“Mr. Stepforth, do not think I did not notice you in the neighborhood, spending time with your grandchildren while I was visiting my cousins – I have just been a bit busy with my own family affairs.”
“I understand, Mr. Ludlow, and it is obvious to everyone why you need to focus.”
66-year-old Mr. Thomas Stepforth, Lofton County's only Black billionaire, knew 85-year-old Mr. Tarquin Ludlow IV well. They moved in the same circles, and although the elder Ludlow had long since retired, every now and again he made his continuing presence felt in the county's business affairs.
“I understand, Mr. Stepforth, that you are facilitating the sale of the Ludlow Bubbly to its workers. I am buying off the company's major encumbrance, the old Ludlow Winery, so that should put your part back on Easy Street where it belongs.”
“I was delighted to hear from Capt. Ludlow, your cousin, that you are clearing that up.”
“That being established, I would like to know your mind about the impending bankruptcy of the county.”
“An unavoidable tragedy. Thoughts and prayers.”
There was a long pause as Mr. Ludlow considered that.
“I do not take you as a callous man, Mr. Stepforth, so I am curious to know why you say that, especially knowing that your own community is in need of services as well.”
“We need to sweep all the politicians that are doing this present foolishness out of office, and there is no other way it can happen since your community has not listened to mine shouting the alarm for almost 400 years.”
“I cannot dispute that, Mr. Stepforth. Not at all. My own family's public struggles of late are a sort of microcosm.”
“I will tell you this: those of you Ludlows who are for the right are a hopeful sign, but the reality is, you are in Lofton County's true minority of men of your class.”
“I know, Mr. Stepforth. I have been considering ways to re-capitalize the county, but because there are so many people in position that are making terrible decisions, there is no point in giving them more money to control.”
Mr. Ludlow sighed.
“I had a cousin on my mother's side who loved to help his younger cousins get perspective about their life experiences with a single phrase: 'Rank it! Where does it go in the big scheme of things?' The bankruptcy of Lofton County in the big scheme of things is not so much, but it being run by people that no amount of money can help ranks much higher. One cannot save bad stewards.”
“Nope,” Mr. Stepforth said. “The only thing that works with bad stewards is to take their stewardship from them, and that's up next.”
“I agree. No way out but through. That will give me more time to put together some municipal bond models, at least.”
“Not the level of infrastructure I usually play in, Mr. Ludlow, but let's talk after all the beverage buying and the election is over.”