Page 112 of The Pack Next Door
“This is a deconsecrated Lutheran church?”
“Know your architecture, do you?” The man’s smile was tight. “Yes. It’s up in the hills?—”
“An hour’s drive from the city.” Emma flopped back in her chair, a frown forming. “Who’s going to want to trek out there at night?”
“No competition for parking.” He shot us a rueful look. “The adjoining town has like ten houses. Beautiful lighting.”
“Which we won’t see after hours,” Emma countered.
“So we make the launch a weekend thing,” I said, tapping the brochure. “Small, cosy, beautiful architecture and all that natural stone and polished wood. We could soften the floors with some of those rugs you have bundled up in the warehouse.”
“The handwoven ones from India?” She nodded slowly. “I mean, yeah? We have to ask Briar?—”
“Can you take us out to see the church?” I said. I wouldn’t bother my mate with anything, not until I had something concrete to offer her. “If I can take some photos, visualise how the items will sit in the space and check the amenities, thenperhaps I can get Briar to accept this alternative, with her deposit reinstated.”
Lucien’s breath came out in a faint whistle, then he pulled open a drawer, retrieving his keys.
“Let's go and look at the old church then, shall we?”
An hour later I was out of Emma’s car almost before it rolled to a stop. Massive silver gum trees flanked the church, their twisting branches raking the air. The slightly resinous scent of their leaves filled my nose as I marched up to the church. I didn’t know what a venue needed to be fit for purpose, but some part of me knew this was it. My claws raked at my jeans, wanting to snatch the keys from Lucien’s grip as he turned the key in the lock and then ushered us inside.
It was the stained glass window that sealed the deal for me. Emma let out an audible gasp when she saw it. Blues, golds, and reds created pools of colour on the pale wood of the floor.
“OK, I admit I had my reservations, but…” She stepped closer, scanning the walls and the floor, as if measuring the space with her eyes. “I think this is the place.”
That was all the confirmation I needed. As Emma spoke to Lucien about food trucks and security, arguing quite competently for additional services to be added to the new agreement free of charge, I pulled my phone out.
Ring Briar, that’s what my heart demanded. I wanted to video call her and see that line in her forehead replaced by wide-eyed wonder. We didn’t have that kind of relationship, though, so instead I photographed and recorded as much video as I could, so I’d have something to present to her when we got back to the warehouse.
“So, do we have a deal?”
Lucien held out a hand and I wanted to shake on it. To take this off my mate’s shoulders and put it on mine was so tempting, but I didn’t.
“We’re convinced,” I replied. “But the person with the final say is Briar. I’ll put the proposal to her when we return to the warehouse and then have an answer for you by close of business tomorrow. Is that acceptable?”
He wanted the surety of now, and I wanted it too, but both of us would have to wait. With a nod, we all filed out of the church, the sound of the door slamming shut in my ears as I felt my phone buzz.
Cracked pots are a winner, Mads had written.Just got one more person to ask.Briar, I thought. He needed to run the idea past Briar.Might be back late tonight or tomorrow.
Where the hell had my brother gone that it would take him that long to rejoin us? My thumb pulled up the phone keypad, ready to ring and demand answers, when I took a long, slow breath. I didn’t get to talk to Mads like he was a minion anymore. His instincts had been right so far, so… I walked over to Emma’s car and got back in again. I had to trust he had it right this time.
“Thanks for the lift back,” I said to her as she pulled up out the front of the warehouse. Her work day was done and she was headed home, whereas mine was only getting started.
“Hey, any time.” She looked me over and then smiled. “Let's just hope the boss goes for this idea.”
“Only one way to find out.” I got out, strode over to the warehouse, only to find the front door open and so was Briar’s office. She wasn’t sitting behind her desk, nor at the packing bench.
“Oh gods…” I heard her gasp. “What did you do?”
Chapter 55
Mads
Needed an appointment to see this Gretchen lady? We’ll see about that, I thought.
Some buildings I swear they pay the architect to make it look as off putting as possible. The gallery was a glossy white box, complete with massive windows that showed hints of the artworks inside. It looked like a place that was far too good for a hick like me to stroll into, but I had an edge. No one knew the benefits of providing an intimidating front like an alpha. I grabbed the box from the front seat, unclipping the belt I’d used to secure it, then tucked it under my arm and wandered over to the front door.
“Hello.” A perfectly put together woman looked up from her desk as I walked inside. “Can I help you?”
