Bill’s thoughts turned to Buck and all he had learned. He decided to call the store to see how things had progressed. A stern, frustrated voice barked out, “Bait shop.” Bill was taken aback. “Uh, can I speak to Buck?” “Buck don’t own the place no more. I bought it off him a couple of months ago.” “Is Linda there?” “Nope, got rid of her and her friends. Try Buck at his house. Gotta go.” Bill nervously dialed Buck, his heart pounding. “Hello,” a husky voice answered. “Buck, this is Bill, remember me? We talked a couple of — ” Buck interrupted: “Yeah, I’m guessing you must have called the store and found out I sold it.” “What happened?” “Well, I never planned to own it forever, and I got a good offer. The guy who bought it is a nice guy, but he’s in over his head since he got rid of Linda. I told him not to do that. Big mistake. Now he’s working sunup to sundown, killing himself and everyone who works for him.” Bill, sensing that the conversation was soon to end for at least another couple of years, asked a question that had been on his mind for two years. “Buck, I’ve always wondered something, and I hope you don’t mind me asking.” “Well, I was wondering how long it would take you to get around to this,” Buck replied. “You want to know, did I really trust my employees, right?” “Exactly.” 31