Page 70 of Nash Falls

Nash was about to say no extras were required, but then it occurred to him that the zero-sum-minded Rhett would find that inherently suspicious.

“If you want to sweeten my options deal by another couple percentage points and bump my salary, say, fifteen percent? And the fiscal year-end bonus? Judith mentioned wanting to go to Asia in the fall. So an extra half mill there would be good. My production this year certainly justifies it.”

“Done, done, and done. I didn’t know Judith was into Asia.”

“She has a friend who’s doing a triathlon there. And she also mentioned shopping.”

“Shopping? Where exactly?”

“Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, among others. Oh, and Vietnam. Maggie actually wants to go there, too.”

“Shopping in Vietnam? We’ve come a long way from the war there.”

“Yes, we have.”

Rhett grinned. “My father did the medical disability route. Got a doctor to lie and say he had flat feet or some shit.”

“My father didn’t,” Nash said tersely.

Rhett instantly assumed a somber look. “Right, a real hero, that man. Damn shame. But he got his Agent Orange money. He got his pound of flesh from them.”

Nash looked at him pensively. “Yes he did. He never gave up.”

“Like father like son, right?”

This comment startled Nash but he masked his reaction.

“Well, that’s all. Glad you’re staying aboard, Walt.”

Nash rose and walked back to his office.

CHAPTER

34

LATER THAT WEEK, NASH FINISHEDsetting up the necessary accounts to administer the trusts for the funds his father had left his daughter, and also an investment account for Rosie Parker. He met with Parker at his father’s house and gave her a checkbook and the other necessary details about the account. He also provided her a new smartphone and set up an email account for her.

As they sat at the kitchen table she said, “Thank you so much, Mr.… I mean Walter. All of this is so nice of you. And your father was beyond generous to do this. I mean, I’m not family or anything.”

“Well, he thought you were family to him, and that’s what counts. If you have questions, you have my contact information. How is your mother, by the way?”

“The same. I mean, she’s not any worse. And she won’t be getting any better. But she’s comfortable.”

“Well, let me know if you need anything.”

He rose to leave when she said, “Walter?”

“Yes?”

“Your father said something about you right before he died. I don’t believe he would want me to tell you, but I think you ought to know. It’s only right.”

Nash sat down again. “What was it?”

“He was in hospice by then. He was in and out of consciousness. He slept a lot, which was natural. He was on enough pain meds to be… comfortable.”

“Yes?” prompted Nash.

“Well, his eyes suddenly opened. He didn’t look at me. I’m noteven sure he knew I was there. He just looked up at the ceiling and said, ‘Nikki, tell sonny boy I love him. Just tell him, okay? Don’t let him think I didn’t, Nikki.’” Parker looked at Nash. “I know your mother had long since passed, but what he said was clear enough, Walter. He never spoke another word before he passed that night.”