Conduct in Question

Chapter 3 of Conduct in Question

Time for a change?

First, Harry has met the beautiful Natasha in-of all places-a funeral parlour. He's argued with his wife about money and his partner, Richard Crawford  has dropped dead at his feet. BUT the wealthy Mr. Chin has arrived at his office with a very lucrative land deal. Is this the solution to Harry's money problems?

Mr. Chin was the smallest man Harry had ever seen. The phrase “the elegant Mr. Chin” formed in his mind as he half-bowed to welcome his new client. The finely cut, light silk suit hung from Mr. Chin’s delicate frame in exactly the correct fashion. Harry ushered him to his office.

At the door, Harry surveyed the scene. For years, he had regarded the décor as warm and inviting. Now he saw it through Chin’s eyes. It was tacky.

“Please have a seat, sir,” Harry began heartily.

Mr. Chin never stopped smiling as he neatly arranged himself in the chair across from Harry’s desk. Glancing briefly about, he betrayed no reaction to his surroundings.

“Mr. Jenkins, I am grateful you have been able to see me on such short notice. If my business is to be transacted, it must be done speedily.”

Harry nodded. “You said you were referred to me?”

“Indeed, Mr. Jenkins. Mr. Niels at Cheney, Arpin recommended you.”

Surprised, Harry could not imagine why such a major Toronto law firm would direct any business his way. Yet, he had worked briefly with Peter Niels on a bar association matter. Perhaps there was a conflict of interest which could only be solved by completely independent representation.

“What would you like me to do?” he asked.

“There are several parcels of land that I wish to purchase near Highland Avenue, at the intersection of Mount Rose.”

Harry stiffened. Marjorie Deighton’s house was right near that corner. The coincidence was worrisome.

“Are you familiar with that area, Mr. Jenkins?”

Harry nodded.

Albert Chin placed a slim leather case on the desk and extracted a sheaf of papers. Carefully, he unfolded a survey. Harry stood to remove files from his desk. He had seen the survey many times before.

“I am wishing to purchase the three lots fronting on Mount Rose.” Chin outlined them on the plan with his gold Cross pen. “And also the three immediately behind them.” Chin’s smile never faltered.

Harry considered the situation. None of the lots belonged to Marjorie, but

with Chin’s purchases, she would certainly be surrounded. So would St. Timothy’s Church. He had to tell his new client that he acted for an adjoining landowner, but he decided to wait for more information.

“Are these offers to be conditional?”

Mr. Chin smiled broadly. “No, that will not be necessary. We will pay for the properties from our cash resources. Also, Mr. Jenkins, we will seek an option to purchase from the owner of 42 Highland Avenue and the church at some future date.” Setting down his pen, he smiled at Harry. “I trust you will be able to act for our conglomerate.”

Harry knew Marjorie would never sell to a developer. A conflict was looming. But his new client breathed money, body and soul. His work could be the start of new lifeblood for Harry’s teetering firm. He couldn’t afford to lose either client.

“I gather this is some sort of land assembly. Are you planning to rezone?”

Mr. Chin became all business. “That, sir, remains undecided. If we do, we trust you will act on our behalf in such applications.”