AND LOVE CHAP 152
Opportunity knocking
ON THE ISLAND
Jamie and Eddie have invited Gregg and Annie plus Frank and Kelly to talk about a business opportunity. Remember when Eddie and Cassie went shopping for a gown for Cass to wear to Josh's senior prom. They said hello to Vern & Robin of Crown Jewelers. This grows out of that.
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ON THE ISLAND – FAMILY ROOM
EVERYONE IS COMFY
"Thanks for joining Eddie and me. I want to start by saying that tonight we are taking the long view. Malina's long view," Jamie starts.
Eddie picks it up; "Our daughter Malina is 13 years old, and in 8th grade. As you all know, she has shown an amazing propensity for the culinary arts. Now, when Cassie and I went gown shopping, for something to wear as Josh's date to his senior prom, we stopped and said hello to the couple who sold the promise rings to them. They had been engaged in a vigorous discussion as we walked up. Not an argument really. I, nosey me, asked them what they had been talking about.
FLASHBACK
"I . . . ah, saw you in deep discussion-
"Oh, a lawyer thing. We can't seem to find a decent lawyer out here on Long Island."
"Really? I am a paralegal here on the island. What general area of law are you needing help with?"
"Real estate. A property we want to get out from under ownership."
"Well, may I recommend a couple who I would trust?"
"Certainly."
"May I have a business card? I would need to ask them if they are accepting referrals; what type of business is it?"
"A restaurant, Bayside Café. Have you heard of it?"
"Wow! My husband's niece just got engaged there. I will see what I can do for you."
"Thank you, so much."
"My pleasure. Bye."
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Jamie picks it up again; "Before Eddie recommends a lawyer or lawyers, we thought of talking with you folks. Because it came to mind – what if we could form an ownership group and secure a restaurant property. One where Mal could work, work up to manager, and someday own. Realizing this is the long view. Thoughts?"
He and Eddie sit back and brace themselves.
Annie jumps to her feet. She paces a little, stopping in front of Jamie, "Damn, this is exactly what I would expect of you as a father! In fact, I world be greatly disappointed if you didn't think of this!" She pulls him to his feet, hugs him and pecks his cheek, and pushes him back into Eddie's arms. She sits back down in Gregg's arms. Frank and Kelly are nonplussed. Jamie and Eddie, along with Gregg are grinning. BFF? YES!
Gregg opens with, "I already own one-third of Christmas karaoke. I could easily get 60% share. If a group like this were to get control of Bayside, and joined forces with Annie and me – well, I like the sound of that. I really do!"
Frank took notice after that speech. He let out a sigh and said, "Well, I have to say that I like it too. But as the senior citizen here, I must be careful what I do with what is essentially my estate."
"Frank," Kelly starts. "If we do something like this as a team, it could make sense, I think." She sinks back into his arms.
"Jamie and Eddie, would you be interested in my firm being a part of this?" Annie asks.
Jamie shakes his head. "Annie, I'd rather not spread it that thin. And add people who have no vested interest in Mal's future."
"I see that, and agree." She responds.
Eddie asks, "Annie, I'm about to recommend a husband-and-wife lawyer team to work on this-
"YES! I would love to do this for you. For us."
"Well, is anyone not in? At least potentially?" Jamie asks.
Everyone nods assent.
"Jamie, there is someone we could have invited tonight." Eddie adds to the conversation.
"Who?"
"Beverly."
"Oh . . . the caterer Mal is helping, sometimes. Yes, but she probably should be an employee, not an owner. Don't you think?"
"Who is Beverly?" Frank asks.
"A lady who owns a catering service here on the island. Her son David is a classmate of Mal's. She is going to do Josh's senior prom. Mal will be helping."
"Does she run her business out of her home?" Kelly wonders.
"We assume so. Maybe she would like to shift to Bayside?" Jamie posits.
"Interesting," Gregg admits. "She could be a contact down the line."
All agree.
Frank and Kelly leave shortly, as they need to catch the LIRR.
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"Jamie and Eddie, what is the relationship there? I mean Frank and Kelly?" Gregg inquires.
Jamie and Eddie look at each other. They shrug.
"We are still trying to figure that out," Jamie admits. Eddie nods.
"What would their 'team' look like in a deal like this?" Annie asks.
"We don't know that either. But, if I were to guess, I'd say that Kelly would be the actual partner." Jamie surmises.
Eddie adds, "Before you ask, we know precious little about Kelly. At least I do . . . er, don't."
"Ditto," Jamie nods.
"Ok, may I have the contact info for that couple at the mall? Or are you still thinking, Eddie?"
"Sure," Eddie hands Annie the business card.
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ON THE ISLAND
Josh knocks on the home office door. Cassie stands by his side, holding his hand. They both appear very nervous.
"Come in," Eddie calls out.
They enter and take a seat on the love seat, close together.
Jamie is also in the office, both he and Eddie turn to face the kids.
"I need some advice, if you don't mind."
"Always," Eddie responds.
"I told y envelope; addressed to Josh Allen at his parent's address, from William Dalton – attorney at law.
Jamie raises an eyebrow.
"I stopped by the house today; this was in the mail. What should I do?"
The envelope had been opened, so Jamie removed the letter and read. It was a summons to a reading of his parent's will.
"Wow. What has been done so far with the house and estate?"
"Only an appraisal of the real estate, and opening of 1 safety deposit box."
"What was in the box?"
"$5,000 cash. I have it, I've not spent any of it."
"Good. Given what we know, that money may be dirty. And may be evidence; it should be checked for fingerprints. Where is it?"
"In my closet."
"Keep it there, don't touch it. The appraisal?"
"$900,000."
Have you contacted a realtor?
"No, sir."
Jamie and Eddie look at each other.
"Josh, there is no context in which you need to call him sir," Eddie snickers.
Jamie frowns. "I wouldn't put it that way."
"Oh?" She smiles.
Josh asks the big question, "Will you come with me, please?
"I would, but I think Annie would serve you better. Would you like me to contact her for you?"
"Yes, please."
"Ok, let's call."
ON THE SHORE
Annie's cell rings. "Hello, Jamie?"
"Yes, I'm here with Eddie, Cassie and Josh. He has been summoned to a reading of his parent's will. The attorney is William Dalton. He asked me to come with him as his attorney. Given what you said about that lawyer, I recommended you instead of me. What say you?"
"Wow! I remember that I commented on his corruption, right?"
"Correct. And Annie, while I am still a member of the bar, I am woefully out-of-date. And haven't practiced in years."
"I know. So, yes, I will represent Josh. May I speak with him in private, please?"
"Surely, give the rest of us 2", and he will be on line with you."
"Ok, I'll hang."
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"She will hang?" Eddie snickers.
"Harvard speak," Jamie chuckles.
"Ok."
15" later Josh emerges. He looks troubled.
"Josh, babe! What's the matter?" Cassie grasps his hand.
"Well, Annie is worried about that other lawyer being involved here. She says he is totally crooked."
"So, what's she gonna do?"
"Watch our P's and Q's!"
"Daddy trusts her. I'm sure you can too."
"I think you are right, Cass."
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NEXT WEDNESDAY
Josh and Annie are ushered into William Dalton 's office.
Josh introduces himself. Then motions toward Annie. She starts, "Annie Davenport; Davenport, Erickson & Jackson. For Mr. Allen."
She extends her hand, a stern look on her face. He gives it the weakest shake she's ever received. They sit.
Annie starts, handing him a sheet of paper. "As you see, Mr. Allen is requesting a complete copy of the last will & testament of the deceased. Do you have a copy that we may have?"
"This is irregular-
"No, actually it is standard, sir."
He scowls, then presses an intercom button. A lady answers.
"Shirley, come here now!"
A petite brunette enters. "Mr. Dalton?"
He hands her a thick file. "A complete copy, please."
She takes it, turns and leaves.
"I'm sorry. This will take a while. Please wait outside." He motions to the door.
They exit and take seats next to each other. Annie starts a TXT chain with Josh:
AD: no talk
JA: K
AD: posturing. Last will NOT that large.
JA: what is it?
AD: IDK. Will try to distill.
JA: thanks, mucho!
AD: 3%?
JA: K
45" LATER
Shirley approaches them, she has 2 large files in her hands. "Mr. Dalton will now see you." She enters the office, they follow. She deposits the files on his desk and leaves. Mr. Dalton waves at his desk, "They are identical. You pick, ma'am."
Annie takes the one on her right. She had studied the original file before it was taken to be copied. This was that original file. She begins flipping through it rapidly. She occasionally pauses and snaps a picture.
Mr. Dalton looks amused. What he doesn't know, is that each picture is immediately transmitted to her firm. Where her secretary prints 3 copies; giving 1 copy to each of the partners. They have promised immediate review, and an e-mail to her mobile account with their impressions. Warning her of any danger signs.
After 20", Mr. Dalton cleared his throat. "Can we start?"
Annie dog ears her current page, and nods "Yes." She sends a 1-word TXT to her firm, FREEZE! Within 3" all known accounts are frozen. AND, the home is designated a CRIME SCENE.
The attorney gives both of them a copy of his summary of the will. Highlights:
Willam Dalton, executor, to receive 50% of all tangible assets; including,
Proceeds from the sale of the decedents home and vehicles,
All cash in accounts, stocks &/or bonds,
Contents of any and all safety deposit boxes,
Contents of the home and property are given to Joshua Allen, son of the signatories of this last will & testament.
"Questions?"
Annie hands him a 3-page letter. "This will serve notice on yourself that Joshua Allen is contesting the will. And your interpretation thereof. In anticipation of the outcome of that contest, ALL accounts and property of the decedents are hereby FROZEN. Questions, sir?"
Josh is grinning inside. STICK IT TO YA BABY!
Mr. Dalton loses color. "I'll ruin you, you stupid QB!"
"We'll see you in court, counselor." She picks up her valise, stuffs the file in, turns on her heels and marches out. Josh follows.
At the car they pause, Josh speaks. "You were magnificent!"
"I get paid to be magnificent." She holds her pose for a few seconds. Then they both break out in laughter.
She was not kidding.
He knows it
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THE NEXT TUESDAY
Davenport, Erickson & Jackson
Annie is meeting with the couple who desires to get out from under ownership responsibilities in regards to the Bayside Café. She knows Vern & Robin Wade are coming; she has been told that there are 2 other ladies who want to divest themselves also. She doesn't know the other names.
Annie walks in after lunch, and 3 people rise to follow her to her office. She takes her seat behind her desk; the others take seats also.
"My cousin went to the loo," an elderly lady announced.
Annie immediately recognized the UK designation for the bathroom; and the accent. She smiled, "No worries. I am Annie Davenport. I represent the ownership group that is interested in the Bayside Café. You are?"
Vern and Rpbin Wade introduce themselves.
Annie turns to the other lady.
"Hi, I am Gertrude Kingsbury, of Liverpool, England."
"Ah, the birthplace of the Beatles."
"Yes, my dear, very good."
In marches another white-haired elderly lady. She steps right up to Annie's desk, and shakes her hand. "Hello, I surely hope this works, young lady. I am trying to simplify my life. I just got rid of my grandson's old Porsche. (Annie tenses) Well, it's still in my garage; but it's going to be a graduation present for a lovely young lady." (Annie freezes)
The lady takes a seat but keeps on talking.
"What a life that girl has lived, quite the story! And what a lovely name, Cassandra – can you believe-
Annie looks like she will pass out-
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TBC