Page 41 of Bad Seed

Josie’s phone was buzzing, but she was ignoring it. She just kept looking at her brother. He was eight years younger, but after their parents divorced, they both stayed with their dad. It had been the saving grace for both of them.

After Josie became famous, her mother tried to come back into her life, but Josie didn’t buckle. And then last year their father died. Alex graduated collegein December and was coming to live with Josie while he began job hunting. Then this happened. Josie was so grateful she hadn’t lost him, too, that for the first couple of days, all she’d done was look at him and cry about what might have been. But that fear had finally passed, and watching Alex plow through the sweet roll made her happy.

“Guess what else I found out about Brendan Pope. He’s the head pastry chef at the Serenity Inn. That’s where I’m hosting a fan-club event in a few days,” she said.

Alex glanced up. “I think I remember him mentioning something about working there, but I was kind of out of it. So, he bakes stuff?”

“Apparently that skill runs in the family,” Josie said, pointing to the cinnamon roll. “I talked to your doctor. I can get some crutches for you now. I’ll do it today, but you still have to keep weight off your leg until your staples are removed.”

Alex nodded as he licked the sugar off his thumb and finger. “I’m really sorry all this happened. I wanted to spend some time with you, and now you’re having to take care of me.”

Josie patted his foot.

“Sugar, I’ve been taking care of you since you learned to walk. I miss you. Being on the road gets lonesome. I’m so damn grateful you didn’t die in that wreck.”

He grinned. “Me too.”

***

Harley changed from her travel clothes into an old pair of jeans and a nondescript sweatshirt, swapped running shoes for the boots she’d been wearing, and spent a couple of hours at the computer, setting up a spreadsheet for the audit.

Once she was satisfied with the start she’d made, she pocketed her key card and left her room to find the manager’s office and introduce herself to Larry Beaumont. She’d learned a long time ago that, in her line of work, presenting herself as harmless made everything better. She already knew the office was on the fourth floor and took the stairs down four flights instead of waiting for an elevator.

It was simple enough to locate the office from the sign on the door, and she promptly knocked, then waited for permission to enter.

***

Larry was at the window in his office overlooking the back side of the hotel. From where he was standing, he could see the whole of Pope Mountain, part of the creek and the swiftly flowing water that came down from some spring up above, and the back end of a parking lot for one of the music venues. Sometimes when he looked at the scene, he felt the mountain’s majesty. Other times, he felt a threat from its presence, as if it was barring him from getting too close. Today, he felthemmed in, which had nothing to do with his location and everything to do with his family.

He wanted a drink. But he was on the job. Then someone knocked. He jumped from the unexpected sound and then turned.

“Come in,” he said.

The door opened to a woman so stunning that he forgot to breathe.

“Mr. Beaumont?”

“Yes?”

“I’m Harley Banks, the auditor Mr. Caldwell sent. I wanted to introduce myself.”

Larry smiled. “Yes, of course! Come in! Take a seat.”

Harley closed the door behind her as she entered, then sat. It was hard to pull off being the numbers nerd when she wore this face and hair, but she’d become adept at not calling more attention to herself than necessary.

“How was your trip?” Larry asked.

Harley noticed he was still standing. A very male move in trying to assert authority.

“It was fine. My suite is quite comfortable and roomy enough for me to work in. It’s much appreciated. Thank you,” she said.

“You’re most welcome! Good to know it suits. I like to make sure our guests always have everything they need. It’s quite cold here this time of year, so do let me know if you’re not comfortable.”

Harley already knew Ray had ordered it all, butLarry appeared to be taking full credit. However, trying to look like a big shot was not a crime.

“It is cold here, but I’m from Chicago. I left several feet of dirty slush and snow behind me, and more predicted, but Jubilee wears her winter coat well.”

Larry blinked.She’s beautiful, obviously intelligent or she wouldn’t be an auditor, and she speaks like a poet. I wonder if she has a significant other?Then he realized she was still talking and tuned back in.

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