His phone rang and he pulled it out of his pocket, not bothering to check the caller ID. The men he had digging into the lives of the Fletcher and Dyson families would be using disposable phones—easily discarded and impossible to trace. He should know. That’s what he was using.
“Talk.” He listened as his contact reported what he’d found. “You’re sending pictures now?” Levi sat back down at his computer and brought up his email.
Jonah pulled up a chair and sat back to wait. Shamus started to pace, his long legs quickly eating up the short distance between walls. The difference between the two men was marked to Levi. Jonah was like him, possessing the patience of a hunter. Shamus lacked that killer instinct, but he was a good man and Levi counted him as a friend.
“Got it.” He tapped several keys. “That’s good. Send me anything else you get. Payment is in your account.”
Shamus looked startled by the last exchange and Levi shrugged as he hung up the phone. “Information doesn’t come cheap. Not the kind we’re looking for. If we had more time, I’d do it myself, but time is a factor. I want this mess straightened up quickly. It’s not good for Linda’s health.”
Jonah, the bastard, grinned at him. “Like that, is it?”
Levi didn’t even bother to deny it. “Yup.”
“’Bout time.”
“I’m not quite sure what you’re talking about.” Shamus stood beside the table, legs splayed with one hand fisted on his hip. “But I can take a pretty good guess.” He grinned at Levi. “I guess we’ll be seeing you for a long time to come in Jamesville.”
“Maybe,” Levi countered. That would depend on Linda. He ignored both men as he concentrated on the flood of information coming in. The devil was always in the details. And somewhere in the midst of all this information was something he could use.
Dyson, and people like him, continually underestimated Levi because of his appearance. They took one look at his large size and casual clothes and dismissed him as all brawn and not much brain. He cultivated that image, used it. It was as natural to him as breathing and had served him well in his former profession. What most people didn’t know about him was that he had an IQ that was off the charts and could manipulate computers and information as well, or better, than anyone else on the planet.
The other two men settled in to wait. After a while, Jonah got up and went into the kitchen, rummaging around. “You don’t have much food in here, do you?”
“I need to shop,” Levi muttered. He’d planned to do that this morning. One of the laptops dinged. He went around the table to the right laptop and pulled up the program. Scrolling through pages of financial information, he found exactly what he was searching for. “Gotcha.”
Chapter Ten
Linda had been expecting it, but it still stunned her to find out there was absolutely nothing she could do about the situation. The local bank had sold some of their loans to several larger institutions to offload some of their debt and hers had been one of them.
Stupid! She should have waited until she’d had the money in hand from her grandmother’s estate. But she’d been impatient and she’d found the perfect building for Past Promises. After all those years of waiting, she’d jumped at the chance to finally have what she’d always wanted. Now she was paying the price for her impatience.
Either she came up with the money or she’d lose the building.
She watched the scenery go by as Cyndi drove her home. They’d made a quick stop at the bakery, but she’d stayed in the car while her friend ran inside for snacks. Cyndi kept sneaking her worried glances, but she wasn’t ready to talk. Not yet. Amanda would want to know everything and she only wanted to go through this once. Not that Cyndi didn’t already know the score. Linda had given one shake of her head when she’d stepped out of Albert’s office. It had been enough to let her friend know that nothing had changed.
Cyndi parked the car in front of the store and turned off the ignition. Linda stared at the beautiful window displays that she’d spent hours lovingly creating.
“I’m sorry.” Cyndi’s voice was quiet, but there was no mistaking the sincerity.
“Me too.” Linda took a deep breath. “It’s just the building. They can’t touch the business.” Once again, she was thankful that the loan for the building was a personal one, not connected to her business.
Reaching into the backseat, Cyndi pulled out a baker’s box. “Let’s go in. Amanda’s got her nose pressed to the glass watching us.”
Linda smiled. Amanda was indeed watching them, motioning for them to come in. She had the door yanked open by the time they reached the entrance.
“Well?” Her green eyes flashed as she reached out to hug Linda.
“We have chocolate and lots of it.” Linda glanced around, grateful for once that there were no customers. “Quiet morning?”
“Yes, but I sold the dining room set, as well as the hutch. Oh, and she wants the dishes too. All the details are on your desk. I didn’t know how you handled delivery, but it’s local so I said you’d take care of it.” Amanda nibbled on her bottom lip. “Was that okay?”
Linda could barely wrap her head around what her friend was telling her. “I think I need to sit down.” She groped her way over behind the counter and sank into her office chair. “You sold the set, the sideboard and the Royal Albert dinnerware?”
With her red hair and fair skin, her friend looked younger than a woman in her early thirties. Amanda often said it was the smattering of freckles on her nose that did it. She might look like the girl next door, but Amanda was obviously one hell of a saleslady.
“And the silver service too.” Amanda grinned as she handed Linda the bill of sale. I gave the customer a ten-percent discount and free delivery. Oh, and I threw in the doilies as well. She liked those.”
“Do you want a job?” Linda asked her.
Amanda laughed, obviously pleased. “I’ve got a job, but thanks.”
“No, thank you.” That was a huge sale she would have missed if the store hadn’t been open this morning. Closing her eyes, Linda once again thanked the heavens for her friends. Her relationship with her family might suck, but she had the best friends ever.
“Thank you. Both of you.” She opened her eyes and stared at the two women. They were all so different in many ways, but they’d forged deep friendships that would last a lifetime.
Cyndi opened the bakery box while Amanda poured up coffee. Linda smiled when she saw that Amanda had set up cups, saucers and tea plates she’d plucked from the miscellaneous dishes that were stacked in one hutch. They were mismatched, but colorful.
It was perfect.
Touched by the gesture, Linda took the cup of coffee Amanda handed her and set it on the desk beside her. Cyndi handed her a plate with one of the sinful chocolate éclairs she’d purchased from the bakery. It probably had a zillion calories, but it would be worth every single one of them.
Lifting her cup, she raised it high. “To friendship.”
“To friendship,” they echoed.
Amanda pulled up a Victorian chair and handed Linda a sheet of paper. “This is a list of empty properties around town. Cyndi doesn’t have vacancies in any of her properties that are suitable for Past Promises but Jonah knew of a few places.” She shrugged at Linda’s quizzical gaze. “Being an electrician, he knows everyone in the construction business. I called the real estate agent, got some prices and details. I figured you’d call him about setting up some appointments to view when you were ready.”
“Thank you, Amanda.” She’d known she’d have to tackle the real estate issue sooner, rather than later. But Amanda had already done a lot of the preliminary work for her.
“And, of course, you’ll stay with us when the time comes.” Cyndi took a bite of her éclair and chewed, an expression of ecstasy crossing her face. “Ohmygod, this is divine.”
“Thank you.” Linda was beginning to feel like a parrot. But she didn’t know what else to say. The generosity of her friends
was staggering. She’d spent so many years being only able to depend on herself and her grandmother. This was almost overwhelming. Tears pricked her eyes, but she blinked them back. She’d done enough crying and it didn’t change a thing. All she could do now was move forward and that was exactly what she’d planned to do. “But I can’t stay with you.”
Cyndi swallowed her bite of éclair and glared at her. “Of course you can.”
Linda shook her head. “I appreciate the offer, but it’s your busy time of year. You can’t afford not to have the inn packed to capacity and I can’t afford to pay full rate for who knows how long.”
“You’re not going to pay anything.” Cyndi’s outrage would have been funny if it hadn’t been so touching. “I have more than enough money to leave one of the rooms not rented.”
Reaching out, Linda took Cyndi’s hand in hers. “I really appreciate the offer, but it’s not going to happen.”
“You’re so stubborn.” Cyndi groused.
“Look who’s talking.”
Amanda watched the byplay as she sampled the éclair, licking sweet filling from the corner of her mouth. “You can stay with us. We’ve got an extra room.”
“Maybe for a day or two if I absolutely have to. I want to look around first. If I can find an apartment, that would work best.” She took a sip of her coffee before setting the fragile cup back on the saucer. “Besides, I figured Levi would be staying with you. After all, when this place is sold, he’ll lose his apartment too.”
Silence greeted her. Amanda glanced at Cyndi, and then they both stared at her. It took every ounce of self-control not to squirm under their intense scrutiny. Cyndi shook her head. “You’ve been holding out on us.”
Amanda pulled her chair closer. “You and Levi. I never would have guessed. How long has it been going on? When did it happen?” She sat back and fanned her face. “This is too much. Details. We need details.”
“Ladies.” Levi stepped out of the shadows, figuring it was long past time to make his presence known. He’d come downstairs a few minutes ago after he’d glanced out the window and seen Cyndi’s car parked out front.
Jonah and Shamus had left for work twenty minutes ago, promising to call later. Levi had worked out his plan of action and that meant he had to leave early tomorrow morning. He’d only be gone for the day, but he wasn’t looking forward to being away from Linda for even that long. Jonah was right. He did have it bad.
All three women jumped in their seats. Amanda’s cheeks grew red, but Cyndi just stared at him with speculation in her pale blue eyes. Linda smiled at him. She was putting on a brave face, but he could see the underlying sadness beneath.
“How did it go?” He already knew, but he wanted her to tell him.
She took a deep breath. “Nothing has changed. The bank sold the promissory note and the clause in it allows the new bank to ask for full payment. If I can’t pay, they’ll foreclose and sell the building. It’s my own fault. I signed the papers knowing that clause was there, but I figured my grandmother’s estate would be settled by now.”
“I could give you a loan.” Cyndi leaned back in her chair and linked her hands over her stomach. “You could pay off the loan and then pay me when you get your grandmother’s money. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that before.”
Levi could tell Linda was stunned by her friend’s generosity. And so was he. “You can’t do that!” Linda leaned forward, her face pale. “I appreciate the generous offer, but my family could keep my grandmother’s estate tied up for heaven only knows how long. It could be months, maybe a year or two.”
Cyndi shook her head. “I can afford it. Might as well put all that money my father left me to good use. And besides, if you don’t get your inheritance straightened out right away, you can make monthly payments to me.”
Hope began to glow in Linda’s gaze. “It would have to be drawn up as a legal agreement.”
“I can get my lawyer, Alicia Flint, to do that.”
Linda sat back like someone in a daze. “I can’t believe you’re offering to loan me all that money.” She gave a small laugh. “I can’t believe I’m considering taking you up on your offer.”
“Think about it.” Cyndi glanced at her watch. “I’ve got to get back to the inn. I’ve got a large group of tourists checking in later this afternoon.”
Linda stood and hugged her friend. “Thank you so much.”
“You’ll think about my offer?”
“Yes.” Linda nodded and then reached out to Amanda. “Thank you for everything.”
“My pleasure.” Amanda hugged her back. “See you later, Levi.” Amanda patted his arm as she passed him.
As the door closed behind the women, they were left alone in the store.
“Well,” Linda began. “The meeting with the banker went the way I thought it would.”
Levi cupped her face in his hands and stared down into her face, which had become so incredibly precious to him in the past few weeks. “Don’t make any decisions tonight. Give it a day or two.”
“Levi…”
“Please.”
“Okay,” she reluctantly agreed. “But I can’t just bury my head in the sand and hope this situation goes away. I either have to find a new place or I have to take Cyndi up on her offer of a loan. Time is running out.”
“Just give me until the end of tomorrow.” He stroked his thumbs over her cheeks, loving the way they flushed a light rose color. Her glossy lips parted and her breath came out in short puffs.
She licked her lips. Every muscle in his body tightened and his cock flexed, lengthening and growing. She always looked fantastic, but dressed in a power suit she looked good enough to eat. He wanted to strip the layers away and uncover the woman beneath.
He took a deep breath and slowly released it. “I’ll be gone for most of tomorrow.”
“But you’re coming back. Right?” She stepped back and turned away, fiddling with an invoice on her desk. “Not that it’s any of my business.”
He caught her chin between his thumb and forefinger and applied light pressure until she looked at him. “It’s your business and I’ll definitely be back. You can count on it.”
Lowering his head, he watched as her pupils dilated and her lashes fluttered down. His lips grazed hers. She tasted warm and sweet, like chocolate and cream. “Mmm, éclair.”
He felt her smile against his lips as he let his tongue delve into the depths of her mouth. Her hands crept up the front of his shirt. Her short nails scraped over his flesh, through the thin material. He wanted her hand on his bare skin.
The bell over the door chimed as a customer came in. They broke apart quickly. Levi turned away and took a deep breath. He heard Linda do the same. When he turned back, she’d straightened her jacket, plastered a smile on her face and was greeting the middle-aged man who’d entered.
“Good morning. Welcome to Past Promises.”
The man hurried forward. “Do you carry any jewelry? It’s my wife’s birthday and she loves the stuff.”
“I have a few very nice pieces. Right over here.” She led him over to a locked jewelry case.
“I’ll see you later.” Levi left before she could answer. By the time Linda closed the shop for the day, he wanted all his work done, his files complete. He was taking a trip tomorrow. It was a short one, but it would be an effective one.
Linda knew the second Levi left. The air in the place changed, settled, becoming less sexually charged. The man had a way of pushing all her buttons without even trying. She couldn’t believe she’d kissed him right in the middle of the shop where anyone passing by outside could have seen them.
She brought her attention back to her customer, pleased when he purchased an art deco brooch for his wife. Linda chatted to the man as she boxed and wrapped the gift for him. The minute he left, she slumped back into her chair and blew out a breath.
“What a day.” She felt as though she’d been through an emotional hurricane with all the ups and downs
. She had so much to think about, so many decisions to make.
Her eyes fell on the letter her brother had sent her. For some reason, she’d saved it after Levi had plucked it from her trash. Maybe she was a glutton for punishment, but she still wished she had a better relationship with her entire family, or at least her brother. They’d been close when they were small children, but had grown apart over the years.
Picking the letter up, she read it again. Anger began to bubble deep within her. What right did her brother have to criticize her life? What right did her father have to use their family power and financial clout to hurt her? What right did any of them have? It was time for this to come to an end.
Not giving herself time to think, Linda picked up the phone and dialed. It was answered on the third ring. “By the Book. Amanda Sutter speaking.” Her voice was brisk and professional.
“Hey, Amanda. It’s Linda.”
Amanda’s tone changed immediately, becoming concerned. “Hey, sweetie. How are you doing?”
“I’m doing good.” She picked at a nonexistent piece of dust on her skirt and sighed. “I need another favor.”
“Anything.”
The willingness of all her friends to help humbled her. “I need someone to watch the store tomorrow. I know you can’t leave By the Book for a second day, but I wondered if you thought your part-timer could handle my store for one day.”
“It’s easier for me to handle Past Promises and let Gemma handle By the Book. I’ll be there by ten.”
“Thank you. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”
“I did have my eye on that oak cabinet in the corner. The one with the games in it.” Amanda laughed. “Maybe I could get a staff discount.”
“Done.”
“I was only kidding, Linda. You don’t need to give me anything. I’m more than happy to help.”
“You’re still getting the discount if you really want the cabinet.”
“I won’t turn it down. I really want that for my living room.” Amanda hesitated slightly. “It may be none of my business—and please feel free to tell me so—but, out of curiosity, why do you need tomorrow off?”
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