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“Maybe Imogene unlocked it to clean the glass or something.”
“Imogene?” Tanner called her name as he stood and then moved toward the front office.
But it wasn’t Imogene he found.
CHAPTER FIVE
Carly
“Hi, is thiswhere I can find Tanner Carmichael?”
A woman, probably around Tanner’s age, stood in the foyer of the office. “I’m Tanner. How can I help you?”
“I saw the sign out front. I tried to look you up online, but I got a different address. When I went there, a cranky older man yelled at me that you didn’t work there anymore. H-he said a few other things, but I’d rather not repeat them. I’m glad I drove around a bit and stumbled on your office.” She smiled a little but seemed nervous. The downtown was small, so there wasn’t much area to cover when looking at signs out front.
Good thing Tanner had gotten that sign put up today.
“I’m sorry you got yelled at. That man is my father, and he’s not happy that I’m in my own office now.” Tanner extended a hand in greeting. “It’s nice to meet you—”
“I’m Lisa. Lisa Henry. I hope you can help me with something.”
“Okay. We’re just getting things set up in the office, but I don’t see why we can’t sit down in the conference room and discuss what brought you in. Please have a seat here in the waiting room for a minute while we get things ready in the conference room.”
“I’ll bring in some coffee.” Imogene always seemed to be within hearing. And I wasn’t sure where the coffee came from, but it was a nice touch to have on hand.
I introduced myself then. “Hi, Lisa. I’m Carly Bertrand, Tanner’s associate. We’ll be right with you.”
“Hi, Carly, it’s nice to meet you.” Lisa sat in one of the chairs I’d indicated.
I made eye contact with Tanner that he should follow me down the hallway. He did. When we got inside the conference room, I shut the door.
Tanner spoke first. “Sorry I didn’t introduce you. I’m not used to having a partner.” He appeared slightly embarrassed.
I waved that off. “Did you want to see her alone first?” I hope I hadn’t been too bold.
Tanner shook his head. “Let’s see what she’s here for first. I like the idea of having you in the initial meeting to help assess things. It lends a professional air. And since therearetwo of us, it makes more sense to meet with new clients together.”
“Sounds good. I didn’t mean to overstep out there.”
“I’ll let you know if I want things done a certain way. So far, your suggestions have been very helpful. Having both of us in the room might also make her feel more comfortable.”
Imogene knocked briefly, then entered carrying a full tray of coffee, creamer, sweeteners, and cups. “Shall I show her in?”
“Thanks, Imogene. Yes, we’re all set.” Tanner opened his laptop.
I was ready with my iPad and Tanner had his pen and yellow notepad, which made me smile a little. It was a small snapshot of our differences. I also used a yellow legal pad for jotting down notes, but mostly I did things electronically.
Lisa wore slim black pants with a black and white print blouse and silver jewelry. Her look was understated but expensive. She didn’t carry herself with a pretentious air, but a natural kind of implied grace.
“Please have a seat.” Tanner stood and motioned to a chair at the head of the table. We were seated on either side.
“Thanks. I sought you out, specifically because your Google reviews are excellent.” Once she was seated, Lisa pulled out a file from her oversized tote purse. I recognized the brand and knew that it, too, was expensive. “I’m looking for my mother.”
Tanner frowned, as if he didn’t quite understand. “I’m not sure how I can help with a missing person case.”
Of course, I was fascinated. Because mysteries were fascinating.
Lisa sighed. “There’s more to it than that. My mother grew up here in Cypress Bayou, but she left at eighteen and went to New Orleans for college at the University of New Orleans. She became pregnant at some point while studying there and gave birth to me.” Lisa took a second to slide the document toward Tanner. “I never knew my mother because she gave me up for adoption shortly after my birth. She didn’t list a father on my birth certificate. Or my adoption records.”
