The China Doll
privy to some information about a project in South Korea
that, I am absolutely positive, is going to be successful beyond
most people’s imagination. And, unlike most good investments, the
returns will be realized very quickly."
    "I see," Gerald said without betraying any
emotion. "And what kind of project is this?"
    "Electronics, sir."
    "Ah, yes." He put his hands together as if in
prayer and leaned his chin on his fingertips. "And how, might I
ask, did you come across this information?"
    "One of my classmates was a Korean national.
He went back after graduation to help his father run their family
company. I was helpful to him in school, and we kept in touch."
    Gerald nodded. "It’s what I’ve noticed about
you. You certainly understand someone’s potential. Your classmate,
Stephen—"
    "No, sir." Alex couldn’t help himself.
"Stephen is my friend."
    Gerald waved his hand in acquiescence. "Of
course, of course. I didn’t mean that he wasn’t. But he certainly
has been helpful, hasn’t he?"
    "I suppose. But I prefer not to think of him
that way."
    "Very well. So, young man, how much money are
we talking about?" Alex named the same figure he’d given Stephen.
Gerald didn’t move. "That’s a lot of money."
    "It is. And it will be a lot more in five
years."
    "What kind of terms are you offering?"
    "Twelve percent interest until the principal
is paid back."
    "Generous terms."
    "Yes sir." Gerald smiled as if he were a cat
who’d just caught the proverbial canary. Alex raised his eyebrows.
"Sir?"
    Gerald folded his hands. "Normally, if
someone came into my office and asked for that much money, I’d
throw them out. If, by some chance, they stayed, I’d want to know
everything that they intended to do with that money."
    "I’ll tell you anything you want to
know."
    "But I’m not asking, am I? I believe you. I
have no doubt that whatever your friend has planned will yield a
very handsome return on an investment. And I find myself inclined
to agree—it would be a good investment."
    Alex stayed silent; he could hear the "but"
already.
    "However, if I were to make such a
substantial investment, I’d want different terms."
    Alex blinked. He hadn’t been sure he’d
actually get this far. "I’m willing to negotiate, certainly."
    "What if we said five percent interest, and
just for about, oh, a year and a half? And you could keep the
principal."
    Alex repeated that to himself. "That’s very
generous of you," he said slowly. "But why would you even suggest
such terms?"
    "Because I think you could give me something
I want much more than interest."
    "And what is that, sir?"
    "A grandson."
    Alex pulled his chin back. "I’m pretty sure
Stephen and Annabelle were thinking about children, but I was under
the impression they wanted to wait a few years."
    "That isn’t the grandchild I was referring
to."
    "I—um, I of course could help Jim meet
people—"
    "Oh, I’m sure," Gerald said, and Alex could
hear the disdain in his voice. "Word of your exploits have reached
my office." Alex didn’t blush—he knew he didn’t have to. "But I’m
afraid I have someone less attainable in mind for my son. I believe
you know Lucy Bartolome?"
    Alex sat up straight. "A little, sir." He
swallowed. "I know she was Jim’s classmate. But they’re both a
little older—"
    "You’re beginning to see my point."
    Alex didn’t look at Gerald. "I suppose so,"
he said slowly. "But I know Jim has...tried...on his own. Lucy
doesn’t seem interested."
    "You see more of my point."
    "Are you sure Lucy’s the best choice for
him?" he asked carefully. "If she isn’t in love with him—"
    "Ah, you disappoint me," Gerald said softly.
"I don’t think you understood my request. I asked for a grandson.
It implies marriage, it doesn’t imply love."
    "He’s your son."
    "And he wants her."
    "What if he changes his mind?"
    "Then he’ll have a child, another
Hendrickson. I have no doubt Jimmy will love him. For most people,
that’s the love that endures

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