Page 62 of Backwater Justice
“Should we clean it up?” Isabelle asked.
“If he comes back and sees someone cleaned the desk, he might freak. Let’s pretend we didn’t find it for now,” Kat replied.
The seven o’clock whistle blew, and the place began to bustle. The parking lot filled with cars, and trucks were making their way to the millwork area.
“Let’s go downstairs. See who’s here first,” Kat suggested.
As they made their way to the lower level, Isabelle told Kat she was going to spend the night in Eugene. She needed time to study the floor plans and explore the inn room by room.
“You gonna be alright on your own?” Kat asked. “I don’t think I can pull off an overnighter when it’s only an hour away.”
“We’ll see how the day progresses,” Isabelle said, as she tried the interior door to the office. It was unlocked. Jessica was already at her desk. She had reading glasses dangling from a chain around her neck and a mug on her desk that said, IFYOUCANREADTHIS, YOU’RETOOCLOSE.
“Good morning, Jessica. Funny mug.”
“Are you talking about my face?” Jessica chuckled.
Isabelle appreciated this woman’s sense of humor. “You’re quite the card.”
“That’s how I keep myself entertained.” Jessica snickered. “You plannin’ on goin’ to Eugene today?”
“Yes. I’ll probably spend the night.”
“I’ll let them know.” Jessica sent off a quick email to the manager of the Eugene location. She looked up. “Dickie said to let you know that Bart is going to accompany you.”
Isabelle tried not to sneer. “Is he going to be spending the night, too?”
“Nope. No more rooms. He can show you around and skedaddle back here.”
Isabelle was relieved. She wanted just enough time with Bart to get her take on him, but she didn’t want someone watching every move she made. Isabelle’s burner vibrated, and she turned to walk toward her desk. “Okay, thanks, Jessica.” She didn’t want to read the text in front of anyone else. When she was situated properly, she glanced down at her phone on her lap. It was Annie:
Sasha arriving from Seattle in hour. Stall until you get the go from me.
Isabelle looked around and sent a reply:Got it.
Now she had to figure out how to delay her departure. Dickie. She’d have a casual chat with Dickie.Tell me about your job. How long have you been here? Anything you can share about the inns? Which is your favorite?That would also give her an opportunity to get a better read on him. Isabelle was good at reading body language. She called over to Jessica, “Do you know if Dickie is available?”
“He’s usually getting his coffee about now. You can check the cafeteria. Is there anything I can help you with?”
“No. I just had a few questions. Thanks.” Isabelle got up and walked to the cafeteria. Dickie was at a booth near the window. Bart was with him.This could get tricky.She quickly sent a text to Kat.
Need to get Bart away from Dickie.
Kat responded in seconds:On it
Isabelle approached the two men. “Good morning. Do you mind if I join you?”
Dickie smiled. “Not at all. Please. Bart, move over for the lady.” Instead, Bart got out of the booth and let Isabelle slide in. He was too nervous to be trapped.
In less than a minute, an announcement came over the loudspeaker: “Phone call for Bart Nichols.”
“Excuse me.” He walked to the house phone. “Yeah?” Pause. “Sure. I’ll be there shortly.” He went back to the table. “Our new driver has a coupla questions. Gonna meet her in the yard.” He turned and left the cafeteria through the side door.
Isabelle figured between the two of them, they could postpone Isabelle’s departure for an hour. At least. Bart seemed the type who wanted to talk a lot, but Dickie was always dominating the conversation.
Isabelle and Dickie talked about Milton Spangler and his tenure. “Yep. Been here almost twenty-five years. Started when I got out of vocational school. Great place to work.”
Isabelle thought he seemed sincere. Why would he be involved in something that could ruin his and everyone else’s careers? Must be something huge, and by the look and sound of it, drugs were involved. Just how much was what they had to find out. Her phone vibrated. She didn’t want to check it in front of Dickie, so she began to wind down their conversation. “I suppose I should be moving along. I know Bart probably has a lot on his schedule besides babysitting me. It’s been a pleasure spending a little time with you. I’ll report in later.”