Kiss Lonely Goodbye by Lynn Emery Page A

You don’t put poison in your body.” Nicole waved a hand. “Give me whatever you’ve got.”
    â€œDon’t tell my loving husband who works out five times a week and is into organic foods, but…” Kelli opened a small refrigerator in a corner of her office and held up a six-pack of cola.
    â€œKelli, you’re my new best friend.” Nicole grinned at her.
    The two women exchanged small talk. Nicole warmed instantly to her. Although obviously fit and youthful, Kelli was a good ten years older than Nicole. Kelli popped the top off two cans, poured the contents in paper cups, and sat next to Nicole. She raised her cup in a toast.
    â€œHey, us women in the biz have to stick together. Welcome to the male-dominated world of security, darlin’.”
    Nicole tapped her cup against Kelli’s as she laughed. “That bad, huh?” She took a sip.
    â€œI’ve been in this business for eleven years. Most of the guys are polite, but condescending. That’s an improvement since the old days.” Kelli made a face and took a swallow of cola.
    â€œWonderful. I’m so looking forward to networking in this town.”
    â€œLuckily you’ve got Marcus. A little stern, but he’s good people under that starched exterior.” Kelli nodded.
    â€œRight.” Nicole considered what else was underneath those tasty outer layers. Before her thoughts could gather the wrong kind of steam, she pushed them away.
    â€œDon’t tell me Marcus is giving you a hard time. I’d be so surprised. He’s never treated the rest of us women like some of the old boys.” Kelli turned to Nicole with interest in her hazel eyes.
    â€œNo, no. But it’s hard on all the staff adjusting to a new boss.” Nicole covered her expression by raising the cup to her mouth and drinking again.
    â€œSo true. Employee drama, the worst kind of trouble for any business owner. But I’ve got good news.” Kelli beamed at her.
    â€œKelli, those words give me chills. The last time I heard them was from beyond the grave.” Nicole gave a shudder.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œMy uncle left a video will in addition to the paper version. That’s how he told me I was the proud new CEO of Summers Security,” Nicole replied.
    Kelli howled with laughter, her head thrown back. Cola sloshed onto the blue carpet in the process. She finally recovered enough to put the cup down on her desk. Still laughing, Kelli got a napkin and dabbed at the pool of soda near her chair.
    â€œSorry. Please don’t be offended, but that Hosea was a real SOB. Lord, but I wish I’d been there to see it.” Kelli sat down again.
    â€œTrust me, you’re not the only person who held that opinion of him.” Nicole leaned back in her chair. “How long did you know him?”
    â€œSixteen years. I didn’t join my husband in the businessuntil he decided to go full-time with it. Jamar worked as a security guard for fifteen years with Pinkerton.” Kelli frowned. “The first time I attended a trade show with him, he introduced me to Hosea.”
    â€œAnd?”
    â€œHosea took one look at me and said, ‘Little lady, you shouldn’t have to worry about anything more serious than the grocery list.’” Kelli shook her head. “I told him to stuff his head up his you-know-what in a roundabout way. He got the message.”
    â€œBet he didn’t like being told off.”
    â€œActually we got to be buddies later. Hosea liked people who gave as good as they got. He didn’t like doormats and was impatient with underachievers.” Kelli lifted a shoulder. “That’s why he and Marcus hit it off.”
    â€œUncle Hosea had a lot of trust in him, for sure.”
    â€œHis trust was justified. He’s one of the best in this business. Anyway, I was about to tell you about a networking group you’ll really like. There are four of us women