A Tale of Deception

Later in the month, Mr. Ellington walked into Peter’s office. Forearmed with his own investigation of P.M. Lawrence Investments and its founder, J.P. found himself impressed with the young man’s presence and intelligence.

  For over an hour the two talked. Instinctively, the elderly man sensed a hunger and drive he could appreciate in the young analyst.

  Before leaving, J.P. signed an investment agreement of his own for a sum insignificant to himself, but enormous in the eyes of Peter Lawrence. It was the largest investment he had ever acquired.

  With his heart beating eagerly, Peter sat ecstatically watching the elderly gentleman sign the documents. Coveting the old man’s wealth and status, the desire to manage more of this rich man’s assets overtook him.

  I must find a way into his life, a way to influence his decisions. Oh, to have the power and control over his wealth! I must have it!

  Peter’s greed consumed him.

  Soon, he was researching the Ellington’s assets and holdings. He found the family owned vast properties of timber in Idaho and Montana. Two of their lumber mills produced domestic lumber products, while a third exported timber to Japan and the Far East.

  He thrilled at the discovery of their operating silver mines in Idaho, producing millions of dollars of the valuable ore every year. Even a played-out gold mine brought a sparkle to his eyes.

  Then he found that Mr. J.P. Ellington was co-owner of the Blackrock Copper mine in Sedona, Arizona, a lucrative and valuable holding, indeed.

  How much does he have invested? What other assets does he possess, that I don’t know about? It could be enormous!

  How can I get close to him? What does he like? What are his hobbies? If I can establish some level of friendship, a level of trust and confidence, I’ll gain access to more of his money.

  Golf turned out to be the key. J.P. loved the game. Through multiple tee off times, and lively conversations while sitting at the clubhouse bar, the men talked about money, aspirations and dreams.

  Soon, at the urging of J.P. and Vernon, Peter jumped at the chance to join the private country club and almost immediately purchased a large, exclusive home in the gated community of Stonebridge Estates.

  Golfing every Thursday, the men soon had a financial club of three flourishing, with Peter giving the investment advice. All three men made good, healthy, returns on their speculations.

  At the annual “Ellington Summer Dance,” Peter met Meredith Madison Ellington, J.P.’s only child and devoted daughter. The dance had been held at the clubhouse of the Stonebridge Country Club since its founding in 1908 by Jedidiah Stonebridge Ellington, J.P.’s great-grandfather. The dance was a tribute to the benevolence and financial sway the Ellington’s held in the area for generations.

  Meredith, a petite, beautiful, young woman of twenty-four, was full of life and adventure. Surrounded by admirers, she had remained a free spirit - until Peter. His good looks, magnetism and charisma charmed her, enticed her, and pulled her under his influence. She fell in love with him quickly, and completely.

  Though Peter enjoyed her beauty and wit, he saw her only as an opportunity to influence her father and his fortune. With little effort and great returns on his dream to be wealthy, they were married in the fall.

  Their marriage was a good one, in the beginning. Peter strove to make her happy as he tried to gain control over the wealth of her family. It wasn’t hard to convince her to give control of her assets to him. After all, it was his business to manage money.

  But when he tried to influence her father, it was a different story. J.P. had a mind of his own and no matter how hard Peter tried to sway his father-in-law, Mr. Ellington never relinquished control… to anyone.

  Peter grieved to be so close to all that wealth, without the power to wield it.

  After his honeymoon, he returned to P.M. Lawrence Investments and continued to work hard. Years later he obtained Fenway Accounting, becoming the CEO of Lawrence & Fenway Diversified.

  With his new acquisition, he moved his offices into the prestigious, luxury suites of the Kingston Building in downtown Spokane. Before long, his company caught the attention of the prominent firm of Tillman, Fester, Brewster and Associates, Attorneys at Law on the tenth floor.

  This law firm became his largest client, hiring his corporation to manage the accounts for their numerous and wealthy clientele.

  Surely, Peter’s dream was now realized. He had wealth, a good home life with a wife who adored him, and a thriving business.

  But the pursuit of money always leaves the hunter starving for more. It is never enough. And with abundant money, comes the thrill of power, influence and control over others. It’s intoxicating and addicting.

  Peter wanted more, so much more.

 

  Ensnared