Snuffed Out (Book 2 in the Candlemaking Mysteries) by Tim Myers Page A

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. Did he have a thing for Sanora? He was definitely showing
more than an expected interest in her coming back to River’s Edge.
In all the time I’d owned the place, it was only the second time
I’d ever seen the attorney hanging around after his regular
business hours.
    For spite, I added, “Why don’t we go down to
the pottery shop? We can talk about it there. Thanks, Gary,” I
said, stressing his first name as Sanora had.
    “ Glad to help. Why don’t I
join you? I’m finished here.”
    Sanora said, “I’m sure we’ll be fine. Thanks
again.”
    Out in the hallway, I said, “Just let me
grab the key for The Pot Shot first.”
    She started to say something, but then
thought better of it. I found the key Pearly had given me, then
followed Sanora downstairs.
    I was afraid going back into the pottery
store might be a little traumatic for her, and she was indeed quiet
as I unlocked the door. I asked, “Would you rather do this tomorrow
morning? I know this can’t be easy on you.”
    She shook her head. “Aaron and I made our
peace before he passed away. We were friends at last. You can’t
believe how much comfort I’ve taken from that.” She put a hand on
my arm as she added, “In all honesty, we were actually better
friends than we were a couple.”
    “ Won’t it be hard for you
working