“You’re a little different yourself.” He teased, sidestepping the deeper issue.
“I guess I’m in good company.” I said with a genuine smile. Billie’s emotions caught my attention. Pride and excitement. “I wonder what they’re talking about.”
“You.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Oh yeah.” He mimicked. “I’ve never seen Billie fall so hard for someone.”
His words made my heart skip a beat. “She’s incredible. I still can’t believe how lucky I am.”
“It’s not luck, Sadie. It’s you.” I looked at him in surprise. “It would take a remarkable woman to catch her attention.”
“I never thought I’d find someone I could be honest with about who I am. I love it. I love her.”
“I’m glad.” Billie and Kathryn returned from the kitchen with full glasses of wine, both of them grinning like a cat.
You look smug. I commented as she settled in beside me.
She looked at me adoringly. “I have reason to be. Life is good.” She replied.
“You promised me you’d fill me in on Pearson tonight.” Richard spoke to Billie.
“Yes. I found something this afternoon when you were unavailable. Nothing is conclusive at this point, but the numbers are suspicious. They don’t feel right. He’s up to something, and it’s not about overbilling clients. I think he’s stealing from the firm, but he’s covered his tracks well. It’s going to be difficult to prove.”
Richard ground his teeth. “Son of a Bitch. Do you think you can find proof?”
“With time, yes.”
“Keep digging.” He said.
The word ‘digging’ gave Billie an idea, and she looked at me pointedly. “Richard, how would you feel about bringing in a specialist?” She raised her eyebrows and met his gaze. “We may not need proof. With Sadie’s help, we can corner him, make him think he’s caught, and get what we need to prove it right there.”
Richard nodded thoughtfully. “Excellent idea. Feel like doing a little contract work, Sadie?”
“Um, maybe. What do you have in mind?”
The wheels turned in his head as the plan developed. “You and Billie can communicate mentally, right?” I nodded. “Billie and I confront Pearson about the embezzlement. We’ll come up with a reason for you to be there. You read him, relay the info you gather to Billie, and she uses it against him. Will it work?”
“I believe so.” I thought quickly, wondering if I could pull this off without spilling too many beans about myself.
Billie put her two cents on the table. “She can be your personal assistant for the day. Give Isabel the day off, make it sound like something came up, and bring Sadie in as a temp.”
“It’s on the two of you to pull it off.” Richard pointed out.
“I’ll make it sound like I know more than I do. I have enough information to start an accusation.” Billie thought aloud. “Sadie will pick his brain and fill in the details while she pretends to be just an assistant.”
“Sounds pretty simple.” I said. “When do you want to do it?”
“How about first thing Monday morning. Well’ call him in immediately and have you on your way in time to get to work. Isabel runs a lot of errands, so it won’t look suspicious when you don’t stick around.”
“I’ll call the warehouse and tell them I’ll be late coming in. If I say it’s for a doctor’s appointment they won’t ask any questions.”
Richard looked at his wife. “Feel like taking Sadie shopping, compliments of the firm? She’ll have to look the part.”
“Of course.” Kathryn purred. “Are you free tomorrow?”
“Yeah.” I replied, my head still spinning. People didn’t often surprise me, and I liked it. “I’ll be done training by noon.”
“I’ll pick you up at two, and we’ll have a girls’ day out.” She was genuinely looking forward to it. As was I.
Richard pulled out his cell phone and punched a few buttons. “Isabel. How would you like to take Monday off, paid?” He chuckled as she replied. “I’m contracting a Sensitive to help me with something. I don’t want anyone to know her real purpose, so she’s going to be your temp for the day. You can fabricate your own story about taking a day off. I’ll make her your official back-up in case I want to use her again.” She spoke again, but I couldn’t hear her. Billie and Kathryn could, though, and they listened intently. “You’re not being replaced, dear. She doesn’t have your experience – just one skill that I need from time to time. You’ll get paid for a regular work day. ” Richard looked like a patronizing father while he listened once again. “Thank you, Isabel. I’ll see you on Tuesday.” He hung up.
He explained to me, “She’s part of the family, and I gave her the job because she needed it. Turns out, she’s an excellent personal assistant, just insecure.”
“She’s improving.” Kathryn chided. “She’s young.”
I nodded my understanding and let my excitement show through. “Let’s do it.”
Chapter 7
“I really like them.” I told Billie as we rested after training the next day.
“They like you.” She replied. We cuddled on the couch drinking water. “And if Monday goes well, you could wind up with more work.” Her eyes glittered.
“Do you think you can talk to him and listen to me at the same time?” I asked her.
“I think so. We should practice, though.”
“Hmmm.” I wasn’t so sure about that. Practicing it required invading someone’s privacy. An idea came to me quickly. “How about the asshole at the diner on Sunday?”
“Works for me.” She laughed. “You shower, I’ll cook. Kathryn will be here soon.”
“You’re not coming?” I asked, surprised.
“No. I don’t like to shop, and I have a few things I need to do anyway. You’re hard on the To-Do list. No motivation to leave you.”
I grinned in pleasure. “And the firm’s paying for the clothes?” I wanted to be sure.
“Every penny. Plus hair, facial and nails if you guys want. There’s an expense line for this kind of thing.” She grinned.
“I can’t argue with that.” Brushing my fingers across her cheek, I skipped off to the shower.
Kathryn arrived precisely at two. She glanced around my place and smiled. “I like the way you’ve decorated. Ready to go?”
“I’m ready.”
Kathryn drove a white hybrid, which was interesting and new for me. As we drove, we planned. My excitement grew at the idea of shopping without looking at the tags. “I think we should start at the salon.” She announced. “Then we can shop for suits. How does that sound?”
“Sounds good.” I almost laughed after Billie’s earlier comment.
“We’re going to have fun, pamper you, and make it look like you spend a lot of money on yourself even though you don’t need it to be beautiful.” Her eyes sparkled. “And since I’m holding the firm’s credit card, we’re not going to worry about cost. I have a feeling you’re going to dazzle everyone on Monday. So we’ll get more than one outfit and you’ll be ready when they ask you again.”
She meant it as a compliment, which lifted my spirits. But it also made me nervous. “What kinds of jobs would they want me for?”
She misunderstood. “You’re a natural, dear. You’ll do fine.”
“It’s not that.” I paused. “It’s just that reading people is pretty intrusive. I’ve set rules for myself, and I try to stick to them.”
Impressed by my admission, she replied. “If it doesn’t feel right, say no. That’s your right and your responsibility. Even if they don’t like it, they’ll respect it.” We drove in silence for a few minutes while I thought things over. “Today’s adventure does not obligate you to do something you feel is unethical. Besides, we may spend a lot of money, but it’s petty cash to the firm.”
That made me feel better. Kathryn had a knack for saying the right thing. “Where are you from?” I asked her about herself.
“I grew up on the East Coast, but Boise has been my home for a long time. You grew up here?”
“Born and raised.”
“And your family?”
“They’re not interested in having me as a daughter.”
“They’re fools.” She said with gentle contempt. “True family isn’t always who you were born to or who raised you. You are part of our family now, and we’ll always be here for you.”
I smiled to myself, still having a hard time believing it. “Do you have any children?”
“My daughter passed away a long time ago. So I adopt anyone in the family who allows me to mother them.”
“I’m sorry to hear about your daughter.” I replied genuinely.
“Thank you. It was many years ago, and my grieving is long over. I have the family, so I’m very blessed.”
We parked in a garage downtown, chatting about hair styles as we strolled to the salon. An elegant woman set her pen down and greeted Kathryn instantly. Kathryn introduced me. “Jenny has been taking care of me and mine for a long time. She’s the best in town.” Jenny beamed at the praise. “Sadie has a big day on Monday, so she’s getting the royal treatment today.”
Jenny, cheerful and chatty, led us to her booth, signaling to another woman as we walked. The other woman started a manicure while Jenny and I talked about look and function. We settled on a simple style that stopped past my shoulders. She assured me it would look beautiful and professional, and I could still pull it back in a ponytail when I trained. They fussed over me, hair and hands, for what seemed like ages. Kathryn had her nails done as well. I felt like a princess. I skipped the facial but had my eyebrows shaped. When they were satisfied, I appraised myself in the ornate wall mirror. The change wasn’t dramatic, yet I looked astonishingly better. Polished.
“It was a pleasure, Sadie.” Jenny’s words were genuine. “Come back and see us sometime.”
“I will.” I promised her.
Kathryn paid the bill, leaving a generous tip. “Thank you, ladies. You’ve done an excellent job, as always.” She took my arm in hers. “Let’s go shopping.”
Shopping with Kathryn was a true delight. With her impeccable taste and limitless credit card, she had me decked out in no time. We chose from the most recent styles, allowing me to blend well into the firm – attractive but not so flashy or sexy that I’d draw much attention. We left the clothes with the tailor who promised to have everything delivered to my home the next morning. I didn’t want to know how much we’d spent.
Kathryn dropped me off at home, hugging me before letting me out of the car. She felt like a warm breeze, her entire essence comforting. Every time we hugged, it felt like home. “See you tomorrow.” I said my goodbyes and waved as she drove away.
The sun hung bright above the horizon when we left town the next day. It would be an early lunch in Idaho City, and that suited all of us just fine. We quickly settled into a comfortable silence, enjoying the sun on our faces and the breeze in our hair. The road wound back and forth through the mountain, oftentimes following the river. Forest extended in every direction: pines, birches, and cedars. Kathryn pointed out a hawk, and we craned our necks. I relaxed and enjoyed the drive.
Tourists crawled around Idaho City, taking advantage of the summer weekend, and we parked down the street from the restaurant. Richard wanted to look in on the silversmith, so we entered a simple storefront.
“Richard! How are you?” The smith pumped Richard’s hand with a strong grip.
“Excellent, Leroy. Just excellent. You’ve met Billie, I believe. This is her girlfriend Sadie.” He gestured in my direction, and Leroy bobbed his head in greeting. “How’s Donna? Feeling better than last time I was in, I hope?”
“Much better.”
“Give her my love.” Richard smiled. I browsed at the merchandise while they talked. Silver hilted knives. Silver belt buckles. Ornamental pieces. The man’s artistic skill showed in every piece. Animals came to life everywhere we looked. He favored owls and eagles, though deer, wolves and moose were common as well.
“Kathryn.” He took her hand adoringly. “Always good to see you. I swear you look younger every time I see you.”
“Lovely to see you, Leroy.” Her tone softened as if she was speaking to a beloved child. “Your talent grows endlessly.”
“Thank you, ma’am. Your husband’s special order is going well. I’d say I’m half way there.”
Richard’s eyes brightened. “How’s it looking?”
“It doesn’t look like much yet. I’m just starting on the detail. I should have it done in another month.”
“Did the advance cover the supplies?”
“Almost to the dollar.” He tapped his nose with a rough finger.
“When it’s done, give me a call.”
“First thing I’ll do.”
“We’re headed to lunch. Care to join us?”
“I can’t, but thanks. Too many tourists this afternoon to close up shop.”
“I’ll bring you back a burger if you like.”
“The doctor says I’m a heart attack waiting to happen, so Donna won’t let me eat anything good. A burger sounds great.” He smiled slyly, his eyes darting towards the back room.
Richard laughed. “You got it, my friend.”
Out on the sidewalk, I asked about the order. “What is he making for you?”
“It’s a mountain scene with a wolf howling at the moon. Décor for my office at the firm. The man’s got more talent with metal than anyone I’ve ever met.”
“His work is incredible.” I glanced over my shoulder as if I could see his art from the street.
“His father was an exceptional silversmith, and he grew up learning the trade.” Kathryn added. “But his artistic talent far surpasses his father’s.” I could sense that she knew the father, and missed him.
Stepping into the dim light of the bar and grill, we found the restaurant filled nearly to capacity. The same timid waitress spotted us instantly and lifted a finger, asking us to give her a moment. The sign said ‘Please wait to be seated.’ The waitress was pleased but nervous to see us. The reason for her nervousness headed our way before she had the chance.
The surly owner approached us, his confrontational attitude preceding him. “You’re back.” He eyed Billie and me disapprovingly, ignoring Richard and Kathryn entirely. “We’re full up right now. It’ll be at least a half hour before I can give you a table.”
Kathryn smiled sweetly. “I see an empty table over there.” She pointed a manicured finger at the only unoccupied table in the room.
“It’s reserved.”
He’s lying. I told Billie.
“Is that true?” Billie challenged politely.
“Yeah. Mike Jeffries is bringing his family over for lunch. Special occasion.”
Mike is his friend. But he’s in Boise today.
Billie turned to Richard. “Didn’t we pass Mike on our way up here?” I fed her more information. “He has that old blue Ford pickup with a dent in the side.”
Richard nodded, understanding instantly what Billie and I were up to. “Not many of those around anymore. If Mike’s in town, he won’t need his table.”
“Maybe he forgot to tell you.” I sensibly replied to the man.
The owner’s jaw stiffened, and his face reddened. He looked squarely at Billie. “I checked up on you. Those lawyers said I could do what I want in my business.”
“Oh?” Billie cocked her head. “You must have talked to Mr. Lorren, then.”
He mistook her condescending tone and elaborated his lie. “Yeah. Mr. Lorren didn’t sound too pleased about all this. I wouldn’t hide behind those lawyers if I were you. Could cost you your job.”
Richard listened with great amusement, but his face remained expressionless. “We’ll take the empty table over there, sir.”
“It’s reserved.”
“By Mike, who’s in Boise.” Richard replied.
“It’s none of your
business.”
“You’re not a very good liar.”
“Are you calling me a liar?” His volume rose, and his voice rumbled.
“Yes, I am.” Richard answered evenly.
“Who the hell are you to call me a liar?”
“I’m Richard Lorren.”
His jaw snapped shut, and he stormed off without another word to us. He growled something at the waitress, who glanced our way uneasily. She approached us with an honest smile, though, and led us to the table.
“Don’t mind him.” She said in a whisper as we settled into our seats. “He’s nasty to a lot of people.”
“Why do you work here?” Billie asked, looking at the menu and acting like she was discussing food.
“It pays the bills.” She shrugged. “There aren’t many options for work up here.”
He treats her horribly. I sent a quick message to my girlfriend. “You deserve better.” Billie replied.
She didn’t answer, but she thought about those words as she took our order.
Out of earshot, I explained her situation. “He’s a bully, and she needs the job. He’s exploiting that.”
“How bad is it?” Richard asked. His protective nature was strong.
“He’s not hurting her.” I shook my head. “But the Department of Labor would have a field day about the wages and working conditions here.”
Kathryn glanced covertly at the waitress. “Why doesn’t she leave?”
I opened my senses more to the waitress, finding the answer to the question. “She doesn’t have enough money. She’s saving up to move to Kuna. She keeps repeating ‘Two more months.’”
Kathryn glanced at Richard and Billie knowingly. “She’s already earned a large tip from me. The girl has class.”
Billie nodded, agreeing. “How was shopping?” she asked.
“A lot of fun.” I replied.
“I like your hair.” She twisted a lock in her fingers, smiling lovingly.
“How do you like the clothes you picked out?” Richard asked.
“I love them. They’re perfect. They arrived this morning before we left. Kathryn really knows how to shop.”
Psyche Moon Page 11
