Chapter III : My Condolences

Daniel Greene

“Look, I’m sure there has been a mistake. Figure it out and don’t call me until you do.” Daniel slammed the phone down on his desk. The second it hit, it rang again.

Daniel, boiling with rage, snatched it to his ear.

“Well, that was fast! What—”

“Oh, Robert, yes. I’m so sorry for your loss. Tiffany was such a beautiful girl.”

“Dan, I don’t know what to say. I guess it will just be me and my son, Samuel, coming to California. I hope you understand we—”

“Robert, please. You don’t have to explain. Yes, of course. Take all the time you need.” Daniel stroked his beard as he stared at the city skyline from his large office window.

“Mr. Greene, your 4 o’clock is here,” his assistant called through the door.

Daniel turned and looked her up and down as she left. He cleared his throat. Everyone knew Dan hired Maria for her stunning personality, not her perfect body in the fitted dresses she wore to work.

“Look, Rob, how about we get you situated? I’ll have my team here in Los Angeles take care of the arrangements.”

Robert grew quiet on the other end. He nodded and said, “Thank you. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”

“Nonsense. You’re my best man. You’ve done more than you could ever imagine.” With that, Daniel grinned.

“Rob, man, let’s give you and the fam some privacy?—Aye, man, don’t mention it. I’ll give you a call after we confirm everything, alright? Don’t stress, I got you, man.”

Daniel hung up the phone and sat back in his chair, hands behind his head.

“Maria!” he called from his desk. Within seconds, she came bustling through the door.

“Yes, Mr. Greene?”

“Send in my 4 o’clock.”

“Right away, Mr. Greene.”

“And Maria! Go ahead and make the arrangements for the Bondwick family. Make sure it’s—” He paused. “Make sure it’s thoughtful.”

“Of course, Mr. Greene.”