Page 44 of Ascendant Moon
The building was nothing to look at, though the property held potential, and she’d wondered why Mr. Blair was interested in it. She watched a familiar vehicle pull in, and noticed that there were three people inside. They approached, each carrying a notebook and pen. Ben greeted her warmly.
“Good morning, Carol Jo. You remember Nolan and Tom, I’m sure.”
She shook their hands, metal bracelets jangling in the breeze.
“I do indeed! It’s so good to see you all again, and after the miracles you performed at the Delta Avenue Apartments, I can only imagine what you might do with this place.”
Ben smiled, knowing her investment in that property was producing a significant source of income.
“We’d like to take a closer look at the exterior first, and then we’ll join you inside.”
She readily agreed.
“Take your time, but watch your step. The property has been vacant for some time and is overgrown.”
Carol Jo and her husband, Larry, had already done a walk-about yesterday, noting anything that might be useful in negotiations. Structurally, it appeared to be in decent shape, though it needed minor repairs and a facelift at minimum. The guest rooms, however, were hopelessly worn and out of date. In her opinion, it would be easier to tear the thing down and start over, but the location simply wouldn’t support a thriving motel in this day andage. Perhaps Blair intended to do just that, and use the property for some of his lovely homes instead.
She waited in a plain but serviceable lobby, leaning against the faded check-in desk until the trio arrived for a grand tour. Behind it lay a small office, storage, and the laundry area—all sandwiched between two rectangular wings on either side, each containing fifteen identical guest rooms. After only a few minutes, the men walked in and Ben asked for some basic information. As always, Carol Jo came prepared.
“The building dates back to 1971 and was a thriving family-owned business for many years, catering to vacationers from the lower peninsula. As other places opened up in the region, the motel was never able to keep a steady clientele. I’m sorry to say that the owner passed away late last year, and the property now belongs to his grandson. Mr. Hurst lives in Tennessee, and travels widely for his employer. He isn’t interested in keeping the property and there have been no offers or showings until now.”
Ben nodded, hoping the circumstances would be to his advantage.
“I’m thinking the land itself has a lot more value than the building or business, but let’s take a look.”
Using the master key, Carol Jo opened each door in turn, giving the men a quick look. The rooms were all the same: bland, outdated, musty, and thread-bare. Two in the east wing had some minor water damage, and Ben acknowledged that they’d noticed some missing shingles on that portion of the roof. She wrapped up the tour at the administrative area off the lobby, waiting patiently while her clients poked around and comparednotes. At length, they exited the building and she locked up after them. Ben gave her his verdict.
“My interest is more personal than commercial, so it may surprise you that I still want the building. Unfortunately, it’s going to cost a lot to make the rooms usable again, and that will be reflected in my offer. Hopefully, you can convince Mr. Hurst that the only thing worth purchasing here is the land itself.”
Carol Jo’s expression brightened considerably.
“I understand completely, and will present your offer as the best he’s likely to receive. I honestly don’t expect him to reject anything reasonable, but you never know how sellers will react.”
“That’s all I can ask. I’ll email you the offer when I get home.”
Carol Jo waved farewell as they returned to their vehicles and left the forlorn property. Her curiosity worked overtime on the way back to the office, trying to figure out why on earth the man needed all those rooms. She wouldn’t be able to concentrate on anything else until she found out what Ben Blair was up to!
Chapter 24
Thursday morning
Following a teaching dream session with Sergio, Jack sent him back to the Quad to rest while he went home to be claimed by William. Afterward, he, too, needed a nap and by then it was almost noon. After lunch, Jack headed to Donna’s home for an information meeting regarding the details of tonight’s turnings. Despite being nearly to term, she wanted to personally observe the transformation of both men, and her medical training insisted that she be fully prepared.
Jack arrived to find that Donna had invited Erin and little Kaylee to their meeting. Given their close working relationship and desire to serve the pack, it made sense for Erin to learn about the turning process. Strictly speaking, it wasn’t a medical procedure, though there were possible complications that might require someone with training. Since the majority of packs, past and present, lacked members with medical knowledge, Luna had made the turning process easy to learn and implement.
Jack started the conversation with some basics.
“Familiar scents and surroundings work best, and the person should not be left alone for any length of time. Jonah and Nick intend to remain with their mates through the entire process, but they will need occasional breaks and meals brought in.
“Most of the transformation is sleep, especially the first day, though they can be awakened to eat or drink, use the bathroom, or go outside to rest under Luna’s light. The forecast predicts cloudless night skies for the next several days and evening temperatures in the mid-fifties. Only an hour or two ofmoonlight is necessary, and the security team will create a safe perimeter.”
Both women took notes while Jack spoke, and Donna began their Q&A session.
“I’m concerned about when the fever begins and how high it gets. What methods were used to control it?”
“Fever begins within the first hour, and high temperatures are rare. Cool cloths and cold water baths will normally suffice.”
Donna expected that answer, but had a suggestion of her own.
