“No, no, no! That won’t be necessary. I’m sure we have another island girl who will suit your needs just—”
I was cutting Remy off for what was hopefully the last time. “Maybe you didn’t hear me, Remy. I want Ruby. Get me Ruby. Money is and never has been an issue.”
There was a sigh from Remy. “I’ll do my best, Orlando.” He didn’t sound too convincing.
“Do better than your best, Remy. Get Ruby here by tomorrow.” I ended the call, knowing that if Remy didn’t make this happen, I’d be cutting him off, all right—and hopefully finding Ruby on my own.
LC
20
My wife walked into my office and sat down on the small sofa, smiling for what seemed like the first time in weeks. You could always tell just how the Duncan family was doing by her mood, and this day, well, this day was good all the way around. We’d gotten our first shipment of cars from Alejandro earlier that day, and my ’57 Roadster was due at our Long Island City warehouse sometime the next day.
To top that off, Chippy and I were going to be receiving a lifetime appreciation award from First Jamaica Ministries for all the charity work she’d done for underprivileged children. I really didn’t want to take any of the credit, since all I did was write a check. She and London had done the work, but she insisted that I accept with her because we were a team.
“Daddy, you have a phone call on your private line,” Paris said from my office door.
“Thanks, baby girl.” I reached for the phone.
“Paris,” Chippy called, giving our daughter a disapproving look. This prompted me to hesitate before hitting the talk button to connect the call. “Don’t you know how to use the intercom?”
“Yeah, Ma, I do,” Paris confessed, “but the view’s so nice at this end of the hall today, I decided to walk down and tell Daddy about his call.”
Both Chippy and I were shaking our heads as Paris walked slowly back down the hall. We heard her stop at the next office, where Orlando was having a meeting with Miguel. He’d flown in from California the night before to supervise the first shipment of cars and to make sure the Roadster was delivered unharmed. It was pretty obvious that he was the view Paris was talking about. I just didn’t understand why my daughter kept putting herself out there like some common slut. She was by far the most beautiful of all my children and could have any man of her choosing if she decided to settle down.
Frustrated, I hit the button, connecting the call.
“LC Duncan,” I spoke into the phone.
“Greetings, LC, my friend.” It was Alejandro. I would know his raspy voice and thick accent anywhere. “I call with great thanks for the payment, and with well wishes for our continued business. I also would thank you for the hospitality you have shown Miguel. He’s mentioned quite often what a wonderful time he has had in your city. In fact, it was his diligence that insured that the Roadster will be delivered tomorrow.”
I had to smile. Miguel must have really wanted that Bentley I hinted at during his first trip to New York. That was a good thing, though. The more he was in tune to my needs and wants, the better. Now, if I could only keep him away from my daughter.
“Glad to hear that, Alejandro. Even though things have been strained between us, I’m glad we’re able to do business again,” I stated in the spirit of the moment.
“As am I, my friend. Let this be a new beginning. No longer competitors, but partners of a sort. I look forward to making much money with you, my friend.”
“I’ll toast to that.”