"Yeah, ten million would've been one helluva payoff," dad agreed, musing in response. "Sit down, Mike, and I'll explain why I turned him down." I sat waiting to hear what possible reason he had to turn down the key to the bank.

He hesitated. "Mike, I've dealt with guys like that my whole life. You, on the other hand, you're still a teenager and you've got a whole lot of growing up to do when you get out there in the world. You're going to find a Bill every time you turn around.

"He's either going to be smarter, richer, or better looking than you, and he'll never let you...