“What the hell is wrong with you?” she asked.
“I gave you time. I waited, hoping you’d come to your senses.”
A small pistol was pointed at her chest.
“Put that away,” said Candy. “You know how I feel about guns.”
“Don’t worry…I know my way around these things.”
Candy backed up, toward the fireplace. She wondered how an evening that had started out so promising had gone downhill so quickly.
Candy heard the hammer click
“Have you lost your mind?” she said, her eyes never leaving the gun. She reached up toward the snow globe resting on the mantel, and threw it at her attacker. It missed its mark, by quite a distance.
She ran toward the kitchen and looked frantically around for an object that might serve as a weapon. She reached toward the knife block on the island, but it was too late. Strong hands pulled at the back of her head. Her long hair fell into her eyes as she was swung around and shoved against the sink, with enough force, to knock a plant off the window sill. Panic finally set in as she felt the cold steel of the gun against her temple, while her attacker’s free hand reached up her dress, fingers tugging at her underwear. Unwanted lips kissed her neck.
“I can smell him on you!” It sounded so feral, so animal.
“Please…no…” Candy made one last plea to fend off her attacker, but it was too late. She heard the muffled gun shot, felt the searing pain in her chest, and fell to the floor.
The wall clock showed ten-thirty. Five minutes had passed since she’d opened the door.
Lightning lit up the sky, and thunder quickly followed.
Chapter Four
It was Saturday morning, and Nene smiled as she watched a mother and her small daughter leave her store. Her eyes wandered over the space, widening as they found an empty cotton candy bag on the shelf.
“What in the world?” she said to herself.
The bag had been ripped open, and half of its contents were gone. It couldn’t have been the little girl. She’d watched her the entire time.
Nene looked around the store, wondering if she’d missed anything else. It was important to find any signs of misdeeds before Gaga saw them. Gaga was such a worrywart. She’d been pressuring Nene to call the police and file a report, but Nene had resisted. So what if it was a neighborhood kid somehow getting into the store after they closed? They weren’t stealing money…they weren’t even stealing much in the way of merchandise. She hated to think of any of the children she’d watched grow up being carted off the jail for something so silly—something likely done on a dare. No. She’d just need to figure out how they were getting into the store herself and fix it so they couldn’t do it anymore.
She examined the door, with its flapping doggy door at the bottom. It was something they’d never thought to close up in all the time they’d been there. It was very small, which was why they’d left it alone. If someone were coming in through there, they’d have to be very small indeed—and they’d have to get through the front door of the building first.
She wondered if she should tell Jack about the latest break-in. He was as good as going to the police, without having to make it official. Maybe he could figure out what was going on without having to send any of her customers to jail.
Nene was surprised to see a very expensive-looking car pulling into the lot out front. She watched as a tall, slender woman stepped out of the car and made her way into the building. She had long black hair, and was perfectly dressed.
Ten seconds later, she walked into the store.
“Hello,” she said. “My name is Elaine Monroe.” The woman’s voice was smooth and articulate without a trace of accent. She oozed poise and intelligence. “I represent the mayor’s office.” She handed Nene a business card. “I wonder if you’ve you heard about the city’s plans to put money into this area?”
“Yes,” Nene answered hesitantly. “I had heard something about it.”
Ms. Monroe smiled. “Wonderful. I wanted to stop by and let you know personally that the mayor will be holding a press conference to make a formal announcement sometime this month,” She looked out the window. “We’d like to hold it right outside your store. It will be very good publicity. The media will be capturing the event in print and video.”
Nene gasped. “How exciting! That’s wonderful news.”
“Oh, it is,” Ms. Monroe agreed. Her tone became cautious. “Representatives from the press might come in and ask you questions. Nothing to be alarmed about, and easy enough to answer.” Nene beamed. “The mayor is intent on revitalizing the area with a new visitor’s center, a commemorative fountain and a suite of new restaurants, among other changes. You’re lucky to already be established.”
Nene blushed a little. “My sister and I feel very fortunate to be where we are.”
Ms. Monroe nodded. “Once the changes are made, it will probably be tough for some people to rent in this area. Property values are going to go through the roof.”
“Will I get to meet the mayor?” Nene asked excitedly.
Ms. Monroe shook her head and frowned. “Probably not. Ms. Wallace is a very busy woman.”
Nene’s smile drooped a bit. It would have been a fantastic opportunity, but she understood entirely.
***
Shortly after the Mayor’s assistant left, Gaga entered the store and began stocking the baked goods display case.
“Guess what?” said Nene excitedly. “The mayor is going to revitalize our street, and there’s going to be a news conference, right outside our store!”
Gaga stopped what she was doing and turned toward to her sister. “What are you talking about?”
Nene told Gaga all about the visit from Ms. Monroe. “Just think,” said Nene, “we might be on television!” She ran her hand through her hair. “I hope they let us know beforehand. I’d like to get a rinse. I can’t be on television with my grays showing…”
Gaga rolled her eyes. “Well,” she said, “it’ll be good publicity for the store, I’ll admit that. But I’d rather they did it someplace else.”
“Why?”
Gaga shrugged. “Not everyone will appreciate my special mix of warmth and wit.”
Nene smiled. “Or lack thereof.”
“Hey!” Gaga protested.
Nene laughed. “You are an acquired taste, I’ll give you that. If you’re camera-shy, you can stay in the back office and let me do all the talking.”
“Oh jeez,” said Gaga. “Those poor people. They don’t know what they’re getting themselves into. You’ll talk their ears off.” Nene didn’t argue. “Did this woman say when the news conference would be?” Gaga asked.
“No,” said Nene. “She just said sometime this month. Hopefully before Christmas. We’ll have all the decorations up soon.”
“Well, bah humbug, a few weeks early,” Gaga said.
***
Victor Burch stood nervously looking around at all the people coming and going through the obviously busy office. He’d been surprised by a phone call that morning asking him to appear at city hall to discuss the possibility of the city purchasing the building he managed. So here he was, ready to talk, but not entirely confident about doing so.
He took off his coat and draped it over his arm. He was a little surprised at the hustle and bustle; he’d expected a more sedate atmosphere, especially on a Saturday afternoon.
An attractive woman came out of an office and walked purposely toward him. She was presumably her mid-thirties, pretty and put together, with shoulder length black hair. He hoped she was the woman who’d called the meeting.
“Are you Victor Burch?” she asked. He nodded, a bit too shy to speak. “Good afternoon. I’m Ms. Monroe…we spoke on the phone.”
“Good to meet you,” he answered.
She smiled. “Please, come this way.”
Burch followed, his eyes darting up and down her long legs in her oh-so-appropriate charcoal pencil skirt. He was lead into a small o
ffice.
“Please sit down.”
Ms. Monroe sat on the edge of her desk and looked down at the papers in her hands, while Burch adjusted in his seat, hoping for a better view. She glanced up just as he averted his eyes. Her lip curled slightly, but she managed to hide her blend of amusement and distaste at his leering very well.
She set the paperwork down and rubbed her hands together. “Do you remember, Mr. Burch, that the city had expressed some interest in purchasing your property at one time?”
He nodded. “Yes. I remember. But that was months ago…I never heard from anyone after the initial approach. I should make it clear now as I did then that, I’m only the landlord; I’m here representing the owner.”
“Understood. I’ve asked you here because I’m in a position to extend that offer again.”
Burch was eager to hear it. “And what exactly is the offer?”
“A very handsome one. Next year is another election, it’s important to Mayor Wallace that she appear modern and forward-thinking to the people of Reno. With that goal in mind, she’s become very involved in the revitalization efforts in your neighborhood.”
He wasn’t so easily convinced. “And what do you want to use the building for?”
Ms. Monroe smiled. “We don’t want the building itself; we want the land it stands on. The building will be torn down, and a brand new visitor’s center constructed in its place.”
Burch stood. He shoved his hands into his pants pockets. Slowly he shook his head side to side. “Damn. Wish you’d called me sooner. I have some new tenants, two guys just moved in. The ink on their lease isn’t even dry. Then there’s the other space, across the hall…”
“The candy store?” said Ms. Monroe. “Very sweet. I met one of the owners this morning.”
“Yes,” answered Burch, “and they’re not going to want to leave. They have rent control, and a forever lease, pretty much.”
“Well, I’m sure a resourceful man such as yourself will think of some way to persuade your tenants it’s in their best interest to get out.”
“You never did answer my question,” said Burch.
Ms. Monroe appeared confused. “I’m sorry…which question was that?”
He knew she was playing with him now. “How much are you willing to pay?”
Ms. Monroe folded her arms. “The property isn’t worth a lot of money Mr. Burch. I think we both know that.”
“How much?”
She shrugged. “Our offer is four hundred thousand dollars.”
Burch laughed. “You’re nuts! I can get double that amount for that building and its land. And if I stay and wait for the city to put money into the surrounding area, the property will be worth even more.”
It was her turn to laugh. “The offer is legitimate…and firm.”
“Well, you can forget it, then,” Burch said.
Ms. Monroe sat at her desk, bringing her hands together in a steeple as she looked at Burch. “How many people do you think will be interested in buying that building if the street it stands on should become…I don’t know…closed off at one end?” she asked. “Effectively making it a dead-end street, with no through traffic?”
His face reddened with anxiety. “If you do that,” he told her, “it will affect all the properties on that street, not just mine.”
Ms. Monroe shrugged again. “The city has to use its dollars wisely, and the mayor has her heart set on that area being the site for her visitor center. If you’re not willing to take our more than generous offer, it’s likely the money will be earmarked for another program, and the visitor’s center will go up regardless—possibly even renovating the area surrounding the land that we just weren’t able to clear for that purpose.”
Burch looked at her sideways. The doubt was clear on his face. “You’re telling me the city would cancel its plans if it doesn’t get my building?”
“Oh no. I’m telling you that the surrounding area would be upgraded, but there probably wouldn’t be enough money to include your area. Hence the dead end we find ourselves at now.”
Burch’s face went even redder. “That’s extortion.”
Ms. Monroe laughed. “In my line of work, it’s called ‘negotiating a deal that’s beneficial to all parties concerned, by whatever means necessary.’” Her tone turned serious. “We’re looking to break ground in mid-February.”
“February? That’s only two months away.”
“It is, isn’t it?” she stood and walked to the office door, opening it for Burch to leave. Clearly, the meeting was over. “You just let me know if you think you can work this issue out—or not. Either way, we’ll be moving ahead very soon.”
Burch was incensed. He walked to the door angrily, but turned sharply before he left. “Four hundred thousand, firm?”
“Firm, Mr. Burch. But if you make this happen, I might be able to scrape up a bonus…something just for you.”
Burch put on his coat and huffed. “I’ll figure something out.”
***
Jack and Curt were surprised to see their new landlord walk into their office. He hadn’t called first—and it was Saturday afternoon, no less.
“Mr. Burch,” said Jack, standing. “What can we do for you?”
“Please…call me Victor.”
Jack pointed to a chair alongside his desk. “Have a seat, Victor.”
Mr. Burch sat and turned his chair to face both men. “I need to talk to you about your lease,” he said. “I’ve been offered a lot of money to help facilitate the sale of this building. The offer was unexpected, and the landlord is pleased with the amount the buyer has on the table.” He was careful not to give too many details. “However, the buyer wants to tear the building down, which would mean we’d have to terminate your lease.”
The last thing Jack and Curt wanted to do was start looking again for office space. That was one of the reasons they’d signed six month-long lease.
“I’m real sorry to hear that Victor,” said Jack. “But we just got unpacked. We’d really rather not leave so soon.”
“I thought you might say that.” Victor stood. I’m willing to make it worth your while. I could pay for your move, give you a little incentive.”
“Why don’t you let Curt and I talk it over. I’ll give you a call…but I’ve got to be honest with you—we took this space after we’d looked at a lot of other places that were all out of our price range. We’d really hate to be a problem for you, but it isn’t likely we’re going to want to leave, and the lease is somewhat binding to that.”
Victor nodded. “Understood. You’ll talk it over, though? See what might be workable for you otherwise?”
“Yes,” Jack answered. “Absolutely,”
“Very good. Thank you, gentlemen.” Then Victor was gone.
“What are you thinking?” Curt asked.
“I’m thinking that Victor Burch is a huge pain in my ass,” Jack told him.
Curt laughed.
“I’d really hate to have to start looking at places again, but if they’re going to sell,” Jack said. “I don’t know what choice we’ll have.”
“I hear you,” Curt said. “It might be a good idea to check out a few more locations. You know, before we get too settled.”
“If it’s all the same to you, I’m going to tell him no, for now,” Jack said.
“Okay with me.” The office fell quiet. After a few minutes, Curt looked across at Jack, who was smiling.
“What?” Curt asked.
“Just you,” said Jack. “And your plaid shirts. You wore plaid yesterday, and the day before.”
“Sure did, but the day before was blue and yesterday’s was green. Today I’m wearing red since it’s Christmas time. And you’re one to talk.”
Jack looked down at his clothes. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”
“Oh nothing,” Curt answered. “Just that sometimes I wonder if you own stock in Levis’ and Polo.”
Jack chuckled. “Touché.”
> “Did I tell you, my sister is getting married?” Curt said.
Jack smiled. “Your little sister?”
Curt laughed. “She’ll always be the baby of the family, but she’s not so little anymore. She’ll be twenty-five soon. Anyway I’ll be walking her down the aisle.”
“You?” Jack asked. “Not your father.”
Curt shrugged. “He passed away, so I’m standing in for him.”
“Wow,” Jack said. “I didn’t realize that. Sorry, Curt.”
“Yeah,” said Curt. “Happened a few years ago. Now it’s just me, Theresa, and our brother, Cory.
“Nice that you’re standing in for him.”
Curt smiled. He opened a desk drawer and pulled out a bag of mini-candy bars. He shook it in Jack’s direction. “Want one?”
Jack smiled. “No thanks.” Curt dug in for himself. “How’s he doing?”
“Cory?”
“Yeah.”
“He’s doing what he usually does: being Cory.” Curt shook his head. “I don’t know what else I can do for him. I tried to help him get clean. I’d got him into a great rehab place back when you were working the cruise for me, but he didn’t seem to get it. I don’t know…maybe he wasn’t ready.”
Jack looked concerned. “What’s his drug?”
“Coke. He’s had problems for a while, but once our dad died, he really took a nosedive.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Yeah, well…I can only do what I can do, right? The wedding is in a few months. We’re focusing on that for the time being.” Curt reached into his desk drawer again, pulling out a photograph this time. It was a snapshot of him with his brother and sister.
He stood and handed it to Jack. The young woman in the photo was Curt’s opposite. Petite, with long blonde hair. “Cute,” Jack said. “You sure she’s your sister?”
Curt smiled. “Pretty sure.” He took back the picture and sat again.
Under the Moonlight collection Page 46