Page 8 of Best Served Cold

Stacy stared at Tina, wondering how she could possibly be expected to take all of this in.

“Don’t worry, I’ll show you a reputable bookstore where you can find books on almost everything you need to know. We’ll talk more on the way. We need to get started if you’re going to be ready by tomorrow night.”

“Where do we start?” She was almost afraid to know the answer. “What do you mean, ready by tomorrow night?”

“Yes, that’s when Demetri will require your services. And as for where we start, well,” Tina said as they exited the office. “I assume you’re getting a divorce...or are you getting widowed?”

“Divorce,” Stacy said with conviction. She hated her husband, but she wasn’t sure that she wanted him dead. At least not at the moment. It had scared her the previous night when she’d considered asking for his life. It was then that she’d decided to force herself to wait before she chose her revenge. She wanted to make sure whatever she asked for would be something she wouldn’t regret.

“Then we need to get you an apartment first.”

“Doesn’t that take time? Checking referrals, credit history, references, and all that good stuff?” Stacy cringed at the thought. Her credentials weren’t exactly spotless.

“Stacy, you are a part of BSC. Trust me, you’d be amazed at what kinds of doors that opens up. We’ll take my car, if you don’t mind.” She didn’t and soon they were driving down the street. “So, what kind of apartment do you want?”

“Pet friendly. I don’t have any pets now, but I’d like to have the option.”

“Okay, that’s a good start. Some of our clients have been known to be a little wild, and that will help. Go on.”

“I think I want two bedrooms. One for me, and the other I’ll turn into a home office... A balcony with a nice view.” The more she thought about it, the more excited she grew.

“I think I can handle all that,” Tina chuckled.

In minutes, they were pulling up to what Stacy knew was one of the most exclusive apartment buildings in the city. She’d heard people were on the waiting list for years sometimes just to get a one bedroom apartment inside it.

“Let’s go,” Tina told her as the valet approached the car.

“Don’t you think this is a little...” She hesitated. “Um, I don’t think even with the generous salary I’ll be making now that I can afford...Even with the money I’ll be making at BSC that I can just walk in and—”

“Trust me.” Tina smiled. She approached the security desk. “I need to see the building manager.”

“Just one moment, ma’am. If you ladies would have a seat, I’ll check to see if he’s available.”

“Please do. Tell him that Tina from BSC is here.” She led Stacy over to a comfortable looking sitting area just to the side of the desk.

Stacy was confused. Why was she being this helpful? Hadn’t this woman tried to warn her about becoming involved with BSC just an hour before? “May I ask you something?”

“Of course.” Tina turned and gave Stacy her full attention.

“Why did you try to warn me away from BSC?”

“I—I just wanted you to be certain what you were getting yourself into...”

Something told Stacy that wasn’t quite the full answer. “Was it another test?” she asked after a moment.

“Yes. And you passed.”

Before Stacy could ask what would’ve happened had she failed, a balding gentleman of average height was standing in front of them. He ushered them into his office and waited until they were seated before offering to get them a beverage.

“No, thank you. But I do need an apartment today. Stacy, please tell him what you want.”

“I don’t think that’s going to be possible on such short notice...”

“Oh,” Tina asked, leaning forward in her seat. “Shall I call my boss?”

The man blanched. “Give me a few minutes to see what I have available. I shall return momentarily.”

Stacy waited until he left the room before turning to Tina. “How did you do that?”

---