A Good Result

by Marg McAlister

  Viv put down her cup, sat back in her seat and folded her arms. “A customer complained about a smell. Now, after an unscheduled visit from a food inspector, we’re not looking good.”

  Georgie was puzzled. “Was food going bad?”

  “He found the source of the smell,” Lissa said. “The inspector. Raw fish… somehow it had slipped down between the kitchen counter and the sink.”

  “He found more cockroaches too,” Viv finished off. “That was it. Cafe closed, until we clean things up and prove we’re up to code. But raw fish?” She and Lissa both looked at Scott expectantly, clearly waiting for his reaction.

  “Hmmm.” After a beat, he narrowed his eyes. “You don’t offer seafood…?”

  Lissa bounced to her feet, launched herself across the space between herself and her brother, and flung her arms around his neck. “I knew you’d get it.”

  Seeing Georgie’s puzzlement, Viv smiled at her grimly. “We don’t serve fish. Coffee, cakes and crêpes, but no seafood crepes. We don’t have any fish on the menu, and we’ve never cooked any in that kitchen.”

  Georgie nodded. Now, that feeling of wrongness that she’d had was making sense.

  It was beginning to look like sabotage.

  3

  The Landlord

  “Here he comes.” Viv straightened in her chair, her eyes fixed on the man sliding out of the car that had just pulled up outside the cafe. She ran a hand through her short dark hair while she cast a nervous look at Lissa.

  “Toughen up. He won’t bite.” Lissa sounded offhand, but Georgie noticed that her eyes, too, were wary.

  From what the girls had told her about their landlord the day before, Georgie didn’t expect him to be very sympathetic to their problems. Stan Lambert owned “half of Yamba”, according to Viv, and was renowned for putting his own interests ahead of those of his tenants.

  The landlord ran up the steps and rapped on the door, then pushed it opened and came in without waiting.

  “Hi, Stan.” Viv stood up and pulled back the fifth chair at the table. “Sit down. Can I get you a cup of coffee?”

  “Thanks, but no. I’m due to tee off in about twenty minutes; this is a flying visit.” He sat down with them and nodded at Georgie and Scott, clearly wondering what they were doing there.

  Viv performed the introductions. “Stan, this is my brother Scott and his partner Georgie…meet my landlord, Stan Lambert.”

  He nodded and shook hands with both of them. His grip was firm, the handshake perfunctory. Georgie immediately got the unspoken message: his time was valuable and this meeting was just something he had to get out of the way.

  He got straight to the point. “You have another problem, I hear. This time it seems to be about pest control and questionable food handling practices…?” He turned in his seat and took a long look around the room. “Looks clean enough now, so I guess you’ve been busy. This going to pass code? Kitchen okay?”

  “You’ve been in here before, Stan, so you know it’s always clean.” Viv’s voice was tight, and the flash in her eyes showed that she considered his words insulting.

  Stan waved that aside, not even looking at her. “Yes, all right. I’m only concerned with the legalities here. And given previous problems with overload on the wiring and water usage, I’m starting to wonder if you’re in over your head. Are you going to be able to continue operating?”

  Georgie felt Scott’s knee press against hers. She returned the pressure, knowing he was thinking the same thing: if Lambert wanted Coffee, Cakes & Crêpes to close so he could use the premises for something else, this string of incidents could be enough to use as leverage to get the girls out.

  “All of those things have meant additional expense, that’s true,” Viv said, managing to keep her voice level. “And before? I don’t know that it was a case of overloading the wiring. It seriously needed upgrading. Whether it had been our cafe or someone else’s, that still would have been the case.”

  Lambert narrowed his eyes at her. “I told you when you moved in that I wouldn’t be doing any unnecessary work, that it was up to you. The wiring is adequate.”

  “It is now.”

  Lissa, who had been watching the exchange between her sister and the landlord, stepped in. Like Viv, she was obviously making a heroic effort to stay calm. “That’s all water under the bridge. The main thing is, this place is spotless, pest free and successful. The townspeople like what we offer, and the barista classes are popular. Once the inspection is over, we’ll reopen immediately.”

  He jerked his head in a dismissive nod and then linked his hands together. “I have something to put on the table. I want to see you succeed, so consider this: I now have alternative premises available. Linda Malloy next door is thinking of moving, so this might be a good time for you to relocate as well. The people in the town are used to the two shops being next door to each other, so it could work well if you both move the same time.”

  “Alternative premises?” The surprise on Lissa’s face showed that this was news to her. She shot a look at Viv. “Where?”

  “Over near the mall. Adjacent to the new garden center.”

  Viv and Lissa both shook their heads at the same time, but Viv spoke for both of them. “No, that wouldn’t work. We need to be here, in the township.”

  “I’m prepared to give you a deal on the rent: a fifty per cent cut for the first three months. That would help you recoup some of your lost income here.” Stan Lambert sat back in his seat and folded his arms, looking confident. In his world, money talked.

  “But we get more passing trade here.” Viv opened out her hands helplessly. “We need that.”

  “Once people know where to find you, you’ll get plenty of customers.”

  There was a pregnant silence before Lissa drew herself up and looked Lambert in the eye. “We appreciate the offer, Stan, but we would prefer to stay here. There won’t be a problem with that, will there?”

  “If you pass the inspection, then no.” Lambert smiled, but his eyes were cold. “Of course, I can’t guarantee that you’ll get the same volume of trade, given the circumstances. People tend to be a bit sensitive about cockroaches in their food.”

  Instantly outraged, Viv pushed her chair back from the table, looking ready to leap at Lambert. “There was never any question about cockroaches in food.”

  At the same time, Lissa leaned forward and pointed a finger at him. “A customer saw cockroaches on the floor. Not in the food. As for how they got there, well, we’re a bit puzzled about that. We hadn’t seen any cockroaches for months – and we spray for pests twice as often as we need to.” Breathing hard, she glared at him. “It’s almost as though someone wants us out of here.”

  Lambert stared back at her for a long moment and then said in a low, even voice, “That sounds very much like you are accusing someone of…engineering your difficulties.” He raised his eyebrows. “I trust you’re not pointing a finger at me.”

  Scott shifted in his chair and straightened up, which had the effect of drawing all eyes to him.

  “I’m quite certain that my sisters didn’t intend any such thing, Mr. Lambert.” His face calm, his voice reasonable, Scott met the other man’s eyes. “We can all understand why this situation is upsetting for them. They’ve put a lot of thought and energy into building up this business – which is, I think, good for the whole town.”

  Georgie’s eyes flicked between Scott and Stan Lambert, and not for the first time she admired the way Scott was able to defuse a situation with a few words. There was something about his innate calm that seemed to spread to those around him.

  Lambert relaxed, and nodded. “I do understand that. I think it’s worth considering the move, though. The complex I’m talking about is only a few years old, and there is a lot of traffic with a mall nearby.” His eyes moved to Viv, acknowledging her as the chief spokesperson. “Go over and take a look, talk about it. I’ll keep the offer open for a week. And to make things a little easier for
you, and as a show of good faith for what you are bringing to the town, I’ll extend the half-rental period to 16 weeks. Can’t be fairer than that.”

  Tightlipped, Viv inclined her head a bare inch. “Thank you. We’ll let you know.”

  Outside the cafe, a car door slammed and they heard hasty footsteps. The door opened and an auburn-haired woman dressed in an expensive brand of golfing clothes stuck her head in. “Stan. Come on. We’re going to be late meeting the others.” Completely ignoring the other four, she frowned at her husband.

  “Coming, Yvonne. I think we’re done here?” He stood up and looked around at them for confirmation.

  “Yes.” Viv manufactured a reasonably credible smile, but Lissa just nodded, her expression cool.

  “Right. Call me about the inspection, and to talk more about the new rental.” With a nod at Scott and Georgie, he followed his wife back to the car.

  “Aaargh!” Lissa banged her head on the table. “I detest that man.”

  Scott put a comforting hand on her shoulder, and looked at Viv while he said what they were all thinking. “Well, Viv? Do you think he’s the one behind all this? It’s pretty obvious he wants you out of here.”

  Lissa raised her head, her eyes bleak. “I don’t know. I honestly don’t know.”

  4

  The Vibe

  Two days later Coffee, Cakes and Crepes reopened after getting the green light from a council inspector.

  Just before the doors were due to open, Georgie finished arranging Viv’s newest batch of cupcakes on a tiered stand, and stood back to admire them. “Banana rum and apple strudel. Yum. They’re too pretty to eat.”

  “That’s why I like making them.” Viv filled dusky pink ceramic bowls with paper tubes of lo-cal sweetener, raw sugar and white sugar and walked around putting one on each table. “It’s more like doing craft than cooking.”

  “Viv’s a whiz with cakes and desserts,” Lissa said from over behind the coffee machine, tipping fresh beans into the hopper. “I’m the go-to guy for main meals.”

  “Main meals are boring,” said Viv, going back to the kitchen for the salt and pepper grinders. “Although crepes are okay. I don’t mind crepes.”

  “She gets artistic with those too,” Lissa said. “When we first started, Viv was experimenting with clever ways to present them. That soon stopped once we got busy.” She grinned at her sister.

  Georgie’s heart warmed to see the two of them looking more cheerful now that they were back in business. After a marathon session with the books, they figured they could coast along for another month while making up lost ground financially.

  As long as nothing else went wrong.

  Lissa had lost that bruised look under her eyes, and was looking sassy in a top and matching shorts in shades of mustard and red ochre. Over the top she wore one of her many aprons; today’s reading I Need Coffee, STAT! She’d anchored her hair high on her head with a funky clip of some kind, and under the spiky orange fringe her eyes looked happy.

  Then she glanced towards the door and her lips tightened. “Incoming, Viv,” she called, rolling her eyes at Georgie, who was making herself useful by filling napkin holders.

  Through the glass door Georgie saw Scott leave the umbrella he was putting up and move to open the door for a slim blonde woman dressed in a snug white t-shirt, white knee-length shorts and blinding white sneakers. She was carrying a large tray of assorted slices, and treated Scott to a wide, flirtatious smile as she edged in sideways, nodding at Georgie and then at Lissa. “Delivery! I’ll just take these through to the kitchen, shall I?”

  Lissa didn’t answer.

  “Vivi out there, is she?” The woman stopped beside Georgie, watching her stuff more napkins into the holders. “Looks like you girls have got yourselves some help to open up again.” She treated Georgie to another high-wattage smile that showed perfect teeth, but her clear blue eyes held no warmth. “I’m Amber. From the bakery.”

  “Hi. I’m Georgie.” Georgie returned her smile, wondering what the history was between Amber and Lissa. She nodded at the tray. “They look nice.”

  “They are. Shane has won awards for them,” Amber said, with a little toss of her head that made her shining blonde hair ripple attractively. “Every cafe in town wants them. Or their customers do.” She looked over her shoulder at Lissa. “Don’t they, Lissa?”

  “Mmf.” Lissa clanked around behind the machine, not looking at her.

  Amber returned her attention to Georgie. “Cute accent. You’re American?”

  “That’s right. I’m from Indiana.”

  “How do you know Viv and Lissa?”

  “I met their brother over in the States. Now I’m here for an extended vacation.”

  “Helping to get the cafe back on its feet again?” Amber cast a speculative look from Georgie to Lissa and back again. “Are you staying in Yamba for long?”

  There was a rattle of dishes from behind the counter and Lissa stepped out, reaching for the tray. “Here, I’ll take that through to Viv.”

  “No, I’ve got it.” Moving away quickly, Amber walked around the other end of the counter and disappeared through the door to the kitchen, her back view showing her figure to advantage in her trim white shorts. “Hi, Vivi! Your slices are here. Shane has sent his new one to try. I can guarantee it’s delicious, I helped him taste-test!”

  Lissa put her hands on her hips and glared at the kitchen door. “Never loses an opportunity.”

  Georgie raised her eyebrows. “What’s the problem?”

  “To cut a long story short, Viv and Shane Carter at the bakery were becoming an item. Then, a few months ago, along came Amber, the apprentice from hell.” Lissa’s eyes showed both anger and regret. “You know what a baker’s hours are like. In the kitchen, early hours of the morning…they ended up exploring more than new recipes.”

  “Oh.” Georgie felt a pang of sympathy. “So Shane broke it off? How did Viv take it?”

  “Not well. She really liked him.” Lissa stabbed a finger at the kitchen. “Now she likes to rub it in, remind Viv of what she lost.”

  On top of everything else, Georgie thought. In a small town like this, it’d be tough.

  A few minutes later, Amber emerged, swinging the tray from one hand. “Well, I’d better be off. More deliveries to make.” She stopped in front of Lissa and her face assumed a look of cloying sympathy. “I was sorry to hear about all the trouble you’ve been having. But you can’t blame the authorities for cracking down. At the bakery, we’re absolutely paranoid about hygiene. If customers get sick…”

  Lissa’s nostrils flared. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with our food handling, storage, hygiene, anything. We’ve always been super careful.”

  Amber put out a placatory hand. “Oh, I’m sure. I’m not saying you haven’t. But something went wrong, didn’t it? Or you wouldn’t have been shut down.”

  “Amber. Leave it alone.” Lissa stared her down. “If you don’t mind, we’re a bit busy.”

  “Now I’ve upset you,” Amber said, pretending regret. “I didn’t mean to do that. Everyone I’ve talked to about it, they all say—”

  “Maybe it would be a good idea if you stopped talking about it,” snapped Lissa. She turned her back and stalked back behind the counter.

  “Of course.” Amber held out slim fingers to Georgie. “It was nice meeting you. I hope you can help get the place back on its feet.”

  Georgie took her hand as briefly as she could while still being polite. Amber’s hand, she reflected, was as cold as her heart.

  Amber let herself out, and Georgie watched while she took a moment to flirt with Scott, perching on the edge of one table and lifting a hand to sweep back her rippling honey-colored hair. It was easy to see how a baker could be tempted in the quiet, dark hours of the early morning.

  Maybe it was a good thing Viv had found out what Shane was like before she got too involved.

  As though summoned by her thoughts, Viv emerged from the kitche
n with two small trays of slices to add to the display cabinet. Her eyes found Lissa’s immediately, and she grimaced.

  “I keep telling you,” Lissa said, “you should arrange an accident. Involving, say, a carving knife.”

  “Lucky we don’t have any, then.” Viv put the cakes in the cabinet and checked the time. “Five minutes to opening.”

  “And here’s our first customer. Early as always.” Lissa nodded at the door, where a tradesman wearing hi-vis clothing was calling out a cheery greeting to Scott as he pushed his way through the door.

  “G’day, love.” He marched up to the counter. “The usual. Try not to close again, will you? That pig swill they serve across the street doesn’t do the job.” He glanced at the kitchen, raised his voice and called “Hey Vivi! Good to see you back!”

  She popped her head around the door and waved. “Good to be here. Take one of today’s cupcakes with you. Present for our favorite tradie.”

  “I’ll take one, but I’ll pay, thanks.”

  “Let her treat you.” Lissa grinned at him, reaching back into the fridge for some full-cream milk. “Makes her feel loved and wanted. ‘Pig swill’, though, Trev? That’s a bit harsh.”

  Trev snorted. “Old Jim never learned how to make a decent cup of coffee, and nor has his missus. Doesn’t want to.”

  “Old dogs and new tricks,” Lissa said. She nodded at Georgie. “Meet my brother’s girlfriend, Georgie.”

  Georgie grinned at him, liking him immediately. “Hi, Trev.”

  “G’day.” The lines around his hazel eyes deepened as he smiled and shook her hand heartily. “In Yamba for a holiday?”

  “For about three weeks,” Georgie said. “Maybe even longer. We’re flexible. And from what we’ve seen so far, we may never want to leave.”

  “Yeah, Yamba has that effect on people.”

  “Trev’s a carpenter,” Lissa told Georgie. “Helped us with some of the work when we first moved in.”