Cultured, page 8
“Why, hello,” she said. “What an unexpected surprise.” Then she seemed to lean back slightly. “Is something wrong?”
Which might seem like an odd question but, in fairness, the last time we saw Allison we were wrapping up the investigation of Emily Patterson’s murder. Emily, Allison’s best friend and coworker and Pancake’s sixth-grade sweetheart, had been shot execution style along with Jason Collins, the guy she was seeing at the time. It had been a convoluted case that ran us in circles, part of that circle including Allison.
“Nothing like last time,” Nicole said.
“But still something? Right?”
Why did everyone think we were looking into something nefarious? I mean, we were, maybe, or maybe nothing more than a runaway adult, but why was that everyone’s immediate go-to? First Bobby Taylor, then Chief Warren, and now Allison. Had we developed a reputation in Fairhope? Maybe a few other places, too. If so, it was Ray’s fault. He always got the ball rolling and we ended up on the front lines, the faces people remembered, while Ray remained mostly anonymous.
“We’re not sure,” I said.
“This doesn’t involve another murder, does it?” Allison asked.
“Probably not.”
“It’s the probably that I don’t like.” She gave a headshake. “Look at me asking all these questions instead of being a gracious hostess.”
“Looks like you’re busy,” Nicole said.
“Big order. A customer’s throwing a barbecue tonight and wanted six dozen danishes.” She nodded toward four stacked boxes. “Those are apple and cream cheese. These are cherry.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. “I’ve got time. What can I get you?”
“Any leftover danishes?” I asked.
“Plenty. What’s your pleasure?”
“Cherry looks good.”
“Same for me,” Nicole said.
“Good choice. Coffee?” Allison asked.
Nicole nodded. “That would be good. Need any help?”
“No. You guys take a seat and I’ll have it right up.”
Soon we gathered at a table. The danish was magnificent and I told Allison so.
“It’s so good to see you two,” Allison said. “But I don’t think you drove up here just to see me and have a danish?”
I guess that answered the reputation question.
“We might have,” I said.
“But you didn’t.” She took a sip of coffee. “Let’s have it.”
“What do you know about Lindemann Farms?” Nicole asked.
Allison’s brow furrowed. “In what context?”
“Just in general,” I said.
“Not much except that my business has ticked up since they moved in. I think most of the retailers and restaurant owners would agree. From what I hear anyway. Their folks come into town almost daily.”
“Any issues?” I asked
Allison cupped her coffee with both hands and looked at me over the rim. “Like what?”
“Like anything,” Nicole said. “Any rumors or such.”
Allison shook her head. “No. None.”
“What about the young girls that work out there? Do you know any of them?”
“Sure. They come in for coffee and goodies all the time.”
“Did you meet a girl named April Wilkerson?” I asked.
“Maybe. A girl named April does come in, but I’m not sure what her last name is.”
Nicole pulled out her phone and tapped and swiped until she found what she wanted. She extended the phone toward Allison.
“Yeah. That’s her.” She placed her cup on the table. “What’s going on?”
“Her mother’s worried about her,” I said. “She’s been incommunicado for a few weeks. Which is unusual according to her mom.”
“When did you last see her?” Nicole asked.
Allison considered. “It’s been several weeks, I think. I’m not really sure.”
“What about the girls she comes in with? Any names?”
“First only. A girl named Lorie most often. Occasionally one named Robin.”
The pair we met out at the Farm. Blonde Lorie and redhead Robin. I didn’t offer that but rather asked, “How did they seem while here?”
“Normal. Fun loving, relaxed, giggly. Like young girls.”
“Anything unusual?” Nicole asked.
Allison shook her head. “Nothing jumps out.” She glanced toward the front door. “From what little I’ve overheard, they mostly talk about girl stuff. The usual silly things like makeup, clothes, music, and guys of course.”
“Of course,” Nicole added.
“I think they hope to meet some rich dude who can make their life perfect.” She shrugged. “Sometimes I want to grab them and shake them and tell them a nice guy is better than some jerk who happens to have money.”
“Did you get the impression that that was April’s goal?” Nicole asked.
Allison gave that some thought. “Nothing specific to her but I guess you could say that about several of them. I remember one day, maybe two months ago, they were talking about Stephanie DeLuca. She’s a local girl and she worked at the farm. Actually, Stephanie came in here with them a couple of times. Anyway, Stephanie met some hotshot lawyer from Florida. Destin or Fort Walton Beach, I think. Somewhere around there. She got married, the whole deal. They—April, Lorie, and Robin—were jealous of her for sure.”
“Jealous?” I asked.
“Envious might be a better word. They wanted to find exactly what Stephanie had.”
Hmmm. Was Lindemann Farms a matchmaker? Is that how Jonathon attracted so many pretty young girls? Did he dangle the promise of a rich mate, or a sugar-daddy? Which brought up another thought. What duties were the girls required to perform? Were they simply eye candy to soften up, or more likely harden up, potential clients, or were they expected to do more?
“So, besides the pay, they’re looking for other benefits?” Nicole asked.
“That’d be my take.” Allison sighed. “I guess I was young and stupid at one time too.”
“We all were,” Nicole said.
Allison laughed. “So true. I can think of a few do-overs I’d love to have.”
Boy, was that ever true. I could think of dozens of do-overs I’d love another shot at. Number one on the list would be Tammy. I should’ve run away immediately, but young and stupid was young and stupid.
“Other than the members coming in and spending money, and the girls hoping to find the love of their lives, does anything about the Lindemann group raise an eyebrow?” I asked.
“Not really. They seem like normal folks.”
“That’s our impression,” Nicole said.
Allison drained her coffee cup. “I’m surprised Pancake isn’t with you. He doing okay?”
“He’s fine. He’s working on this case.”
“Too bad. I’d love to see him. Besides, he was my best customer ever.”
“You’d be surprised how many restaurants down in Gulf Shores say the same thing,” Nicole said. “Particularly Jake’s place.”
Yeah, I thought, except he doesn’t pay for anything, which technically means he’s not a customer. He’s more like a large, unruly pet. One that you feed, water, and clean up after.
“I’ll load up a bag of goodies for him,” Allison said.
“You beat us to it,” Nicole said. “We were going to get him some stuff.”
“I’ll take care of him,” Allison said. “So much I’ll probably need to double bag it.”
It seems Pancake had a reputation in Fairhope too.
CHAPTER 14
RHEA RETURNED TO the lodge and entered the great room. Robin and Lorie sat next to each other on the sofa near the fireplace engaged in an animated discussion.
“Good job,” Rhea said. She settled in the wingback chair at one end of the coffee table. “I think you made our guests feel at home.”
“They were easy,” Lorie said. “Very laid back.”
“And so cool,” Robin said.
Lorie nodded her agreement. “He was hot.”
“She was hotter,” Robin said. “Exactly what a Hollywood star should look like.”
“She didn’t star in her movie,” Rhea said. “She wrote it and helped produce it.”
“She could have,” Lorie said. “Plus she was smart enough to get Kirk Ford to star in it. Major coup.”
“The movie was very successful,” Rhea said. “No small thanks to him, but even without him it would’ve been a good movie.”
“We haven’t seen it,” Robin said. She glanced at Lorie.
“Then that’s your assignment. Part of your preparation. You’ll need to do it before this weekend. I’m sure they’ll be back, and I’m going to assign you two to take care of them while they’re here.”
“Gladly,” Robin said. “Do you think they’ll join?”
“That remains to be seen. They would be a great addition. So, you girls have your work cut out.”
“We’ll be ready,” Lorie said.
“I know.” Rhea glanced at Lorie. “Who knows, this might be your chance to get a Hollywood gig, and I know what that would mean to you.”
Lorie leaned forward, elbows on her knees. “I know I’ve told you this before, we both have, but one of the many things I like about working here is that you, and Jonathon, let us explore options. You make it possible for us to meet people and create connections.”
“That’s because we know this job isn’t your final destination,” Rhea said. “You have your own dreams and plans, and we want to help you realize them.” She shrugged. “Isn’t that what we do here? For all our members? We help them reach their personal goals.”
“I know,” Robin added. “But the members have money and influence. They’re all VIP types.”
“So are you,” Rhea said. “You weren’t selected for your beauty alone, though that helps with the clients for sure, but also for your personalities. Your ability to connect with people and to make them feel good. Special and pampered. That’s no easy skill and not one most people possess. It bodes well for your success down the road. Make friends, make connections, and your dreams will materialize.”
“I can’t imagine not working here,” Lorie said. “It’s not just fun and rewarding but, I don’t know, comfortable is a better word, I guess.”
“That’s fine for now,” Rhea said. “But you’re young, smart, and ambitious. You’ll want to move on and realize your own success. We truly appreciate what you do for us, and I mean everything you do, no doubt about that, but in the end we want to help you climb your personal ladder. Isn’t that the real message behind Jonathon’s teachings?”
Robin glanced at Lorie. “Guess we have homework to do.”
Lorie stood. “Let’s go watch a movie.”
Rhea watched the two young ladies leave. She liked them. They had been a welcome addition to the crew. She had a dozen other young women who worked at TLM, either on the road doing PR, here at the Farm, or off on special assignments, but Lorie and Robin were indeed a cut above. They each possessed an innate ability to connect with people, which made them sought-after companions by many of the members
She walked over to the office building where Jonathon sat behind his desk, locked on to his computer screen. “Finished with your meeting?”
“Yeah, and now I’m making trades,” he said. “It’s been a successful day.”
“Aren’t they all?” Rhea asked.
“Mostly anyway”
“I don’t know how you do it,” Rhea said. “Know which stocks and bonds and whatever to move into and which to flee from.”
“I wish I had an answer for you. I go more by feel than any of the gurus’ metrics. Markets are like wild cats. They can purr and be delightful, or can turn on you in an instant.” He tapped his keyboard. “I guess I just have a feel for when they’re getting ready to turn.” He shut down his computer. “So, what’s up?”
“The new couple. Jake and Nicole. What’d you think?”
“They seem like a good fit. I mean, a well-known local athlete and successful restaurant owner, and a stunning and charming and now a big-time movie producer. What’s not to like? Or do you know something I don’t?”
“Maybe. Jake’s father, Ray Longly, is a P.I. He owns Longly Investigations down in Gulf Shores. He has a good reputation from what I could tell.”
“Does Jake work for him?” Jonathon asked.
“Not that I could find. Definitely not on the payroll.”
“So, what bothers you about that?”
“Not really a bother, just curious. Remember those murders over in Fairhope? It’s been a while and I forget exactly when. That couple that was murdered?”
“I do. It rattled the community.”
“It seems Jake and Nicole were involved in solving that.”
“Really?”
She nodded.
Jonathon cocked his head to one side, raised an eyebrow. “So, maybe he does work for his father?”
“Possible. But I didn’t see any evidence of that.”
“Let’s say he is. What’s your concern?”
“More awareness than concern. Isn’t that what you pay me for? To be aware?”
“You’re way more than aware.”
“It’s just that with several of the things we have going on, I don’t want some P.I. sniffing around our affairs.”
Jonathon considered that for a minute. “Forewarned is forearmed.”
“My thoughts exactly. I’ll see what I can uncover.”
“Are they coming this weekend?”
“I think so. I should know for sure tomorrow. In anticipation, I’ve assigned Lorie and Robin to be their escorts while they’re here.”
“Good choices. Lorie is particularly good at gathering information.”
“I have them watching Nicole’s movie. That’ll be a good topic to open any conversation and put her at ease. Lorie can do that.”
“Flattery is a powerful tool.”
“It is.” She walked to the door and over her shoulder said, “We’ll talk later.”
CHAPTER 15
“THE MORE TIME we spend here, the more I like this little village,” Nicole said.
“Village?”
“Yeah, Fairhope.”
“I thought it was a city,” I said.
“Too small.”
“Bet the good folks in Fairhope don’t feel that way.”
She shrugged. “Maybe, but it’s still more a village than anything else.”
I couldn’t wait to hear this rationale. “The difference is?”
“A city is big, sprawling, and usually overpopulated. You know, like Birmingham, Atlanta, L.A. A town is smaller and more manageable.”
“And a village?”
“A town that’s cozy and cute. Like Fairhope.”
We walked in silence for a full half a minute while I gave that some thought. I actually liked it.
“You hate it, don’t you?”
“What? Fairhope?”
“No, admitting I’m right.”
“It’s such a rare occurrence, I don’t mind.”
“Watch it, buddy.” She bumped her hip against mine. “You’re cruising and the punishment will be severe.”
“What’d you have in mind?”
“Later. Right now, we’re working.”
See why I hate work? It intrudes on fun, which is always better and it’s something I do well. Much more so than work. Just ask Ray.
We left Mullins Bakery, dumped Pancake’s massive bag of pastries in the car, walked back up Section St., and turned west down Magnolia, toward Mobile Bay. Immediately the area became residential with homes and mature trees lining the street. After a couple of blocks we came to the home of Rachel DeLuca, Stephanie’s mother. Lush trees hugged the two-story white frame house. A brick walkway bisected a well-manicured lawn and led to a covered front porch, complete with a rocker, two-person swing, and an orange cat, who stood, stretched, and greeted us as we climbed the few steps.
“Hey, guy,” I said, squatting, extending a hand for the cat to sniff.
Apparently, I was blessed with approval as the cat raised its head, turning it slightly. I scratched behind its ears until it flopped on one side so I could scratch its belly.
“Friendly,” Nicole said.
“Sort of like you.”
“Meaning?”
Before I could reply, the front door swung open. An attractive brunette stood in the opening. “I see you met Ginger.”
I stood. “We did.”
“Since Ginger approves, how can I help you?” the woman asked.
“I’m Nicole. This is Jake.”
“Rachel,” she said.
“We want to talk to you about your daughter,” I said.
Her eyes widened. “What? Is something wrong?”
“No,” Nicole said. “We’re exploring joining the TLM group. Rhea Wilson told us your daughter had been a member and had a positive experience.”
Relief fell over Rachel’s face. “Oh yes. She’s still a member. Her husband is, too.” She stepped back. “Come in.” She wore black slacks, a blousy gray shirt, and a gracious smile.
As we entered the living room, Rachel asked, “Can I get you some coffee, or anything to drink?”
“We’re okay,” I said.
Nicole and I sat on the sofa, Rachel in a chair. The home was neat, comfortable, and well decorated.
“We’re sorry we didn’t call first,” I said, “but we were in the area and thought we’d simply drop by.”
“No problem. It’s a lazy day, and I’m catching up on my reading.” She nodded toward the hardback novel that lay on the table next to her. “So, you’re interested in TLM. What can I tell you?”
“We’re fascinated by Jonathon Lindemann’s self-help and financial programs,” Nicole said. “From what we hear he does well in the Wall Street and investment world.”
“That’s an understatement,” Rachel said. “He’s made a ton of money for Stephanie and James. James Emerick. That’s her husband. He’s a very successful attorney over in Destin. Perhaps you’ve heard of him. He’s very well known in the area.”
We shook our heads.
“Did they meet at TLM?” Nicole asked.
Rachel nodded. “Stephanie worked for TLM doing marketing and PR. She met James at a retreat at the Magnolia Springs farm. That’s where she worked.”
