Page 22 of Conflicted
Chapter Six
Accompanied by a visibly trembling Jewel, Ruby met Sandra at the parking lot opposite the UMB on Grand Boulevard. Sandra shared a worried glance with Ruby after she hugged Jewel. No doubt she notices how much weight Jewel has lost in the last two months.
“Sandra, you look radiant.” Jewel gave Ruby’s best friend a once over. “Married life seems to agree with you.”
“It does, Momma McCormick.” Sandra smiled widely, but the worry in her eyes didn’t vanish. “How about we go inside and see what my dad makes of all this?”
Jewel fiddled with her purse strap. “Is it really necessary I come inside? Can’t you two take care of this?”
“Nonsense,” Sandra slipped an arm through Jewel’s. “Dad is expecting all of us.”
Jewel hung back when Sandra resumed walking. “I wouldn’t want to impose. I’m sure Mr. Duncan is a busy man with his important job and all.”
Exasperated, Ruby linked arms on her mother’s other side. “We have an appointment, and Mr. Duncan is looking forward to sorting this out for us.” She shot Sandra a pleading stare and, like always, her best friend caught on immediately.
“Sure thing! He’s intrigued by this trust and also by the lead singer and bassist from Magenta Castle.” She winked at Ruby. “Did you know Twisted Fate is one of his favorite songs?”
Ruby’s mouth fell open as they crossed Grand Boulevard to enter the imposing building. “I never knew your father liked hard rock.” Ruby always figured the distinguished banker for more of a classical music listener.
Sandra bobbed her head. “He’s very much into alternative, progressive rock, although he only listens in the car because Gisela disapproves of it.”
“Of course.” Ruby rolled her eyes.
Jewel kept quiet as the girls talked, but she followed them into the building.
Without faltering or hesitating, Sandra walked over to the bank of elevators rather than going into the opulent foyer. After a short ride to the top floor, they exited the car. Sandra waved at the receptionist and turned left into a corridor with expensive carpet and knocked on the second door, which held an obtrusive plaque with the words Thomas Duncan B.S., M.B.A., C.P.A., C.F.P, Vice President of Trust Administration and Chief Fiduciary Officer.
Ruby wrinkled her nose, and Sandra whispered, “A gift from Gisela. I’m surprised the company hasn’t changed it back yet. Bankers are usually so into uniformity.”
“Ah, okay. It didn’t seem like something your father would have made himself.”
“Nope.” Sandra sounded matter of fact, although a bit resigned. She shrugged at the same moment the door swung open, and a stocky man with ruby cheeks and a jovial smile opened his arms.
Sandra stepped into his embrace and gave Mr. Duncan a long hug. Sandra might have a lousy relationship with Gisela, but she loved her father dearly.
“Baby girl, how are you doing? Come in, come in.” He gestured animatedly and immediately held out a hand to Jewel. “Ms. McCormick, it’s been too long. How are you doing?”
“Er, thank you, Mr. Duncan. I’m fine, how are you?”
“I’m well, thanks. Now, what can I do for you ladies? Sandra mentioned something about a trust?”
“Yes,” Jewel responded. “Ruby’s father has set something up, but the paperwork is too complicated for either of us to make much sense of it. Sandra said you might be able to help.”
“I’m sure I can. Trust documents are my daily bread. Did you bring the papers with you?”
“Here they are.” Ruby handed him the papers with the cover letter from the law firm.
“Please sit down.” He shook his head. “I’m forgetting my manners. Would you like something to drink? We have coffee, tea, or water?”
