2. Two #2
“And I told you when you co-signed the contract that your mother is old and needs her son to help back her up,” I fired back.
Out of deference to the client, even though I knew he would never hire us again, I didn’t sit in one of the leather wingback chairs across from his desk.
I didn’t want to ruin them and cause another cow to die to replace or reupholster them.
“The job was much bigger than we anticipated.”
“So you want more money,” he guessed.
I managed to keep from scowling, but it took effort. “Actually, we don’t. We quoted a specific amount for the job, and we’re sticking to it. That’s how we operate.”
“We should charge more,” Lex interjected. “She’s too professional to ask.” He jerked his thumb at me.
I gave him a dirty look before turning back to Archie. “Your mother suggested there were three ghouls under her house. There were seven.”
Archie spread out his hands, his shoulders hopping. “She’s old. Her eyes are old.” He was a smug bastard, and I hated him.
“There were another twenty-three ghouls under the neighbors’ houses,” I added. “They all came out when the first started to die.”
Archie’s smile slipped. “Is that normal?” He looked strangely concerned. Was he worried about his mother’s safety? Maybe he wasn’t the worst man in the world after all.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” I replied. “They’re all dead now. I don’t know if there are more under the houses around the block, but I’m a little worried they’ll repopulate.”
“Ah.” Archie steepled his fingers. “This is where you want more money to monitor the situation. I know how it is. Well, you’re not going to get another dime from me. No way, no how, nothing doing.”
I really wanted to throat punch this guy. Hard. Actually, I wanted to grab his larynx and yank it out so I had something to choke him with.
“Dude, we wouldn’t take another job from your family if you were the only obstacle between us and homelessness,” Lex barked. “We’re just letting you know the situation and that your mother might find herself in trouble. We don’t want anything else from you.”
Irritation, faint as a whisper, washed over Archie’s face. “I see.” He pulled out a fountain pen. “I guess that just leaves the little matter of your payment.”
“Yes,” I agreed. “By the way, you haven’t asked, but your mother’s house is clear underneath. We went looking. I’m sure you’re concerned for her safety.”
Archie didn’t answer. He was too busy writing out the check. Apparently, he wanted us gone as much as we wanted to be gone, if not more so.
To distract myself as he sighed his way through the check, I took the opportunity to study the office. It was cold, sterile, and boasted nothing of New Orleans’ signature architectural choices. I hated it.
A flurry of movement by the door served as a better distraction as a 20-something man in leather pants — leather pants that were too tight and didn’t cover his entire butt — strode through the door.
“What do you think?” the man asked Archie.
For his part, Archie’s expression darkened further when he saw the pants. “Really, Brett,” he said in a voice that only a parent — a disappointed one at that — could muster. “What did we talk about?”
“Blade,” Brett barked. “I told you I’m going by the name Blade now. You must respect my choices. The therapist told you that.”
I bit the inside of my cheek and shot a glance to Lex. He was watching the scene with the same level of amusement. Archie might have been a terrible son — actually, there was no might about it — but he had his own bundle of trouble to deal with. Brett would drive Archie mad.
Well, it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy, I thought.
Brett shot one more glare at his father and then turned to me. “What is that smell?”
“Beef jerky,” Lex said. “We were making it before we came here to talk to your father about a business arrangement.”
“Is that what you do? Beef jerky?” Brett didn’t look impressed.
“It’s our passion,” Lex confirmed.
I shot my best friend a quelling look and turned back to Brett just in time to see him checking out my butt. I reacted without thinking. “Hey!” I punched his shoulder to let him know I meant business.
“I wasn’t doing anything,” Brett whined, shrinking away and rubbing his shoulder. “You don’t need to abuse me. I’m totally going to tell my therapist.”
I shot an incredulous look toward Archie, but he refused to make eye contact.
“I’m going to be a big deal,” Brett continued ranting. “I’m going to be a big music star.” He lifted his hands to indicate he was envisioning a sign of some sort. “Blade. Just one name, like Cher.”
This guy wasn’t good enough to lick Cher’s boots. Telling him that would be a waste of time, however. I didn’t want to hear about his therapist again. “Well, that will be fun,” I said. “You’re in the right town for musical stardom.”
“See!” Brett sent his father a knowing look. “I told you. Even the beef jerky twins recognize greatness when they see it.”
Archie ripped the check from his book and handed it to me.
I looked to make sure the amount was correct — I wasn’t coming back here — and wasn’t surprised that he’d foregone a tip.
Ah, well, I wasn’t expecting one anyway.
That’s why I adjusted the price of this job from the beginning.
I knew exactly what I was going to get when it came time to pay.
“Thank you.” I tucked the check in my back pocket.
“This concludes our business?” Archie pressed. “I have no need of charlatans dropping in off the street.”
Did this guy just call us charlatans? “Listen.” I took a threatening step toward him.
“It’s not worth it,” Lex said in a low voice as he grabbed my arm and tugged me toward the door. “If you leave now, like a good little girl, I’ll buy you a cocktail. After we’ve both showered.”
I couldn’t be bought off with a cocktail, and yet I knew he was telling the truth. Fighting with this man, these people, would be a waste of time. “Let’s go.” I turned my back to Archie. I couldn’t stop myself from being snarky. “Have a nice day,” I called out.
He didn’t respond. Neither did Brett. No, the son was completely focused on wheedling the father for money. We were already an afterthought.
I was still glowering about our treatment when we hit the main lobby. There, I noticed movers bringing in a statue of a naked woman, perhaps a goddess of some sort.
Lex was interested too, but for a different reason. “Nice rack,” he said on a laugh.
I ignored him and focused on the plaque at the base. There was a single word and a symbol: Liberté. Freedom. The symbol I wasn’t familiar with, but it looked paranormal in origin.
“Let’s go,” Lex whined when he realized I was still looking at the plaque. “She’s hot. Her boobs are great. But I need a shower.”
The sculpture fascinated me. I’d never seen anything like it, but Lex was right about it being time to go. I wanted to get this check deposited on my app right away in case Archie decided to stop payment.
“Okay,” I said, allowing him to steer me toward the door. “I’m going to want three cocktails. It’s been that kind of day.”
Lex grinned. “Now you’re thinking.”