Page 87 of Enticing the Fixer

I laugh for the first time in hours. Leo would punish me for that thought floating through my head. But someday, Jagger might get married, and I can become best friends with his wife. I yank open the door. There. I’ve solved all the world’s problems.

Ann gives me a sassy grin and winks. “Have fun.”

“I fully intend to.”

“Yes. Make-up sex is phenomenal.” Emma grins from ear to ear.

****

When I round the corner outside Ann’s shop, I run smack into Marge Graham, causing her to topple sideways.

“Oh, my gosh.” I grab the shoulders of the older woman and right her before her face eats the pavement. “I’m so sorry. I should have been watching where I was going.”

“It’s fine.” She clutches her purse while juggling two canvas shopping bags. Her gaze darts around us as if she’s embarrassed that someone could have seen her tripping. But the sidewalk is empty.

Even though Ann’s place is in downtown Kansas City, The Plaza area is like a small town’s downtown. When evening hits, the streets go bare unless it’s in front of a restaurant. The only vehicles on the street are mine and Marge’s black Mercedes.

“I’m surprised to see you down here so late.” I step back to give her some room.

“Oh….” Her face flushes a cute pink as she tucks a small curl behind her ear. “I met a friend for a late lunch.” She points down the street to the restaurant two blocks away. “I had picked up some things for my niece and then met my friend. The parking spaces were all full when I arrived, but now, they’re empty.”

“It gets unoccupied quickly.” I wrap my arms around me to fight off the stiff breeze blowing at my clothes. “I visited my cousin, Ann, at her flower shop.”

“She’s such a….” She pauses as if she’s trying to think of the right word. Not many people would call Ann sweet, but Marge isn’t a person to toss out insults. I’d call Ann sassy and strong.

She clears her throat. “Her store is nice.”

“Yes, it is.”

Marge juggles one of the bags and lurches forward.

“Here. Let me get that.” I grab the black and red sack from her hand and wrap my arms around the outside. A toaster? Why would she come to The Plaza to buy a toaster?

“Thank you, Dear. I appreciate it.” She tilts her head and bites her bottom lip. “Would you mind helping me load my stuff into the car?”

“Of course not.” I brush past her and stop by her back door.

She snaps open the front door and drops her bag on the seat. “Put it up here for me. It’s too much trouble for me to get in and out of the backseat.”

“Sure.” I step to the front door and lean down.

“Right there on the floorboard. That way, when I get home, I can snatch them out.”

I lean across the seat and position the bag on the floor in the empty spot. When I stand, Marge places her hand over my nose and face. “Don’t move.”

What?My forehead wrinkles as I try and understand what’s going on. I rotate my head to the left and gag.What’s that smell?My stomach rolls.I’m going to get sick.I lift my arm to push her away.

What’s happening? I look down. My arm isn’t working. Why isn’t my arm working? It remains by my side as my knees buckle.

A thud sound comes from the sidewalk.My cell phone.I stare at the black rectangular object. I can’t call Leo. He won’t know what happened. I’ve got to get my phone. As if she senses where my attention is directed, she steps on the screen, putting her full weight on it and causing a snapping sound.

“Dear, don’t struggle. It won’t do you any good.”

I open my mouth, but it’s the same as my arm. It doesn’t move. Or I don’t think it moves. Either way, nothing comes out.

“They told you to sell the business, but you kept fighting it. Just like your father. Two stubborn souls.” She pushes hard on my back, shoving me forward. I land in a heap on top of the bags as the heel of my shoe snaps. The toaster box cuts into my stomach, but I can’t move to stop the pain.

“Don’t stress, Dear. I just need your undivided attention for a few hours. When the board meets tomorrow afternoon, you’ll get on the phone, say you’re out of town, but you’ve had a change of heart and signed everything.”

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