“Well, it’s quite simple really,” began Nat. “Hartford City Council has put another site on the market that has planning approval for a shopping mall. The bank has purchased the land as an investment and is looking for a partner. We thought you might be interested.”
“Why us?” asked Julia.
“You were among the original companies that bid for the Robinson’s site, which, incidentally, has proved to be a great success, so we thought you might want to be involved in this new venture.”
“I’m somewhat surprised that you didn’t think of approaching us before you made your bid,” said Mrs. Kirkbridge, “because had you done so, you would have discovered that we had already considered the terms far too restrictive.” Nat was taken by surprise. “After all,” continued Mrs. Kirkbridge, “that is what we do.”
“Yes, I know,” said Nat, buying time.
“May I ask how much it went for?” asked Mrs. Kirkbridge.
“Three point six million.”
“That was way above our estimate,” said Mrs. Kirkbridge, turning a page of the file on the table in front of her.
Nat had always considered himself a good poker player, but he had no way of knowing if Mrs. Kirkbridge was bluffing. He only had one card left. “Well, I’m sorry to have wasted your time,” he said, rising from his place.
“Perhaps you haven’t,” said Mrs. Kirkbridge, who remained seated, “because I’m still interested in listening to your proposal.”
“We’re looking for a fifty-fifty partner,” said Nat, resuming his seat.
“What does that mean exactly?” asked Mrs. Kirkbridge.
“You put up $1.8 million, the bank finances the rest of the project, and once the debt has been recouped, all the profits will be divided fifty-fifty.”
“No bank fees, and the money loaned at prime rate?”
“I think we would consider that,” said Nat.
“Then why don’t you leave all the details with me, Mr. Cartwright, and I’ll come back to you. How long have I got before you need a decision?”
“I’m meeting two other possible investors while I’m in New York,” said Nat. “They were also bidders for the Robinson’s site.”
From the expression on her face, there was no way of telling if she believed him.
Mrs. Kirkbridge smiled. “Half an hour ago,” she said, “I had a call from the chief executive of the Hartford City Council, a Mr. Cooke.” Nat froze. “I didn’t take the call as I thought it would be prudent to see you first. However, I find it hard to believe that this was the type of case study they expected you to analyze at Harvard Business School, Mr. Cartwright, so perhaps the time has come for you to tell me why you really wanted to see me.”
35
Annie drove her husband to City Hall, and it was the first time they had been alone all day. “Why don’t we just go home?” said Fletcher.
“I expect every candidate feels that way just before the count.”
“Do you know, Annie, we haven’t once discussed what I’m going to do if I lose.”
“I’ve always assumed you’d join another law firm. Heaven knows enough have been knocking on your door. Didn’t Simpkins and Welland say they needed someone who specializes in criminal law?”
“Yes, and they’ve even offered me a partnership, but the truth is that politics is what I enjoy doing most. I’m even more obsessed than your father.”
“That’s not possible,” said Annie. “By the way, he said to use his parking space.”
“No way,” said Fletcher, “only the senator should occupy that spot. No, we’ll park down one of the side streets.” Fletcher glanced out of the window to see dozens of people walking up City Hall steps.
“Where are they going?” asked Annie. “They can’t all be close relations of Mrs. Hunter.”
Fletcher laughed. “No, they’re not, but the public are allowed to watch the count from the gallery. It’s evidently an old Hartford tradition,” he added as Annie finally found a parking space some distance from City Hall.
Fletcher and Annie held hands as they joined the crowds heading into the hall. Over the years, he had watched countless politicians and their wives holding hands on election day, and often wondered how many performed the ritual simply for the cameras. He squeezed Annie’s hand as they strolled up the steps trying to look relaxed.