Page 56 of Healing Hearts at the Christmas Inn
"What about the development company?" Logan asked. "The one circling?"
"That's the third thing," Charlie said. "I need to research who they are, what their typical tactics are, and whether they have any history of... let's call it aggressive acquisition strategies. If they've crossed legal lines before, that gives us leverage."
Jack's hands gripped the edge of his desk. "How long will all this take?"
"The research? A few days if I work efficiently. The formal response needs to go out within two weeks to be safe." Charlie met his eyes. "I won't lie to you, Jack. This is going to be a fight. But it's a fight we can win, or at least draw out long enough to find alternative solutions."
"I can help," Logan said immediately. "Whatever you need. Document gathering, research, and running interference. I know my way around legal databases."
Charlie glanced at him, and something warm flickered in her expression. "That would actually be really helpful. I'll need someone who understands the property and the local context. Two sets of eyes are better than one."
"Consider me at your disposal," Logan said, realizing he was excited about working with her, and pushed the feeling away.
They spent a few more minutes discussing logistics and next steps. Charlie outlined what documents she'd need copies of, and Jack promised to have everything ready by that afternoon. The tension in the room had shifted from despair to something that almost resembled hope.
Finally, Charlie began gathering her papers. "I'll get started on the research today. We'll meet again tomorrow to go over what I find and draft the formal response. And I will need to keep this." She tapped the foreclosure document.
“I’m sure Jack’s fine with that.” Logan’s eye caught his friend’s, who nodded and turned back to Charlie.
"I can't thank you enough for this," Jack said, his voice rough with emotion. "Really. You and your sister have been absolute saviors to us."
Charlie paused, looking up from the documents. "Sorry? My sister?"
"Your sister, Holly," Logan explained. "She offered to help with restorations around the inn this morning. The antiques, furniture, and so on that need attention."
Charlie rolled her eyes, but her tone was affectionate. "Of course she has. My sister can't walk past something she thinks needs a bit of TLC." She laughed, the sound genuine and warm. "And she moaned at me last night and this morning for having to do some work. Apparently, I'm the workaholic in the family."
Despite everything, Jack smiled. But then his expression shifted to concern. "I appreciate both of you more than I can say. But I'm worried about Trinity. With both of you working, I don't want her to feel abandoned or bored during your vacation."
"I have that covered!" Jane's voice came from the doorway.
They all turned. Jane stood there, leaning casually against the doorframe, arms crossed, her expression unreadable.
"Jane." Jack's voice held a note of caution. "How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough." Her eyes were calm but sharp. "Long enough to know you've been keeping vital information from Gran and me. A foreclosure notice, Dad? And you didn't think we needed to know?"
The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees.
But before Jack could respond, Jane's gaze shifted to Charlie and Logan. "Thank you. Both of you. For helping. For caring about this place, especially you, Charlie, and your sister. The two of you barely know us, and you’ve extended your help.”
"It's our pleasure," Charlie said softly.
"And don't worry about Trinity," Jane continued, her voice warming slightly. "She's helping me with the ballroom, and she's roped her new friend Maddy into it. They're having a great time planning and decorating."
"I hope she's not in your way," Charlie said, concerned.
"Not at all. I'm grateful for their help." Jane's smile was genuine now. "They bring an energy that the place has been missing for a long time." Her smile tightened as she looked at Jack and then back to Charlie and Logan. “Would you mind giving my father and me a minute alone?”
Logan nodded; it was time for him and Charlie to make themselves scarce. "I think this is our cue to leave," he said diplomatically.
Logan stood quickly, not keen to be caught in the middle of what was clearly about to be a difficult family conversation. He shot Jack an apologetic look.
But as they moved toward the door, Charlie paused beside Jane. Her voice was quiet but clear. "Go easy on your father. He was trying to protect you and keep you from worrying during December."
Jane's expression softened slightly. She gave Charlie a tight smile. "I'll try."
Logan touched Charlie's arm gently, steering her toward the hallway. Time to give Jack and Jane privacy for what was clearly going to be a difficult conversation.
