Than trust too far.
―Shakespeare
Cindy in Rain
Mid-week, between lectures, I ran into Esther crossing Queen's Park Crescent on her way to Hart House.
It was a lovely fall day and she needed to talk so we commandeered a bench in the small park, soaking up some rays while squirrels played and I let the conversation drift like clouds.
She trusted me and I was in no particular hurry since I knew she'd get to the topic of the house and Hannah Becker, hopefully.
My patience was finally rewarded.
"I guess you've noticed Hannah and I aren't speaking," she confided.
"I haven't seen her around. So, you had a falling out?"
"I'm such a fool―so gullible. I thought we were friends and then found out she was playing me."
"What was her game?"
"Well, her last name isn't Becker―it's Bühler."
My jaw dropped. I simply stared at her for a few moments trying to process the revelation.
"I don't blame you for being incredulous. I'm so disappointed in myself for not being more vigilant."
"I'm not judging you, Esther, but what's her relationship to the Bühler family?"
"Reinhardt Bühler is her grandfather. All I can think is there must be something in the house the family wants. I'm so stupid,"she sobbed, "Haven't they stolen enough from me?"
Overcome with compassion, I forgot decorum, put an arm around her and let her cry upon my shoulder.
"I'm so sorry you had to be abused again, Esther. But if your instincts are right, I'm confident my team will uncover whatever the Bühler family is so intent on concealing."
"Thank you, Professor Bloom. I'm counting on you. Help me resolve this problem."
"We'll do everything we can," I assured her, hoping I could deliver on that promise.
Later that night Nat phoned. "I found out some information, Laird and it's stunning. But I think it's best delivered in person, not over the phone, for obvious reasons."
"Great news, Nat! I'll tell Gail and we'll drop by the library tomorrow night and chat over dinner."
Nat hesitated a moment before responding in a sober tone. "Um, I think this information should be discussed somewhere secure and private. If you've no objection, we can meet here after hours in one of the conference rooms. It's that serious."
"Okay, sounds good, but in the meantime, take all precautions."
"I will, and stay safe also, Prof." He then felt compelled to add, " This could get dangerous."
The somber note in Nat's normally upbeat tone frankly it scared me. I immediately thought of the other team members and if I should warn them.
It was a difficult decision and fraught with consequences.
Should I proceed and take chances, or just phone Abe and ask to meet with him?
This business was getting serious and yet, I didn't want to tip my hand too soon and get cut out of the loop.
Then, I remembered my conversation with Cindy and feared I already spilled too much to her.
I shook my head in disbelief. It was embarrassing. Such a fool.
A typical man played by a beautiful woman.
Cindy seduced me, much as I hated to face it.
Worse yet, even as I regretted it, I felt it was worth it.