Groom by Design

Author:Christine Johnson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2014-11-22T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Though Sam considered buying flowers for Ruth, he doubted mere blooms would spur her forgiveness. Saving the family dress shop stood a better chance of turning her heart.

At the opening of business on Monday morning, Sam approached the banker, Mr. Dermott Shea, to find a solution to the mess that the Foxes found themselves in.

“How much is due?” Sam asked.

The banker steepled his fingers. “Let me get this straight. You are Samuel J. Rothenburg’s son.”

Sam stared in disbelief. Shea knew? Sam struggled to comprehend why Father would have given the bank his name. A fool could connect the dots and realize that a Hutton’s Department Store was opening in Pearlman.

The muggy room hummed with the undercurrent of knowledge. If Shea told anyone... But wait. Shea must have known that information for days, and neither Sam nor Miss Harris had heard any speculation come near the truth. That could mean only one thing. The banker had revealed nothing. Sam could trust his discretion.

Sam struck a casual pose, as if Shea’s revelation meant nothing. “Yes. I’m his oldest son. I realize this might be difficult to believe, but my father and I don’t always share the same opinion on matters. Father doesn’t know the situation that the Fox family faces. I see no immediate need for the piece of property. Our current location is more than sufficient. Perhaps something can be worked out.”

Shea relaxed slightly, though he still looked wary. Sam couldn’t blame the man. His father was not known for kindness. Ruthlessness, yes. Compassion, no. But Sam wasn’t cut from the same cloth. For the first time in years, he was proud to admit he had some of his mother’s temperament in him.

Playing the casual charmer would not work with a man of Shea’s caliber. Sam leaned forward slightly and looked the man in the eye. “I see no reason why both businesses can’t succeed.”

The banker maintained unnerving calm. “Even if this sale doesn’t go through, the property’s owner still wants the payments brought to date.”

Sam expected as much. “That’s why I’m asking how much is due.”

“That is confidential information.”

“Even to someone interested in paying off the sum?”

Shea stared at him. “Now, why would you do that?”

“My reasons are none of your concern. My ability to pay is. I can have my bank wire the funds to you this afternoon.”

The banker’s eyebrows rose. “That’s a generous offer, especially since it counters that of your father. However, as you stated, your reasoning is none of my concern.” He opened one of the folders on the broad walnut desk. “I can’t reveal the details, but I can show you a payment schedule.” He pulled out a sheet of paper and folded over the top before placing it in front of Sam. The payment schedule included several rows of payments, which abruptly stopped well over a year ago. The total due was staggering. It would completely drain Sam’s savings, leaving him with nothing should Father disown him over this.

Sam put his finger on the total.

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