Bill smiled and said, “We have some great, loyal customers.” “Name one.” Janice and Bill began dropping names — “Craig, Duncan, Clarke, Heidi, Dean, Smitty — ” “Very well — tell me about Smitty,” urged Boomerang. Janice spoke up, “Smitty was one of our best customers. He was a world traveler and brought us ideas for products from all over.” Picking up the pace, Bill joined in, “Yeah, he was the best! My dad and he were more than business associates; they were friends. In fact, at one time, Smitty invested in our store — kind of a silent partner, until…” Janice and Bill looked at each other. Bill continued, “Until his wife got real sick. Smitty was strapped for money and needed his investment back. Even though it hurt our business, Dad gave him the money and then some. Anything for a friend.” 14