Read an Excerpt from “The Thanksgiving Letters”
Gretchen McMillan pulled into the parking lot of the Executive Suites office complex. She gracefully stepped out of her silver Maxima. Pushing the car door shut, she looked up at the tallest of the buildings — The Patriarch — standing twelve stories tall. Well, that’s a biblical name, she thought with a smile as she pushed the double glass doors open. She stopped by the receptionist’s desk.
“Yes, ma’am, may I help you?” a receptionist asked. Her name tag read Cressida.
“I’m here to see Alexander Fleming, Attorney Alexander Fleming,” Gretchen said.
“He’s on the twelfth floor. Should I notify him that you are on your way up?” Cressida asked.
“No need to do that. He’s expecting me,” Gretchen said pushing her glasses up on her nose.
“Okay, well, the elevators are down to your left next to the vending machines. Have a wonderful day.”
“Thank you and you have a God-blessed day as well.”
Gretchen entered the elevator and after pressing the button for floor twelve, she turned her thoughts to the business at hand.
Alexander Fleming. She had never heard of him before. She had taken the opportunity to look him up online and she was quite impressed with what she saw and read from the testimonials. His personal secretary summoned him as soon as she reached his office.
“Ms. McMillan, it is good to meet you,” Alexander Fleming said, reaching out to shake her hand. “How can I help you?”
Gretchen McMillan pulled an envelope out of her purse. She passed it to Mr. Fleming. “This should explain why I am here,” she said, handing him the envelope. Gretchen made herself comfortable on one of the soft leather chairs in front of his mahogany desk. As he read the contents of the letter, Gretchen observed him carefully.
Alexander Fleming seemed to be in his early forties. He was well-dressed in a tailor-made, grey suit. His silk red tie added a rich touch. Silver cuff links and a silver watch complimented his outfit. Gretchen took special note of his wedding band — silver plated with three small stones. Mmmm, he must be doing well financially, she observed.
She took note of how he pursed his lips together, quivering his eyebrows as he read the letter. He blinked twice in rapid succession. He never once took his eyes off the letter except for one brief glance at her.
