Page 67 of Possess

“What’s the emergency?”

“Starr is claiming our plans on the Wilkins’ remodel are stolen.”

“The hell they are.” Gabriel stormed out of Zeke’s office and returned a minute later. “Here’s the plans, the copyright information, and the filing letter signed and dated by the permit office.”

Zeke glanced at the paperwork. Yep, this had all been done over six months ago. They hadn’t started on the remodel until recently due to weather and not having enough staff.

“Sit down,” Zeke said to Gabriel.

“What are you going to do?”

“Get to the bottom of this.” Zeke picked up the phone and called the Code Enforcement Department. “Hi, Wes. Zeke Riggs here. I’ve got a problem I need your help with.” Zeke outlined what was going on and agreed to meeting Wes at his office in an hour.

“Do you think that will help?” Gabriel asked.

“Yes. We have proof on your plans, plus a bunch of other stuff that Wes needs to know about.”

“Good. I know this new inspector has been a thorn in our sides since he was assigned to us. Which reminds me, how is the Allyson doing?”

“She’s good. We’re progressing nicely.” He’d talked with Gabriel about Allyson, not details, but he wanted to bounce ideas off Gabriel.

“Great. Is she going to join Wicked Sanctuary?”

“We’re still talking about it.” After she’d seen the club, she was curious. Zeke told her what he could. She was still thinking about it.

“Let’s go to the Wes’ office, I want to get this off our plates and get back to work,” Gabriel said.

“Yeah, let’s.”

They spent two hours with Wes, not only showing him the plans and permit for the remodel, including the CAD drawings and copyright, but Zeke told him about the other jobs he was working with Rudy on and the issues.

Wes pulled several things up on his computer and began printing things out. “I’ll take care of this.” He looked at Zeke. “You’re in the clear. Keep moving forward with your projects.”

“Thanks. I’m sorry to come to you with this, but it’s gotten to the point I can’t move forward unless something is done.” Zeke didn’t like going to someone’s boss, but Rudy wouldn’t work with him at all.

“I’m glad you did.”

Gabriel and Zeke left Wes’ office. “Want to go grab lunch?” Gabriel asked.

Zeke looked down the hall. Allyson’s office door was closed, which meant she was out of the office or otherwise unavailable. “Sure, why not.”

“I’m wounded. Second best.” The grin on Gabriel’s face made Zeke laugh.

“You’re not as good looking as Allyson is.”

Gabriel laughed.

* * * *

Allyson threw her bag down on the floor and flopped onto her office chair Friday mid-morning. Starr Construction was driving her crazy. Nothing they were doing was up to code. What the hell was Rudy doing when he worked with them?

She’d recently had an argument with the owner, not the first one, but it was the last one as far as she was concerned. This had gone on long enough. She’d already put in the paperwork for fining the company, but it was time to talk to Wes.

Gathering up all the files, she marched to Wes’ office and knocked on the closed door.

“Come in.”

Allyson opened the door. Wes sat behind his desk, which was covered in plans and papers.

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