The Boulder Creek Project

PROLOG

The weather in the spring of 1987 was typical for Colorado Springs. It was beginning to warm up, but in mid-April, it could go either way. One day could be warm and sunny, the next day cool and rainy. Today was a nice day. The sun was out and the weather was warm and dry. The temperature would reach 70 degrees by mid-day. Jim Hoffman was wearing a work shirt and jeans. He was on his way to meet a real estate agent but did not care how he looked. After all, it was Saturday morning and he had yard work to do later.

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Almost two weeks later, on a Friday at lunchtime, they met again. According to Teddy’s instruction, Jim brought with him a very thick attaché case loaded with documents. He arrived as instructed at precisely noon, the busiest time, especially on a workday. They sat at a small table for two. Jim set his attaché case on the floor under the table and gently slid it toward her side. They ordered sandwiches and ice tea after which Jim excused himself for a few moments to use the rest room and wash up. When he returned, the food and tea were already on the table. Jim and Teddy chatted while enjoying the lunch—all very friendly. Teddy told Jim that she had an offer for him on the house and handed him an envelope. Jim opened it and was pleased to find a written offer and a binder check for $2,000, a sign of good faith. Then Teddy asked, “Jim, did you bring the documents?”

            “Yes, just as you instructed. Everything is there as you asked. When will the hundred-grand be in my bank account?” 

            “If all the documents are there, the money will be in your account within the next two hours. Jim, it was a pleasure doing business with you. I wish your wife the best.”

            With that, Jim said “thank you,” got up, excused himself, and walked to his car, leaving the attaché case behind. Teddy had a smile on her face as she watched him leave and thought about what would happen next.

            Jim went directly home after lunch and gave his wife the good news about the offer on the house. Then he called the bank and checked the balance in his bank account. Sure enough, a deposit for $100,000 was there waiting to be cleared. Teddy had kept her word. Now, he and his wife could sell the house and move into a less expensive garden apartment. Later when needed, she could go into a long-term care facility. Jim was pleased that his wife would have the resources she needed, and he felt the relief he had needed for so long.

            Unfortunately, Jim’s jubilation was short lived. An hour later, he began to feel the burning in his gut and in his chest. Perhaps it was something he had eaten for lunch, he thought. His wife called an ambulance, but it was too late. Jim died that afternoon of an apparent heart attack on the way to the emergency room.