Page 49 of Backwater Justice
“That’ll never happen,” Benjamin replied.
The four made small talk on their way to the lobby. Benjamin and Oliver went to the valet and gave him their tickets.
“We’ll pull our cars around,” Izzie said, and gave Kathryn a wink. The Sisters were always careful around their marks, but it had been a while, and everyone was trying to get up to speed in a hurry. No pun intended.
* * *
The trip to the main office took about twenty minutes. It was several miles from the downtown area of the capital of Oregon. Things had been moving so quickly, Izzie hadn’t noticed the spectacular mountain ranges earlier, with Mount Hood and its snow-capped peaks looming in the distance.Impressive.Izzie could only imagine how it would look up close. She had been in and out of Portland a few times, but never spent more than a day or two. Not enough time to see anything worthwhile. Maybe after this gig, she and the Sisters could have a weekend retreat somewhere. She snapped out of her musings. They were turning into the S.E.I. complex.
Izzie admired the two-story office building that looked more like a chalet than a commercial shop. It was meticulously landscaped with rocks and trees. Something she would have designed herself, had she been given the opportunity. The wood-plank sign spelled out SPANGLERENTERPRISESINCORPORATED. Smaller letters listed the divisions: Cascade Inns, Interstate Trucking, Geiser Creek Lumber and Millwork. A wide, paved roadway led to the millworks toward the back of the property, where there was a large parking area for trucks. Several other roadways led in various directions. There was no question it was a multi-million-dollar company.
Izzie and Kathryn parked in the “visitor” section, while Benjamin and Oliver parked in their named spots: Benjamin Spangler, Oliver Spangler. No titles, just their names, an equal distance from the front door.
They gathered at the front entrance. “Kathryn, there is also a private entrance to the apartment. I’ll show it to you later,” Benjamin said.
Oliver quickly sent a text to Dickie:Did you do it?
Dickie replied:Almost done. Ten more minutes.
Oliver figured he could keep everyone busy touring the main floor and introducing the new people. His mood brightened. He held the door open for everyone else. “After you.” He swept his arm toward the door. Benjamin gave him a strange look. “What? I’m trying to be polite.”
Benjamin smirked. There was something going on with his brother, but he dreaded finding out.
Benjamin let Oliver take the lead. “Right this way.”
The reception area was paneled in a light oak with a black slate floor. It had twelve-foot ceilings, with several indoor ponytail palms along the walls. It had a feeling of openness.
A young man in his twenties was sitting behind a wood and stone counter. Behind him was the company logo with back lighting. The letters appeared to be floating. Simple and tasteful.
Isabelle totally approved.
“Good morning, sirs.” He gave them a wide smile and stood.
“Hello, Robert. These are our two new hires. They will be staying on until Dad gets back.”
“How is Mr. Spangler doing?” the young man asked earnestly.
“He’s doing well. Should be going home tomorrow. Thanks for asking,” Oliver quickly answered.
“I am very happy to hear it, sir. We were quite dismayed when we heard the news.” The young man had a very articulate way of speaking.Probably private school.
“This is Kat.” He gestured in her direction. Then turned. “And this is Isabelle Fleming. Kat is going to be our on-call driver, and Isabelle will be overseeing the Cascade properties.”
“Welcome. It’s a pleasure to meet you. If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to ask.”
“Robert is like an anchor here. Keeps us in line.” Oliver was being effusive.
“I keep track of how many times they visit the kitchen.” Robert grinned.
“I thought we were keeping that between the two of us,” Oliver joked. It’ssofake.Everyone was getting slightly uncomfortable with Oliver’s ebullient behavior. And so was he. He was beginning to perspire. He shouldn’t have snorted on his way there. He excused himself. “Pardon me. Benjamin, can you take Kat and Isabelle around? I’m feeling a bit off.” He didn’t wait for an answer. He turned quickly and headed to the men’s room down the slate-tiled hallway.
“Is he going to be alright?” Kat asked.
“He has blood-sugar issues,” Benjamin said. And it was true, or so he thought. “Come, follow me.”
Kat and Isabelle waved to Robert. “Nice to meet you!”
“Welcome aboard,” Robert called out.