Page 46 of Margins of Love
Fave read the sign.“His name appears last, too.”
This earned him a snarl from his cousin.
Arnold knocked, and a young man opened the door. “Oh, Good day, Arnold. I was just on my way out.”
“Marvin? Fancy seeing you here.” Fave gave a fake smile.
“My father is expecting you,” Marvin said, brushing past them and whistling to himself as he went down the stairs and through the back door out into the dreary back street.
Fave and Arnold looked at each other in assent. This was going to cost the Jews. As usual.
“I told you not to tell him,” Arnold said.
“He was my best friend at Eton. You refused to bunk with me,” Fave said in defense. It had been a long time since Marvin had been his friend, indeed. And he never made the mistake of sharing his secret with anyone else.
The moment Arnold opened the door, Fave felt the blast of Thompson’s pungent office stench. He had to walk through the narrow hall like firefighters through smoke. It was a shared office, but only the hunchback barrister came to view. Arnold stood next to Fave. Neither seemed eager to sit on the wobbly stained chairs facing Thomson’s desk.
“Tea?” Thompson Senior offered when a young woman with painted lips carried a tray into his office. Papers were stacked on every part of his desk. With no attention to order, he moved a few stacks and pointed her to place the tray on top of them.
“Are these important court documents?” Fave asked with a condescending undercurrent. Entropy seemed the only rule that governed the chaos on the barrister’s desk.
Old Thompson laughed.
“Paper does not decide trials, son.” He slid his jagged nails under his white wig and scratched his scalp.
Fave swallowed bile. Arnold gave him a stare to reign in his attitude.
“Gentlemen, let us get to business. My son tells me that there are some accounts you wish to gain insights into.”
Arnold nodded and watched the young woman pour him some tea. The cup was lined with old tea stains.
“Sugar and milk?” she asked.
“No, thank you,” Arnold replied.
Fave shook his head, too. They would not drink from the dirty cups.
The woman left, and old Thompson tilted his head to take in her rear view.
This time, even Arnold closed his eyes to reign his temper in.
“There may be a second lender. My son tells me that this could be of interest to you.” Thompson got to the point quickly. At least they would not have to make idle small talk for too long.
“Is there a second lender?” Arnold asked him directly.
“Besides Gustav?” Thompson looked at Fave to gauge his reaction.
He did not flinch. He knew not to. His father’s business was spread widely. He was versed enough not to fall for traps like confirming his father’s involvement.
“What can I do for you to obtain that name, Mr. Thompson?” Arnold’s voice was controlled and dignified.
“Marvin is planning to propose marriage to a certain young lady.”
“Congratulations are in order then.” Fave joined in on the farce.
“Thank you, Mr. Pearler.”
Fave nodded.
