The Killer Enigma, page 10
Jo sighed. “It’s ours.”
JJ groaned. “Needs work.”
JJ needed quiet to do additional research into Thomas and Marissa’s families. Jo left their room and wandered into the sitting area, picking at the jigsaw puzzle she’d given to Lily. Someone had turned it out onto the card table, and connected a few pieces. She had her notebook in hand in case any more ideas occurred. After the discussions with Joyce and Lily the night before, she and JJ had talked about their ideas. She’d tried to capture them all and then started to classify them between ‘must have’ or ‘nice to get’. The overall plan felt doable. They were worried about the permits and title transfer. These were required to make plans for the demolition crews, including the crew to start on short notice.
Lily walked in startling her. Jo jerked her head up. “Jo, why are you chewing on your thumb nail?” Looking around to make certain no one was near, she added, “Don’t you have a modeling assignment when your holiday is over? You’ll want your hands looking nice, I suspect.”
Jo’s eyes went wide. “Lily! Shhhhh. Don’t let anyone hear you. They’ll just get nosey.”
Lily chuckled. “No one’s around. The other guests are gone. Renata’s singing and doing the dishes. She loves country music. Where’s JJ?”
“He’s upstairs doing some research. I didn’t want to disturb him. The puzzle looks fun.”
“Thank you for getting it. Guest will enjoy it. Come, let’s sit.” They chose the comfortable tall-backed chairs with a view toward the front. “Now, what’s the matter?”
Jo wrung her hands. “Tommy said while we were with him taking photos of the property, we couldn’t start demoing or even be there alone until the title change. The title change is waiting for a survey, and then there are permits too. Joyce stressed the timing because we are leaving at the end of the month.”
“Oh, dear, Jo, I wish you’d told me sooner. That’s easy. Joyce is new to the community, so things aren’t as greased for her, as when we old timers get involved.” Lily shot Jo a look. “I wasn’t referring to age either, sweetie.”
“I never thought that for a second, Lily,” Jo promised with a chuckle.
Lily pulled her cell out of her apron pocket and searched for the right contacts. She grinned and pressed the button. Her eyes rested on Jo while the call connected.
“Hi, David. Hey, it’s Lily. Can I bother you for a favor…Thanks, I need you to take a crew over to the old Steven’s property adjacent to Hank and Ann’s and complete a survey today… It’s important. JJ and Jo need to finalize it so they can start renovation…I know, right?” Lily grinned at Jo. “It’s going to be fun to have them here at least part-time…Yes, I can fix you and your pretty bride prime rib on Saturday…” Her smile grew wider. “I forgot it was her birthday. I’ll fix her favorite cherry cheese cake…Six sharp, got it. My treat, David…Your team can get started this afternoon?” Lily shot Jo a thumbs-up. “Great. I’ll call Mildred for the permit and have it faxed over. Thanks. See you Saturday…Of course, candles. Bye now.”
Lily reached over and fist bumped with Jo. “Let me call Mildred at the town offices and Phyllis at the title company, then I’ll be ready for a cup of tea.”
“Me, too! I like the way you cut through the red tape in Magnolia Bluff, Lily.”
Lily brought tea into the sitting room to share. Together they reviewed the list of things Jo and JJ planned to complete before they returned to work.
“Here we go. Whatcha got?”
“Lily, if we can get the demolition completed, can you help round up artists to pick up the materials if they want them?”
“Is this a giveaway thing?”
“Yes, of course. I’d rather artists put the wood to good use.”
“I’ll make a note to get the information out. Also, we have an art teacher who likes to have weekend classes in art. Do you mind if I let her know as well?”
“Fine by me. I wouldn’t mind taking an art session if they offer one next time we’re here.”
Lily tittered and clapped her hands. “We’ll have a ladies’ night, with wine and snacks next time. What fun.”
“JJ said last night if I can pick out the house design I want, we can get contractors to bid on it.” Jo opened her phone and thumbed through the photos. Finding the right starting point, she turned it toward Lily and suggested, “The gate opens to a dirt and gravel driveway. It would be resurfaced at some point, but I thought the front door of the house might face the entrance even if set back further from the current buildings.”
“Makes sense. You can see folks drive in. You’ll have security cameras and a code to enter, right?”
“Security is a big deal. JJ will use all sorts of cameras, sensors, keyless entrances. He mentioned voice biometrics for access too.”
“You are important to him, sweetie!”
Jo felt pleased and twisted her wedding ring for reassurance. “I can’t believe we will have a home to enjoy when we come here. But I still want to eat here sometimes. It’ll be nice to invite you over for a meal and maybe card games. I love cards. Do you think—”
Jo’s question got interrupted by Lily’s inbound call song that played the start of “Let Me In”. Lily seized it from her pocket and pressed accept.
“Hi, Mildred, what’s up?...It’s okay…I can’t come over right now I need to prep for lunch…David doesn’t understand that fax machines break now and again…” Lily covered the mouth piece and whispered, “Jo, if I give you directions, can you go pick up the permit at the courthouse and take it to David’s office?”
“Sure.”
“Mildred, Jo’s gonna head your way in a few minutes and grab it…Well, she’s tall with dark hair, thin, pretty face, early twenties…Har, har, har. No, it’s not a guy, and she’s married. We need to find you a man, Mildred. Thank you.”
Lily ended the call. “Jo, let me have your tablet.”
Jo handed it to Lily who feverishly drew a map and directions to both destinations. Then she turned it around and walked her through it.
“Easy, Lily. I got this. If JJ comes down, let him know I’ll be right back. This is so cool.”
Jo performed a little dance toward the hallway and opened the door, nearly colliding with Stacie Duncan. “Hi, Miss Duncan. Sorry. I got carried away, but only because I’m so excited. My dreams are coming true.” She delivered a quick hug, then dashed down the stairs calling out, “I gotta run.”
“What in heavens name is wrong with that girl?” Stacie asked.
Lily laughed. “Not a thing. She and her husband, JJ, who you and your boss spoke with at dinner the other night, are buying property. They are starting demolition in the next few days. They had no idea how we Texans can get things moving when the need arises.”
“I never realized. What place did they decide on?”
Lily waved her hands. “The old Stevens place. Oh, you wouldn’t know. It’s a piece of property abandoned by the owners some time ago.”
Stacie sagged, groping for the corner of a small table. Lily reached and steadied the woman. “Stacie, are you all right, hon? Do you have medication in your purse you need?”
Stacie swatted Lily’s hand away. “I’m fine. The heat overcame me. I’ll go upstairs and lay down.” Stacie hung onto the handrail like a life raft and stomped upstairs.
Lily watched her ascend and muttered, “She doesn’t look well. Perhaps I should call Doc.” She turned and headed toward the kitchen. “Or mind my own business.”
JJ and Jo discussed the additional information he uncovered with regard to Marissa’s family, admitting some gaps remained. He submitted requests with two attorneys he knew, but it would take time. Nothing that would prevent their moving forward. Gunter had called late the day before indicating they could plan for the demolition while they waited for the final survey. Nothing could actually be changed until the title company completed their package with a formal signing.
JJ inhaled and caught the odor of bacon. “Do you smell that? I think it’s almost time for breakfast. After we eat, we’ll head over to Hank’s.”
“I want to talk with Ann about options for having the property routinely checked. Especially if we add horses at some point.”
“I’m glad you’re planning ahead, but it could be months before we add animals.”
“I know, but I don’t want it forgotten. I also need to chat with Lily on the native plants to make certain where to invest time and effort. We really won’t get any planting done until next spring for flowers.”
JJ tugged her into his arms. “I’m so glad you’re enjoying this,” he murmured into her neck.
She returned the affection. “Thank you, sweetheart, for indulging me.”
They dressed and skipped downstairs toward the aroma of coffee and bacon. They secured their favorite table near the window. Jo retrieved the coffee and JJ grabbed the juice.
At the sound of footsteps, JJ looked toward the doorway. Stacie Duncan peeked into the area, shrugged, and walked toward an open table next to theirs.
“Good morning, Ms. Duncan,” JJ said with a smile as he raised his coffee cup. “The coffee is great again this morning.”
“Good morning to you two. Please, call me Stacie,” she said with a forced brightness. JJ realized the smile from her lips never touched her eyes, nor could she look at his. “Jo, did you meet the deadline you were focused on when you rushed out yesterday?” she asked.
Jo’s hands became animated with her words. “I did. I had no problems getting the papers and delivering them on time. It’s so exciting. Have you ever owned property, Stacie?”
She appeared surprised at the question. “I haven’t. When I was very young, I lived in my parents’ home, but that was long ago.”
JJ stood and pulled a chair over to their table. “Stacie, join us. We don’t need to do a long-distance conversation. If Calvin comes down, he can sit with us as well.”
Stacie picked up her cup and accepted his invitation.
JJ sat. “Where did you grow up, Stacie? I’m not hearing much of an accent.”
She laughed for a little too long from JJ’s perspective, as if trying to decide what to say. “I, um…had an interesting childhood. My parents decided I was gifted and sent me to a girls’ school in Florida. I learned so much and applied to get a business degree. I was good with numbers. I received a small scholarship and financial aid.”
Jo applauded. “I admire those who finish schooling. Well done.”
“Hmm, thank you. So, what property are you getting, and what are your plans? You mentioned the other night you were on vacation here for a month. Has that changed?”
Jo shook her head. “No, we both need to return to work. We bought a piece of abandoned property. We want to create a vacation home. We’ll be back and forth overseeing the construction.”
“Sounds like a full-time job by itself. It’ll take time to get things rolling, I expect.”
“Not as long as one might imagine,” interjected JJ.
Lily appeared at the table. “Sorry for the delay. What may I get you all for breakfast? Good to see you, Ms. Duncan. You appear to be right as rain this morning.”
JJ arched his eyebrows and looked at the woman.
“Ms. Lily, I’m fine. I hadn’t eaten yesterday. I snacked in my room and slept great. I believe I’ll have the waffles and eggs with sausage on the side. I’ll grab some tomato juice.” She ambled to the buffet and poured herself a juice, while JJ and Jo placed their order. Lily disappeared to fulfill the requests.
Stacie returned with her pasted smile. “When do you plan to return?”
“Probably within three months, depending upon work and Jo deciding on the house plans.”
“Yes, I am headed to Ann’s this morning after breakfast to show her some ideas. Plus, she has some contractor connections she wants to share. JJ, did I mention she wants us to get three bids no matter who gets recommended to us?”
“Good idea. Ann will guide you well.”
The food arrived and they dug in. The oohs and aahs suggested the hunger pains would vanish.
Stacie wiped her mouth and set down the napkin. “A terrific breakfast. I need to head out. I have an appointment at the bank.”
“We do as well. I need to get with Hank to map out the demo strategy before it gets too hot. Then I’m hoping we can take a ride. They have a couple of horses we enjoy.”
Stacie stiffened, cocked her head. “Did you say demo strategy? For what?”
“If we can access our new property, we need to decide what goes and what stays.”
A panicked look crossed Stacie’s face, and the rosy cheeks vanished to a white pallor. “How could you close on the deal so fast? It sounds shady to me. Are you sure it’s legal?”
Jo laughed. “Apparently, in Texas, with the right contacts, things can get done in a hurry.”
Stacie trudged away, clearly distracted.
JJ reached across the table with his napkin and grabbed Stacie’s empty glass by the rim. “Sweetheart, may I borrow your cosmetics? I need that terrific blush case, the one with the delicate brush, for a moment.”
Jo shot him a strange look, as if questioning his sanity, but produced the items. “JJ, I don’t—”
“Now hold the napkin at the bottom of the glass while I dust it. Ah, excellent. A perfect fingerprint set. Now for a quick photo.” JJ caught the Cheshire grin emerging on Jo’s face as he snapped a couple of pics. “There. All done, honey.” JJ uploaded the photo. “Did I ever tell you I loved you, babe?”
Lily burst through the door. “JJ, are you bussing tables now?”
He chuckled. “Lily, I was going for more juice. It seemed polite to bring the glass to the bin to save you the effort.”
Lily rolled her eyes. “Fine. Don’t tell me what you’re doing. But you two are up to something.”
“Not us,” JJ added with a sly grin. “But we do seem to get caught up in odd situations when we’re in Magnolia Bluff.”
Stacie and Calvin entered Gunter’s office. Calvin stated in low tones, “Let me do the talking. I know you’re upset. I can work this out and get into the bank as a director.”
Gunter, sitting behind his desk, indicated the chairs with a hand gesture. Stacie and Calvin took seats in front of the desk. Gunter played with his pen, not making eye contact.
Calvin cleared his throat. “I thought we had an understanding, Gunter,” he rebuked. “We agreed NO transactions outside of transactional deposits and withdrawals by customers until my auditor reviewed the books.”
Gunter continued to stare at the blank notepad.
“This young couple at Flower B&B bragged they secured a defaulted property yesterday. If this is how the Bank and Trust works, then you should drop the word, Trust.”
Stacie, unable to contain herself, said, “You did a quitclaim deed for a property with no research or due diligence?”
Calvin noticed her face turning crimson. He reached and patted her arm, which she shook off and then delivered him a glare.
“What if that property is worth more than you sold it for?” She took in a gulp of air and promised, “I’ve a good mind to report you to the FBI, FTC, and IRS, Mr. Fight. If this institution is an under-the-table/backroom deal organization, a second bank would thrive here.”
Calvin snapped his gaze toward Stacie, knowing the damage was done. He closed his eyes, sending up a useless prayer.
The silence became deafening. Gunter stared at Calvin, dismissing the shrew. “I don’t believe we could share a good working relationship. Your heavy-handed tactics, disrespectful attitudes, and vile threats have caused me to reconsider associating with you or your AUDITOR. You don’t get to come in here and let your junkyard dog tell me who reports who. This meeting is recorded. A copy automatically shared with my attorney. I may be small-town Texas, but you, son, associated with the wrong auditor to do business in this state. This meeting is over. Get out.”
Calvin practically pushed Stacie outside to avoid any further fury. In the car, he bellowed, “I’m so mad at you for running off at the mouth! You’re this close to being backhanded. We’re done.” He took a deep breath to reel in his anger. “I’ll take you to Flower. Pack your shit and check out. Find a ride share. I don’t care. You’re fired.”
Stacie rocked her head back and clenched her fists. “Nobody fires me from a relationship I helped build. You’re nothing without my help, so don’t screw it up. We’ve got other bank candidates in this region to work.”
Calvin shook his head with a sense of disgust. “I’m going to replace you. I can assure you the next auditor won’t be stingy with the sex.”
“So, you’ll look at young boys too?” Stacie snapped.
Calvin felt his whole being shimmer with rage, preventing his response. He started the car and drove to the B&B. After shutting off the engine, he slammed out of the car and stormed through the front entrance.
Stacie got out, kicked the door shut, and muttered, “You shouldn’t have done that, asshole.”
JJ slung his arm over Jo’s shoulders during the short walk to their car. “Sweetheart, I brought the spare laptop in case you and Ann want to search for additional ideas for our new home away from home. Hank and I are going to run the perimeter of the property on his ATV and outline the demolition plans.” He opened her door and she slid in, looking excited. JJ walked around and got inside, buckling his belt before turning on the vehicle.
“Great. I want to get the local art folks in to scavenge the weathered wood if they want.” She bit her lip and turned toward him with her big eyes. “We aren’t going to have to charge them for the wood, are we?”
