Marcus nodded.
“She helps me keep the place from falling apart.”
Sarah smiled.
Eleanor looked toward her.
“Then perhaps you should stay, if Marcus agrees.”
He nodded.
For the next forty minutes, they discussed the property.
Eleanor explained that she'd received an offer from a commercial developer interested in the site. The offer was legitimate and financially attractive, and the buyer intended to replace the old building with a small commercial complex.
Marcus listened.
He didn't interrupt.
He understood the building was hers to sell.
But he also understood that losing it could mean the end of Hale's Motor Works.
Finally, he asked.
“Would you consider selling to me?”
Eleanor studied him.
“For the right price and terms, yes.”
Marcus swallowed.
“How much?”
She named the figure.
Two hundred and forty-five thousand dollars.
Marcus stared.
For a moment, the number seemed impossible.
Sarah wrote it down.
Eleanor continued.
“I know that's a significant amount. I also know the property is worth more to some developers because of the location.”
Marcus looked toward the office wall.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Then asked.
“How long do I have?”
Eleanor considered that.
“The buyer has given me a limited period to respond. I can hold discussions with you for sixty days, but I can't promise indefinitely.”
Marcus nodded.
He looked toward Sarah.
She was already making notes.
Then Eleanor continued.
“I don't want to force you out, Marcus. Your father was a good tenant. So have you been.”
He smiled sadly.
“I appreciate that.”
She looked toward the garage.
“I also need to be practical about my retirement.”
Marcus nodded again.
“Of course.”
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then Sarah asked a question.
“Mrs. Pratt, would you consider financing part of the purchase price if we could demonstrate reliable cash flow and a substantial down payment?”
Eleanor looked surprised.
She turned toward Marcus.
He looked equally surprised.
Sarah continued.
“I'm not asking you to agree today. Just whether it's an option worth examining with your attorney and accountant.”
The older woman considered the question.
For several seconds, she remained quiet.
Then she nodded.
“Possibly.”
Marcus looked toward her.
Eleanor smiled faintly.
“I'd want proper security and terms that protect my retirement income. But I'm willing to discuss it.”
Sarah nodded.
“That's fair.”
After Eleanor left, Marcus sat motionless behind the desk.
Dean approached.
“Well?”
Marcus looked up.
“She'll sell it.”
Dean grinned.
“To us?”
Marcus stared.
“For two hundred and forty-five thousand dollars.”
Dean's smile faded.
For a moment, he looked toward the ceiling.
Then muttered.
“Well, that's an inconvenient number.”
Sarah began laughing.