Chapter 12
CHAPTER TWELVE
By Thursday, the cold weather had been replaced by temperatures in the fifties, a change applauded by the community, especially with Halloween fast approaching.
Since her visit to the attorney on Monday, Taylor hadn’t received any more notes from her dad and, even more surprising, no texts from her mother.
After giving herself and Jameson several days to calm down, Taylor showed up at the Elite office at seven a.m., hoping to catch Glenna and Jameson there so she could do some fence-mending. These two people had been important in her father’s life. The last thing she wanted was for either of them to worry that she planned to take over and make changes.
Taylor reached to open the door to the office, then changed her mind and knocked instead.
“Taylor.” Glenna opened the door and studied Taylor from behind her large eyeglasses, the frames a bright kelly green that matched her tunic. “Not sure why you’re knocking. Bob left you his share of the business. You can walk right in.”
With that, Glenna returned to her desk as Taylor followed, closing the door behind her .
“That’s why I stopped by.” Taylor shifted from one foot to the other. “I wanted to speak with you and Jameson about?—”
“Jameson isn’t in yet, but he should be here shortly.”
“Okay.” Taylor stood uncertainly. The coolness in Glenna’s demeanor was impossible to ignore. Should Taylor address it head on or slip into her dad’s old office and leave Glenna alone until Jameson arrived? She had just decided on the latter when Glenna spoke.
“I understand you’re an attorney.”
“I am.”
“What kind of law?”
“Tax law.” At Glenna’s blank expression, she added, “I handled a lot of tax disputes.”
“Did you like that?”
“I did.” Taylor smiled, thinking of her last case. “While I know it can sound boring to some, it’s a complex and dynamic field. The tax code changes frequently, and the laws can be challenging to interpret. My strength was in dispute resolution and litigation strategies.”
Glenna blinked, obviously not expecting that detailed of a response.
The woman had the same startled look on her face that guys Taylor dated had often given her when she’d started talking about tax planning and compliance and—her favorite—evolving technology and data issues.
“Well, that does sound, ah, challenging.” Glenna inclined her head. “But it doesn’t explain why Bob thought you’d be a good fit here. The only attorneys we typically deal with are for personal injury cases. Did you ever handle any of those?”
“No, but the firm I worked for did have a personal injury arm. The guy I dated most recently worked in that area. I understand what’s involved.”
Glenna shook her head. “Well, if I’m being honest, what I don’t understand is why you won’t sell your dad’s share to Jameson.”
“I’m honoring my father’s wishes.”
“The thing is, Taylor…” Glenna rested her backside on the edge of her desk, and her eyes turned razor-sharp. “Jameson needs a working partner.”
“You’re referring to another PI.”
“Yes, not someone to oversee the books and take a share of the profits, but someone who contributes.”
Harsh words, but true.
“I hear what you’re saying, Glenna. I happen to agree with you.”
The woman’s eyes widened. “You do?”
“Yes. My father loved Elite. He was proud of what the three of you have built. I want the agency to thrive. This means we need to figure out a way for me to contribute and how to hire another investigator.”
“And how do you suggest we do that?”
The question came not from Glenna, but from Jameson.
Taylor turned. “Where did you come from?”
“Back door,” he told her. “We normally park in the back. We try to save the spaces out front for clients.”
Taylor took in his jeans and sweater. It was a sin for a man to look that good with so little effort. “Are you working today?”
“Today.” His gaze remained watchful. “Tonight, as well.”
Because we’re shorthanded .
Her heart gave a little ping. Taylor tried to reassure herself that her father had a plan. He wouldn’t be telling her not to sell if he didn’t have a reason. But waiting to discover that reason was putting Jameson in a bind.
“I understand the firm needs another investigator,” she began.
“You may not be aware but we have several PI’s who help out when we need extra backup. But?—"
“Like Harry Delgado,” Glenna added .
“Yes, like Harry,” Jameson agreed. “But he isn’t full time.”
“My dad was full-time.”
Jameson smiled. “And then some.”
“What I’d like to do is figure out how we could come up with the money to hire someone full-time to help you.” Taylor paused, hoping what made sense in her head also made sense when said aloud. “I’m good with business taxes and maximizing deductions.”
When neither of them spoke, Taylor continued. “I could be wrong, but there are legal ways to save the firm money that you might not be taking advantage of. Who has been handling your taxes?”
“A local accountant.” Jameson offered up a name that sounded vaguely familiar.
“Donny was a fishing buddy of your dad’s,” Glenna added.
“I’m sure Donny does a great job, but I’d like to review the records.” The thought of going through the company’s tax records had Taylor’s juices flowing. She could make a difference. “I’d like to start by looking at last year’s balance sheets.”
Glenna glanced at Jameson. He gave a slight nod.
“I’ll email you the file,” Glenna said.
“I’d appreciate it.” Taylor glanced in the direction of her dad’s office and saw his name was still on the door. “Would it bother either of you if I set up in my father’s office?”
“You don’t need to ask us, Taylor.” Jameson’s voice remained polite. “You hold the controlling share in this business.”
True, Taylor thought, but that didn’t make her the boss. Or the enemy. “So, no objections?”
“Like I said, you don’t need our permission. If you want his office, take it.” Jameson hesitated for a long moment. “I apologize for taking my anger and frustration out on you Monday night. I respect your decision to do what you think is right. Your dad and I built Elite into something to be proud of. I’d like it to continue to thrive. ”
“I want that, too, Jameson.” Her voice turned earnest. “This will all work out in the end. I know it.”
After a quick stop at the grocery store, Taylor headed home. It struck her just how much she was looking forward to getting back to work. She wondered if it was the schedule she missed or having a purpose.
A long-ago conversation with her mother came flitting back. She’d been maybe nine or ten at the time. Taylor vividly recalled that day. She’d been sitting on her parents’ bed, watching her mother pack for a business trip.
Her mother hadn’t traveled as much back then, and the two-to-three-day trips weren’t all that disruptive to the family. Whenever her mom was gone, her dad would make his famous lobster rolls one night, and they would go out the other night.
Lynda hummed as she held up several business outfits, trying to decide which ones to pack.
“I wish you didn’t have to go.” Despite the upcoming lobster roll meal and dinner out with her dad, Taylor missed her mom when she wasn’t there. She knew that her dad missed her, too.
Her mother set aside the suit jacket and sat beside Taylor on the bed. “I don’t like leaving you or your dad.”
“Why go if you don’t like it?”
When her mother’s arm slid around her shoulders, Taylor rested her head against her. Her mom always smelled like sunshine. Tears stung the backs of Taylor’s eyes. She really wanted her mom to stay.
“These trips are part of my job.”
“Couldn’t you get a job here? Polly’s mom works in the school lunchroom, and Heather’s mom works at the bank.” Taylor blinked back tears that wanted to fall.
“It would be wonderful if I could find a job that I like here in GraceTown, but there isn’t anything.” Her mother’s voice softened. “The thing is, I enjoy traveling. While I don’t like being away from you and Dad, I love flying on planes and staying in nice hotels.”
“You do?”
“I do.” Her mother’s eyes took on a distant glow. “When I was a child, I didn’t travel at all. I didn’t get on an airplane until I was out of high school.”
“Really?”
Her mother nodded. “I love seeing new places. I also like that when I am gone, you and your dad get to have your special time.”
“But I miss you.”
“I miss you, too, baby.” Her mother pulled her even closer and kissed the top of her head. “But these trips are short, and I’m back almost before you know I’m gone.”
That had been the situation for several more years until her mother had gotten a promotion and then another. The trips that had been only a couple of days had become longer. Soon, she’d been gone more than she’d been home, and they’d no longer missed her.
Oh, who am I kidding? Taylor thought. We both missed her.
Once she arrived home from the grocery store, Taylor changed into her running clothes and hit the sidewalk. It was fun seeing how the neighbors embraced the season.
It seemed like the porches of every house boasted carved pumpkins and colorful gourds and squashes. Wreaths made of leaves, berries, pinecones and ribbons hung on front doors. A house at the other end of the block had a giant inflatable ghost out front.
As she jogged by Chloe’s house, Taylor noticed fake spider webs, complete with giant plastic spiders, had been draped over the bushes.
Leaves in shades of rust, gold and orange drifted from the branches of tall trees to rustle on the sidewalk at her feet. The air, cool but not cold, kept her comfortable as one block turned into two and then into three. Taylor reveled in the moment—the physical exertion, the feel of the sun on her face and the smell of dried leaves in the air.
She thought of her mother’s comment about how much she loved the travel part of her job. If Taylor could find a job that left her time to do this regularly, she’d be in heaven.
Her position at Sauer and Ferrand had left little time for outdoor pursuits. She had no doubt that the already long hours would have become even longer had she kept her job.
Taylor thought of last winter when she’d gone to work when it was dark outside and returned home when it was dark outside. Running, well, that had been done on a treadmill.
She’d barely had time for her boyfriend and even less time for friends.
Working all the time wasn’t a way to live. Now that she’d taken a step back, she could see that. Unfortunately, working long hours in her circle of friends was more the rule than the exception. It was certainly the expectation of most employers.
Could she really build a different kind of life for herself here? A balanced one filled with work, friends and activities?
Shivering with anticipation and vowing to make that her reality, Taylor broke into a faster run.
When Taylor was a little girl, she’d spent many a happy afternoon at Maplewood Park. Granted, the park was a small neighborhood one that boasted only a slide, swing set and merry-go-round, but it was near home. In those days, the equipment had been perfectly maintained.
As the years passed, like many of the houses in the area, the park fell into disrepair. Now, both the homes and the park were experiencing a resurgence.
There had been a time when her mother had wanted to move out of this neighborhood. How had Taylor forgotten that overheard conversation? The discussion about moving had taken place when Taylor had been in middle school.
Her mother’s income had skyrocketed, and she’d argued that they could afford new and better. Plus, if they moved, Taylor would be in a better school district.
She’d nearly come around the corner to protest that she didn’t want to leave her friends when her father had reminded her mom that she was gone more than she was here and that he and Taylor were perfectly content in this house and town.
Had that moment marked the beginning of the end of her parents’ relationship? Or had it just been one of many chinks in the marriage?
When the park came into view, Taylor slowed her steps.
She couldn’t recall the last time she’d been here or even driven by it, but her father had mentioned on one of his trips to Chicago that plans were underway to spiff it up .
It appeared that spiffing it up had ended up being an all-out revitalization. Several spinner bowls had replaced the merry-go-round, and the swing set, with its rubber U-shaped swings, sported a fresh coat of paint. The clunky wooden benches—where she’d gotten her first sliver two decades earlier—had been replaced by ones with a sleek, minimalist style. Just looking at the new benches had Taylor guessing that these were constructed from recycled materials.
The equipment and benches weren’t the only changes. In addition to the maple trees that appeared freshly trimmed, several new trees had been planted and staked at various locations throughout the park.
Native grasses and various shrubs had been planted on several mounds. Taylor recognized winterberry holly, a shrub she had in her own yard.
A group of women were planting bulbs and adding perennials to recently prepared dirt. Taylor smiled. If the sounds of their happy laughter and conversation were any indication, this was more fun than work for them.
Taylor was tempted to stay on the sidewalk that skirted the park but hesitated when she spotted Chloe.
Seeing her childhood friend brought to mind the pleasant parts of her childhood—getting a Bomb Pop from an ice cream truck that stopped at the curb when they went running out to greet it, having fun pulling carrots and harvesting cucumbers from Til’s vegetable garden and bringing home a bouquet of hollyhocks from the large stand at the back of Til’s yard.
Taylor hadn’t been particularly fond of hollyhocks, but her mother always seemed thrilled with the bouquet and had hurried to put the flowers in one of her many pretty vases.
In recent years, when Taylor looked back on her childhood, good memories of her mother were few and far between. Being back in GraceTown had put a different spin on those early years.
“Hey, you.” Pulling off her gardening gloves, Chloe skirted a mound of mulch as she made her way to Taylor. “It’s good to see you.”
“I thought you’d be at work.”
“It’s my day off.”
“I didn’t mean to interrupt.” Taylor studied the older women who continued to talk, work and laugh.
“We’re not on a timetable.” Chloe waved a dismissive hand. “We do what we can while having a good time.”
It was a unique concept, Taylor thought.
Chloe took her arm. “Let me introduce you to the gang.”
“Everyone, this is Bob Higgs’s daughter, Taylor.”
Chloe’s comment, spoken in a voice that carried, had the women turning in their direction. She doubted any of the other ladies were under sixty-five. Her childhood friend was by far the youngest in the group.
“Hi.” Taylor lifted a hand. “Like Chloe said, I’m Taylor. The changes to this park are amazing. What are you planting?”
“I’m Rosemary, and it’s a pleasure to meet you.” The woman's dark hair, laced with gray, hung down her back in a long braid. “We’ve got daylilies, hostas, and irises. Dividing and planting them now allows them to establish roots before winter.”
“I’m Myra.” The woman peeled off stylish gardening gloves. “Geraldine and I are planting bulbs, tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.”
“It’s going to be gorgeous here in the spring,” Taylor said.
“Very colorful, that’s for sure.” Myra studied her. “I understand you’re acquainted with my granddaughter, Jaclyn.”
“I am.” Taylor smiled. “I enjoyed meeting her.”
“She’s a very accomplished young lady.”
Not knowing how to reply to that, Taylor settled for another smile.
“I’m Geraldine.” The woman’s gray hair, cut short, suited her angular face. “This is Beverly.”
“We knew your father from his days on the police force. He was a wonderful man. Please accept our condolences.” Beverly, her light brown hair curling softly around a face sporting an abundance of smile and laugh lines, placed a hand on Taylor’s arm.
“Thank you.” Wanting to change the subject, Taylor glanced around. “What made you decide to tackle a project of this magnitude?”
“As a tribute to our good friend Til Beemis.” Tears filled Beverly’s eyes for a second, but she quickly blinked them away.
“When a person who matters so much passes, it’s nice to do something that honors them.” Geraldine placed an arm around Beverly’s shoulders and gave a quick squeeze .
“I agree.” Even as the discussion returned to the park renovations, Taylor thought of her father.
Following his wishes would be her way of honoring him. In the process, she would do whatever was necessary to make Elite not only survive but thrive.