She smiled and continued. “Everyone, here’s a bonus for the great improvement in client retention we had this month — congratulations and thank you!” Weeks later, Bill drove up and saw a friendly sight — a boomerang demonstration in the employee parking lot. His friend had returned. Only this time, there were more ’rangs 昀氀ying through the air — the store employees had joined in and, with a little training from Boomerang, were fast becoming experts. Laughter 昀椀lled the air. Bill hurried to greet him. “It’s great seeing you, Boomerang! We’ve grown so much. Pro昀椀ts are up and business is more fun than ever!” Janice joined in, saying, “And we have you to thank. Two things, though: I’d like to buy some boomerangs from you, and…what is your real name?” Boomerang looked at her. “First of all, I have you to thank. And to answer your question — you can’t buy boomerangs from me, because I’m really not a boomerang salesman. And my real name is Lucas Smith. My friends call me Smitty.” Bill was astonished. “The Smitty I knew was much older than you.” Smitty agreed. “That was my dad. He passed away a year ago. He’d spoken often of your father and your store and how, in so many ways, you took care of him. That’s why I’m here. One of his last wishes was for me to help you and return the favor.” 24