Chapter Eight #2
He went back to reading, and I sat back in my chair, willing my body to relax. It seemed like hours as he carefully read all three pages of the contract and studied the pictures of the property. He finally raised his head. “That is the least complicated document I’ve seen in decades.”
I frowned. “Is that a bad thing?”
“Far from it. There’s no clauses or fine print to trip you up.
The building is freehold. The lessor has already made sure they have clean title to it.
There’s a set payment schedule with a very reasonable buyout clause at the end.
And you have the option, without penalty, of not buying it out if circumstances change.
It’s most likely the best deal you’ll ever see. ”
I let out a sigh of relief. “So, I can go ahead with it?”
He nodded. “Definitely. Now tell me about this new beau of yours.”
I hesitated. How to describe Thor? “He’s an ex-SEAL. He’s part of the group that is offering me this deal, but he’s a really good guy. He makes me feel special.”
“Riptide is a motorcycle club, correct?”
I nodded. “But they’re not one-percenters.
They don’t sell drugs or run prostitutes or anything like that.
They mostly do security work. They’re kind of like a little family all of their own.
Most of them aren’t close to their real families.
Thor is actually an orphan who was adopted out as a baby so he had a family, but no blood relatives that he knows of. ”
The lawyer raised one brow. “Thor?”
“My boyfriend.” It felt silly calling him that. “His teammates nicknamed him that back in the SEALs because he looks like one of the old Norse gods.”
“Sounds fascinating. Do I get to meet this Viking god of yours some day?”
I nodded. “Once I get things settled, we can arrange to have lunch or something. I’d say I’d invite you over for dinner, but my cooking leaves a lot to be desired.”
He laughed. “If you’re going to stay away from the family and settle down with a biker you might want to take some cooking lessons. I’m guessing there isn’t going to be kitchen staff in the new life you’re building for yourself.”
“Nope, no staff at all. I’ve gotten fairly good at simple fare like grilled cheese or meatloaf. And I’m a pro at ordering pizza!”
“I’ll take your word for that.” He glanced down at his watch. “I don’t want to rush you, but I’ve got another client coming in a few minutes. It’s been really great to see you.”
Standing, I gathered up the papers and zipped them back in my backpack. “No problem. I appreciate you squeezing me in. Should I leave an address with the receptionist so you can bill me?”
He shook his head. “Not necessary. I’ll put this down as an initial visit which makes it no charge. I do expect you to keep me in the loop though and let me know if you need a prenup.”
I tilted my head, confused. “A prenup? We haven’t even considered marriage.” I wasn’t going to try to explain the concept of an old lady to him.
“You’re still the only child of a very wealthy family, even if you’re not talking to them right now.
If you and this Thor person get serious, you’re going to want to arrange a prenup to protect your assets.
I know it can be a touchy subject, but if he refuses to sign, that raises all kinds of red flags. ”
“He has no idea I have any assets so he’s not with me for the money. I’ve never given him details about my family.”
“Then he shouldn’t have an issue signing a prenup. It could be to his benefit as well, if he has joint assets with this Riptide company. They could insist, depending on the legal structure.”
I smiled and slung the backpack over my shoulder. “That’s a future problem, but I will be sure to let you know if things get to that point.”
He came round the desk and gave me another hug. “I’m proud of you for sticking up for yourself. I can’t picture you being happy with the senator’s son. Call me any time you need me.”
* * *
Thor
I relaxed when Janet came out of the lawyer’s building.
She looked confident and happy, which meant the meeting went well and the flower shop was going to be a go.
I’d worried that the lawyer would talk her out of it, being an old friend of her parents and all.
Yeah, I knew that would be unethical on his part, but I didn’t have a lot of faith in the legal shit.
“He said it was the most straightforward contract he’s seen in decades.” She beamed at me as I crossed the lot to meet her.
“That’s a good thing, right?”
She laughed. “That is exactly what I asked him. And he said yes, I’d never get a better offer. He asked about you too.”
“Did you tell him I was the best thing that ever happened to you?”
She shifted the backpack to a more comfortable position. “I told him you made me feel special, and you look like a Norse god.”
I grinned. “That’s me. A Norse god with the ability to keep a florist happy.”
She rolled her eyes. “If you come back to the shop and help me get that new cooler ready for opening day, I’ll be happy.”
“Your wish is my command, fair lady.” I mounted the bike with a flourish and patted the back seat. “Your chariot awaits.”
I couldn’t see behind me, but I was willing to bet that she rolled her eyes again as she slid into place and cuddled up against me.
I started the bike and kicked it down into first. We didn’t have anywhere we had to be at a certain time, so I circled around the downtown core, taking the long way around town to the shop.
It gave me a few more minutes to enjoy the feel of Janet plastered against me.
The woman was addictive. I couldn’t get enough of her.
We eventually arrived at the flower shop, and I parked my bike in the shade around the front of the store. I lowered the kickstand, and Janet slid off and pulled off her helmet. I took mine off as well, handing it to her.
“Can you take mine in too?”
Janet cocked her head, as I was still sitting on the bike. “Why? Aren’t you coming inside?”
“In a couple of minutes. I just want to check the bike out. Something feels a bit off.”
Her gaze swept the machine, and she shrugged, that happy smile she’d had at the lawyer’s office still on her face. “Okay. I’ll leave the side door unlocked for you.”
We’d been locking the side door while we worked in the store, just to make sure no one thought we were open and wandered in.
She’d given me a spare key, but I’d left it sitting back in my room at the club a few days ago and I hadn’t been back there since to retrieve it.
I spent most nights in Janet’s bed. She wasn’t quite ready to admit it yet, but we were a couple in all but name.
Once I moved in here with her, I’d double down on that.
She disappeared around the corner, and I pulled the emergency tool kit out of the saddlebags.
It was a bare bones kit, but that was all I needed for now.
I pulled the bike up onto the center stand and crouched down to check it out.
I used a clean rag to wipe all the road grime off the outside and kept an eye out for anything that would indicate a fluid leak.
It all looked good. I set the rag down on the ground beside me and reached for the wrench.
My hands came up empty and I turned my head to look at the spot I’d left it.
Damn thing had slid several feet away. In the back of my mind, I could hear my adoptive dad telling me to always set the tools on something to stop them from moving. As usual, he’d been right.
I stretched my arm out and grabbed it. I spent the next half hour checking the spark plugs, the oil level, and a few other common issues.
If it turned out to be the timing, I’d take it back to the club and fix it in the garage.
That would take more tools than I had with me, and a dedicated workspace.
Satisfied I’d done all I could do for now, I wiped my hands off and stowed the tools back in the saddlebag. Pulling the bike down off the center stand, I started it up and listened. It sounded better so it had probably just been a minor issue.
I dropped it into first gear to move it around to the side door.
I heard the crack of a rifle shot and something whizzed past my head, right in the space I’d occupied seconds ago.
Fuck !
Someone was shooting at me.
Automatic reflexes kicked in and I jerked the bike to the left as another shot sounded. I geared up, moving around the corner and out of range as quickly as possible. I saw a movement across the road on the roof of an apartment building.
Sniper .
I pulled my gun out of the shoulder holster, but the distance was too far. The shooter was already breaking his rifle down and heading for the access door. I jammed my gun back in the holster and revved up the motor.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Janet coming out, and I waved her back inside where it was safe. When she ducked back into the door, I turned my attention back to the rooftop.
I saw the shooter exit the apartment by way of the side door and jump into a little green convertible. Looked like a Miata. He took off with a screech of rubber, heading down the cross street.
Fuck !
I slammed my open palms down on the handlebars in frustration. By the time I managed to make my way through the traffic in front of the store and hit the crossroad, the shooter would be long gone.