Cross Roads

He took a breath and paused. “You know Templeton, right?”

“Templeton, you mean the guy who owns most of the land around here? Of course I do.  How can he be a threat? You own this property.”

“You must have noticed the lack of customers last night. Templeton’s the one who built the fancy bar and hotel next door, and he’s got the money to offer weekend get-a-ways and specials on menus. I don’t know how to fight him, Ben. I’m just a little guy. He advertises in the big magazines and I sit here looking like a Ma and Pa joint. He wants me to fail so he can take over my land. He told me so. He’s already designed his fancy hotel to take the place of Sticks.” He stopped and put his head down. When he resumed, his voice was shaking. “I’m a tough guy, Ben, but I’m at a loss with this.”

“I still don’t understand, Cue. You own the deed to this place. Even if you were discouraged enough to sell, you wouldn’t sell to him.”

“No, that’s not exactly true.” He stood and began to pace. Looking nervous, he came back to the table and leaned on the chair. “Ben, Katie didn’t even know about it at the time, but last fall, I borrowed money against the place, and a little extra to fix up the house next door. I had no choice, close the doors or find money to keep her open. Templeton knows the banker and is using this information to take me down. All he has to do is take away my business and wait for the bank to foreclose.” He wiped his forehead and took a seat. “I finally had to tell Katie, one of the worst days of my life.”