Chapter 4 - Page 30 - 2000 Acres

   The lobby was large and elegant, with several sofas, end tables, and lamps scattered over a beautiful plush carpet. Near the door was a large picture window with long, thick curtains. A fairly well-dressed white man who appeared to be in his mid-forties stood looking out the picture window. He was the only person in the lobby, so Jim walked toward him. Jim was halfway across the lobby before the man turned around, saw Jim walking toward him, and met him in the center of the lobby. Both men shook hands.

   “Good morning, Jackie,” Jim said. Jackie returned the greeting, but then seemed reluctant to speak further, so Jim continued. “I understand you have some land for sale?”

   Jackie eyed the sloppy clothes Jim was wearing. “Can you afford two thousand acres?” he asked.

   Jim looked down at his clothes and then looked at Jackie’s clothes. He smiled. “Jackie, if the price is fair and the land suits my needs, I have money to buy it.”

   Jackie looked embarrassed. “I don’t own the land,” he said, “but I represent an elderly gentleman who does.” He held up a small map of the area and pointed at a handwritten X. “This is where the land is located. If you have the time, I can show it to you.”

   Remembering that he needed a shower, Jim suggested, “If you could come back in one hour, I’ll have cleaned up. We could get some breakfast together and be on our way.”

   “OK,” Jackie said, “shall we meet in the restaurant at about seven-thirty?” He gestured toward the entrance to the hotel’s restaurant.

   “That’s fine.”