Page 40 of Backwater Justice
“A lot of good it did when I announced the reward for the Rowan girl.” He sighed heavily.
Annie looked at Myra. Maybe it was time to tell Milton that the girl had been found and was being kept in a safe place. Annie shook her head slightly. The fewer people who knew, the better. “Maggie is going to do a follow-up story. Vanessa had friends in Portland. Maybe she’s staying with one of them on the Q.T.”
“That would be a good resolution to this situation,” Milton replied. “I don’t know how her parents are coping.”
“Let’s keep thinking good thoughts,” Myra said softly.
“So now what is it exactly you need me to do?” Milton snapped to attention.
“In addition to Kat Lamont in transportation, you are going to hire Isabelle Fleming to be your regional properties manager. Their last names have been slightly altered. We don’t want anyone to try to do a search on either of them,” Annie explained. “You know how people can be when someone new comes on the scene. They get paranoid that their jobs might be in jeopardy. We’re simply being cautious.”
Milton nodded. “You gals sure know how to plan some kind of operation.”
If he only knew. Myra and Annie had the same thought at the same time.
“We want you to call a meeting with Benjamin and Oliver and tell them your latest request. We’ll bring Izzie here tomorrow so you can meet with her first, then introduce her to Benjamin and Oliver. Meanwhile, Annie and I will disappear, because we don’t want your sons to think we’re running things.”
“Alright. My life is in your hands.” Milton smiled.
“Uh, that would be a bigno. Your life is in your doctor’s hands. We’ll take care of business.”
“I knew there was a reason I asked Patricia to call you.” Milton smiled at Myra.
“And I thought it was because you missed me,” Myra teased.
“Always.”
“We’ll see you in the morning. Say, ten o’clock?” Myra asked.
“You’re the boss. Bosses.” Milton saluted; the I.V. tube slapped against the bed.
* * *
Myra and Annie returned to the hotel. Maggie and Izzie were still at the spa. Annie decided to order dinner for everyone. Kathryn would be arriving shortly, and it would give them a chance to catch up inside their soundproof room.
Annie called Bentley’s, the famed restaurant at the hotel. She ordered steaks for everyone, baked potatoes, creamed spinach, and a couple of wedge salads. “Yes, the works for the baked potatoes.” She knew it would put Maggie over the moon. She opted to skip dessert. For everyone. Maggie didn’t need another pimple, and no one needed the sugar. Too bad if somebody made a fuss. There were still a few grapes on the table.
* * *
Izzie and Maggie returned to the room wearing plush spa robes and slippers. “You didn’t really walk through the lobby looking like that, did you?” Myra asked.
“Ha. What if we did?” Maggie joked.
“I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised.” Annie snickered. “Are you going to change into something else?”
“Oh, no! This is too comfortable.” Maggie rubbed the plush sleeve against her newly restored complexion.
“Don’t keep touching your face,” Annie reminded her.
“Don’t touch your face. Don’t chew your nails. Don’t eat sweets. Boy, are you a bunch of killjoys.” Maggie feigned despair.
“Well, cheer up, kiddo. We’re having steak with the works for dinner!” Annie announced.
“Yippee!” Maggie was overjoyed. “I could use a dose of good, red meat.”
“I think we could all use a dose after this morning.” Myra sighed.
Annie’s cell phone chimed. It was Kathryn, letting her know she had arrived and should be at the hotel in twenty minutes. “Kathryn will be here shortly.” She looked over at Maggie and Izzie, lounging in their comfy spa attire. “You may want to change into something worthy of a Zoom call later. Charles, Fergus, and Avery will be on the call.”