“After I brought the contract to her attention she paid the bill in full and dropped the issue.” It helped that he had before and after pictures too, to remind her exactly what had been done.
“I’m beginning to think Mrs. Drake has a split personality. Spencer mentioned something about her as well.”
“She has a reputation for being difficult.” He raised the glass to his lips.
Sierra chuckled. “Funny, I believe that was the word Spencer used to describe her too. I’m glad she likes me. We’ve gotten along quite well.”
“Count yourself fortunate.” He set the glass on the counter. “I should go.” He didn’t want to give her a reason to put her walls back in place by overstaying his welcome. “Can you stop by Spencer’s sometime tomorrow?”
“Sure. Is there a problem?”
“Maybe. The bathroom tile isn’t the right size, and I need to know if you want to use it or not.”
“Are you serious? This is the second time that’s happened. It’s as if someone is trying to sabotage me.”
“More like Belafonte Design. I take it Bailey hasn’t said anything?”
She shook her head. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
Maybe he shouldn’t have opened his mouth, but she had a right to know. “Someone has been calling and changing orders with our vendors. At first we thought it was a simple clerical error, but I dug deeper, and it appears someone called claiming to represent us.” He was relieved to learn it wasn’t his mother, but the alternative was worse. Someone seemed to have declared war on the Belafontes, and he had no idea why.
Shock covered her face. He was glad, too, because Rick had suggested Sierra was the troublemaker, since all this began about the time she was hired. He had already ruled her out after the plumbing issue, but it was a relief to see with his own eyes that this was the first she knew of any issues. “I can see you’re astonished.”
“I am. I don’t understand why someone would do this. What will they gain by messing up our orders?”
“If they want to discredit us with our clients they are doing a great job. Thankfully we have a stellar reputation, but if much more of this happens word is going to spread, and we will begin to lose business.”
“Maybe Spencer can help. Has this been reported to the police?”
He shook his head. “I’m not sure we have a case.”
“Whoever is doing this must be breaking some law. We need to tell him, at least to see if he can help. In the meantime, have you let our vendors know what’s going on so that they won’t continue to be duped?”
“Well, no. I was really hoping to keep this on the down low.”
“Not a good idea.” Sierra shook her head. “One of us needs to go in person to each of the vendors and tell them they must ask to see identification if there’s an order change. It’s a pain, but this has to stop. Time is money and receiving the wrong materials costs us and makes us look bad to our clients.”
“Okay. I see your point. I’ll get on that too—tomorrow. Tonight I have a date with a hot tub.”
She chuckled. “That sounds nice. I can’t believe Mrs. Drake doesn’t have a hot tub.”
“They’re not for everyone. Okay, I’m out. See you tomorrow.” He saw himself to the door and headed to his Jeep a little ways up the street. Two deer meandered across the road to the center island covered in grasses and trees. Their calming presence was always welcome, and he never tired of seeing the deer. Especially after talking about whomever was trying to sabotage their company. The thing that confused him the most was that the caller always claimed to be Mona, but his mom denied calling businesses and changing orders. Was Mom trying to hold onto one last shred of authority? But if that was the case, wouldn’t she own up to it?
Chapter Eleven
The following evening Sierra eased onto a bench in the Sunriver Village beside Spencer. “Thanks for meeting me here.”
“Sure. What’s up? You sounded so mysterious on the phone.” He quirked a grin.
“Sorry. There were people around and this needs to stay quiet.”
Concern filled his eyes. “Does this have something to do with Randy?”
“No. Although, I have spoken with Trey, and he’s not sure he wants to meet his dad after all. I dodged that bullet.”
He frowned.
“Sorry. That was in poor humor.”
He shrugged. “So why am I here?”
She glanced over her shoulder to make sure no one lingered close enough to hear their conversation. “Someone is trying to sabotage the Belafontes.”
John had said to not go to Spencer for help, but she knew if anyone could help it was him. If she’d learned anything over the past weeks it was that Spencer was a good man and a good cop. He could be trusted.
“What do you mean?”
“Remember the broken water pipe at your house?”
“How could I forget?”
“Deliberate. Someone is also calling our suppliers and changing or cancelling orders. There has been vandalism at construction sites as well, dating back as far as November.”
“I heard about one incident, but why didn’t anyone report the rest?” Frustration filled his tone.
“They didn’t want to lose business. People are less likely to hire a company riddled with problems, according to John.”
“He’s probably right. I’ll do what I can, but if anything more happens, promise me you will file a police report.”
She hesitated. John would not be happy if he found out she’d gone to Spencer, and he would be furious if she filed a police report.
“What?”
“The family doesn’t want to involve the police. They filed one when some equipment was damaged, but nothing came of it. They don’t see the point and feel it could do more harm than good.”
“Then what are you expecting me to do?”
“I don’t know. Camp out at one of the sites and wait for trouble?” Okay, so that sounded better in her head than it did when she said it aloud.
“I suppose I could.” Something sparked in his eye. “What’s in it for me?”
Hope filled her. “What do you have in mind?”
“How about you help me organize the mentor program.”
“What are you talking about?” She’d thought to toss a few sporting event or concert tickets his way, not tie up more of her personal time.
“Ever since the incident with your son, I’ve been trying to come up with a way to show him and others that police are the good guys. We care about them and our community. We want to serve and protect them. I thought if the department had a mentor program it would go a long way in showing local kids that cops are people, too, with families and a life outside of their job.”
Her heart warmed at his thoughtfulness and passion for others. There was a lot more to Spencer than she’d realized. Suddenly, giving up a little personal time didn’t bother her in the slightest. “That’s a wonderful idea. I would love to help you. Do we have a deal then?”
This had worked out well. She loved doing community service and at the same time she’d be helping the Belafontes. It was a win-win for everyone.
“Almost. I want to be Trey’s mentor.”
She shook her head and her stomach sank. “Excuse me?”
“I know you heard me.” He shot her a teasing grin.
“I did, but why would you want to be my son’s mentor? He’s come a long way since that day, but I don’t think he will ever like you.”
He winced.
“Sorry. But I don’t believe in sugar coating things.”
“I think I can change his mind about me if we spend time together doing things he enjoys.”
Her shoulders tensed. Talk about feeling torn. “Tell you what. I will agree to make sure he is signed up for the program and that he takes part for at least three months. The rest is up to you.”
“Deal!” He thrust out his hand.
She grasped it and a jolt shot up her arm. What w
as that all about? She quickly stood. “I should go.”
“Why the hurry? I was hoping to get more information on my mission.” He waggled his brow.
She chuckled. His playful side surprised her. “Umm. Well . . . I don’t really know much more.”
“You’re going to have to do better if you want help.”
“Okay. Give me a few days to see what specifics I can dig up.” Maybe she should bring Bailey in on this. “Hey, are you and Bailey good friends? I imagine she’d have more information than me and could help.”
“I wouldn’t call us close, but yes, we’re friends. If you feel like you can go to her with this, then please do. She’s tight with a buddy of mine’s wife. Mark is an excellent detective and if anyone can figure this out it’s him. If you don’t mind, I’d like to bring him in on this once it’s official.”
“I don’t mind, but I still have to figure out how to make it official without getting fired.”
“Good luck with that.” He stood. “I hear my house is going to be finished soon.”
She stood and walked with him toward the parking lot. “Yes. I’ll be there tomorrow to take care of the finishing touches.” She owed this man a lot for all he’d done for her and here she was asking for more. “Would you like to come over for dinner sometime?”
“I thought I was public enemy number one.”
She laughed. “I wouldn’t go that far. Besides, if you want to mentor my son . . .”
“I’ll be there.” He stopped beside her SUV.
“Text me the details.”
She quirked a grin. “Will do.” With a little extra bounce in her step she hopped into her vehicle.
The following morning Sierra sat across from Bailey at the office in Mona’s house. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
Bailey closed her laptop. “This sounds serious. Is everything okay?”
She shook her head. “Not really, but this shouldn’t be news to you.” She went on to lay out her plan regarding bringing in Spencer to help figure out who was trying to harm the Belafontes’ company. “He needs us to file a police report whenever anything happens. He knows about the one Mark has.”
“Mark is a friend. I bet he’d help in an unofficial capacity if we asked.”
“Probably. But why should he have to if all we need to do is file another police report?”
Bailey pressed her lips together and tapped her fingers on the desk. “You’re right, but I’m not sure. I don’t want to upset anyone. Maybe I should run this by Stephen.”
Her stomach jolted. “If he knows what we want to do, won’t he stop us?” Telling Stephen could ruin everything.
“It’s all in the delivery. I have an idea that might work and make everyone happy.” For the next thirty minutes Bailey laid out a convoluted plan on how to get everyone together.
“I like it. I’ll host the dinner at my house. You’ll take care to make sure Mark and Nicole will be there?”
“Yes. I think I’ll invite John and Sarah too.”
“Sarah?”
“She’s another friend. I trust her, and the more this appears to be a party, the less suspicion we’ll draw from Stephen and John. We need them to show up, or this will be for nothing.”
“Won’t they mind being put on the spot?”
“Maybe, but I don’t think they’ll get angry and try to stop us once it’s out there and others know. They’ll want to let the guys get to the bottom of it. If I know Mark and Spencer like I think I do, then they will be able to persuade Stephen and John to let them investigate.”
“I sure hope you’re right because I don’t want to lose my job over this.”
Bailey’s face turned even more serious. “I understand that fear, but you should know, I have only heard good things about your work at Spencer’s, and one of our most difficult clients adores you, so I wouldn’t worry too much.”
“Thanks. I keep hearing about Mrs. Drake from others. It’s like she’s a Jekyll and Hyde.” She stood and grabbed her bag. “I’ll be at Spencer’s if you need me.” Even though everything seemed to be going right, her stomach said otherwise.
Spencer took the keys John held out to him. “Thanks. My place looks great.”
“I’m glad you like it. I’m surprised Sierra isn’t here. My mom always liked to walk through with the owners as she showed off her masterpieces.”
The door burst open, and Sierra rushed in. “Sorry I’m late. I can’t believe I missed the big reveal. I had to run to Bend, and traffic slowed me down.”
Spencer chuckled. “I’ve been living here while construction is going on, so the final product is not a big surprise.”
“I know, but I still . . .”
“Maybe you’d like to walk through with me now?”
A smile lit her eyes but only for a moment.
“Yes. Thank you.” She strolled beside him asking how he liked this and that, but all he could manage was a nod or a grunt. Something was off with Sierra. What had happened since they’d last spoken?
John followed after them. “It looks like you have this under control, Sierra. I’m going to head out now.”
She glanced over her shoulder. “Sounds good. ’Bye.”
The door clicked closed, and she blew out a breath. “I’m so glad he’s gone.”
He raised a brow. “Why?”
“I have news.”
His senses kicked into work mode. “Okay. What’s up?”
“Remember when I asked you over for dinner?”
He nodded. What did that have to do with the sabotage?
“Well, I decided to talk with Bailey about things, and she came up with a great plan.”
He listened as she laid out her idea. Although the plan could work, he didn’t like putting John and his brother on the spot like that. He sure wouldn’t want anyone to do that to him. Plus, he was giving up what he’d hoped would be a romantic dinner at her place. But Sierra’s enthusiasm was palpable, and he wouldn’t disappoint her by stomping down her idea.
“Well? What do you think?”
“I think you and Bailey have your minds made up, and what I think matters little.” He grinned hoping to soften his words, even if they were true.
“Do you mind sharing your dinner with a crowd?”
“What if I say yes?”
The look of shock on her face was priceless. He stifled a chuckle and tried to remain stoic.
Her eyes widened. “Then I’d reschedule our dinner for another time.”
He guided them toward the living room and sat. A smile escaped. “I would enjoy keeping our original plan, and I will go along with your scheme.”
She blew out a breath as if she’d been holding it. “Thank you!” She hugged him, taking them both by surprise if her suddenly pink cheeks meant anything. “Sorry. Sometimes I act before thinking.”
He chuckled. “We’re all guilty of that from time to time. I suppose congratulations are in order.”
“For what?”
“A job well done. In spite of the problems, I like how everything turned out. And you came in under budget. Great job.”
“Thanks!” She stood. “I’ll get out of your hair.”
“You don’t have to leave.”
“I should go anyway. I have a party to plan and a couple of menus to come up with.”
“You don’t have to make anything fancy for our dinner. I’ll bring Chinese.”
She crossed her arms. “No. Having you bring the meal kind of defeats the purpose. Don’t you think? But that wouldn’t stop me from picking up takeout.” She flashed him a grin before heading toward the door. She spun around and faced him. “When we first met, I never would have predicted we’d be friends.”
His insides warmed. “I’d have to agree. I’m pleased to count you as a friend.” He’d like for them to be more, but now was not the time to go there.
Chapter Twelve
Friday morning Spencer typed up a proposal for the mentor program to give to the captain.
Now that he had Mark and Sierra on board, he felt comfortable trying to make it official. A couple of firefighters at the station next door were interested, as well. Who would have thought a silent alarm call would have led to this?
His phone rang. “Spencer speaking.”
“Hi. It’s Sierra. There’s been another incident.”
“Are you filing an official police report?”
“Yes. Bailey is onboard. It happened at the project she’s working on. The owners are beside themselves, and if they haven’t called the police already, they will soon.”
“Are you sure this has anything to do with Belafonte Design?” It sounded like it might be a random act.
“Yes. Whoever did it spray painted a message on the homeowners’ living room wall, and it was directed at us.”
He grabbed a pen and pulled out his notepad. “This changes things.” He wrote down the address. “Okay. I’m not working today, but I’ll check into this. Thanks for the call.”
“Sure. Will you keep me in the loop?” Her voice sounded weary and scared at the same time.
“As much as I can. Try and not worry, Sierra. Whoever this is sounds like they have an issue with the Belafontes, not you.”
“I know, but that still worries me. I care about this company and these people. I don’t want to see them hurt.”
“Understood. I’ll let you know what I find out. Is the party still on for tonight?”
“Yes. Assuming everyone is still coming. Although there’s really no need now that this has happened.”
“You can’t cancel now.” He wanted to see with his own eyes that she was okay.
“I won’t. See you later.”
“’Bye.” He placed his phone on the table and saved what he’d been working on. He wasn’t scheduled to work today, but Mark was, and he had probably been the officer sent to process the scene because of his background as a detective.
Spencer hit his buddy’s number on the contact screen and waited.
“Hey, Spencer.”
Designing Love: An Inspirational Romance (Sunriver Dreams Book 3) Page 8
