Home Free - Fern Michaels [57]
“Feels like snow again,” Myra said, stepping out of the car. “Good thing this lot was plowed, or we’d be knee-deep in the white stuff.” She looked around. “Looks like all the girls are here, and we’re the last to arrive.”
Inside, where it was warm and toasty, the Sisters were waiting in the lobby, their coats over their arms. Conversation consisted, again, of the snow this early in the year and the traffic snarls everywhere.
“Two cars,” Nikki said. “Maggie gave me directions, and just so you know, she is not at all keen on our talking to Abner. I want that clear right up front. She’s okay with it, but she is feeling guilty, which is understandable. She also asked that we not . . . not come down too heavy on Abner. Just so you all know, I did not promise anything where Mr. Tookus is concerned. If you’re all ready, we should leave before Abner gets his day under way. I’ll take the lead. Follow me, but here is a set of directions in case we get separated. Kathryn will drive the second car.” She handed Kathryn the routing instructions and wrapped herself in her long white cashmere coat.
Annie felt excitement ringing in her ears as she held the door for the others. She sniffed at the huge evergreen wreath with its gigantic red bow hanging on the door. “And the Christmas season is upon us,” she muttered to no one in particular.
Forty-five minutes later, with a light tap to her horn, Nikki slowed and pulled into a scraggly parking area that was barely plowed of snow. Kathryn parked alongside of her.
“Abner Tookus lives here, in a warehouse?” Alexis said.
“Well, dear, it’s my understanding that Mr. Tookus owns the warehouse. And the warehouse next door. According to Maggie, he’s become a real-estate mogul,” Myra said. “She also said we shouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t answer the buzzer.”
“Well, that certainly doesn’t sound encouraging,” Annie sniffed as she jabbed at the bright red buzzer on a keypad intercom. The sound emanating outward was like the sound of a swarm of bees circling overhead.
Annie kept her finger on the buzzer until she heard a soft, cultured voice say, “I can’t release the lock until you take your thumb off the buzzer.”
Annie looked like she’d been stung by one of the bees in the swarm. She jerked her hand away and stepped back. The sound of the lock releasing was so loud, it was almost deafening. Isabelle stepped forward and opened the door.
The inside first floor served as a garage and storage. Two high-end cars, along with a Range Rover, were parked side by side. Inside a steel wire cage secured with a series of monster locks were wooden crates, which were stacked to the top of the cage. To the left was an elevator with a steel door so heavy that it took both Nikki and Kathryn to open it. They all stepped in, and Nikki pressed the button for the second floor. The elevator moved sluggishly until it slid gracefully into its perch. This time, Isabelle and Alexis moved the heavy iron grille.
Abner Tookus, dressed in creased khakis and a Polo sweater the color of moonbeams, stood waiting for them. He motioned toward his pristine living room, where he again motioned for the women to take a seat. He himself perched on one of the stools in the bar area. He waited.
Annie licked at her dry lips as she looked around. What she was seeing was not what she had expected. The truth was, she didn’t know what she had expected. Certainly not this clean-cut, preppy young man. Well, maybe he wasn’t that young and just looked boyish. The loft was decorated simply, all clean, sharp lines; comfortable furniture; pricey, colorful artwork on the walls; tongue-and-groove wood floor. But it was the fieldstone fireplace with a blazing fire that drew everyone’s eye. On the raised hearth, a Yorkshire terrier watched them without making a sound. Next to the small dog was a huge cat, whose fur was whiter than the snow outside. It had eyes greener than emeralds.
Annie, for some reason, felt incredibly nervous and wasn’t sure why. She made the introductions. When