Chapter 1:
The sun streams in through the window of room and across the top of a large, fine wooden desk. In this high contrast scene of light and shadow, several items are clearly visible. A small bust of Napoleon, an antique desk lamp with a glass shade, a folded Bedford Times newspaper bearing the year 1932. All items appear to be part of a museum-like still-life, until the movement of a pair of old hands breaks the stillness. The fingers of the hands, which had been laced, separate and lift a document from the desktop. The document bears the words "Binding Contract" in bold letters at the top, followed by a lot of small print. The hands belong to Henry F. Potter.
Henry is ensconced in his high-backed, ornately carved wheelchair. Sitting behind his office desk, he squints as he ponders the contents of the document. One might believe that Henry is alone in that shadowy room, until a shadow begins to move into the frame of the lighted window. A human silhouette now stands just across the desk from Henry and says, "It's a game changer, Henry,"
Henry glances at the silhouette, then back at the contract. As Henry rubs his chin in contemplation, his visitor urges action, "You were a man in deep water, with no land in sight."
The bottom of the contract has a blank line and the name "Henry F. Potter" typed underneath. The unseen orator encourages Henry, "And now, your ship has come in."
Henry, again rubs his chin. The shadow continues to press his case, "Provided you have enough brains to climb aboard!" Henry's gaze shifts to the quill pen which lies next to the paper. His hand lies within reach of the pen.
Henry's guest issues a taunting question, "Moment of truth, Henry. What will your decision be?"