“Good to see you, Joe. How’s the season going?”
“Best one yet, Gordon. The skier numbers are up. Why did you call me in?”
“Let me tell you.”
Gordon Hughes was the president of the Summit County National Bank and Trust. He was the man who had pushed the hardest for the loan when Joe purchased the Basin. He unbuttoned his jacket and tucked in his western shirt into his denim jeans and motioned for Joe to sit down.
“I’ve had a visit from Senator Blackwell’s Company yesterday.”
Joe sat bolt upright, his full attention focused on every word.
“At first, I thought they simply wanted the loan balance. I declined any information. Then they started asking more sensitive and indiscreet questions. For example, they wanted to know what conditions would cause us to recall the loan.”
“Jesus, by the Jesus, you didn’t discuss that with them, did you?”
“ No, of course not. But Joe, they can easily get that information and use it against you.”
“How can they as long as I fulfill the terms of my contract?’
“Joe, Joe, you and I both know there are a lot of grey areas in all contracts. Any of which, brought to the attention in the wrong light, might cause us to demand the loan payment in full. The Board of Trustee’s makes the final decisions. I have absolutely no say in the matter.”
Joe was beginning to realize the lengths these people would go to get what they wanted. There was no such thing as fair play. His Dad always said, “You want fair, play baseball, they have Umpires.” It was starting to seem like he had no chance, no chance what so ever.
“Is there anything I can do?” his voice cracked in despair.
“Short of paying off the loan,” the president shook his head. “Absolutely nothing I’m afraid.”
“Thanks Gordon,” Joe stood unsteadily, “I appreciate you keeping me informed.”
“I wish I could help you,” he sat in his chair.
He was intelligent, personable. Gordon lacked creativity, there probably was something he could have done, but he would never think of it.
“Say hello to Karen for me,” he said.
“I will. Take care.”
Joe left the offices feeling completely violated. They were digging deeply into his personal affairs, leaving no stone unturned. Methodically, they were picking every bit of his life apart, looking for anything and everything to force him to sell. He started the Mercedes and decided to drive up to the top of Loveland Pass.
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