Unsettling Gift

Kieran spoke up. ‘Thanks, but no thanks. Please convey our gratitude to your boss, whoever he is, but we are not looking to acquire. Good night.’ We both got into the car. The man stood where he was and watched us leave. ‘That was weird,’ I commented. Kieran’s brows were knitted. ‘Do you know who he is?’ Kieran shook his head. ‘No. Didn’t catch his name.’ ‘Me, neither. Which only makes it weirder.’ Kieran tapped the steering wheel. ‘The man’s boss bought it for two hundred mil, was willing to sell it off for less than one per cent of that. He’s essentially giving it away.’ ‘Free lunch,’ I said. ‘Exactly.’ Kieran concurred. ‘No such thing as.’ ‘What do you think he wants?’ ‘More like, what his boss wants.’ ‘I caught a glimpse of the old man at dinner. He looked kind of distinguished, you know, like a respectable figure. A gentleman. But I’m pretty sure I’d never seen him before.’ ‘Which only makes the whole thing all the more suspect.’ I saw the grim look on Kieran’s face, didn’t want h