I smiled. “When you put it that way, it does sound far-fetched, but yes.”
“I have only admiration for a person who knows what she wants and goes after it. And I want someone who knows and appreciates the camp, and Ted is certainly that person. Let’s meet, me, you, and Ted to discuss the offer.” He looked at his watch. “In about an hour.”
I knew I should call Ronnie to discuss buying the camp, and Ishould do it well before the money conversation. I also knew that when Ronnie became a partner at his firm, it was suggested that our assets be put into my name in case he was personally sued by a disgruntled client. That translated into collateral for a loan.
But the person I wanted to speak to was Teddy. I’d never radioed him, but I didn’t know any other way, and I had less than an hour to find him. I was about to press the talk button when I heard “Kramer” shouted in a British accent behind me. He always seemed to appear when I needed him. My impulse was to fling myself at him and scream, “We did it!” Instead, I said, “I just went on a ride with Chip. I hope it’s okay with you that I set our plan into motion, our fantasy, our dream, of owning the camp together.” I had trouble reining in my excitement.
He grinned. “Brilliant! I wish I could spin you around right now, but our celebrating will have to wait until tonight.”
We talked strategy. “Remember, we give nothing away, and we listen,” Teddy concluded. “All we have to do today is toss our hat into the ring, so they know we’re serious.”
Chip pulled up. “I hoped I’d find you together. Hop in.”
He steered the golf cart onto the main road that led out of camp.
“Remember earlier I pointed out Herman’s house? I have a set of keys. We can talk privately there.”
Teddy and I looked at each other. How many spare keys were floating around? Mental note—bolt doors.
We sat across from Chip at the dining room table. The meeting was less about the cost of the camp and more about how to push the Bergers out while leaving them a semblance of dignity.
When the meeting was over, Chip said to me, “Remember, this is top secret, no gossiping over campfires or cocktails.”
“Why are you telling me and not Ted?” I’d insist on being treated equally.
“I’ve known Ted a long time, and I know he’s not one to talk. We’ve just met.”
“I trust Lori implicitly,” Teddy said.
Chip looked from me to Teddy and back again. “In that case, I trust you too.”
After we shook hands and walked out the door, I looked back and said, “There’s something about this house. I can’t quite put my finger on it—like it’s an auspicious place to start a new venture.”
Teddy smiled. “Yes, a good omen.”
“Personally, I think it’s an architectural piece of crap. Herman and Estelle couldn’t agree on a style, so they used them all. There’s no accounting for taste,” Chip said.
Back on the main road leading to camp, our radios crackled. Jack’s loud and annoyed voice screeched from the radio. “Has anyone seen either Ted or Lori? I repeat, I’m looking for Ted and Lori. If you see them, send them to me immediately.”
We’d been gone for over an hour, and I hadn’t let anyone know that I was off radio. I was pretty sure Teddy hadn’t either.
“I’m so not in the mood for him,” I said.
Chip chuckled. “I may have gotten the two of you in hot water. Let’s walk into the office together and really make Jack sweat.”
“Ted here, Lori and I are on our way.” He clicked off the radio. “That should keep everyone guessing.”
“Rumors are gonna fly,” I said.
“You both have the right attitudes,” Chip said. “I hope all the pieces fall into place because from what I’ve seen today, you’d make a good team to spearhead Woodlands into the future.”
35Tantrum
Marilyn had a surprised look on her face as the three of us walked through the back door of the Bergers’ office, but the alarmed look on Jack’s face when he saw us was worth whatever bullshit he’d fling at me.
Chip spoke before Jack could compose himself. “Sorry, buddy, I needed to borrow these two for a bit. But don’t worry, I brought them back unscathed. If you’re going to be irate with anyone, it should be me.”
Jack hesitated a moment. Even he could see how unprofessional it’d be to berate us in front of Chip. “I need to know where my key people are at all times.”
