Page 35 of A Taste of Trouble

“Is there anything you need me to do?”

She could have asked Nancy to do a million things throughout this process, but she hadn't. She wanted to do this all on her own. But maybe Jake was right. Maybe asking for help didn't make her look weak. And maybe people just wanted to help you out of the kindness of their heart. Not because they wanted something in return.

“Actually, Nancy. I was wondering if I could use your fax machine. I need to send in the copy for a newspaper ad I took out next week.”

“I can do that for you. Just give me the number and I will fax it away within the hour.”

“You wouldn't mind?” Of course she didn't mind.

“Nonsense. Just make sure it's all correct.” She winked.

“I checked it last night. It's ready to go.” With a smile, she ran to her office and pulled out the paper. “Here is the f

ax number. All you have to do is send it through. I've made a cover letter and everything.”

Nancy gave her a reassuring smile. “I have one stop to make first, and then I will get it done.”

“Thank you.”

Her chest swelled. She had no idea why she was so lucky to have such supportive family and friends.

“Anything for you.” Nancy walked toward the door, but not before lightly resting her hand on Liv's shoulder. “If you need me, I'm just a phone call away.”

Just as Nancy walked through the front door, someone else entered.

“Ms. Crawford?”

“I'm Olivia Crawford.” She stuck out her hand, but the man didn't take it. Instead, he offered her his business card. She was all too familiar with that move.

“Ben Barnes with the City of Toronto. I'm a building inspector, here to do a routine walkthrough.”

“Go for it.” She threw her arms in the air. Why not add something else to the list? “Let me know if you need me.”

Ben did his own thing. He didn't give her the heebie-jeebies like Cross. He was casual, relaxed, and he seemed easy-going.

Ben pointed to the locked door. “Ms. Crawford, do you know what's down here?”

“It goes down to the basement. I have a key.” She ran into the office and grabbed the set of keys her landlord, Mr. Luko, had left her. She opened the door for Ben and he trudged downstairs. “I'll be in the front if you need me,” she hollered.

He nodded and disappeared to the left at the bottom of the stairs.

Two minutes later, she heard four words that made her stomach clench. “I have bad news.”

Ben stood in the doorway to the kitchen, holding open the curtain. “The City has really cracked down on the condition of wiring, and the stuff in your basement is going to have to be replaced.”

“My landlord assured me that everything is safe.”

“It may be safe, but the wiring is way out of date. I'm surprised you could even find insurance for this place.”

“My landlord recommended a company.” The inspector gave her a sympathetic look. Of course Mr. Luko recommended the company. He probably had the insurance company in his pocket along with the former building inspector.

“This is my first time visiting this building. The regular inspector retired, and it seemed as though he never bothered to advise your landlord of the by-law changes over the years.” By the look on Ben's face, she could tell he didn't believe that for a minute, but what was he supposed to say?

“Fantastic. Just what I need.” She held back tears in front of the surprisingly kind stranger.

“Look, I'm not going to shut you down, but the work needs to be done. I'll be letting your landlord know he has a month to complete the renovations. If, at that point, it isn't complete, then I'm afraid I'll have to make a tough decision.”

“I understand.” At least this inspector showed a little remorse. “I'll call him right away.” Liv headed to the counter and grabbed her BlackBerry.

---