Chapter Two

Why mum? What were you thinking?

Anita's hand was still on her arm and patted her softly.

"With my advice and help, she drew a plan for the proper allotment of her resources, making sure that you are adequately sustained." Mr. Fred continued. He pushed one of the files on the desk toward her. "This contains a bank statement of the total money your mum willed to you, as well as other documents to some investments and a plot of land at New Avenue."

Bridget opened the file and glanced through it, lifting the documents one after the other. Her mother had left a sizable amount that will help her maintain a good lifestyle and see her through her education. 

She was grateful for the provisions her mother had made for her, even though they did not curb the overwhelming feeling of loss caused by her demise. 

Suddenly, she realized that something was missing from the file and glanced back at Mr. Fred.

"The document for Fanny's restaurant was not included in the file."

Mr. Fred lifted a second file. "Yes, it was not included there because it's here. Your mother did not bequeath the restaurant to you directly."

Bridget stared blankly at him, unable to believe what she had just heard.

The restaurant was the source of her mother's money, wasn't it? She had bought the land and made investments using the income accrued from the restaurant.

How could she bequeath the revenue gotten from the restaurant to her and not the source of the revenue? What was going on?

 "What do you mean by she did not bequeath it directly to her?" She heard Mr. Clinton ask.

Mr. Fred glanced around the room. If Bridget did not know him, she would have thought he was thinking of the best way to say what he had to say. But she knew better. He probably wanted to see if they were ready to hear it.

"The future of Fanny's restaurant is uncertain at the moment," He announced.

"What?" 

Bridget could see that she wasn't the only one alarmed by the announcement as her outburst was echoed by others in the room.

All except Anita.

Mr. Fred looked at Anita. "I believe you are in the position to make things clear to them, Ms. Jacobs."

Bridget turned to Anita who avoided her eyes and stared at the floor instead. After a few seconds, she looked up.

"Three years ago, Fanny's restaurant encountered some economic difficulties that shook its roots, almost resulting in its folding. Mrs. Patrick was in a panic, faced with the option of letting go of half of her staff to cut down on the expenses. But she did not want to let go of any staff because she loved them all. She applied for a loan from the bank which was rejected for reasons I can not remember right now. At that point, she received an offer from a reputable firm that happened to have heard of her plight. But the terms and conditions of the agreement were outrageous and so she refused to give in. But then the pressure increased and seeing no other options, she was forced to agree with it." 

Anita held Bridget's eyes now. "And that was how she ended up doing this."

Bridget remained silent for a few seconds taking it all in. Her mother had done a good job of hiding this information because she couldn't recall getting any hint of the trouble the restaurant had faced.

First was her health condition, and now this.

She thought she knew her mother and enjoyed a close relationship with her. But she could see that she probably didn't know her well enough.

"She was concerned about you and didn't want to trouble you." She heard Anita say.

"What is the name of the firm and what were the conditions?" Bridget asked, ignoring Anita's last statement.

She watched Anita sign deeply and feared the worst.

"Harrison's corporations."

Bridget felt the blood drain from her face. 

No, she had not heard right. Anita had to be mistaken. 

"What did you just say?"

Anita was uncomfortable as she nervously wiped her face with a white handkerchief.

She glanced back at Bridget. "Harrison corporations was the firm that helped your mother three years ago."

"What were the terms of the agreement?" Mrs. Eunice asked this time.

"Fifty percent partnership."

That was all she needed. Bridget shot up from her seat and stared blankly at Anita.

"Please sit down, Bridget." Mr. Fred said gently.

She sat down and fixed her gaze on the table. 

This can't be happening? No, it had to be a mistake. Her mother would never accept help from the Harrisons. No, she wouldn't. 

She knew better than to sign an agreement with the Harrisons.

She might well have signed it with the devil himself.

The Harrisons were bad news.

"I know how you feel, Bridget," Anita said. "But you should know that your mother was only looking out for you. She wanted the best for you. It was either that or close down Fanny's restaurant."

The good it did. The best she could have done was reveal the truth before taking her last breath.

The Harrisons? Oh no! Father must have turned bitterly in his grave.

She faced Mr. Fred. "So, what now?"

"Well, the agreement stipulated that your mother can take back ownership of the restaurant by paying back the money within five years. And should that fail to happen, the Harrisons can decide to take full ownership by buying out the restaurant."

"Your mother tried to pay back the money but she was unable to as she was barely able to manage the restaurant," Anita said. "And then her health issues arose and she let it go."

"So according to the agreement, that means I have two years to pay the money and gain back ownership of the restaurant," Bridget said.

"I'm afraid it might not be so easy. There is a clause in the agreement that cancels that."

"What do you mean?"

Mr. Fred opened the file and lifted a typed document. "It states here that in the event of your mother's demise, Harrisons corporation has the sole right of buying out the restaurant should they decide to do so."

"With your consent," Anita added.

Bridget pressed a shaky right finger to the throbbing on her temple and glanced from Mr. Fred to Anita. "Why did my mother sign such an agreement?" She asked weakly. "Was she drugged?"

Anita held Bridget's left hand. "She was left with no other option, Bridget. She didn't have a choice."

"Does that mean we will be out of a job?" Johnny spoke for the first time.

"Hopefully not." Anita looked optimistic. "I don't think the Harrisons will want to take ownership of Fanny's restaurant any time soon. They have bigger projects to deal with than bothering about a small restaurant. I think you still have a chance of paying back the debt and gaining back ownership of the restaurant. Isn't that so, Barrister?"

Bridget glanced at Mr. Fred as he grunted, but he didn't look as hopeful as Anita did.