Page 148 - Just Deserts

Playa de los Borregos

T. Bond Pickett had not visited a public park in years, more years
than he could remember. But here he was, seated on a slatted bench
with his jacket folded on his lap. He occupied at least half the width
of the bench; that fact of geometry plus the expression on his face
were enough to assure him sole possession of a rather scarce resource
in the park. It was early afternoon, and the antics of an assortment of
children were beginning to compete with the sun as the major
annoyance in his life.
But the location made sense: here one could conduct a very
private interview without fear of eavesdroppers. Pickett swung his
hairpieced head around to the left and right, satisfied that none of the
idlers, toddlers and nannies within his purview could have the
slightest interest in the affairs of the Pickett Investment Corporation.
He glanced at his watch, wondering why he made the mistake of
showing up on time for an appointment with a man he knew only by
reputation.
When he looked up again, that man was rapidly approaching his
bench. Pickett recognized him, as he had been instructed, by the
man’s light blue seersucker suit and orange tie. He had a professional
smile and a glad hand extended in the financier’s direction. Pickett
roused himself hastily and shook hands. The other man slid smoothly
into the remaining space on the bench and crossed his long bony
legs, exposing an expanse of silk clocking.
“Mr. Pickett, I’d just like to tell you what a pleasure it is to meet
you at last. My business centers in Washington, D.C., as you know,
but your development projects are well-known back east. So, as I said
on the phone, I thought I’d pay a visit while I’m out here for a few
days.”
Pickett regarded him through squinting lids, regretting now that he
had positioned himself with the sun in his face. Manny Billings, he
knew, was an ex-lobbyist and fixer who swam like a fish in the waters
of the federal government. His contacts were numerous and his
ethics ambiguous. Just the man to give Pickett an edge.
“Well, that’s very considerate of you, Mr. Billings—”
“Call me Manny; everyone does.”
“All right, Manny. Great idea to meet in the park. I rarely get out
of the office and smell the flowers. So you’ve just come from our
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