After leaving the lawyer’s office, Jack, Senior stopped back by Jerry’s Bar and nursed a bourbon and soda. He had to let all that sink in and a quiet drink was what he needed. His driver sat at the end of the bar sipping a cola and resenting the fact he couldn’t have a cold beer. At the other end of the bar was a delightful looking thirtyish looking woman drinking alone. She was not dressed like a pro, but rather like a housewife who just needed some time away from the day. Jack slid over, “Hi, I’m Jack Jenkins, can I buy you a drink.” At first she demurred, but Jack ever the salesman said, “I really don’t like to drink alone, that makes one an alcoholic, and you wouldn’t want me to be an alcoholic would you?” She smiled, “Of course not, but I’ve had my limit, is it okay if you buy me a ginger ale?” Jack smile, “no problemo, Jerry fix this fine lady up with your best ginger ale.” She giggled. Despite her modest attire, she was attractive. After much flirting and an afternoon of talking, she had to leave to go pick up her children. He promised himself, he would come the next day for a drink to see if she returned.

That evening Jack, Jr.’s phone rang. “Hi, Mr. Jenkins, this is Elmo, you Dad went to some lawyer’s office today for a long time.”

January 16, 2010

“Hey Dad, how are you doing?” Jack, Jr. asked as his father walked into the dealership. “Great, Son, but I do need to talk to you. I met with a lawyer who specializes in Estate Planning. He went over my options and we are looking into creating something known as a Charitable Lead Trust. What that does is reduce my death taxes and gives a bunch of money to the University of Alabama each year for 20 years. After 20 years, whatever is leftover is yours. I don’t understand it all, but he is sending me some projections. Then, you and I need to look at them and go over to the University of Alabama President and see how they would spend the money. We need to make this a priority. If someone is out there to kill me, we need this plan in place.”