Page 45 of Mail Order Splash

“Good memory. Now, tell me why you have an interest in the seaquarium land.”

“Right to business, I see. First off, why are you referring to it as land when there is a facility there?”

“Dalton, that old building will be coming down. It should have years ago.”

“And if the owner doesn’t want to sell?” I poured him a drink from the tray the chef brought in. “Do you plan to force the owner out?”

“It’s already in the works, shouldn’t be too long. The fines are high and adding on daily. We’ve had a lot of interest from builders that the owner refused to sell to.”

“Don’t you think that place is a legacy to the city?”

“I don’t know, but who cares? People don’t care anymore and a high-rise would bring in more people.”

“Do you really think Miami needs more people? How about more city life instead?”

“What’s this about, Dalton? Before you answer, I can tell you we have several big bidders already.”

“What if we wanted it?”

“You’d have to bid like the others. The fines would be dropped as we told the other bidders and we’d approve demolition quickly.”

“I see. Is that file all there is to know about it?” I lifted the thick folder from the desktop. “Do you mind if I look through it?”

“Not at all. I have to take it with me, but you can make copies.”

“What if the owner could come up with this ridiculous amount of fines, could she keep it?”

“Not likely she would, and with larger interest, we’d just add more on. You know how this works.”

“I do. The owner is struggling and the larger company devours it, with the city’s help.”

“Yes, and that pattern works. It’s all legal. Is the Hawthorne family going to bid on it?”

“I don’t have an answer for you, Edward. I need to read through this novel to see where things are. Why don’t we enjoy this iced tea and those crab cakes the chef made for you?”

I made sure to not speak of the seaquarium again after that. We enjoyed light conversation about his kids, his vacation coming up, and exercise. Captain Ben hovered in the background nearing four.

“Edward, it appears I am being summoned to prepare for my dinner with my aunt

Tonight. It was nice catching up. I will be in touch very soon.”

“Let us handle the current owner, you bring in what you want to do.” He lifted his files and left with a smile.

We’ll see about that, Edward. He is no match for the likes of Kellan Hawthorne when it comes to this stuff. Now I have to get him to help.

I said hello to Ben’s family from the upper deck then slipped off the back to not disturb them. Murphy had sent a text she would pick me up for dinner. She was the life of the party everywhere we went, but she also was the most prompt Hawthorne, at least of the fun ones with a life.

“I’ve been thinking about a big steak all day. Thanks for letting me come with.” She kissed my cheek. “What’s on for discussion tonight?”

“No discussion, just dinner with my favorite cousin and aunt.”

“Sure, sure, but what’s the discussion?”

“Kellan, okay? He’s making me crazy and now I need his help.” I smiled. “I hung up on him earlier.”

“Oh, my God, you didn’t! He’ll be mad for months about that. I wish I could have seen his face.”

We exited the car at the main entrance to the twenty-five story building, recently renovated. Stepping into the elevator with several other guests made Murphy grin, leaving me closing my eyes willing her not to do it. She would always take the side without the buttons.

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