And I Love You by Marie Force Read Free Book Online Page A

accompanied such effusive words from a man he worshiped. “Thank you, Gramps. Means the world to me coming from you.”
    “It’s all true. Every word. I trust your judgment, and I need some advice.”
    “Whatever I can do.”
    “I’ve got some money I’m looking to invest. I’m trying to find the right opportunity, but I’ll be damned if I know where to look.”
    Hunter was immediately riveted by the possibility that his grandfather’s desire to invest in something could keep Megan in Butler. However, he pushed that thought aside because acting in
his
best interest wouldn’t necessarily be in his grandfather’s best interest.
    “Do you have any ideas of what you might like to do?” Hunter asked.
    “I’m thinking a small business maybe. Something that could use the boost that comes with new capital, but I’d need you to help me hire someone to oversee the actual business. I’m enjoying my retirement too much to get bogged down in the details again.”
    “Right,” Hunter said, tapping his mechanical pencil against his lip as he contemplated the convergence of ethics and desire. What to do? “I heard of one business in town that’s closing unless they find new owners.”
    “Which one?”
    “The diner.”
    “Yes, I heard that, too. Something about Brett and Nina moving overseas …”
    Hunter eyed his grandfather warily. “What’re you up to?”
    “Up to? I’m talking to you about an investment I’d like to make. How does that make me up to something?”
    “The timing is interesting.”
    “How so?”
    “The whole town is probably abuzz with the news that Brett and Nina are leaving, and suddenly you’re interested in investing in a business, something that could use an influx of capital. It’s … curious.”
    “I still don’t understand why.”
    Elmer was a formidable opponent when it came to sparring, and Hunter knew when he was outmatched by a master. He had no doubt his grandfather was up to
something
, but because it suited his own agenda, Hunter decided to play along.
    “So you want to buy the diner?”
    “Thought crossed my mind.”
    “And you didn’t think to just say that when you first came in here?”
    “I didn’t want to limit my options if you knew of a better opportunity.”
    Elmer never blinked, yet Hunter still sensed he was being played. “Have you approached Brett and Nina?”
    “Not yet. I was hoping you might handle that for me.”
    “I’ll look into it,” Hunter said casually even though his heartbeat accelerated at the possibility of a solution that might keep Megan around. If his grandfather bought the diner, they could hire her to run it for them or at least work there if she wasn’t interested in management. Unless she had other plans altogether, a thought that left him feeling deflated.
    Elmer withdrew a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it over to Hunter. “Offer them this.”
    Hunter unfolded the paper, his eyes bugging at the zeros. “You can’t just go in there and make them a blind offer. We have to do our due diligence.”
    “Our due what?”
    “
Diligence.
We need financial statements and an inspection of the building and equipment. We need profit and loss information for the last five years and …” At the sight of his grandfather’s perplexed expression, Hunter stopped himself. “Didn’t you once run a business?”
    “Yeah, but we did it the old-fashioned way.” Elmer winked at him. “A handshake was good enough.”
    “That’s not good enough for me.”
    “Figured as much.”
    “Where’ve you been hiding all this money?”
    “In tin cans I buried in the backyard. Where else?”
    Hunter gaped at him. “Are you kidding me?”
    “Yep,” Elmer said with a deep guffaw. “You don’t know everything, young man. I got a few secrets here and there.”
    “Apparently,” Hunter said, equal parts annoyed and amused.
    “Do your due doodoo or whatever it is, and keep me posted.”
    “
Diligence
, and I will.”
    “Excellent.”