“Well, that blows me away. I didn’t think he was that kind of person.” Now the tables were turned and she felt she was letting Adam down with her intentions.
“So, really, when you think about it, there’s no reason for you to walk out of the lease. Apart from the fact that he could sue the pants off you if you did that is.” Ben smiled at the look Lena gave him. It was a childhood face she pulled whenever he got the better of her which used to happen quite often. “Besides, we both know it’s what you want and you need it for your sanity if nothing else. To say nothing of the crockery your mother has found in an antique store in town. Settings for up to sixty people.”
“What, really? How did she find that?” Her interest was piqued and all thoughts of not opening the Hidden Café vanished as did the thought of Adam not being the man she thought and hoped he was.
“Seems it came from that lovely big house on the hill as you come into town. In the day, it was the place to be seen apparently and they held the biggest formal dinners around so you can imagine what the dinner service would be like. Sadly the family moved on and there weren’t any relatives who wanted to take over the place. When the property was sold years ago, it was stripped of furniture which has ended up all over the state. Some of it is still in the antique stores in town.”
That changed things. “Well, if it’s that old and special, I doubt I could afford it. It would’ve been nice though. Given the café a nice heritage vibe to it which would suit the building.” Shame.
“You might be surprised. They can’t sell it because nobody wants a dinner set that big and the shop owner won’t break it up. Go and see him and make an offer if it’s what you want.”
“You’ll let me know how Adam goes, right?” Because I can’t help but be interested in what he finds out now.
“You know I will. He’s going to call me as soon as he’s spoken to Simon. Now go shopping and stop worrying about things that don’t exist. Get this café up and going. People keep asking me when they can expect you to open. They’re all dying for another sample of what you can do after your impressive show at the school fundraiser.”
A small glow of pride rose in her chest. She did miss her own place, but the thought of opening another one was fraught with anxiety. It had been a long time since she’d had to do anything on her own but as Kyle said, they’d done it once before and could do it again.
She stood up and walked around the back of the desk to her father and leaned down to wrap her arms around him. “Thanks Papa.” I knew you’d put me straight. She kissed his cheek and stood up.
“Anytime, honey. Now call your mother and tell her what you’re doing. She wanted to be in on the shopping. You know how she loves to barter with anyone and everyone. She just might save you a heap of money.”
Of course she does. Bargain hunter extraordinaire, my mother. “Okay. I’ll call her and she can meet me there. Love you, see you tonight.” Lena wiggled her fingers and then opened the door. She already had her phone in her hand as she closed it behind her.
“Those were delicious, Lena. Far too moreish for my waistline.” Carol giggled and patted her almost flat stomach. “I won’t say no to getting the recipe either.”
“Sure, or you can buy them fresh every morning from Gail’s Coffee Shop. Papa drops off a box to her on his way into work.”
* * *
Adam handed over his identification and waited. The guard pushed the buzzer which opened the door and let him walk into the reception room at Silverwater Jail. He followed directions and stood at the window at the next counter. Paperwork was pushed toward him and he filled it in, showing his identification once again.
“Leave everything in that locker over there”—the officer pointed to a wall of lockers—“and then someone will come and take you down to the visitor’s room.”
“Thanks.” Adam took the key and walked over. He opened the door and emptied his pockets of his wallet, phone, and car keys before locking it and pocketing the key. He stood ready to be ushered to see his new client.
Finally Adam was shown into a room with one table and two chairs. The stale sweat of the numerous bodies stripped of hope hung in the air. Thankfully he had always been on the other side of the door, but he felt sorry for his client being incarcerated for six long years when he should have only been given a fine or suspended sentence. He stood waiting for Simon to be brought in, hoping he had enough evidence to convince Lena’s cousin they had a chance to win this last appeal.
The door rattled and he brought his attention back to the present. A guard had his hand around the arm of an inmate, and he pushed him into the room. Simon Hershey was tall, almost as tall as Adam was. He was also pale and thin, no doubt in part because of his time inside. His prison garb was grey elastic waist pants and T-shirt.
Simon shuffled over to the table, sunk into a chair, and glared at him with cold empty eyes. “Who are you and why did you say you were my lawyer?”
I’m trying to help you, at least be civil. Adam took a seat opposite. “Ben Hawkins sent me. I need you to listen, Simon, so I can bring you up to speed and then you can decide if you want to deal with me. We don’t have a lot of
