Rory: Hope City, Book 7

by Maryann Jordan

  For the next two hours, they reviewed the plans, went up and down to the various floors, and walked the space. Waving her arms around, she indicated where walls would be erected and pointed out areas for individual offices as well as larger spaces for cubicles. Workrooms and bathrooms would need plumbing for sinks and toilets, and electrical outlets would be needed in multiple places in each room. They discussed the lighting needs, reminding him that traditional fluorescent lighting was discouraged by Anthony.

  “I realize that might be a pain, but I’m the one that pushed him on this. As you know, fluorescent lights contain invisible pulsing, which so many people react to as a trigger for migraines. Also, tension headaches can be made worse with the use of fluorescent lights. So, we’ll still need lights in the ceiling, but they will be something besides fluorescent.”

  He grinned and nodded. “Hell, I’m hardly ever in my office since I’m usually in the field like this, but if I was to spend more time there, I’d want you to come in and redo it.”

  “Just let me know when, and I’ll be sure to give you a discount.” Her gaze scanned the room, and she heaved a sigh of relief. “This is my first huge multi-office space contract, and I’d love to get more.”

  “Me too.”

  Her gaze shot back up to his as her chin jerked back quickly. “Really?”

  “Yeah, I’ve been involved in smaller jobs, but have never overseen one this size. There’s a different site manager for the upper eight floors where the condos are located, but for me to have oversight of the first eight floors for offices is a big step for me.”

  As they finished up on the third floor, he signed off on her plans, and she gave him a copy that she’d brought with her. He escorted her back to the elevator, but before she pushed the button, she turned and looked up at him. “Dave, I’d like to ask a question, but have to preface it by saying I know it’s none of my business.”

  Cocking his head to the side, he nodded. “Okay. I admit you’ve got my curiosity up. If it’s something I can answer, I will. If not, I’ll let you know.”

  “Fair enough. It’s just that I notice Perkins Electrical Company is doing the wiring in the building. Obviously, this doesn’t come under my purview, but I do remember reading about them in the news.”

  “And you’re wondering about the scandal they were in a couple of years ago,” he surmised.

  “Yes, I am. I can’t imagine why the Partridges would want to employ anyone but the best to work on their building. Especially since the scandal involved Perkins Electricals using subpar materials, creating possible fire hazards.”

  “I questioned the same thing, Ms. Carmichael, and was told that after paying all their fines, Perkins Electrical Company had a change in management. They ousted the original Perkins that was in charge at the time, and his son took his place. I’ve taken a look at the work they’ve done so far, and while wiring and electricity is not my specialty, everything looks to be in order. I’ve also got someone under me that’s inspecting work before the official inspectors from the city come in.”

  Breathing a sigh of relief, she nodded. “Thank you for that. As I said, I know it’s none of my business, but I’m putting a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into this account and would hate to have anything go wrong. I want Partridge Tower to be a success probably as much as Anthony Partridge does!”

  Chuckling, he said, “Not sure that’s possible, but I understand what you’re saying.” The ding of the elevator caught their attention, and he reached forward, placing his hand on the door, holding it open. “Thanks for coming by, and I’ll give you a call once we start making the initial modifications. We’ll start at the office on the second floor first.”

  Returning her hard hat to Heather, she was almost out of the lobby when her name was called. Turning, she observed Anthony walking toward her. Cocking her head to the side, she waited to see what he wanted.

  “I’m glad I had a chance to catch you. Is everything going okay?”

  “Absolutely. I just met with Dave and went over the approved plans with him. We walked the space and he’s ready to begin. If everything stays on schedule, you should be able to have your first set of clients move into the building in about two months.”

  He reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder, giving a little squeeze. Her smile slipped and she quickly said, “I need to get back to the office—”

  “Actually, Sandy, I wanted to ask you something. I was wondering if perhaps you’d be free for dinner sometime.”

  Inwardly cringing, she kept her smile. “Never turn down a man of power, Sandra. Or at least if you do, do it in a way that makes him feel like he has not been dismissed. You never know when you might need a man like that.”

  “Anthony, that’s so nice of you, but I make it a practice to not go out with clients. And right now, this job has me very busy.”

  “I understand. But we’ll certainly have a lot to talk about as this job continues, so we could have working dinners. And then when I’m no longer a client…”

  “I’m sure a working dinner will be fine, but for now, I must run. Thank you for the invitation. As soon as I have more plans for you to approve, I’ll be sure to get them to you.” With that, she turned and walked at a measured pace over the rest of the marble until she moved through the doors, barely breathing until she got outside. Pulling her sunglasses from her bag, she snapped them open, then placed them on her face. Walking more quickly, she didn’t breathe easily until she climbed inside her SUV. Sighing heavily, she drove back to her office, her thoughts in turmoil.

  Why wouldn’t I want to go out with him? He’s smart, driven, interesting. And handsy. Rubbing her hand across her forehead, she had to admit Anthony just didn’t do it for her.

  A siren was heard in the distance, and she slowed down, waiting until the ambulance had passed safely through the intersection. A flash of Rory hit her, and she swallowed deeply. She’d only kissed him once but felt something she’d never felt before. More than lust. More than friendship.

  Safe. He made her feel safe.

  Snorting, she rolled her eyes. Yeah, and look how that turned out. Maybe I just don’t know how to pick a man.

  9

  Three-B-three.

  Rory and his crew made their way to the local animal shelter in their district, answering the call for an animal attack with unknown status.

  “Is Animal Control on their way?” he asked, wanting to know what they might be facing once they got to the shelter.

  “They’ve just arrived,” Shania replied, on her radio to the dispatcher.

  The shelter was located on the corner of a large block of brick buildings. “You ever been here?”

  Shania nodded. “We don’t get called here often. I think I’ve only been here twice in the last five years. They’ve got a good reputation. The alley behind the shelter is enclosed with a chain-link fence and there are a bunch of dog runs inside. They don’t take in just any animal, and they don’t overcrowd.”

  Parking outside, he was glad to see a police cruiser and Animal Control vehicle already there. “Good, we can focus on whoever got bitten and not have to worry about fighting off a dog.”

  Hustling inside, he was met with a cacophony of barking, and a young woman ran up, pointing them to the back.

  “It’s our director, Glenna Parker. She was dealing with a new dog, and he suddenly turned on her and clamped down on her arm!”

  “Thank you, ma’am,” Shania said. “Why don’t you stay here and keep everyone else out, and we’ll go on back.”

  Entering one of the large rooms in the back, Rory saw Animal Control taking charge of a large, mixed-breed dog, still barking and snarling. One of the police officers was standing next to the door leading to the alley, talking to a blonde woman whose back was to them as she held the leash to a dog who was barking but appeared under control. In a smaller room to the side, another officer was with a middle-aged woman whose face was pinched with pain and what looked to be irritation, holdi
ng a towel onto her arm. He and Shania hustled over.

  “I don’t want them putting that dog down,” the woman said, ignoring Rory and Shania as she strained to see what Animal Control was doing in the large room. “I think he was injured when I was checking him out, that’s why he snapped at me.”

  “Ma’am, what’s your name?” Shania asked, her voice soothing.

  “Glenna. Glenna Parker. I’m in charge of the shelter.”

  “Well, Glenna, let’s get you into this chair over here, take a look at your arm, and get you fixed up.”

  “I’ve got to give my report,” Glenna continued to protest while allowing Shania to lead her to a chair.

  “The sooner we can check out your injury, the sooner you can get to the dogs,” Rory said, unwrapping the bloody towel. Once her arm was exposed and cleaned, he could see she was going to need stitches. “Ms. Parker, you’re going to need to go to the hospital. I’m assuming your rabies vaccine is up-to-date.”

  His lips twitched at the perturbed expression she shot his way.

  “I’d hardly be working here if it wasn’t,” she sighed heavily, lifting her uninjured hand to her forehead, rubbing gently. “I do apologize for snapping at you.” She snorted, lifting her gaze back to him and Shania. “Snapping. That’s exactly what the dog did to me. Injured and frightened, and it just reacted.”

  “That’s all right, ma’am. You need to have your arm x-rayed because I can’t be sure that the bone was not injured as well. We’ll transport you to the hospital where they can get you checked out and fixed up.”

  She nodded, sighing once again. “I understand, and you’re right.” Twisting her head toward the back, she called out, “Jack, the dog has had its shots, but I know you have to quarantine it for now. Plus, I need the vet to come in. Sandy? Can you take care of that?”

  Rory’s head jerked around so quickly he felt a sharp pain in his neck. The blonde woman in the back talking to the police officer had turned around to look at Glenna. Sandy? Dressed in sneakers, jeans, and a long-sleeved t-shirt with her hair pulled up into a ponytail, she looked so different from the woman in the bar or wedding… and yet so familiar. And beautiful. She hadn’t looked at him yet but replied to Glenna.

  “I’ll call the vet and make sure the animals are fine before I leave. Do you want me to pick you up from the hospital?”

  “No, I’ll have my husband come. I want to come back here and make sure everything is taken care of before I go home, anyway.”

  “I don’t mind staying,” Sandy said.

  Rory watched as Sandy’s gaze moved from the shelter director past Shania before landing on him. Her eyes widened, and even from across the room with dogs barking loudly he could swear he heard her gasp before she jerked back toward the police officer.

  Shocked that she was in an inner-city animal shelter warred with concern that she would be there with all the animals, especially since Animal Control was placing the dog in question into one of the kennels there and not taking it with them.

  “Let’s go,” Shania ordered, pulling his attention back to their patient.

  With no other choice, they walked Glenna out to the ambulance, assisting her into the back where she settled onto the gurney, allowing Bobby to take over the monitoring.

  Once at the hospital Emergency Room, Bobby headed back to the ambulance and Shania completed the paperwork. Taking a moment, Rory turned to Glenna. “The woman that was in the shelter with you…”

  For the first time since meeting her, Glenna smiled. “That’s Sandy. She’s the best volunteer I have. She’ll be fine with the animals. She’s a big chicken when it comes to blood but is amazing with the animals.”

  More questions filled his mind, but Shania walked past and said, “Okay, Glenna, we’re turning you over to the hospital. Take care.”

  With no other opportunity to speak to the shelter manager in private, he simply nodded and followed Shania out the door, his mind still struggling to comprehend a woman like Sandy volunteering in an inner-city animal shelter mucking out dog kennels. He lifted his hand and rubbed his chest, realizing how much she’d been right in her assessment of him—he’d misjudged her, and that didn’t sit well with him at all.

  “Here I am sitting at the bar missing my bestie, and you’re at home being domestic in your married bliss.”

  Sandy was sitting on a tall stool near the end of the bar, nursing her glad-to-be-off-work Lemon Drop with her phone pressed to her ear, chatting to Harper. She twisted around in her seat so that her back was to the barstool next to her, and she cast her gaze around the room. Tuesday nights were never crowded, and this one was no different, hence one of the reasons she decided to come out.

  “Sweetie, I’m sorry. I had the day off and needed to get so much done. Sean’s getting off work a little early, and I decided to fix a nice dinner.”

  “Harper, don’t worry about it. I’m not upset, just envious! You and Sean being all lovey-dovey and getting settled into his house is nice. Honestly, girl, I’m happy for you.”

  “Well, I want to have a girls’ wine night sometime next week. Just some of our friends, and a chance to let our hair down. Text me when you think you can make it because I want to be sure you’re there.”

  “Sounds good!” she said, taking another sip. She was bumped from behind as someone stepped between her barstool and the one next to her. She glanced over her shoulder, but all she could see was the back of the man facing the woman who had been sitting on the barstool next to her. “I’ll let you go since Sean will be home soon. I’m just having a drink and shooting the shit with Torin and Maeve. Bill was going to show up, but he sent me a text and said he’s got something going on. Hell, I haven’t seen him in a while. He’s probably got a girlfriend and we don’t even know about it!”

  “We definitely need to get together soon,” Harper agreed. “Besides the wine night for girls, you and I can hit the Cock soon and catch up with all our friends.”

  “You got it, sweetie,” Sandy said. “Talk to you later.” Just as she disconnected, the door opened, and she saw a small group of first responders coming in. And, of course, one of them was Rory. She blew out her breath, wishing her eyes didn’t seek him out. Yep, it is so not my night.

  Bumped again from behind, she decided to finish her drink and leave. As she set her martini glass back onto the bar, she twisted around in her seat, surprised to see that the man who’d been standing behind her was now gone. So was the woman who’d sat next to her. With a little bit more room to maneuver, she stayed at the bar for a few minutes, checking emails on her phone in between hasty bits of conversation with Maeve.

  She slid her phone into her purse and looked up just as Maeve set a beer on the counter close by. Glancing to the side, she watched as Rory picked up the beer, took a healthy sip, then set it back down. He twisted his head around and held her gaze. He offered a chin lift and greeted her with just her name. “Sandy.” His voice was as low and whiskey-smooth as she remembered.

  She hid her surprise and inclined her head as well. “Rory.” She waited for a few seconds, but he didn’t say anything else. Maintaining a running conversation with anyone was normally easy, but now in his presence, she found herself tongue-tied. Considering he made it quite obvious at the wedding that he didn’t want to spend any time with her, she battled her irritation at his continued presence. He took another sip of his beer. “A lady should always initiate a conversation to alleviate an uncomfortable silence.” Finally, she blurted, “How’s your… um… family?”

  He smiled, and she wished it didn’t affect her so much. Schooling her face to be as blank as she could manage as though she didn’t care whether or not he answered, she almost expected him not to. Instead, he surprised her again.

  “I’m good, thank you. The family is good, too. I’m sure you keep up with Harper and Sean. I believe you’re friends with my sister, Caitlyn, also.”

  Nodding, she offered a tight smile and glanced back at her empty martini glass, tired
of attempts at polite conversation.

  “Hi, handsome,” a purr came from nearby.

  Turning, she watched a tall brunette lean toward Rory, her breasts pushed up and almost out in a skintight top pressed against his side so closely that Sandy was certain two people couldn't be any closer.

  Maeve looked over and called out, “Another one, Sandy?”

  Glad to have someone else to focus on, she shook her head. She opened her purse and pulled out several bills. “No, thank you. I’m ready to head out.”

  Unable to see Rory’s face as he looked at the woman, Sandy pulled her purse strap over her shoulder and slid down from the barstool. Jeez, they had this whole room to canoodle, and they have to be right next to me. She hated that she had to walk past them, wishing they would move out of the way. She stole another glance their way, surprised to observe Rory set the woman away from him, a scowl on his face, but Sandy turned around, her attention snagged by a sound coming from behind.

  A small groan from someone caused her to peer down the hall leading to the restrooms. A woman was leaning against the wall, her hands pressed against the wood paneling as though it was the only thing holding her up. Sighing heavily, Sandy stepped forward. Great, just great. I hope she doesn’t puke. Twisting her head to the side, she called out, “Maeve, got someone you’re probably going to have to call a taxi for.”

  Stepping closer, the woman’s jerky movements were evident as she lifted her head with apparent difficulty, slurring her words. “Feeeels fun… funneeee…” before closing her eyes and wobbling back and forth.

  Maeve walked over and stood next to Sandy. “She was sitting close to you at the bar. Damn, she only had one drink.”

  A snake of unease began to slither through Sandy, and she could feel her breathing shallow. “Get her glass. Don’t wash it…”

  “Huh?” Maeve asked, her hands now helping to hold the woman upright. “Why?”