Page 76 of Backwater Justice
“And did you purchase any new trinkets?” Myra teased. Annie might have beaucoup bucks, but she wasn’t the type who would squander her money on a car she could rarely drive. After she drove the thing home, no one would ever get in the car with her. Not unless they were unconscious. Besides, it would be a shame to waste such beauty. It belonged on the open road.
“No, darling. But it was fun.”
“I am sure Fergus will be relieved. We’re all relieved, if you must know the truth.”
“Speaking of being relieved, I bet you are feeling that way to be home?” Annie addressed Milton.
“State of mind has a lot to do with how one copes with recuperation. This view puts me in the perfect state of mind.”
“We are so glad to hear it, Milton.” Annie turned to Myra. “I think we should let you chill out and maintain that state of mind. What do you say, pal?”
“I agree. Milton, I cannot tell you how happy I am to see you up and in your own environment.”
“Well, they really couldn’t convince me there was any reason to keep me. My heart is fine. Blood work is fine. And all the other bodily fluids they’ve taken are fine. The heart attack was an anomaly. Nonetheless, they suggested I continue to rest for at least two weeks. I go back to the doc in a week, and he will start giving me exercises to work into my daily routine.”
The doorbell rang, and Patricia excused herself to answer it. It was Dickie.
“Mrs. Spangler. I brought what you asked. But I have to tell you this has put me in a very uncomfortable position.”
“I understand, Dickie, and I surely appreciate it.” Patricia looked over her shoulder. Everyone was still on the patio, and she practically shut the door in Dickie’s face just as Benjamin and Oliver’s cars pulled into the driveway.
“Dickie, what brings you here?” Oliver asked quizzically.
“Your mother forgot something at the office and asked me to drop it by.” He couldn’t look at either of them.
“Did you see Dad?” Benjamin asked.
“No. Your folks have company, and I didn’t want to intrude.” He left out the part that he wasn’t invited in. “Gotta run. Have a good evening.” He could feel Oliver’s eyes burning a hole through the back of his head. He had to get that woman out of Blaine.
* * *
As Myra and Annie were leaving, they exchanged pleasantries with Oliver and Benjamin. Oliver placed his hand on Annie’s elbow. “That was fun today.”
Annie knew he was fishing for some kind of answer. “Yes. Thank you. Very much so. See you tomorrow.”
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
Eugene
That Same Day
Bart politely introduced Isabelle to the staff. “We’re short an assistant manager right now. He usually worked the night shift. But these fine people are covering until we get a replacement. Of course, they’re getting overtime.” He chuckled.
“Nice to meet all of you.” Isabelle nodded. “I’m just here on a temporary basis until Mr. Spangler is ready to get back to work. My purpose is to make sure everyone has what they need and that things keep moving along smoothly. From what I’ve gathered, with the exception of the assistant manager, this is a well-run operation.”
There were a few head bobs and a few side glances. She wondered how many of the employees knew about the former assistant manager’s indiscretion. Probably everyone. There were only ten on staff, and the place wasn’t massive. “I’ll be spending the night, so if anyone wants to discuss anything with me, I am available until tomorrow afternoon.”
Murmurs of thanks and acknowledgment buzzed through the group. “Well, let’s not give Isabelle a bad impression. I’m sure you all have work to do.” Bart chuckled. The group dispersed, and Bart continued to show Isabelle the facility, hoping she wouldn’t want to see the laundry area. But alas, she asked when they finished their rounds.
“Bart, where are the laundry facilities?”
“We had a problem with a few of the machines. Backed up and flooded the area. We had someone come in to clean it up, but we’re sending out the linens to a commercial place for the time being.”
“How long will it take before it’s operational? Sending to an outside service must be costly. I’ll have to check to see if insurance will cover it.” She pulled out a small notepad and jotted something down.
Bart was nervous. There wasn’t a leak, but theyweresending the laundry out until he could pack up the powder machine and get it out of there. He knew he had to wait until Isabelle was asleep. He could lie and say he wanted to check on the status of the room, but she might want to tag along. No, it was better if he pretended to leave and then snuck back later that night. He was supposed to be keeping an eye on her, anyway, but he’d have to sleep in his truck.
In the meantime, Annie phoned Geiser Creek and ordered lumber to be delivered to Eugene, today! She used one of her business names, so as not to draw any attention to herself. If Sasha was tailing Bart, and Eileen was on Dickie, Annie and Myra wanted to be sure Isabelle had some backup. As soon as Dickie heard there was an immediate delivery required, he notified Kat. “Get your gear. You’ve got a run to Eugene. Some V.A. project, and they need a few more pieces. Box truck oughta do it.”