“That sounds like a real plan to me. A very strategic and tactical plan, if I might add. And I should know, being a strategic and tactical planner.”
“What makes you say that?”
“You, my dear Marcus, are looking for an ally here. So you get me interested in what you're doing, without actually knowing what you're doing, and let my natural curiosity take over. You'll need to hear what I have to say, and I'm more likely to speak freely in a comfortable environment, away from the office. Where you'll ply me with good food and alcohol. I was a psychology major before I switched to finance.”
“Ms. Foster, you begin to interest me,” Marcus said.
“I'm sure my husband won't be as flattered by that as I am. But tell me something, Marcus?”
“What's that, Mondrya?”
“How do you know you can trust me?”
“Because, trust isn't the real issue here. If there is something going on, you’re telling somebody that I'm investigating this will draw whoever or whatever out of the closet.”
“Well, for reasons of my own, I'll meet you at eleven-thirty on Tuesday. On second thought, why don't you pick me up here and will go to O'Charley's on Crescent Centre.”
“I'll be there. I'm looking forward to seeing you again, Mondrya.”
“Something else my husband won't be flattered about. Good-bye, Marcus, we'll talk on Tuesday.”
Marcus dialed Carmen's number again and again got no answer. He started his car and drove out of the library parking lot. He thought for a minute about who would know why Ferguson pulled out and then dialed his phone.
“Connie Talbert.”
“Good afternoon, Connie. This is Marcus Douglas.”
“How are you, Mr. Douglas?”
“I was wondering how long you've worked as Mr. Ferguson’s assistant?”
“Eight-teen years this October.”
“Then you knew the first Mrs. Ferguson?”
“Yes, I did. But if you're thinking that Janet had something to do with this, forget it. Janet lives in Nairobi, happy as a clam to be where she is, with what she has. She did very well in the divorce.”
“Thanks, Connie, we were just kicking around some options,” Marcus lied. He knew where the first Mrs. Ferguson was and what she left with. As he drove, Marcus tried Carmen again. Still no joy. He hung up and dialed again, it was well past six in the evening. He hoped she hadn't gone for the day.
“Mondrya Foster.”
“Mondrya, it's Marcus again.”
“Are you trying to tell me something, Marcus?”
“No, Mondrya, I'm not trying to tell you anything. Although you are a very beautiful woman, you're a very beautiful married woman. And I have nothing but respect for that. But I didn't call to flatter you, not this time. I was wondering if one of the analyst’s analyst was named Connie Talbert?”
“Yes, lord; she was the analyst analyst’s analyst. Always looking over everybody's work. She used to get on our nerves. Why, is that important?”
“Maybe, I'm just trying to get the whole picture. By the way, you guys don't' look cash strapped anymore, what happened?”
“A group of private investors came in and made a successful presentation to the board of directors.”
“Thanks, Mondrya.”
“So, I'll talk to you in about fifteen minutes?”
“Anything's possible, so I'm not ruling it out, Ms. Foster. But this time for sure, have a nice weekend.” Marcus parked the car and got out dialing the phone again.