Page 12 of Midnight Secrets

With a curious frown, I slid the folder closer and opened it. After the first few lines, I could tell it was a business plan.

I glanced up at her, shock making my eyes round. “You want to expand the coffeeshop?”

Giving me a bright smile, she nodded. “Mr. Shuman is moving out of the space next door. I want to turn The Cozy Cup into a café.”

Quickly, I read through her plan. It was sound. “I like it. You’re sure that’s the price you can get for his space?”

“Yes. He contacted Miranda Bennett to give him a selling price.” She wrinkled her nose in distaste. “I wanted to tell him he should call you, but I didn’t want there to be any argument of favoritism shown, so I kept my mouth shut.”

I chuckled. “Good move. I can’t say for sure without seeing the space in more detail, but this price seems fair for thatlocation. Do you want me to represent you as your buyer’s agent?”

“Yes, please.”

“All right. I’ll get a contract drawn up. Is this what you want to offer him?” I pointed to the number on the page.

“Yes.”

“Okay. I’ll get on it.”

Mina clapped softly. “Awesome. I’m ready. I have so many plans. I’m going to completely revamp the coffeeshop space.”

“What’s wrong with it?” I liked the way it looked. “Can’t you just keep the theme and add tables for the café?”

“I could, but it’s a little dated. I want to lighten it up a bit. Make it more farmhouse cozy instead of the nautical cozy it’s got going on right now. You know I didn’t do much to it when I bought it five years ago.”

“I know. But you realize this is an ocean town, right?”

“Yes. But I think a lighter color palette and a lot of greenery will go over well with the patrons. And I want to ditch the driftwood decorations.”

I frowned. “You’re keeping your counter, though, right?” Her hand-hewn checkout counter was gorgeous.

She gave me a horrified look. “I’m not crazy. That thing is a work of art.”

A smile crossed my face. “Good. I think the townsfolk would riot if you did. And I’d lead the charge.”

Mina laughed. “You would.”

Grinning, I closed the folder, then tapped it with one hot-pink fingernail. “Can I keep this for now?”

“Yep. I was hoping you’d jump onboard. That copy is for you.”

“Perfect. I’ll work on the paperwork later this afternoon.”

“Great.” Mina gathered the handles on her bag and picked up her coffee. “I’ll let you get to work. I know you’re behind because of what happened this morning.”

My nose wrinkled at the reminder. “Yeah. I just hope they find Mr. Hammond safe and sound, and that he had nothing to do with his wife’s death.”

Mina shrugged. “The spouse is always the most likely suspect.”

“I know. But I just didn’t get that vibe from them, you know?” I lifted a shoulder and blew out a breath. “I don’t know. It’s all crazy.”

“It is. But please do what Detective Quartermaine suggested and let him handle it?”

I held up my hands. “I’ll behave.” But mentally, I crossed my fingers. I had no intention of sticking my nose into the middle of the investigation, but if information happened to come my way, well, I would be more than happy to ask a few questions.

CHAPTER 6

Ozzie

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