He was dressed in an expensive suit with polished shoes.She guessed his age at about forty.He was of average build, with short brown hair and a light beard.Reaching for the garden gate, he said, "Do you have a moment?"He entered the garden then extended his hand."I'm Kal Davis, KD Commercial Property."
She took his hand."I'm Cadie Ladd."
"I heard this beautiful property had been inherited," Kal said, gesturing at the building."I assume you're the new heir."
Cadie thought his attitude was a bit aggressive.
"Historic properties like this are wonderful, of course," he said, "but they require significant investment to maintain.The restoration costs alone would be substantial."He took a few slow steps around the garden."I've been interested in this property for some time," he said in a casual tone."I made several offers to your aunt, but she was reluctant to sell.She had a sentimental attachment, I suppose."
Cadie watched him, wary of his motives.
"I'd like to make you a very generous offer," he said."It would be an amount above fair market value.It would save you the headache of dealing with all the repairs, the permits, the code violations that will inevitably arise."
Cadie's unease grew."I've only just learned about the inheritance," she said, polite but firm."I haven't made any decisions about the future of the property.I'll need to consider my options."
Kal's smile tightened."Of course, take your time.Although I wouldn't wait too long.Historic buildings have a way of developing expensive issues—especially when they sit empty."
When Cadie voiced no objection, he continued, "Maintenance issues or even vandalism can be expensive.It would be unfortunate if any of that happened.It would be better to sell now, while the property is intact."He pulled out a business card and offered it to her."Call me when you're ready to discuss this seriously."
Cadie took the card."I'll keep it in mind."
"I look forward to hearing from you, Ms.Ladd," Kal said.He gave her one more assessing look."Soon, I hope."
He walked back through the side gate.Cadie watched until he was out of sight.
The garden no longer felt peaceful.
Cadie grabbed her bag then headed back into the building, securing the door behind her.She walked quickly through the halls to the front entrance, locked the front door of Stratton House, and went straight to her car.Once inside, she sat for a moment, looking at Kal's business card.Then she slipped it into her bag and headed back to the hotel.
*****
Once inside her room, Cadie spread the planner and papers on the bed, studying them more carefully.Also, she pulled out her aunt's journal to compare the timelines.
The planner notes came first, showing an earlier stage of her aunt's concerns.The journal entries showed the progression, the decline.Medication changes seemed to coincide with symptoms.
Her aunt had known something was wrong, had tried to track it and understand it.She had died still uncertain, but her notes were clues.
Cadie forced herself to step away from the evidence.She needed to clear her head before seeing Barrett.
She stood in front of the small closet, trying to decide what to wear.She selected dark jeans and an emerald-green blouse that was flattering but not overly dressy.It was casual enough for dinner and nice enough to feel good.
She applied light makeup and left her hair down, thinking Barrett might like it that way.She couldn't help but care.
Cadie sat on the bed to wait.She glanced at the planner with the other papers.She decided to share her discoveries when he arrived, instead of after dinner.The information was too important to wait.They could discuss it and plan the next steps.
Her thoughts drifted to Barrett and how natural it felt to work with him.She liked it a little too much.
*****
The knock made Cadie's stomach flutter.She took a breath to steady herself and opened the door.
Barrett stood in the hallway looking devastatingly handsome.His hair was slightly damp from a recent shower.He was clean shaven, and she caught the scent of his cologne.
His expression warmed when he saw her."You look beautiful."
The simple words, spoken with such sincerity, made her heart skip."Thank you.Come in for a minute?"
Barrett stepped inside, and she closed the door behind him.The hotel room suddenly felt smaller, more intimate with him in it.He looked at her, then noticed the papers spread on the bed.
