Page 115 of Charmed Forces

“Are you going to tell me who this interested party is?”

“Tom Victor,” I said. “Have you heard of him?”

Markham’s eyebrows rose and he blinked. “I certainly have. Victory Construction has only been in town a couple years but he’s already put some of our competitors out of business. I know he was successful in some of the bids we put in on the same development deals. I’m told he’s not a man to be trifled with and has an unpleasant side. Well, now. That leaves me in a quandary. It doesn’t seem enough to get the police involved, or even our lawyers, but I’m not sure I can fire her either. Problem is, I like Louise. She’s a good employee. She’s got a good head on her shoulders and she works very hard.” He contemplated the tumbler in his hands, rotating the liquid slightly. “Do you have any thoughts?”

“You could remind your employees of the importance of not discussing their jobs outside the company and have them all sign an iron-clad nondisclosure agreement prohibiting them from doing it. That would be one step.”

“That I can do.”

“You could also consider mentoring Louise.”

Markham looked up quickly. “Mentoring her?”

“Take Louise under your wing. You say she works very hard and she says you encouraged her to take classes to move ahead. I know she wants to be an architect one day. She could be a valuable asset to your company if you guide her and take an active interest in her career. Maybe even apprentice her or send her to school. I think she’ll repay your loyalty.” I’d already mulled the ideas over several times. I liked Louise too. Markham was in a place where he could help her achieve her dream, and I thought his company would be the better for it, if he chose to believe in her.

“I’ll consider that,” he said. “Thank you for telling me. I know it would have been easier to keep quiet since the check was cashed.”

“About that,” I said.

Solomon produced a check from his pocket and pushed it over to Markham. “It’s a full reimbursement of your case fee,” he said, “with our apologies.”

“Keep it,” said Markham. “You did the work, even after you told me not to waste anymore of my money. You’ve got a good employee there.”

“I agree,” said Solomon.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a long day at the office awaiting me,” he said, rising, his drink untouched and ignored. “Seems some big developer has dropped some projects and my company has been offered the opportunity to complete the bids. It’s an exciting time. I might even need a new architect,” he added with a smile.

“Good luck with it,” I said. We followed him out, leaving him to walk away. “Another satisfied customer?” I asked.

Solomon smiled. “Seems so.”

“It’s a shame there’s nothing we could do for Angelica,” I said, pleased at Louise’s outcome.

“I’m sure she’ll land on her feet.”

“Then it’s time for chocolate cake.”

~

I stood in the kitchen doorway looking out onto my parents’ yard at the assortment of family members and friends who turned out to join us. In part, they were here to celebrate Daniel’s lucky escape but also for the gossip. It was understandable. Daniel’s case promised to be big and splashy, and we nipped it in the bud just in time. Lily came to stand next to me, nudging me with her elbow and passing me a glass of chilled white wine.

My dad was grilling and an assortment of men — uncles, cousins, and Jord — were standing around the barbecue, gazing at the fire like they’d never seen meat cooked by flames before. One of them suggested throwing on a few extra coals and an argument erupted over the sanctity of barbecue, all of them gesticulating wildly. Garrett was playing a card game with his kids and my cousin, Tara. Maddox and Farid were helping my mom and Traci with the buffet table.

“This is nice,” said Lily.

“It feels so normal,” I said as someone squirted lighter fluid on the barbecue and the flames wentwhoosh!I placed a hand on Lily’s arm, holding her back. I wasn’t sure if she’d discovered a new fondness for fire.

“Shouldn’t it?”

“I don’t know. After the last couple of weeks, it should but... I don’t know. I guess it’s going to take some adjusting. A lot of people were ready to invest in the gossip and think the worst of our family.” I paused as Daniel swooped his daughter into his lap and pretended to take a bite of her burger. She giggled and pulled it away, then pushed it at him, letting him nibble before taking as big a bite as she could. “I can’t imagine Daniel not being here. He was so nearly not here. I can’t fathom losing a sibling.”

“Excuse me,” snipped my sister, Serena, as she bustled between us, crushing Lily into the door and flattening me into the doorway. Naturally, she strode off without a backward glance.

“Okay, maybe one,” I said.

“I’ll alibi you,” said Lily. “Just say when.”

“Did Jord say how it’s been at the station?” I asked.

---