Page 33 of Deadly Peril

That suited her fine. She didn’t need any complications; she had enough going on. Thaddeus took the card she handed to him. “That’s my accountant’s address. You can drive me.” Then she headed for the Jeep.

The drive to the business district wasn’t long, but it gave Jana time enough to feel awkward around Thaddeus. Usually, she’d gab while he drove. But after the evening she’d spent with him, she couldn’t think of what to say. It was silly to spout inane comments just to hear the sound of her voice. And she couldn’t think of anything meaningful to bring up.

It was a relief when Thaddeus pulled into the lot and parked. He followed her inside to sit in the waiting room while she went into the office. Jana wasn’t looking forward to the exchange. Meeting with the accountant wasn’t her idea of fun. And the subject she expected to discuss would make it even worse.

But some things couldn’t be avoided. Her grandfather had left her in charge, and that was for the best. Jana would have hated it more to dump any financial trouble on her grandmother’s plate. She’d take care of things, as she was expected to.

*****

The meeting didn’t last long, so Jana was out in plenty of time for the late breakfast. Thaddeus had driven her to the restaurant, and walked a step behind her. “You should sit with us and eat,” she said. “You can blend in. If you stand by the door, it will be odd.”

The pancake house was filled with the aroma of freshly baked pastries, a smell that was comforting. “Coley’s off work today, so she can hang out a bit. Her job in the medical office has shifts, so sometimes she has days off during the week.”

Thaddeus followed her inside. He was back to his quiet self.

Coley already had a table, so she waved them over. “Hey, back here.” She grinned, and Jana wondered if it was because she was glad to see her, or because Thaddeus was going to join them.

Once seated at the table, Thaddeus picked up a menu then looked across the table. “Good to see you again, Coley.”

Jana pouted; that was more words than he’d spoken to her all morning.

“You too, Thaddeus. It’s good to meet under better circumstances,” Coley said, then looked at Jana. “Did you go to the station and give a statement to the police?”

“It’s scheduled for tomorrow.”

“Oh, well, I already did,” Coley said. “It was short, though. I didn’t know anything. Well, I know you, and that had the officer’s attention. But I didn’t have anything interesting to tell them.”

“I don’t either,” Jana said.

The waitress came by and filled the coffee cups then took their orders. Jana poured cream into hers and took a sip.

“How did it go with the accountant?” Coley said.

Jana kept her friend in the loop with everything and had no reason to withhold information from Thaddeus. The more he knew, the more he might be able to figure out what was going on. Although she didn’t see how the bad news she had would be relevant.

“It’s not a pretty picture,” Jana said. “Running a ski shop is expensive.”

“It’s that bad?” Coley said. “I thought you were doing pretty good.”

“I guess I thought so, too,” Jana said. “But paperwork gives me a headache. I leave that to Alton.”

“He has control over expenses?” Thaddeus said.

Jana looked up at him. “I have given him the ability to handle purchases, pay bills…that kind of thing.” She furrowed her brow. “Why do you ask?”

Coley chimed in before Thaddeus could reply. “How do you know he’s handling things well?”

“I trust him, I guess,” Jana said. “I’m going to review the company finances with him, though.”

“That’s a good idea,” Coley said. “Anyway, when this invention of yours takes off, that will make a huge difference, won’t it?”

“It should,” Jana said. “It’s been such a lengthy, drawn-out process. It’s been patent pending for over two years, but my attorney says that it shouldn’t be much longer.”

“When are we doing the test on the slopes?” Coley said.

“Can you do it this weekend?” Jana was anxious to do the final field test. The profitability of her invention meant so much, as her business depended on it. And it wasn’t for her own future. She intended to take good care of her grandmother.

“Sure, this weekend is good. I’ll make it happen.” Coley leaned back when the server brought her plate.

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