Free Gifts and Consequences by Daniel Coleman Page A

lamb,” contested Jonathan.  “And he’s one of the best I’ve seen at getting things done.”
    “I’m curious what sorts of things,” Paul said with a wink.  He patted Marcus on the shoulder.  “Hey Jonathan, do you have some time?  A project came along that’s right up your alley.”
    “You know I’m out of the business.  Nothing’s changed there.  But I wouldn’t mind catching up.  PF Chang’s is right down the street.”
    Marcus asked, “You need me any more today, Jonathan?”
    “No thanks, Marcus.  See you in the morning.”
    After they were seated at the restaurant, Paul asked, “So what do you have going on up there?”
    “Personal projects,” answered Jonathan.  “Nothing special.”
    “It’s been almost three years,” said Paul.  “Are you ready to get back to work?”
    “You know I won’t do that.”
    Dave jumped in, “After you hear about this project you won’t be able to resist.  Do you remember America West Homes?”
    “Sure,” answered Jonathan.  “Are they still the number three builder in the West?”
    “No,” answered Dave running his hand through his brown hair.  “They’re second.”  He tipped his head back and jutted his chin out, a gesture he made whenever he knew something someone else didn’t.
    Paul smiled and added, “But not for long.  They’ve been floundering for years.  They’ve borrowed themselves into an inescapable position.”
    “And let me guess,” said Jonathan.  “You two are ready to pounce but you lack capital.”
    They nodded and Paul said, “You know us too well.  They have over three and a half billion in equity.  We have a chance to purchase the company for one point two before they go into bankruptcy.”
    “And that includes a write off of all debt,” said Dave, his eyes growing wide.  “But it’s got to be quick.  Earnest money within two days and close within three weeks.”
    “Best of luck," said Jonathan.  "Just goes to show there’s money to be made in any market.”
    “You can’t just let this go,” said Paul.  “It’s practically a guaranteed two hundred percent return within three years.”  He leaned forward and said, “That could move you from top 500 to top 100.” 
    Paul and Dave had always focused on Forbes lists.  Neither of them had registered in the top 500 yet, but they knew very well where they stood in relation to each other and nearly every one of their associates.
    Dave didn’t give up.  “We can’t do this one without you.  First of all we’re five hundred mil short.  Second, with the arrangements we’ve set up, neither of us can be anywhere near this transaction.  On paper, anyway.”
    Jonathan chuckled.  “Every ‘i’ dotted and ‘t’ crossed in legal contracts, I’m sure.”  He shook his head and his eyes went out of focus.  A sick stomach reminded him of his years in real estate.  He stared back at the two.  “How much money do you need?  When will it be enough?”
    Dave was taking a sip of Coke and laughed so sharply he spit half a mouthful onto the table cloth.  “How much money do we need?  That’s rich coming from you!  Especially after criticizing our ironclad contracts.”
    Paul was equally shocked.  “Yeah, where do you get off?  Who do you think taught us how to squeeze every penny out of a deal, then demand a few million more or walk away?  As far as I know you haven’t entered a monastery and taken a vow of poverty since we saw you last?”
    Jonathan was at a loss.  It had taken Susan’s illness to change him; it was unreasonable to expect his old partners to have changed
    Leaning forward on the edge of his chair he said, “You two can do anything.”  He paused for emphasis.  “Why not make it worthwhile?  Use your influence and experience to put deals together to build a children’s hospital.  Start a scholarship fund for kids who have the ability and desire to make the world better but lack funds for education.  Whatever