The Reaping (The Reapers Book 1) (8 page)

“No,” I said, and Mr. Wentworth smiled down at me, his tough skin crinkling at the corners of his eyes. Judging by his tan and weathered features, I figured he was a diehard outdoors nut, involved in every kind of mountain sport. His face was wide, and his smile seemed genuine.

“If you have a few moments, I’d like to speak with you upstairs.”

“Oh, yes… I mean, of course.”

But he was already off, weaving through book shelves and end cap displays at a quick pace to the stairs at the back of the store. I glanced at Cherie, who gave me thumbs up, before following him.

I hadn’t been in Landon’s office since his death and, stepping into it now, I felt certain that Landon was just in the bathroom, snorting or shooting or using the toilet. Instead, I met Mr. Wentworth’s penetrating green eyes across the desk. He would not be malleable like Landon, and he might be even more frustrating. I sat down across from him wondering if the firm set of his lips meant “you’re fired” or “let’s get down to business.”

“Relax, child. I won’t bite you. I don’t even intend to bark at you.”

I nodded, not the least bit comforted.

“The truth is, I find this whole mess terribly inconvenient. I’d like to get this all cleared up as quickly as possible.”

“I’m sure I can understand…”

“I had hoped to show up, hire a new manager, and return to my home in Aspen. I own a shop there, as well, and I don’t like to leave it unattended. I had felt that I could leave my nephew in charge here and that he would, at the very least, not take advantage of me.”

The bell downstairs tinkled and the old man smiled a bit, as though he could hear money in that sound. His smile did not last long.

“I’m sure you will not be surprised to know that business has plummeted since Landon,” he spat the name, “took charge.”

“No, sir.”

“Don’t call me sir, Kelsey. Sir makes me feel old. Call me Al.” He waited for me to nod in agreement. “Did you know that he was skimming from the profits?”

“No… I had no idea.”

“Nor had I. He told me everything was fine here, business was just slow because of bad weather or an economic downturn or any number of excuses. He always had an excuse. I wanted to believe him, because he’s my sister’s only kid and I felt he had potential. I see now I didn’t know him at all.” He rubbed his temples and sagged just a bit. “Do I seem old to you, Kelsey?”

“No, sir—Al.” Despite his wrinkles and grey hair, he exuded an energy and determination that made
me
feel like the old one.

“Bullshit. I seem old to myself. Twenty years ago, I would have said no to Landon’s parents. I would have stood my ground and not felt bad about it.”

“You just trusted the wrong person.” I spoke without thinking, and felt immediately that I had crossed a line.

Al didn’t flinch. “Did you trust him?”

“Well…” I met his straightforward gaze with my own. “Not at all. But I’m not…I wasn’t…related to him.”

“I appreciate your honesty.” He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms on his chest. “If I can’t find a replacement for Landon, I will have to close this store. I can’t do that because this is my wife’s favorite. She loves picking out all the…oh hell, the point is that I’ve talked to all the women here, and they’ve each pointed to you as the person they most trust and respect. I’d give you a significant raise, and the position wouldn’t have to be permanent if you don’t want it to be, as long as you’d agree to stay on until I find a suitable replacement.”

“Stay on as what?”

“As manager, Kelsey. I’d like you to clean this store up and get it back in the black so that I can keep my wife happy.”

“Manager?”

“Is that a yes?”

“Are you sure you want me? I’ve never been a—”

Al held up one knobby knuckled finger. “The first rule of business is, never turn down a promotion that includes a raise. If some old coot like me is willing to take the risk on you, you grab it and do the best you can. Unless, of course, you’ve got a better offer?”

“No. But I’m not sure… I’m planning to go away to college eventually…”

“Great, then it’s settled. Any ideas for where we start?”

“Well, the biggest complaint I’ve heard is customer service. I think if we made the job a little easier on the staff, maybe give them a nice break room with a microwave…”

“You want perks when we’re in the red?” Al shook his head. “We’re gonna do this the old-fashioned way. You teach my employees what good customer service is and anyone who doesn’t get in line gets fired.”

I couldn’t imagine firing anyone. But I couldn’t argue with the opportunity I was being handed, and I could certainly use the extra money. Not to mention the fact that a managerial position would look great on my resume when I was looking for a part-time job at college. “Okay, I’m in.”

Al smiled. “Do a good job, and you won’t need that college degree anyhow. I’ve gotten along just fine without one.”

Somehow, I doubted that I would be a life-long employee of Al’s, but I couldn’t help smiling about my good luck. It would be hard work, but hopefully, it would keep me too busy for ghosts and crazy, possessed cops.

A knock on the door startled me out of the short nap I had managed to snatch between an early morning hike with Angelica and an evening work shift. I stood, disoriented for a moment, and walked to the door. I figured it was Angelica, forgetting her keys again.

A tall and strikingly attractive woman stood on the threshold. One of those creatures I had only ever seen on magazine covers, with long legs and perfect hair. She smiled at me. “Hello, I’m Cat Simmons.”

I smiled back, wondering what she was selling. “Yes?”

She frowned slightly. “I’m interested in the room you advertised in the paper. I probably should have called first, but I was already on your street and my cell is dead, so I figured I’d just stop by.”

I was stunned. It had been two months since Angelica and I’d placed that ad on the off chance that someone might be interested in renting the third bedroom, a room not much bigger than a walk-in closet. “I didn’t think the ad was still being run.”

Cat shrugged. “It might not be. I cut it out a couple of months ago when I was fighting with my boyfriend. Then we got back together. Then last week, he split for good, and the lease on our place was in his name. Is the room still available?”

I tried to clear the fog in my brain still left over from my nap. “Yes, actually, we could still use a roommate. The room is tiny, and Angelica would have to meet you, too, but if you have a few minutes to talk, I can show you the room. I’m Kelsey, by the way.”

Cat stuck out a hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

I stared at her hand blankly for a moment. I wasn’t used to shaking hands with people my own age. She just stuck her hand out further until I shook it. “Please, come in.” I opened the door wider and gestured her in.

Despite my best wishes, I wasn’t sure I’d have much in common with the thin, elegant woman who walked so gracefully into our cluttered, low-rent place. Angelica and I weren’t desperate for a roommate but neither of us would mind having the extra cash. Of the two of us, Angelica was the better judge of character, so I wasn’t really paying too much attention to Cat. All I really cared about was whether or not she’d pay her rent on time and not cause any major problems.

“How long have you lived here?” she asked, running a hand with long tapered fingers along the wall.

“A year and a half.”

Cat nodded and smiled. She walked around the living room and stepped into the small hallway that led to the three bedrooms. “May I?”

“Of course.” I followed her, hoping I’d made my bed that morning.

She looked into both bedrooms briefly and poked her head into the bathroom. I had made my bed, but I hoped she couldn’t see the thin film of dust covering every surface. She started back toward the living room and I followed. “It’s so cute.”

I had heard a lot of words to describe my apartment, but cute wasn’t one of them. “The rent is eleven-hundred a month. Since the room is so small, we’d want a fourth from you, plus a third of the utilities.”

“Oh, okay,” Cat said, meeting my eyes directly. “I’d love to take it. If it’s okay with you.”

It seemed too easy and I felt there was something more that should be said. Hadn’t I wanted to ask Cat some questions? But I couldn’t think of anything to ask her. “Um, great. Angelica will want to meet you before we commit to you moving in. We both work full-time, so we aren’t around much.”

“I work full-time, too, so I won’t be in your way. I’d love to meet Angelica. The sooner the better, actually. I’m just couch surfing right now.”

“I’ll call you tonight with a time to meet.” She gave me her phone number and I typed it into my cell.

“Thank you. It was nice meeting you.” And Cat headed out the door.

“Bye.” I started to shut the door, but Caleb popped up in Cat’s place.

“Hey,” he said, his smile anxious. “I ran into Angelica and she told me where you live. I hope you don’t mind me stopping by.”

“Hi,” I said. “I don’t mind at all, but I’ve got to be at work in fifteen minutes, and I’ve got to change.”

“Mind if I wait and walk with you?”

“I’d love the company,” I said as I ushered him in. “Is everything okay?” It was nice to see him, but a little weird if he’d shown up for no reason. Did no one use the phone anymore?

He looked around the apartment as though he was expecting someone to be there. “Yeah, yeah, everything’s great. I just wanted some company for dinner, but since you have to work, I’ll settle for a walk.”

“Oh, can I have a rain check on dinner?” I said as I headed back to my room to change.

“Sure,” he called after me.

Walking from my apartment to the store in the deepening dusk of evening, I expected Reid to jump out of every shadow we passed. It had been too long since I’d seen him, and I was starting to get nervous about what he might do next. I was glad to have Caleb with me. His continuous chatter about what had happened to him the other night after I’d seen him at the club kept me laughing. The walk ended too quickly.

“I’ve got to get to work, but you’re going to have to explain how Jed mistook a German shepherd for a cougar the next time I see you.”

He laughed. “You’ll have to get that explanation from Jed.”

I started to step into the bookstore, but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back. “Kelsey, about that girl who was leaving your place when I got there, is she a friend of yours?”

I almost asked him if he wanted to be introduced, but the serious look on his face stopped me. “She wants to rent the third bedroom. I just met her. Why, do you know her?”

“No, I… This is probably going to sound weird…I just got a really bad feeling from her. I don’t think you should rent to her.”

“Well, I’m not going to do anything until Angelica meets her, and Angelica is the best judge of character I know.” I was a little annoyed at what felt like him meddling, but he looked so worried that I couldn’t stay irritated. “Don’t worry. If she’s that bad, Angelica will pick up on it, but you only passed her on the stairwell, so maybe you were mistaken.”

“No, I’m not,” Caleb said. “I mean maybe, but just be careful, okay?”

“Yeah, okay.” I started to head into the store again, but decided to push him just a little bit. He was fidgeting and looking worried. I didn’t know him well, but I could tell something was up. “That’s not the only thing bothering you, though. Wanna tell me about it?”

He slumped and suddenly looked exhausted. “You don’t miss much, do you, Kelsey? I’m fine. It’s just been a long day and…”

“New place, new job, making new friends can be exhausting. Not to mention trying to keep Jed out of prison.” I smiled and waited for him to tell me what else was going on, but he just laughed and shook his head.

“I’ll see you later, Kelsey.” He gave me a little shove toward the store. I waved and went inside. If he wanted to tell me what was going on or needed my help, I was sure he would.

The store was bright and cheery, as were Angelica and Cherie behind the register, and I tried to match my mood to the general atmosphere. I wished I could hang out behind the counter and chat and laugh like I used to, but there was too much to do. I headed upstairs to start with Landon’s office and see what kind of files he had, if any. I didn’t have to worry about the accounting; there was a store accountant in Aspen, but I was responsible for making sure everyone got paid and for keeping track of store sales and inventory.

The time had come to start figuring out long-term solutions to replace the band-aids I had established during Landon’s management. I needed to clean his office, and I wanted to create a checklist of daily tasks for the employees. I hoped that a more organized store would encourage happier employees and, subsequently, better customer service. I really didn’t want to have to fire anyone.

The office looked a bit neater than it had during Landon’s reign and I hoped to find that Al had tidied up Landon’s files. I started with the desk and my hope vanished. Each drawer was a jumble of papers, wholesale catalogs, and folders piled in no reasonable order. Obviously, Al had a great deal of confidence in my ability to get the store in order. Or, my cynical side whispered, he was expecting me to fail so he could get his wish of closing the store without his wife being able to blame him for it. I sighed and got to work.

I managed to get into a rhythm pretty quickly, creating general piles that I would later narrow down. I didn’t realize how late it had gotten until Angelica knocked on the door to say good night and give me the money and closeout paperwork.

“I’m ordering pizza, so there will be dinner waiting for you when you get home. Don’t work too late, or I’ll bring the pizza over here, force you to eat it, and drag you home.”

I laughed and wished I could go with her, but there was just too much to do and the sooner I got it done, the sooner I could work on getting the store back in the black. “Thanks, sweetie. I’ll see you soon.”

Angelica gave me a quick hug and hurried out of the shop. She never liked to stay there longer than absolutely necessary.