Evening found Teddy at the bar in Dwarf's. It was only seven, and he had already eaten another meal at Patty's that required a beer quencher. Business was slow and he attempted a conversation with the owner.
"Excuse me, Marion, is it?"
"That name is reserved for the exclusive use of my friends." The massive arms flanked his on the bar like a bunker.
"How does one become your friend?"
"It's a long arduous path, friend." The smile suggested a hungry carnivore.
"Friend? Does that mean I'm close?"
"No."
"Okay, sorry. Listen, can I ask you something about, Sally?"
"What?"
"I've seen her house... you know... the huge thing in that ritzy section of town?"
"Yeah."
"Did she really get that by... you know... doin' what she does?"
Dwarf leaned closer and Teddy was in shadow. "Originally, Sally Hundwinter came from a very wealthy family who lost everything in the twenty-nine crash. Sally's grandfather built the family fortune back to a respectable sum, and then dropped dead from the effort. Sally's mom took everything and screwed the rest of the family... including her own kids, Sally and her brother Desmond. Sally made a deal with the estate people that allowed her to hold onto the house with the understanding that she would make regular payments against the property."
"Son-of-a-bitch." Teddy listened, spellbound.
"Well the deal she made was the forerunner of her business today. She entrapped the estate guys, who were all married, and amazingly, the property was paid off free and clear with Sally holding the title. When her mom was suddenly killed by a lightning bolt on a golf course in Spain, Sal found out she had been named as sole heir. She figured it was a guilt thing. At any rate, the sum was staggering. Since then, she has also made quite a bundle from her own little bundle." Dwarf winked a smile and nudged Teddy, nearly knocking him off the stool.
"Do you know why she keeps doing it? With all that money, what's the point?"
"She likes it. What else is she gonna do around here? Half the town is in her debt... the guys anyway. Sally could run for mayor and win by just saying she wants it."
Teddy frowned at his beer.
Don't feel bad, sport. Like she probably told you, it's a hobby."
"Have you ever...?"
"You ain't my friend yet." Dwarf slapped the wet counter and splattered Teddy's jacket before moving away to serve new arrivals.
The next time Dwarf came by he finished the dregs from one drink and ordered another. No skin off Teddy Playford's ass, he thought. Take her money and run, she can afford it. Back in civilization he'll be the one calling the shots.
He thought about that and then wondered if he could find out where MacDonald bought his trees; he might be able to put a crimp in the source. Then when he's the only place in town to buy he'll be able to charge real tree prices and more. They'll be singing his tune if he pulls this off.
The time rolled past quickly as Teddy dipped deeper into his planning and when the familiar figure settled on the stool next to him, he gave a start.
"Guilty conscience, sailor?"
"No, why?"
"Just that nervous jump. Kinda like a first timer contemplating getting his feet wet."

YOU ARE READING
Luck of the Draw
HumorA biotech firm that messes with nature having disastrous results. An inept salesman compounding the firm's errors. A guy who works at a garden nursery and collects cacti. A gal who has a new business selling spices, and a super wealthy woman with a...