Page 64 of Sacked
She lifted her eyebrows.
“I met him at Bourbon on Rye not far from here.” Pausing, I waited for Vee to jump in. When she didn’t, I went on. “He told me a rather interesting if not bizarre story about your family.”
“About my family. How would he have information on my family other than from me?”
“Clark’s father has a fixer.”
Vee’s forehead creased. “A fixer, like Liv on Scandal?”
I chuckled. “I don’t know that I’ve heard the term used except in fiction and politics. I think it’s an all-encompassing title for someone who does what needs to be done. Clark’s father had his fixer do a deep dive into the Hubbards after the two of you became serious.”
She pressed her lips together. “And Ed always seemed nice.”
“He wanted to know what his son was getting into with non-generational wealth.”
“Preston said that.” Vee sat taller. “That’s rude. Lip always said Preston acted like he was better than us. When did he tell you this? Was it around the same time we saw him with Daphne and Grant?”
“Earlier that day.” I nodded. “Birds of a feather.”
“Okay, back to your story. Edward Clark had my family investigated. We must have passed; Preston didn’t break things off with me. I broke up with him.”
“What do you know about your grandfather, Carroll Hubbard?”
Vee shrugged. “A lot. You need to be more specific.”
Inhaling, I shook my head. “According to legend, your grandfather sold his McDonald’s franchises to purchase the team.”
Vee nodded.
“Clark said that your grandfather needed help. He wasn’t well known, and anyone who wants to buy a team must pass a vote by all other owners.”
Vee’s smile grew. “It was amazing. I wasn’t born yet, but I imagine that Grandpa won them over with his ambition and love of the game.”
“Over the last few weeks, I’ve done research. The average price of McDonald’s franchises sold in 1977 and 78?—”
“My grandparents had twenty-four, I think.”
“They sold not only the franchise fee but the building and equipment.”
Vee nodded.
“By the late 1970’s, the average selling price within Kentucky was roughly $380,000.”
“Times twenty-four.”
I nodded. “Assuming prices varied, that would add up to roughly ten million dollars.”
Vee furrowed her brow. “But Grandpa paid twenty million dollars for the Coopers. He must have made profit off the restaurants throughout the years, enough to make up the difference.”
“I’ve investigated that possibility. It’s possible, but…”
“But what?” She looked suspicious. “How does Preston think Grandpa Carroll was able to buy the Coopers?”
“Vee, this story is wild.”
She lifted her brow. “You met with my ex and discussed my family. You’re just now telling me about it. What did he say?”
“He said your grandfather partnered, off the record, with Blaine Marsh.”
