Page 63 of Into the Lion's Den (Secrets of the Northland Shifters)

James Caldwell got the hint and pushed his chair back. “I’ll show myself out.”

I placed my hands on my desk and leaned toward the man, suggesting he do just that.

Caldwell exited quickly. But if he’d come to strike a nerve, he’d hit his target. I knew full well the land and other property weren’t worth as much as five million. If he’d underbid the value, I could have dismissed him out of hand.

But with so much money on the table, I’d have to tell my siblings. I could only imagine their reaction to selling. I was sure I’d have to wait for the punches to stop flying before our path forward was clear.

24

SARAH

Four days later.

Ireturned to the lodge, dirty and exhausted, after another day of Maddox-party preparations. I had just enough time before dinner to take a shower and place more calls to local chiropractors, hair salons, and anyone else I could think of who might do massage or have a contact person who did. I refused to let the Maddox party fail. I refused to let Reese down.

After leaving my third voicemail message, I was unwrapping a towel from my wet hair when my phone rang. “Hello?”

“Is this Sarah McAvoy from the Evergreen Resort?” Thank god someone was calling me back already.

“Yes, this is Sarah.” I tightened the bath towel around my body and sat on the edge of my mattress. “You got my message about massages?”

“What?”

I pulled my phone away from my ear so I could see who was calling but didn’t recognize the number as a local one. “I’m sorry. Who is this?”

“This is Taylor Holt’s manager.”

A prickly sensation crawled up my spine. “Taylor Holt of The Taylor Holt Experience?”

“That would be the one.”

I glanced toward my bedroom door, thinking of all the reasons the band’s manager might be calling. “I got the band’s rider that you emailed. We’ll have no trouble meeting their requests.”

“Okay, but—”

I talked fast. “I’ll be sending you a map with details on where to park and load the band’s equipment. Will a four o’clock sound check work? That will give you two hours, which should be time to grab some dinner too.”

“Ms. McAvoy?”

“Yes.” My throat thickened, making it hard to swallow.

“There’s been an unexpected development.”

“What do you mean development?”

“Taylor has laryngitis.”

My head felt hot. “I’m sorry to hear that. But…he should be better in time for our event, right?”

“Normally I’d say yes, but his doctor is concerned about the indication of some vocal cord nodules.”

I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. I’d heard of that before.

“He’s recommending a month of vocal rest.”

“But our event is in two days.” By the last word, my voice had gone up nearly an octave.

“That’s why I’m calling.”

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