Page 28 of Enemy Kisses

Though I wouldn’t mind being disrespectful again.

I sigh heavily and tear my eyes away fromthe spot, opening my laptop. I scan the forty-two emails waiting for me. Huh? What’s this? An email from Harry. A level of excitement makes its way through my body, and I quickly click on it.

From:Harry Dubois

To:Mr. Brady

Dear Mr. Brady

We’re back to being formal, I see.

Earlier this evening, I came to speak with you regarding a matter involving your business. However, we became sidetracked by another matter, and I didn’t get the opportunity to speak with you about it.

A smirk touches my lips, and I raise my eyes to my closed office door. Hell yeah, we got sidetracked.

Each afternoon between 4 and 5 p.m. I take delivery of fresh ingredients for my café. My suppliers normally park behind my café for ease of delivery; however, access has been blocked by a truck parked in the alleyway between your business and mine for the last ten days.

At first, I thought it was a one-off thing, but after three days, I began to get annoyed. Now, ten days on, it seems as though the owner of the vehicle has developed a habit. It means my suppliers have to park down the street and we have to carry the stock over a longer distance. A job that took fifteen minutes at most now takes up to forty minutes, depending on how far away they need to park.

You can imagine the inconvenience this causes my suppliers and me. I began taking photographs after the third day (please see attached).

I click on the first attachment and anger burns swiftly. What the fuck is going on? Blaze doesn’t need to park his truck in the alleyway, so why the sudden need to do it now? It’s like he’s trying to cause issues between us and the neighbors.

I kindly ask that you speak with the individual responsible. The alleyway is meant to be kept clear, so this is a breach of the council ordinance.

I hit reply.

I’ll speak with my employee first thing in the morning. I apologize for the inconvenience caused and assure you this matter will be dealt with swiftly.

When can I see you again?

Now I have to give Blaze a second warning. It’s almost like he’s trying to lose this job.

Callahan steps into my office, his face set in stern lines. “Shit’s still going missing, so I’ve set up a discreet camera in the storeroom.”

“How discreet?”

“Nobody will know it’s there unless they know to look for a camera in the first place. And even then, it’ll be tough to find.”

“Good. Thanks. Hopefully, we can get to the bottom of the issue.”

“No problem. It’s pissing me off that someone’s taking advantage of their position and your trust. When we find out who it is, I’ll wring their damn neck myself.” I have a sneaking suspicion I already know who it is, but this will give me the evidence we’ll need to take action. “I’m off for the night. Need anything else before I go?”

“Nah. Go home.” He turns to leave. “And thanks again, Cal.”

“No problem.”

CHAPTER15

–harriet–

It’s Wednesday.One of my favorite days of the week. I always look forward to spending my afternoon with Beverley and Frank.

“What are you smiling about?” Matthew asks as he wipes the tables and stacks the chairs.

“It’s Wednesday.”

A crease forms between his brows. “Oh-kay,” he responds slowly.

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