Page 100 of The Fixer

Joy looked up at him, her voice guileless. “Not even the depot?”

Cantrell smiled affably. “Well, we don’t need a depot without trains, do we? The building will probably be the last phase.”

“Isn’t that a shame?” Joy tutted. “All those tourist dollars going elsewhere.”

Cantrell’s interest was obviously piqued. “What do you mean?”

“I may be speaking out of turn, but the space looks like an excellent multi-use building, and in a terrific location too. I realize there’s a lot of work to be done to get the tracks and engines and cars in order, but if the depot renovation came first, it would build excitement for the train. In the meantime, one could take advantage of that excitement. For instance, the depot could serve as a sort of shuttle station.

“Imagine buses packed with tourists to and from Silver Summit. The building’s large enough to accommodate a restaurant and shops—maybe even a little museum that features the train’s history—and it could be a real draw that benefits both the town of Fall River and the Silver Summit community.”

Cantrell’s eyes gleamed with appreciation, though it had nothing to do with Joy’s looks. “What did you say you did for a living?”

“I didn’t.” She smiled sweetly.

Oh, she was good. Charlie was damn glad she was on his side.

He cleared his throat. “Joy is a kick-ass M&A broker with her own firm. She counsels business owners on ways to increase their bottom lines to set themselves up for acquisition.”

Joy looked up at Charlie, a glimmer of surprise dancing in her eyes.

Did my homework, princess.

“So get the depot up and runningnow…” Cantrell wagged his head back and forth, his eyes pointed toward the ceiling.

“Just a suggestion,” she added. “I hope you don’t mind my butting in.”

“Not at all.” Cantrell’s gaze shifted to Charlie. “We should meet. Soon.”

“How about next week? I have some time in my calendar.”

“Sounds good. Set it up with my office. Let my assistant know we spoke tonight, and I’ll do the same.” Cantrell returned his gaze to Joy. “You are more than welcome to come.”

“Why, thank you. If I’m still in town and Charlie wants me there, I’d be delighted.”

Cantrell’s brows drew together in concentration, and he wagged a finger. “You know, it’s rather remarkable but … has anyone ever told you you’re a dead ringer for Zoe Saldana?”

“Why, no. But what a lovely thing to say.”

“Well, I’d better run.” Cantrell extended his hand to Charlie first. “I’m looking forward to seeing you next week.” To Joy, he said, “It’s been a real pleasure meeting you.”

“You as well, Leo.”

As he escorted her to the restaurant, Charlie leaned down to Joy’s ear. “That was quite the show you put on.”

“It worked, didn’t it?”

“Yeah, it did. I’ll show you how grateful I am later.”

“Ooh, I’m getting hot and bothered just thinking about it.”

“We could skip dinner,” he suggested with a waggle.

“Don’t think so. You need to fuel up, handsome.” She waggled right back, sending a jolt to parts south.

They were seated at a prime table beside a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooked a manicured golf course ringed with snow-capped peaks silhouetted against the evening’s indigo sky. After ordering drinks, he leaned across the table. “So what did you think of Cantrell? Aside from the Zoe Saldana comment.”

A half-smile decorated her lips. “First time I’ve heard that one, and I hate to admit it, but I was flattered. Especially after seeing her picture on your bookshelf.”

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