“I think it’s time we formalize a business merger between Kingsley Timber and your property holdings,” Douglas said.

“My property holdings,” I said.

“Your retirement investments, your mutual funds, whatever small real estate pieces you manage,” Douglas said.

“We pool our resources under one corporate umbrella.”

He tapped his cigar ash onto the stone ledge.

“It’s the only way to secure Brandon and his future wealth,” Douglas said.

“You want your son to be set for life, don’t you?”

I looked at the manicured green lawn stretching toward the distant tree line.