"What are your thought concerning our love sick member?" I asked. "To me, that's problem number one. It's a relationship threatening to sink our ship. I feel I'm bailing with a colander."
"First of all, if your ship is capsized, don't fret about the cessation of your operation. In spite of my fervent hope you can continues indefinitely, I know in my heart, one day it will end. It's been a good run and many lives have been saved. From my point; money was well spent. You have more than fulfilled any obligation to me and if this marvelous enterprise ends tomorrow you'll continue to be paid as at present."
All I could muster was a thank you. He wasn't finished.
"As for your love sick associate, be it him or her, I only express prudence and caution, by everyone. Often times both are absent when love is involved. However said, I'm forced to agree a serious relationship can't exist on a bed of lies. Unfortunately, the potential mate must be brought into the fold, even if doing so sinks the proverbial ship. This point should be non-negotiable. Have you vetted this person?"
"There are mixed feelings about doing so. Some feel it is unfairly intrusive."
"Information breeds wisdom. This is a serious matter. I wouldn't deny one's right to fulfill love, but doing so will have serious consequences on an untold number of lives, even those you're saving. I sense you feel this person is somewhat irrational in pursuit of their beloved. If that's the case, in a word, dig, dig, dig." I remained silent. "What you uncover may demolish a friendship but the circumstances seem to call for prompt and decisive action. There's the added temptation of a million dollars."
"That's a fact staring at me like a pot of gold," I said.
"I'm sure you'll do what's best. I might add if this additional person were to join your ranks and proves acceptable in all ways, I'll allot the same financial benefits as you and your present group."
I shook my head in wonder at this man. "That's totally unnecessary! You've been far too generous already."
"I insist. Fair is fair. Now, for a pinch of good news. My other venture, After, has registered its first major success."
Merrill Cooms went on to tell of the capture of the guilty Michigan pedophile who had earlier beaten the wrap. I remembered a judge had tossed out a search warrant obtained only on the basis of our tip. The man was run down by a detective from After. The child molester was tied to a similar but stronger case. He was arrested and jailed. Mr. Cooms was triumphant. I was pleased our conversation at least ended on a positive note.