“I
haven’t asked you for money, Father. I have merely told you that I plan on
going west to start a life of my own,” Kit said.
“I
understand that and since you want to make your own way, I would like to
suggest a business arrangement,” Oscar said softly. “Your mother would have my
head if I didn’t finance your adventure for one year at, shall we say, a four
percent interest. This is in lieu of your allowance, of course.”
Kit
leaned deep into the chair. He knew Larry would want to be in on this decision,
but it was between Kit and his father; with no mention of Larry in the offer at
all. And it was a generous one from a business point of view. His father gave
him an opportunity to make his own way; but in his heart, Kit knew there would
be a clause to the agreement. That’s how Oscar Dawson became the success he
was.
“Draw
up the financial papers. I’ll look them over and sign them if they are
agreeable,” Kit said, pushing out of the chair. “Thank you, Father.
“I
remember what it’s like to sow my oats.” Oscar stood, matching Kit’s height of
six feet. “There is a condition though.”
“I
wondered when you’d get to that,” Kit said, standing over his father’s
desk, waiting.
“It’s
the same one your grandfather gave me. You have one year from the date of the
agreement to be successful enough to repay the loan.” In an uncharacteristic
manner, Oscar sat down and reclined in the chair with his feet propped on the
desk. “If you haven’t successfully paid back the loan by at the end of the
agreement, you will come home and learn the family business.
“Oh,
and one more thing, and this is to make your mother happy, you shall find a
suitable bride as well.” Oscar stood, his gaze matching Kit’s. “A year is long
enough to court a woman and fall in love.”
“I
have no wish to marry for several years,” Kit reiterated, his gaze fixed on his
father.
“There
is no room for compromise on that one condition, Christopher. I intend to
continue making your mother as happy as I can. So, you either agree or not.
Your future is in your hands at this point, not mine.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FPGL6NCT
UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FPGL6NCT
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