When Money Dies by Adam Fergusson

Author:Adam Fergusson [Fergusson, Adam]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General, Europe, History, Nonfiction, Business & Economics, Finance, Business, Economic History, Economic Conditions, Germany
ISBN: 1586489941
Publisher: PublicAffairs
Published: 2010-10-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

“No I haven’t seen that one yet. I don’t go to movies much out here.”

The sound of Fina’s muffled voice drew Cutler to the shut door of the home office. He shifted the bag of hot take-out chicken to his other hand, stood still and listened.

“No! Really?” Fina laughed and it was a sound of pure, titillated joy.

Cutler grinned in response to the girlish sound of Fina’s laugh. He sometimes forgot how young she was. How much she’d had to grow up the past couple months.

“You’re such a flirt, Helen,” Fina gasped out between gales of laughter.

The back door slammed and Cutler heard Ryan race toward him, probably drawn by the smell of food...food that Fina hadn’t cooked.

“Hey, Cutler. You snooping?”

“Yes,” Cutler answered without a trace of shame. He handed the exuberant and slightly sweaty child the bag. “Take that into the kitchen, wash your hands and set the table.”

Ryan shot him a look of open defiance. It raised Cutler’s brows. When he growled quietly, Ryan took the hint, took the bag and took off toward the kitchen.

“She’s just talking to stupid Helen from back home. It’s just stupid girl stuff,” Ryan shouted with a hint of malice and enough volume there was no way Fina couldn’t hear.

The laughter on the other side of the door faded.

“I haven’t made up my mind about coming back for school.” Fina’s voice was quieter now, more mature. “Well I can attend lectures over the Internet. Yeah, I know...”

She sighed so quietly Cutler doubted the phone picked up the sound.

“Either way I’ll send post-dated checks to the landlord for my half of the rent this year. I won’t leave you high and dry.” There was a pause in the conversation. “I guess it would feel like I’m already leaving you. Yeah, it sucks but I appreciate how much you understand. It means a lot.”

With a resigned shake of his head, Cutler headed for the kitchen and the deliberately too-loud sound of slamming cupboards.

* * *

“Thank you for taking him, Trudy.” Fina unsnapped the belt of Ryan’s booster seat then stood back for him to hop out of her vehicle. Ryan grabbed his backpack. It held a few of his favorite toys, a change of clothes and his toothbrush. He ran to the front door of Trudy’s home.

“My pleasure,” Trudy answered with a grin. “Koby’s been bugging me to ask if he and Ryan could have a sleepover.” She lifted her thin, slightly harried face up to the morning sunshine and her smile widened. “Thank goodness summer break will be over in a few weeks. The kids were driving me crazy until they found out Ryan was coming to visit.”

Grinning, Fina looked up at Cutler’s childhood friend. She hugged the older woman affectionately and climbed back into her vehicle.

“Hey!” Trudy’s piercing, Mom voice ricocheted down the driveway as she headed back to the house. “What did I tell you about climbing on the porch rail? When you break your legs, don’t come running to me.

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