Page 103 (1/2)

Austin had to hand it to Gant Theof his lips was his only reaction to Austin's bombshell

"I'm afraid I would have to tell you that I wouldn't knohat you were talking about"

"Maybe the Southern Belle ht refresh your memory"

He shook his head "A Mississippi riverboat, no doubt?"

"The Belle was a giant cargo ship She was sunk by a couple of giant waves on a voyage to Europe"

"I'lobal influence of multinational corporations That's the closest I come to transoceanic commerce"

"Sorry for wasting your tirave about this"

He rode off at a trot

"Wait" Gant spurred his ?"

The Arabian halted, and Austin pivoted in the saddle "I thought you wanted me off the property"

"I' very rude I'd like to invite you back to the house for a drink"

Austin pondered the invitation "It's a little early for a drink, but I'd settle for a glass of water"

"Splendid," Gant said "Follow me"

He led Austin off the hill, and they rode through the razed until they came to a tree-lined driveway that led to Gant's house Austin had expected a mansion, but he was unprepared for the Tudor-style architectural inia countryside

"Quite the shack," he said "The foundation must pay you well, Mr Gant"