Moon Underfoot by Bobby Cole Read Free Book Online Page B

restaurant. Then he remembered that Mossy Oak Camo was based in West Point; consequently, practically the whole community wore camo as fashion.
    “You’re not from around here, are you?” Jake asked with a smile, seeing the smile in Walter’s eyes as he watched him pull on the jacket.
    “No, I’m not. I’m from Minnesota, but I retired to the area recently. Is that a bad thing?”
    “No, sir,” Jake said with a grin. “After a while, you’ll have a new accent.”
    Walter smiled. He liked Jake. He said, “I’ve become quite the fan of the hospitality and Southern idiosyncrasies.” He held upa bottle of Tabasco and said, “And this stuff. Can’t seem to get enough of it.”
    A college-aged waitress arrived to take their orders. The two men exchanged pleasantries for a while. Jake was hoping to land a client, and Walter was hoping Jake would give him an opening so he could ask him about when he had killed the rednecks.
    “Well, Mr. Severson, what specifically can I help you with?” Jake finally asked.
    “Please call me Walter.”
    “Okay, Mr. Walter. What can I help you with?” Jake’s Southern upbringing wouldn’t allow him to call him simply Walter just yet.
    Walter smiled at the politeness. “Basically, I’m starting a foundation and have cash I’d like to invest for fast growth. I’m looking for a good broker, someone who can make me some money while protecting the principal.”
    This was sounding like an account Jake needed. On Monday morning, he had endured a scathing lecture from his boss about growing his client base. Walter’s foundation may be an answer to his prayers. Jake wanted to know how much money he had but didn’t want to sound too eager, so he just said, “That’s what I do. I would love to help you. Our firm is one of the most trusted brokerage houses in the country. I must say—and I’m sure you already know this—that the market right now is not as…vibrant as it’s been in the recent past, so we need to discuss your expectations.”
    “Growth is important.”
    “We can grow it as much as anybody. I don’t mean to scare you, but the market’s just tougher these days. We have to work even harder and sometimes take more risks, but our offices have access to the best analysts in the world, and, well…basically, we have our finger on the pulse of global finance and trends.” Jake laid on the last line a little thick, but he had heard his boss use it successfully.
    “I see.” Walter looked down. He really didn’t know what to ask.
    “Tell me about the foundation,” Jake asked, and then he took a bite of the sandwich the waitress had placed before him a few moments earlier.
    Walter glanced around and then gave Jake his prepared speech. He could tell that Jake was honestly impressed. Everyone who heard about it loved it. There was something appealing about grandparents assisting their grandkids. It felt good. The foundation would actually benefit two people at once; the old folks felt good about helping, and the younger folks got a needed boost in life.
    “So how much capital do you need to fund it?”
    “Right now we have about a hundred grand, but in the next few weeks, I expect it to be significantly more.”
    Jake was disappointed but didn’t show it. The words
significantly more
sounded promising, though.
    “Mr. Walter, I need this as much as
you
need this to grow. I promise I’ll bust my tail for you. We can talk every day if you like,” Jake said honestly.
    Walter appreciated Jake’s openness. He liked Jake, and he especially liked his willingness to work hard at growing the investment. Walter knew the others would agree with his decision, but he wanted to know more about the young man, so he said, “To be honest with you, Jake, I Googled you to see what was out there, and it seems as though you had a rough go of it a few years back.”
    “Yes, sir. That was a tough night,” Jake said, looking down at the table.
    “I know it’s none of my business,