Page 95 of Bad Seed

Ray told him what the asking price was going to be, and Wolf didn’t hesitate. “The price is acceptable. I want it. I want to live close to my daughter and watch my grandchildren grow up.”

Ray was beaming. “Then I accept your offer. I’ll have my lawyers draw up the papers, but I’m giving you a heads-up. Even before you take possession, you’ll be without a manager.”

“I don’t need a manager. I’ll be living on-site. And I offered Harley Banks the job as my global finance manager. If she accepts, I’m moving my main office to the floor just below the penthouse level and she’ll be there full-time.”

“How is this going to play out with Hotel Devon? I know you’re an investor.”

“I’ll have to relinquish my seat on the board and step away, and now that the inn will be mine, I’ll be informing them of that fact.”

“Good enough,” Ray said. “I know this is a little unorthodox, but you and I have been friends for a long time, and I honor your word. If you want, I’ll agree to you moving into the penthouse to take over management even before the paperwork has been finalized.”

“Really? But what about your manager? What’s his timeline for leaving?”

“Whenever the feds show up to take him into custody, which should be any day now.”

Wolf burst out laughing. “Okay…so it’s like that,then. No problem, my friend. I know nothing until I hear from you, and then I’ll make sure the hotel is secure for you until we sign the sale papers.”

“That’s a load off my mind,” Ray said. “And I know I can rely on your integrity to keep this between us.”

Wolf was still grinning when he disconnected. Apparently, Harley Banks found a skunk in Ray’s woodpile. He couldn’t wait to get that woman into his organization and set her to ferreting out the employees who were cheating his system. He knew they were there. He just had too many irons in the fire to find them on his own.

There was a knock at the connecting door to the adjoining suite where his personal security team was sleeping.

“Come in.”

Joe stood in the doorway. “Tex is taking the night shift in the lobby. Rafer and I are up here with you.”

“Thanks. Did you eat?”

“Yes, Boss.”

“Get some rest. Full day tomorrow, and then a flight back.”

“Yes, Boss,” Joe said, and shut the door.

Wolf scrolled through his contact list and then called Michael Devon.

Michael was in the bedroom watching television, and Liz was in the shower when his cell phone rang. He started to let it go to voicemail and then saw who was calling and quickly answered. “Wolf, you’re working late tonight,” he said.

Wolf chuckled. “Aren’t I always? Listen, I need to update you on some business moves I’m about to make. Ray Caldwell is selling the inn, and I bought it. Paperwork yet to be finalized, but it’s happening.”

“Oh wow!” Michael said.

“I know, which is why I’m calling you. I’m relinquishing my seat as an investor for Hotel Devon and stepping out. This isn’t just business. It’s personal. Amalie is pregnant with twins. I’m going to be a grandfather, and I’ll be moving my headquarters here so I can watch them grow up. I lost every bit of that joy with Amalie, and I’m not letting her down again.”

Michael sighed. “We’ll be sorry to lose you, but I understand. Family should always come first in our lives. And it’s actually a relief for me to know that Liz’s new boss will be someone I trust. She loves working there and has been worried about Ray and what might happen to the hotel if he sells. This is good news. However, I’m going to leave that news for Ray to share with her, and I’ll let Dad know about your decision tomorrow.”

“Good enough, and my best to Marshall as well.”

“Of course,” Michael said, and hung up. When he heard Liz turning off the water, he upped the volume on the TV.

***

Harley finished all of her messaging and transferring files just before the storm hit. She’d seen the gatheringclouds and had already heard the rumble of thunder, but when the vicious blast of wind and rain finally slammed into the sliders, it made her jump, and then she went to look out. The sky was black and streaked with intermittent lightning, and the deck was awash in rain.

“Oh my lord! My heart’s still pounding. I wasn’t prepared for that.”

Brendan walked up behind her, then pulled her close. “We’re good, honey. All bark and, except for rain, no bite. I already checked the weather. It’s above freezing, so except for minor flooding of a few streets, we should be okay.”

---