A Cold Wife, Sweet Husband

These are other conveniences that are quickly becoming more popular as more people use them. I offer a good percentage of your returns if you invest in the entire package.

―Mr. Monroe offers a similar package. Harrison didn't look too happy, though his smile never wavered.

―I'm sure he offers you a fine deal, and I hope your investments continue to make you lots of money. However, if you ever find an interest in checking out other options, I would like for you to take my business card and this pamphlet that will show you what I offer at Grant Financial Services.

My father and I recently added accounting to the list of services we provide our clients. I think it's more convenient to take care of several services at the same place instead of having to run all over town.

―I'll think about it. ―Thank you for your time. Harrison shook his hand and walked across the room. ―Will you be taking a vacation to Maine? the man in front of Leo asked. His name tag read, Harvey.' Leo looked up at the eighteen-year-old travel agent.

―I haven't been there before, he slowly replied. He took a good look at the pamphlet in front of him. The blue paper highlighted the attractions in Maine.

―Maine is a beautiful state, Harvey eagerly nodded. ―It's worth checking out at least once in your life, especially in the fall when the leaves change color. If you'd like, I could arrange for your transportation and lodging. If you pay for both, I can save you 11% off the total price. Leo did not incline to go to Maine so he politely declined.

―Well, you can keep the pamphlet in case you change your mind, Harvey offered. Leo thanked him and casually walked around some tables before he came to another table that was next to the one Mr. Walker was checking out.

Mr. Walker owned the other accounting firm in town. Since Hugh Rivers' accounting firm went out of business, Mr. Walker was the Grants' remaining competitor in the accounting business. Harrison Jr. was talking to Mr. Walker who was looking through a brochure for office furniture.

―My father and I would be interested in merging our accounting firms, Harrison said. Mr. Walker finally closed the brochure, crossed his arms and looked Harrison in the eye.

―Yes. I heard that Hugh Rivers went bankrupt. You wouldn't happen to know how that happened, would you? Harrison shrugged. ―I suppose he didn't manage his money very well. ―Or someone manipulated the situation to make it look that way.

―I don't understand what you're talking about. ―I have more important things to do than to play cat and mouse with you. I know you have every intention of making me go out of business just like Mr. Rivers and Mr. Allen did. Your game won't work with me.

I am keeping a careful eye on all my transactions and records. I have a backup copy of everything, so you better not think you'll be sabotaging my work. I don't mind competition that's honest but your father has a reputation, and looking at you, it appears he's handing down that unethical reputation to the next generation.

―You're wrong about us. We are honorable men doing our jobs. Mr. Walker laughed. ―You have no idea what I've gone through in my past. I can figure out the truth behind your smooth words. I've dealt with people like you before. ―Then it seems you are opposed to a merger.