Look Both Ways by Joan Early Read Free Book Online Page A

you not given the authority to set this right?”
    “Questioning my weight again, are you?” Her tone was still controlled and even, but the fire in her eyes raged brightly. “I have full authority to carry out the duties of this position, Rev. Cartwright. Let me reiterate that I cannot approve any of the loans unless issues related to the applicant’s credit, employment, or past payment history are resolved. I can only discuss the particulars with the applicants.”
    He shook his head and looked into her eyes. Her thoughts zigzagged. She was losing control. Gripping the arms of the chair with trembling hands, she wondered if she was not convincing because she could not convince herself, or because the man before her had everything that was missing in her life. She searched for concluding words that would pack the punch she needed to win the round. Smiling slightly, she continued.
    “As I stated, most of the situations are easily rectified.”
    “Well, if it’s so simple, you should be able to approve them now. I’m sure you know the courts will uphold what I’m saying.”
    “Rev. Cartwright, court dockets are packed with claims that are not only frivolous and unfounded, but just plain stupid. Unfortunately, a lot of these nuisance claims are settled simply to defray the cost of a defense, but I will not put aside this company’s underwriting guidelines just to rid myself of a nuisance.”
    His body jerked as if he had been struck, and she immediately regretted her choice of words and her inflammatory delivery. His smile became rigid.
    “I see. I’m very sorry to have been a nuisance, and I’m sorry you and I couldn’t have met under different circumstances. I will trouble you no further, Miss Cross. Good day.” He nodded and left.
    Her heart sank. No matter how well prepared she had been, looking into those eyes and watching the movements of his powerful body had turned her to putty. She started to run after him, but by the time she was able to command her feet to move, Price had charged into her office at a full trot and was bombarding her with questions.
    “That man is determined to create a lot of public speculation about this company, and that’s not good for our image. What did he want this time?”
    “Just a continuation of our earlier discussion.”
    She blurted out a question that had been in the back of her mind since the Cedargrove matter had been dropped on her shoulder. “In case of an emergency, how do we contact Mr. Deeds?”
    “From what I heard he’s out of the country.”
    He turned to leave, but suddenly realizing the weight of her question, he turned and gleefully asked, “Is it that bad? Don’t you think you should tell me what’s going on? Are those people suing Sealand?”
    “I plan to inform everyone at the same time. I have a few other assessments to make, which, hopefully, I can conclude this weekend. We’ll discuss the matter in detail at the next management meeting.”

CHAPTER 3
    Rev. Cartwright left the emotionally charged meeting with Susan and joined an even more daunting one in the meeting hall at Cedargrove Baptist Church. As his father’s assistant, he had felt the arrows of discontent from congregation members, but his father had been there to deflect the sting. He wondered if his father had been a stronger man. Feeling dejected and physically beat, he stopped in front of his parents’ home and tried to calm his frayed nerves.
    The wonderful aroma of his mother’s cooking was comforting, even in his agitated state. “Hi, Mom,” he said, kissing her forehead. “Something smells mighty good in here.”
    “Thanks, dear. It’s pork roast and yams. I’ll call when dinner is ready and you can help your father in to the table.”
    He stopped in the doorway and looked at his father. He knew a wide vein of pain and helplessness was hidden under the senior Cartwright’s façade of indomitability.
    “Hey, Pop,” he said, briefly resting his hand on the old man’s