”

“I’ll have a word with the senior partner this afternoon, and let you know how he reacts. Anyway, how’s my kid sister?”

“Slowly taking over everything in Ridgewood, including the book club, the neighborhood swim team and the blood donors’ drive. Our next problem is going to be which school to send Lucy to.”

“Hotchkiss is taking girls now,” said Jimmy, “and we intend….”

“I wonder how the senator feels about that,” said Fletcher as he drained his beer. “How is he, by the way?”

“Exhausted, he never stops preparing for the next election.”

“But no one could oust Harry. I don’t know a more popular politician in the state.”

“You tell him that,” said Jimmy. “When I last saw him he’d put on fifteen pounds, and was looking badly out of shape.”

Fletcher glanced at his watch. “Send the old warhorse my best, and tell him Annie and I will try and get up to Hartford for a weekend soon.” He paused. “This meeting never took place.”

“You’re becoming paranoid,” said Jimmy as he picked up the check, “which is exactly what this Elliot guy will be hoping for.”

Nat handed in his resignation the following morning, relieved at how calmly Su Ling had taken the whole debacle. But it was all very well her telling him to get a proper job when there was only one job he felt qualified to do.

When he returned to his office to remove his personal possessions it was as if there were a quarantine notice attached to his desk. Former colleagues walked quickly past, and those occupying desks nearby remained on their phones, their faces turned away.