Chapter 4

For the next thirty-plus minutes, the two men enjoyed each other’s company and discussed business, family, new women in Alfred’s dating life, and Tate’s singlehood. Eventually, with tea cups emptied and Jack interrupting their twosome, Alfred told his son goodbye and to work hard.

“Don’t forget about Benjamin Lansing. He’s waiting for your call, email, text, or whatever you kids do these days.”

Tate nodded, unable to verbally acknowledge his father’s comment. He waved goodbye and watched his father amble away.

* * * *

Tate’s workday ended, and he decided to walk home, even in the rain, which he didn’t mind. The rain made him happy, smiling, and caused him to revisit some scenes of his childhood near the Allegheny River, having mud wars with his buddies, and getting his Huffy stuck in a muddy pit. He’d had a happy childhood. Good times with great friends. They were always good times; memories he would never forget, even if everything in his life had been taken away.