Well let me show you something

He paused for effect but even I could tell he was laying it on thick. I could also tell Bud was singularly unimpressed by Davies’ subtle attempt to drum up a little sympathy. Alright Mr. Davies, Bud said with a sigh, how do you propose we remedy this situation?’ Davies opened the lid on his briefcase and withdrew a sheaf of papers. He slid them across the desk to Bud, who was watching Davies intently and made no effort to pick them up; he didn’t even look at them. We understand that no amount of money will ease the suffering of losing a loved one but we feel that a monetary settlement, while seeming a bit impersonal, is the best course of action in this case. And in exchange for accepting this settlement agreement… It’s very simple. We just ask that Mr. Callaway agree to accept the settlement offer, with our sympathies, and then sign a document exempting Bayliss Poultry and it’s subsidiaries from any further litigation related to this incident. Bud nodded his head, appearing to absorb this new information. And just how much does Bayliss Poultry think Mr. Callaway’s father is worth. Davies stiffened a bit but didn’t hesitate; he was being baited but I could see he wasn’t easily ruffled. Again, Mr. Griggs, we understand that no amount of money is equal to the value of a loved one. We never said that was the case. This settlement is simply our best effort to avoid any additional pain on Mr. Callaway’s part and also to avoid any undue negative publicity caused by a lengthy trial. He stopped. The amount is on the first page at the bottom. Bud never looked down, his eyes locked with Davies’. Why don’t you just tell us what you have in mind. Davies smoothed an imaginary wrinkle from his tie. We feel fifty thousand dollars would be an agreeable amount. He motioned to me look at this and quickly continued. The funeral expenses have already been taken care of by Bayliss so this money would an additional amount, to be used however Mr. Callaway sees fit. I don’t know if Mr. Callaway plans to attend college but fifty thousand dollars would almost assuredly cover his expenses at any college in Arkansas. This was a snide remark I’m sure directed at Bud but he gave no reaction. If he chooses not to attend college, again, he can do whatever he sees fit with the money.