Snuffed Out - Tim Myers [19]
“What’s so important that it interrupts my time off?” I asked, not even trying to be diplomatic. I knew running River’s Edge was a full-time job, but I didn’t have to like it.
“Sorry for the late hour, but this couldn’t wait.” Wow, an apology from a lawyer. I’d have to start keeping a diary just so I could write that one down. He continued, “I need to speak with you about Aaron Gaston’s estate.”
“He’s got an estate? His pottery shop must have done a lot better than my candlemaking business does.”
Cragg dismissed my sarcasm and said, “All his worldly goods go to his ex-wife, Sanora Gaston.”
“Sounds like he was a generous man. So what do you need me for? She’s welcome to come collect his stuff any time.”
“That’s just it. Ms. Gaston is a potter of no small ability herself. You may not be aware of it, but when River’s Edge first opened, she was the co-owner of the business.”
“This is all fascinating, but is there a reason you’re telling me all this?”
If Cragg was perturbed with my attitude, he was hiding it well. “Ms. Gaston has approached me about the possibility of taking over the shop, including the lease. Aaron’s agreement is good until nearly the end of the year, but she’s interested in negotiating occupancy for a longer period, say three years.”
I’d gone through some of Belle’s papers and I knew she never offered more than one year of guaranteed occupancy to any of her tenants, including At Wick’s End. “That’s out of the question,” I said. I wasn’t ready to change any of Belle’s policies unless I believed there was a sound reason for it. My late Great-Aunt was a savvy businesswoman, much better at running things than I was, so if I erred, I wanted it to be on the side of caution.
Cragg frowned, steepled his fingers in front of him, then said, “Am I to understand you are against her occupancy under any conditions?”
“She’s not getting a renewal like that,” I said. I’d always had a problem with authority figures, and the best way to get me to do something was to tell me I couldn’t.
“Very well. She will be satisfied, for the interim, to take on the remaining months of the lease.”
Suddenly I was feeling very stubborn. I knew how much I needed a paying tenant, but I felt like I was the unwilling guest on Cragg’s little railroad. “Not until I meet her first.”
“Harrison, are you trying to be difficult?” the attorney said, his temper breaking through a bit.
“It’s my building, and as far as I can tell, it’s my right.”
Cragg pursed his lips, then reached for the telephone. Before I knew what was happening, I heard him say, “Mr. Black would like to meet you. Now. As soon as you can get to my office.”
“You didn’t call her, did you?” I asked.
“Isn’t that what you just demanded, Harrison?”
I stood up. “Not tonight. It’s too late for a meeting, and I’m tired.”
“But I’ve already called her.”
“Then you can call her back and tell her to come by At Wick’s End in the morning.”
I started for Cragg’s door when it opened. A pretty, young blonde came in wearing faded jeans and a red top.
I started to go past her when she stuck out a hand. “Hi, I’m Sanora.”
“That was quick,” I said.
“I was outside on the steps enjoying the night. I always loved being here when everyone else was gone. I used to sit on the steps outside and watch the river go by.”
Cragg said, “I’m sorry to have bothered you, but it seems Mr. Black wants to postpone your meeting until tomorrow.”
I started to protest when Sanora said, “That’s fine. I know we kind of surprised you with all this. The more I thought about coming back to River’s Edge, the more sense it made. Gary was nice enough to agree to talk to you about it, but I should have come to you myself. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Wait a second,” I said. “Since you’re already here, I don’t suppose it will hurt to talk about it.”
She considered it for a moment, then said, “Only if you’re certain. I don’t want to take up your free evening. I know how valuable those can be.”
“It’s not a problem.” I looked over at Cragg and saw he was hanging on every word she spoke.