Matters of the Heart

by Helen Colella

  “Wow. I didn’t know things would or could get done on a Sunday night.”

  “Charles can be persuasive. I’ve learned that when he sets a goal, he’s relentless until he gets the job done.” Sarah stopped in her tracks. “You know, Amanda, he loves you and me, in different ways, but both unconditionally.” She sighed. “Aren’t we both lucky to have him on our side?”

  Amanda hugged her friend. “Yes, we are. And like Poppy always said, he’s the best.”

  The two girls finished their afternoon chocolate fix and headed back to the restaurant.

  The two-hour getaway with her friend, doing girly-things, boosted Amanda’s spirits. She was ready to get back to work. When they turned into the Village Car-Corral, Sarah spotted Nick’s vehicle.

  “Hey, look who’s here. Did you know he was coming up so early in the day?”

  She shook her head. “No, I thought he’d be at work until late this evening. But once again, he’s taken me by surprise. A rather delightful one, too.”

  The girls found Nick and Charles shuffling through a stack of paperwork and engrossed in what seemed to be a serious conversation. As soon as they realized Sarah and Amanda were standing next to their table, they stood and gave each of their significant others a kiss on the cheek.

  “If I didn’t know better,” Amanda teased. “I’d say you two were up to no good. Perhaps covering up something you don’t want us to know about.”

  She pointed back and forth from Sarah and herself.

  Nick gathered the material and stuffed them into his briefcase. “Think about it, Charlie.”

  Amanda couldn’t control her curiosity. “Think about what?”

  “Business. Nothing but business.” Charles feigned a sigh of distress. “Can you believe he’s trying to convince me, us, into becoming a test market for a new product after the first of the year?”

  Amanda laughed. “It sounds interesting. Anything I should know about?”

  “Not yet,” they answered in unison.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Wednesday morning, Amanda and Nick both had plans to be in Denver. He had to spend the day at his desk at Quality Foods; she had a lunch date with her bank friend and a meeting with Jack Haliway. Since time was an impending factor, they decided to travel in separate vehicles.

  “Nick, I gather you couldn’t make any sense of those papers I found in Poppy’s office, but maybe Uncle Jack can. I left them at the restaurant when you gave them back to me the other day. I’m going to stop and get them before heading down the mountain.”

  “Jack might well be the man to know.” They walked out of his house together.

  “Since we’ll both be in town today, why don’t we catch an early dinner before we head home?” he suggested as they approached their vehicles.

  “That’s a great idea.”

  He eased closed, slipped his arms around her, and they exchanged an unhurried kiss.

  “You are a dangerous man,” she teased, getting into her car.

  He raised his eyebrows. “Now that’s a department where I hope you would never expect anything else.”

  He winked and walked to his truck.

  Before closing the car door, she said, “I’ll check in with you late afternoon.”

  He waved an okay, pulled out of the driveway, and headed to the city. She followed, making the turn toward Crestview.

  She enjoyed visiting with her bank friends. They were excited about her engagement and attending her upcoming wedding. She had some time to spare before her meeting with Uncle Jack, so she took the time to stop in the Tattered Cover, her favorite bookstore, and aimlessly wandered about checking out their new books for possible gifts.

  When she arrived at Jack Haliway’s office, he welcomed her with his usual warm friendly greeting.

  “Let’s sit on the sofa. My secretary has already prepared a treat for us to nibble on while we talk.” Once comfortable, he added, “We haven’t had a chance to visit in quite a while. So, tell me. What’s been going on in your life? How’s that fine young man of yours? Have you set a date yet? How’s business? Charles?” He poured the cup of coffee and offered the warm mini-cinnamon buns. “These are still one of your favorites, aren’t they?”

  Amanda accepted the treat with a smile. “You remembered.” Then she took a deep breath. “Now to answer your questions and get you up to speed. Nick is terrific. No date yet. Business is booming. Charles is Charles.”

  “Right to the point.” He laughed. “Maybe I should hire you to do my closings at trial.”

  They made small talk for a short time. Finally, she said, “Not all is well, though, Uncle Jack.”

  He leaned forward. “This sounds serious. Is that why you’re here?”

  She nodded and told him about the break in, the police not finding any fingerprints or clues, and described the vandalism. “Once again, the authorities believe it’s a random act of vandalism since nothing was missing. But, Uncle Jack, after the incident at the condo, I’m beginning to think someone is deliberately trying to make my life miserable. Only I don’t know who or why or what kind of message they’re trying to send me.”

  “I’m sure that’s not true, Mandy. It’s just a coincidence. Try not to read anything into it.”

  “I hope you’re right, but it makes a person wonder.”

  “What’s important is that you weren’t home and put in harm’s way.” He patted her hand. “Is there anything I can do?”

  She shook her head. “Thank you, but no. Charles is seeing to getting the house back in order, and Nick is seeing to getting me back in order. It was so upsetting.”

  “I can imagine. I’m so sorry to hear this. But with those two on your side, I don’t think you should be concerned about anything. They’ll both take care of you.”

  “Speaking of taking care of me, I’d like to show you the papers I found in Poppy’s desk.” She reached into her purse and removed a handful of papers. “There were a few more, but I couldn’t find them. I’m hoping Charles didn’t trash them by mistake.”

  Jack took them. “Let’s start with what you brought, then. If and when you find the rest, we’ll work on them.” He rose and walked to his desk. “Give me a minute or so to see what you have here.”

  Amanda poured herself another cup of coffee and sat back to relax and enjoy the view of Denver against the mountains, from the seventeenth floor corner office. Spectacular. The snowcapped mountains added a special ambiance to the city’s expanding silhouette. Sometimes, when she thought about the urban amenities, she missed its everyday hustle bustle. On the other hand, the mountain’s natural beauty and quiet solitude were often her favorite place to be. How could she ever choose one area over the other when both were spectacular?

  Suddenly, the door to Jack’s office burst open, and in came the illustrious Jennifer Harmon.

  Before she noticed anyone being in the office, she blurted, “Jack, I’ve been in court for two days and haven’t heard the latest about your mountain investigation. How’d things turn out?

  He looked up from his papers. “Look who’s here, Jennifer.”

  Jen stopped short. Her expression lost its enthusiasm. “Amanda. What a pleasant surprise. I see you’ve survived the dinner party.”

  “Nick and I had a lovely time. It was so kind of Nancy and Phil to have such a delightful gathering for us.”

  “Speaking of Nick, where is your Mr. Wonderful today?”

  “He’s at work, but we’re going to meet up later for dinner. Speaking of Saturday night, did your boyfriend get there?”

  “Actually, he arrived within minutes after you two left. Sorry you missed meeting Mike.”

  Amanda couldn’t believe what she heard. Mike? Did he think changing his name would ever make him anything more than what he was? A poor excuse for a man?

  “Ladies, I hate to break up your visiting with one another, but….” He glanced at Jennifer. “If you’ll excuse us, Jen, I’ve got a little business to take care of here. I’ll
catch you up on the details of that other matter when Mandy and I are finished.”

  “Oh, of course. I apologize for barging in like that. Your secretary wasn’t at her desk, and I didn’t know you had someone in the office.” She retreated with a quick goodbye and nice to see you again comment but not without one last snide remark. “Give my best to Nicky.”

  Amanda’s stomach knotted. She forced a smiled, gathered up all the sweetness she could, and said, “Of course, I will. I’m sure he’ll be delighted to know we had a chance to chat.”

  After Jennifer had left, Jack returned to his seat near the sofa. He handed the papers back to her. “I don’t know what this is all about. Appears he had an interest in some kind of gambling venture. Maybe he wanted me to look into it for him. We never discussed it.” He shrugged. “I’m in the dark about the rest of this stuff.”

  “What about the contract with Charles’ name on it?”

  “Nothing I handled personally. One of our junior members in the firm might have drawn it up on speculation. Perhaps Pete was waiting for your approval. Did you cross out the twenty-five percent and make it fifty percent?

  “No, that’s how I found it.”

  “Hmmm. When we talked in the restaurant a while back, you mentioned he addressed the partnership proposal with you. I gather then he penciled in the change with the idea of drawing up a new one. Has Wharley ever spoken about becoming a partner?”

  “Never.”

  “Would Charles have access to your grandfather’s files? Maybe he changed it to fifty?”

  “Charles is privy to everything at work, not to personal files at home. Plus he’d never be that presumptuous.”

  “Well, from my experience, I’d just say one never knows about another—especially when money is involved. And I’d suggest you keep watch. He may not be all of what he portrays himself to be.”

  “I don’t know about that, Uncle Jack. I trust him with my life.”

  “That’s because you’re a sweet, loving person, Mandy. But just think about it and keep your eyes open.”

  Amanda assured him she was on top of everything and that he need not worry. She put everything back into her briefcase and made her move to leave. “I know you’re busy, Uncle Jack, so I’m going to get moving here. I have a few errands of my own to take care of, and then it’s off to meet Nick for an early dinner.” She sighed and laughed. “Life sure keeps one busy.”

  “I’m sorry I wasn’t more help, sweetheart.” He rose and walked with her to the elevator.

  The elevator door opened, and she stepped in.

  “Be sure to give my best to Nick.” Then before it closed, he leaned against the door and held it open. “Oh, Amanda, while you were going through Pete’s office, did you ever come across a folder marked HDC Project?”

  “No, I haven’t seen anything like that. Important?”

  He shook his head. “Not so much. I gave Pete an investment prospectus to look over. I had written some personal notes on it and thought if you found it, I’d take it and pass it on to someone else now that Pete’s not with us.” He kissed her cheek. “Nothing to concern yourself with.”

  “I’ll rummage around the office at the restaurant for that, Uncle Jack. If I find it, I’ll give you a call.”

  “That would be helpful but not necessary.”

  “It’s no problem.” She bid him farewell and pressed the down button.

  Jack Haliway turned and walked away. Just before the elevator door closed, Amanda watched Jennifer come alongside him. They linked arms and headed toward his office.

  I wonder what she’s up to now.

  * * *

  “Before we hit our next target, let’s give Wharley a last chance to come aboard.”

  “How much does he know?”

  “Can’t even guess.”

  “Did Russo confide in him?”

  “Don’t know that, either. But if he’s willing to listen to how he can make a fortune, he may be able to convince her to sell.”

  “What about Dalton?”

  “He’s our last ditch effort. For now, let’s approach Wharley. If he’s uncooperative, we’ll redirect our efforts.”

  “Should I arrange for a Committee meeting and alert our enforcer of pending action?”

  “Meeting, yes. Enforcer, not yet. It’s crucial that we retrieve that HDC file. Let’s see if Amanda can find them for us.”

  “I hear every word you saying and those you’re not.”

  “Should we be concerned?”

  “No, we’re still ahead of the game. Keep the faith.”

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Amanda and Charles sat in the office discussing the restaurant’s holiday plans. Both knew this year’s Christmas season would hold both the joy of the season and the sadness of Pete not being there for everyone. Santa-Russo wouldn’t be there dressed in full attire—red suit, black boots and white beard to greet the children on Saturdays throughout the month of December.

  After weighing the pros and cons of what they should do or not do, she agreed to continue her grandfather’s tradition. “Thing are already in motion. Poppy had a standing arrangement with the Christmas carolers, The Denver Brass, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, his actor friends, and the photographer.”

  “Looks like all we need is someone to play Santa,” Charles said.

  “How about you?” she asked.

  He graciously declined. “My talents can best be used elsewhere, especially during Christmas week when we host our week-long celebration and all those office parties.”

  “That’s true,” she agreed. “But we can’t disappoint the children of Crestview. They always look forward to the spaghetti and meatball dinner, the entertainment, and of course, jolly old St. Nick.”

  “The actors will be here playing Rudolph, Frosty, and the Elves. Maybe they have someone who can play Santa. The kids just want to have fun, and a Santa is a Santa to them.”

  Charles offered to call and check.

  “Hold on to that thought, Charlie. I might have a better idea.” She picked up the phone and dialed. “Hi. It’s just me asking for a small favor.” She paused then explained. “Now, since you are born with the proper name, and I have the proper attire, it makes sense that you….” She pulled the phone away from her ear so Charles could hear the laughter at the other end. “Thank you. I love you.”

  “Nick agreed to be Santa Claus?”

  She nodded. “Of course. He’s the perfect jolly, old St. Nick! Aside from you, Charlie, he’s the only other person I’d want to fill Poppy’s Santa boots.”

  Charles roared. “I can’t wait to see this!”

  * * *

  The entire staff kept busy over the next two weeks with the winter ski vacationers, office Christmas parties, and last minute shoppers stopping into eat instead of going home and cooking. Charles particularly welcomed the rush of customers and events that fed their business. In his inimitable fashion, he executed his professional skills with style and dignity and made the celebration festive and fun for kids of all ages. Although amused with the new St. Nick, he admitted to Nick’s courage to be Santa. He praised him for his bravery and thanked him for bailing him out of a job he felt he’d botch.

  In the spirit of the season, Nick did his part. He not only carried out his promise to continue Pete’s Santa tradition, but also added a twist of his own, one that pleased Amanda and impressed Charles. He recited two of his favorite childhood Christmas pieces to the children every Saturday evening—“T’was the Night before Christmas” and “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.”

  In the spirit of the season, everyone juggled working hours during the month of December as needed. Their social calendars included time with their significant others and their families.

  For Amanda and Nick, it was his sister. For Charles, it was Sarah and her brother’s family who came in for a ski week. Then, to add to the mix, each family invited the other’s to celebrate with them. Scheduling time for these gatherings, ones wit
h friend and staff needing their own time, became tricky, but somehow, they managed to accommodate everyone—’tis the season, indeed.

  One afternoon, Nick made a stop at the Farmhouse to see Charles. He slipped in through the back entrance, as he often did lately, so as not to interrupt Amanda’s busy holiday agenda. The two men were deep in conversation when she entered the office.

  “Charles, I have a great idea,” she announced as she opened the door. “Oooh, Nick, this is nice surprise.” She walked to him, sat on his lap, and gave him a kiss before he could make a move to greet her. “I’m glad you’re here. I want to run this idea by you, too.”

  A worried glance passed between the two men. To cover up the awkward moment, Charles stacked the papers spread out in front of him and put them in a folder. He floundered for a second then blurted out, “That’s our order to date, Nick.” he fudged. “Just don’t finalize it. We may need to up the numbers.”

  Nick understood what he was doing and mumbled something about needing to meet a deadline.

  “Don’t tell me you two are bickering about a supply order?”

  Both men shrugged and stared at her.

  Charles spoke, “Not to worry, Amanda. It’s all good.”

  Nick stole a kiss and directed the conversation to her idea. “Let’s hear what you have in mind.”

  “I want both of you to be honest and tell me exactly what you think.” She stood and paced while she explained how she wanted to show appreciation to all those who gave their support and loyalty to her and the business by hosting a New Year’s Eve party at the restaurant. “We can invite everyone! Staff and their partners, family, and all our friends. Oh, yes, and a few business owners in town. I’m thinking a buffet dinner, open bar, and hire a DJ. Since everyone will be here, we’ll have all the experienced help we could ever need. Only instead of ‘working it,’ they’d be ‘partying it,’ too.” She took a deep breath. “Well?”

  Nick responded first. “Works for me. Hassling crowds in Denver never appealed to me.”