So Arthur is involved. And Jim knows about it. Meaning that Jim may be involved, too. Possibly. Probably. It’s hard for Sandy to imagine Jim taking part in sabotage actions against local industrial plants, but who can say? He is one to follow an idea.

And now it’s Sandy’s turn to consider how much he can say. Jim is one of his best friends, no doubt about it, but Bob Tompkins is a major business partner, and by extension he has to be careful of Raymond’s interests too. It’s a delicate question, and he’s tired. There doesn’t seem to be any pressing hurry in the matter; and it would be better, actually, if he had more of substance to tell Jim, if he decides to speak to him. He’s certain now that Arthur Bastanchury is working for Raymond, and pretty sure that Jim is working with Arthur. The question is, does Raymond work for anyone? That’s the important thing, and until he learns more about it there’s no use in upsetting Jim, he judges. Truth is, he’s too tired to think about it much right now.

He pats Jim’s arm. “Arthur should be careful,” he says wearily, and turns to go to the elevator. “And you too,” he says over his shoulder, catching a surprised look on Jim’s face. He gets in the elevator. Three A.M. If he gets up at seven, he can reach his dad before lunch in Miami.

Chapter 54

54

Jim gets several days in a row at the office of First American Title Insurance and Real Estate Company, which is good for his bank account if not for his disposition. On one of these days Humphrey comes in grinning triumphantly. “We’re doing it, Jimbo. We’re building the Pourva Tower. Ambank approved the loan package, and the last papers were signed today. All we have to do is reconfirm the other financiers within the next few days, so it’s just a matter of doing the computer work quickly, before anyone cools off.”

“Humphrey, you still don’t have any occupants for this building.”

“Well, we’ve got all those interested parties. Besides, it doesn’t matter! We’ll get them when the building is there!”

“Humphrey! What’s the occupancy rate for new office buildings in OC? Twenty percent?”

“I don’t know, something like that. But it’s bound to change, so much business is moving in here.”

“I don’t see why you say that. The place is saturated.”

“No way, Jim. There’s no such thing.”

“Aggh…” Nothing he can say to that. “I still think it’s stupid.”