Page 10 of Cosy & Chill
“I’m not sure we have the means to rent a townhouse,” Leo began, only to find himself interrupted.
“Quite, quite. Don’t be hasty. I would not describe 13 High Street as a run-of-the-mill kind of property, you understand. The house has been in the same family since it was built in 1858. It was a haberdasher’s first, then became a gentlemen’s outfitter. The last owner, who unfortunately outlived his wife and his two children, held very strong views about what should become of the place.” The solicitor leaned back in his chair and folded his hands in his lap. “Quite singular, was old Mr Minchin.This was a happy house, he used to say.One where people lived, and loved, and worked.He wanted to keep it that way.”
“It’s a beautiful place, in a prime location,” Leo agreed. “Finn says it’s been standing empty since the spring. I would have thought you’d be overrun with enquiries.”
“Oh, we are. If it weren’t for the stipulations in the will… The building is not for sale, you see. It’s owned by a trust Mr Minchin set up before he died. That trust controls and maintains the property and safeguards its use. Mr Minchin was determined to keep the building as a place where a family could live and work. He didn’t want it turned into a bunch of soulless flats.”
Leo understood that. What he didn’t understand was why Mr Tienfield hadn’t ended their meeting. He’d done the honest thing and pointed out that they wouldn’t be able to afford to rent the whole building, and yet… the solicitor kept talking.
“What you will not realise, of course, is that Mr Minchin had some very interesting views. You might go so far as to call them eccentric. The trust he created maintains the property. For the right tenants, it will assist with council tax and utilities payments, and—in a few singular circumstances—with the payment of business rates.”
Leo couldn’t breathe. He had no experience with buying and selling property, but he couldn’t imagine that what Mr Tienfield had just outlined was in any way common. “What kind of tenants is the trust looking for?”
“Mr Minchin wanted to let the house to someone who’d use it the way he and his family had used it for all these years. As a business and a family home. He wanted to help a starting business gain a foothold on the High Street, which is why he decided to subsidise the rent. For this tax year, the rent for the property comes to a thousand pounds a month. He hoped to attract young people or a young family, which is why he offered the other incentives. What he most definitely didn’t want are property developers. We’ve had plenty of those asking, believe me.”
“A thousand pounds a month!” Leo couldn’t believe he had heard correctly. He paid almost that much for his studio apartment, and he’d been convinced he’d got a bargain!
“Quite, quite. As I said, Mr Minchin held very singular views. I believe, this is his way to return a bit of cheer to the community. I presume that a thousand pounds per month is an affordable sum?”
He looked like the cat with the cream pot, and Leo found himself struggling for words. “Yes, I… It should be.”
“I find myself quite taken with your idea, Mr Wetherall. Why don’t you bring your friend—Mr Hoogan, was it?—to see me as soon as he’s available, so we can determine if 13 High Street is right for you and your business plans. What do you say?”
“Yes, please. I’m sure we’d be delighted.”
He had no idea what Finn would say, and he wasn’t quick enough to hide that thought. Or Mr Tienfield had been a solicitor for so long that reading people came as naturally to him as breathing.
“He doesn’t know you’re here?”
“Ah… no.” Leo knew he was scarlet. “When he showed me the store last night, he admitted that he hadn’t even asked how much the rent was, convinced that it’d be more than he could afford. Since I was nearby this morning, I thought I’d find out and—”
“Aren’t you glad you did?”
“Maybe?” Leo had gone to see a solicitor about renting a store in the centre of Richmond after a few hours of talk in a pub with a stranger. This could get awkward faster than—
“Now, now. Don’t run off, young man,” Tienfield cut in shrewdly. “This may all be a bit unexpected, but I firmly believe that opportunities arise when they’re most needed. Don’t you?”
As if on cue, the lady manning the reception desk arrived with a teapot and delicate china cups on a tray. While Mr Tienfield poured, Leo thought of his grandma, who’d held the same belief. Who’d outed him from beyond the grave to give him an incentive to follow his dream.
The last year hadn’t been comfortable, but it wasn’t meant to be.
The field of dreams lies at the end of a stony road, his grandma had told him more times than he could remember.Most people never realise their dreams because they don’t want to brave that road.
Leo was walking that road now, but would Finn be ready to join him? He’d looked so sad last night, admitting that he hadn’t dared to ask. Would he be angry because Leo had gone over his head andhadfound out? Or would he be pleased to have a chance at having the store he dreamed about?
“The only way you can find out what your friend thinks, Mr Wetherall, is by asking him.”
Leo had to laugh at that. “Are you a mind reader?”
“You have a very expressive face, and I’ve been a solicitor for a very long time. Go find your friend. Then meet me at the store at two o’clock. You need to view it properly to make an informed choice.”
Before he knew it, Leo was back in the market square. The sun had come out while he’d been inside and he blinked in the sudden bright light, mind reeling. The shop on Richmond’s High Street wasn’t just within their reach. If he used his grandma’s money, they could—
He stopped himself. If he wanted more than the money Mr Griffin had already advanced him to help him set up Chill, he’d have to deal with the challenge to the will. Something he’d steadfastly avoided doing so far. Besides, he hadn’t yet talked to Finn about renting the store on the High Street.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Leo, old man. Corinne’s café first.” Then he’d try to catch Finn and explain before they went to the viewing. Finn wouldn’t turn down a chance to see inside his dream store, however he felt about Leo’s actions. Once hehadseen inside…
Leo checked his watch, realised he was almost late, and took to his heels to make sure he got to his appointment at Corinne’s in time.
