In the cockpit, Rick and Chip got along fine. Though Rick had a habit of rambling about everything from conspiracies about the fabric softener industry to complaints about men’s hair coloring products, he didn’t ask many questions. Chip was thankful for that, and happy to be able to feign listening as he worked through ideas in his head.

They reached New York City in a matter of hours, landing at the small, private Teterboro Airport. Their passenger, whose name Chip never learned, deplaned promptly before disappearing into a waiting black car.

Chip was able to drop his ruse, leaving the tool bag on board for the return flight.

“Are you heading back to Orcas Island today?” asked Chip.

Rick nodded. “I expect so, in a few hours. I’ll just be waiting here until he gets back.”

No wonder this guy had so much time to think up conspiracies. “A few hours. All right.”

“I’m happy to fly you back.”

“Thanks Rick. I hope I can make it.”

Chip caught a cab into Manhattan. It was a short half-hour drive, but it felt much longer. His mind was racing. Though he’d had the entire flight to figure out what to say, he was still unsure exactly how, or if, his plan would work.

When the cab dropped him off in town, his first stop was to a clothing store. He hadn’t thought to change before leaving, and no one would find his thick fisherman’s sweater charming here.

He moved quickly, picking up a black T-shirt and a gray sport coat. When he’d worked on Wall Street, he’d worn a suit every day. This was a cooler, younger look – more of a Silicon Valley type thing. He was a bit old for it, sure, but he figured he could pull it off with some confidence.

Chip got to the building and encountered his first challenge: security. The woman working behind the desk looked bright and attentive. He decided it wasn’t in his best interest to lie to her.

“Hey there. I’m Chip Douglas, and I worked with Steel Montgomery ten years ago. I’m here to save him from financial ruin.”

The security guard laughed. “Oh, that’s interesting.”

Chip smiled. “I’d appreciate it if you could call up to his office and let his secretary know that I’m here.”

She raised an eyebrow, but apparently was willing to humor him. She picked up the phone and dialed. “Yeah hey, I’ve got Chip Douglas down here.” A pause. “Mhm, okay, I’ll let him know. Hang on.”

She set the phone down, pressing the “hold” button, and looked at Chip. “She said she’d be happy to schedule a meeting with Steel. His next opening is in seven weeks.”

“Ah.” He leaned in. “Could you have his secretary pass him a message for me?”

The security guard nodded, picking up the phone receiver. “Go ahead.”