“I see the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” Payton said, smiling.
“Ha, you’ve not met my mother!”
Payton laughed.“That’s pretty much how your grandfather felt.”
“With good reason.”
“Let’s move on.”Payton’s finger went to the last line.“This is what your grandfather referred to as the hurricane account.If something happened and they needed cash fast, this account would provide that.”
“Oh, holy shit.”Jamie’s eyes opened wide.
“Okay, now that you’ve seen all this, and I’ve seen all this”—Payton waved towards the diner—“I would recommend that you leave as much of this as it is at the moment.I got the feeling from Mr Jackson that there is more than adequate funding to finish your renovations and then some.”
Jamie nodded, and a thought occurred to him.“What if there isn’t?How do I access...you know...something from this account?”He pointed to the last one.
“I can liquidate as much as you need with twenty-four hours’ notice, if it is a business day, a little longer if it’s on a weekend.”
Jamie sat there looking at the numbers, still gobsmacked.
“Would you like to go over the finer details of each account?”Payton asked.
“I...don’t think I can,” Jamie said.“I’m having a hard time getting my head around all this.I never...well...expected any of this.”
“I understand.I’ll leave this with you.I suggest you put it in a safe.You do have a safe?”
“Yes, upstairs.”
“Very well.But please, read through all of this.”He tapped the closed folder.“If at any time you have any questions or need anything, my personal number is stapled to the back cover of the folder.”
Jamie nodded that he understood.
“I’ve got to ask the question: Are you planning on staying with my firm for your investment and financial needs?”
Jamie shook his head, trying to comprehend the question.“I think so, yes.Why do you ask?If my grandfather trusted you, then I will as well.”
“It’s not a law that I have to ask, but I’ve been in this business long enough to know that I need, to put it bluntly, cover my own ass.”
Jamie laughed.“Of course.Gotcha.Yes, things are to stay the same.”
“Very well then.There is a yearly contract at the back of the reports.If you could, please sign it and get a notary stamp.It’s just to keep things official.”Payton stood, closing his briefcase.“I won’t keep you any longer.I know you’re busy.”
“Thank you for coming all the way down to Columbus.I do appreciate it.”
“It was my pleasure.”Payton shook Jamie’s hand again.“If you would do me one small favour?”
“Sure, if I can.”
“Let me know when you have the diner up and running.I’ve heard that you make the best biscuits in the state.”
“I don’t know all about that, now,” Jamie said, chuckling and shaking his head.“It is my grandmother’s recipe that I kind of tweaked, is all.”
