Cigars & Coffee

By Jodi Clark

Five year old Jamie has just lost her mother to suicide, and she has left a note for their sixty-six year old, recently widowed neighbor to raise her. Though close with Jamie and her mother, he and his wife had never had children, and he has no clue how to raise a little girl but he refuses to have her anywhere but with him. Harvey and his brother own a successful chain of Cassel's Grocery stores, started by their late father, which has gifted them wealth. The family views Jamie as a threat to the business and will stop at nothing to oust her from Harvey's life as she is preened to take over half of the stores.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jul 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781387822010

Book preview

A Novel by Jodi Clark

CHAPTER 1

In the heart of the nation, quietly nestled in Kansas, lies the city of Bedford, a small, sleepy town of farmland surrounding pristine streets of manicured lawns and average sized homes. It was a place of only about nine hundred residents, all who seemed to know one another, where people still felt safe enough to leave their doors unlocked. The families in Bedford were all associated in some way, and people still stopped to converse with one another at the grocery store or post office. Just outside of town, near Bedford’s only high school, was Elmwood Street. Lined with tall oaks and lush, floral-accented lawns, it was considered by many the best part of town. Third from the corner was an older, white two story house with a covered porch and several gardens of vibrant flowers, where Harvey and Emma Cassel had lived for the nearly forty-five years of their marriage. Harvey and Emma owned a chain of Cassel’s grocery stores with his brother, Leeland, and his wife and were faithful Christians who lived by the creed of God, country and family, maintaining the old-fashioned values of their parents. Neither had ever lived any other way.

Leeland and June lived three hours away, in Oklahoma, but her esteemed career as an obstetrician and their formidable social status in the larger city had transformed them into wealth-driven and status conscious people, concerned mostly about how the higher class perceived them, and it had put a wedge in Harvey’s relationship with his brother.

Leeland and Harvey had been raised meagerly on their father’s inadequate salary, their mother making most of their clothes and growing whatever she could in their backyard garden while they struggled to save every penny. Their small house, though timeworn and drafty, was a blissful home for the family, filled with memories of playing games and telling stories since they didn’t have a television. In the Cassel family, it was those small, sentimental moments that mattered, and many had been made with love and laughter. Harvey still remembered the first time his father had come home with their first radio. It was as if the family had struck gold since they had never had anything like it in the house.

How does it work? Young Leeland had asked, inquisitively, eager to put it to use while his father plugged it in and began turning the knob to various stations as the static sound rang out through the speakers.

Welcome to The Happiness Boys with Billy Jones and Ernie Hare. The words from the announcer were a symphony to their ears, their first live show on the radio. The family relished the music and comical banter by the duo between songs as they all gathered around their new masterpiece. Harvey and Leeland had been raised with simple values by a mother and father who sincerely loved them. He had started the small store, selling groceries like bread, potatoes and rice, to build a future for his young sons, something that they could take over when he became too old to manage it anymore. Cassel’s Grocery was started for them. The brothers had begun helping their father in the store as young boys, stocking shelves and cleaning or toting grocery bags for its loyal customers and, as they grew, they were preened to learn the business and financial side. When their father died, Harvey and Leeland, both in their early thirties, took over its management and operation. The years had allowed them to expand their father’s small store into a major grocery store in Bedford, later growing to four more throughout Kansas and neighboring Oklahoma. Leeland had gotten married and moved to Oklahoma to manage their two stores there while Harvey and Emma stayed in Bedford to run the other three.

A gorgeous spring day had lured Emma into her flowerbeds when she saw a moving truck at the undersized house next door.

Someone bought the old Blackwell place, she informed her husband.

Is that so?

We’ll go over and welcome them when they get settled in, she added.

A woman and two men feverishly toted furniture and boxes into the house as a young girl, clutching her teddy bear, peered curiously over at Emma. Her friendly wave induced a grin on the intrigued child’s face. Within only a few minutes, Harvey had ventured over to offer assistance to his new neighbors.

How are you, little lady? He greeted the brown-haired toddler who flashed a bashful smile.

This is Jamie and I’m Annette, the woman, clad in diminutive denim shorts and a tank top responded. She was an attractive woman in her early thirties with a thin physique and long, straight dark hair, so dark that it looked as if she had colored it that way. She can be a little shy at first.

And which of these strong fellas is your husband? Harvey probed.

Neither, actually, she snickered while tying her locks into a shambolic bun and wiping the beads of sweat from her forehead.

They are my brother and his roommate. I never had a husband. My boyfriend decided he didn’t want to be a father so it’s just the two of us now.

Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, Harvey replied sympathetically.

Don’t be, she smiled. We didn’t lose much. Neither of the men paused to speak but Harvey attributed it to their hard work and, when he offered his assistance, all three of them kindly declined and thanked him.

Okay, well, if you need anything, stop on over. My wife, Emma, and I are happy to help out.

One evening, after dinner that week, Emma walked to her new neighbor’s house with a casserole that she had just pulled out of the oven. Annette answered the door with a forced smile and, as Emma introduced herself, she noticed the woman sweating profusely and her eyes wide and bulging. She appeared anxious and jittery.

Are you okay, honey? Emma asked with concern.

Oh, yeah, just moving furniture around. She avoided eye contact and seemed to be hiding something inside, holding the door open only enough for her to peek out.

Well, I’m Emma from next door, and I just wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood. She handed Annette the casserole, apprehensive of her behavior.

Thank you so much, the woman replied with an appreciative smile. Sorry I can’t invite you in but I really need to get back to work.

A couple of days later, a knock came on the door and Harvey opened it to find Annette and Jamie.

We just wanted to return your casserole dish and say thank you, Annette told the couple when he invited them in. Emma noticed, immediately, how much better she looked, which urged her to discard her first impression of their new neighbor. I also want to apologize for rushing you off the other day. I was just really busy trying to get the house in order and . . . well, you know how it is.

It’s alright, honey. You don’t have to explain, Emma replied and she smiled at the porcelain face in front of her. You must be Jamie. You’re just as beautiful as Harvey told me you were. Would you like some cake? The little girl nodded with an enthusiastic smile and Emma led them into the kitchen. Are you getting settled in over there? She asked her new neighbor while noticing her daughter gobbling the cake as if she was starving.

It’s been a lot of work but I think we’re getting there, Annette responded with a friendly smile as she nibbled on her piece of cake.

My goodness, Jamie, you must have really been hungry, Emma remarked while she began to retrieve dishes from the refrigerator as she always did for guests.

Please don’t do that, Annette halted her. We can’t stay. Maybe we’ll have you over for dinner soon.

We’d love that and you’re both welcome here anytime. Emma bagged some of the leftovers for them to take home while Annette thanked her and rushed her daughter out the door.

She seems nice, Harvey commented.

Yes, she does. Thank God for good neighbors. It’s a shame that they live in that house all alone, she remarked empathetically, and it made her want to get to know them better. She assumed that they didn’t have much family that they were close to since not a soul had visited her, and she sensed isolation in Annette but she knew nothing about her. Emma couldn’t help but feel compassion for her new neighbor.

Isn’t that little Jamie something? She’s as sweet as pie, that one, Harvey said.

She sure is, his wife agreed, and cute as a button. I think that, tomorrow, I’ll ask if she’d like to help me out in the garden.

After breakfast the following morning, Emma knocked on the door to invite the little girl into the garden with her. Several minutes later, Jamie opened it.

Hi there, Emma greeted the young girl, still in her pajamas. I was wondering if you would like to help me in the garden today. Jamie’s face lit up and she nodded eagerly. We have to ask your mommy first, okay?

She’s sleeping, the little girl in her silk princess nightgown informed, and Emma glanced at her watch.

Nine o’clock, she spoke to herself. I suppose that is still kind of early. How about you come on over when she gets up, alright? Again, she nodded. Lock the door, honey. At noon, Jamie still hadn’t shown up, so Emma headed inside to make lunch.

How are you and young Jamie doing in the garden? Harvey queried before going to the store.

She hasn’t come outside yet. Emma explained how she’d gone over earlier. Maybe Jamie has forgotten about it. I’ll go back after lunch. Before they had finished eating, they heard a light knock on the screen door. Jamie stood on their porch alone, dressed in shorts and a lavender princess shirt, and Harvey peered around outside.

Well, hi there, he greeted. Did you walk over here all by yourself?

Mommy’s still sleeping, the little girl answered softly. He was surprised to hear that her mother was still asleep at twelve thirty in the afternoon.

Have you eaten yet today? He asked her and she shook her head to reply that she hadn’t. Come in and let Emma make you something. While she did, he walked to Annette’s house and knocked on the door. She didn’t answer and he debated walking inside to check on her. Harvey continued to knock until, finally, he heard some rustling. The woman answered the door with fatigued and bloodshot eyes, and he knew that he had awakened her.

Mr. Cassel, hi, she uttered, groggily, as her eyes struggled to adjust to the sunlight hitting them.

Hi, he greeted. I’m sorry to wake you but Jamie wandered over to our house, just now, and I wanted you to know where she was.

She did what? Her voice told of her alarm. She knows better than to leave the house without me. I’m so sorry about this. Annette frantically searched her living room for her shoes, tasseled somewhere among the blend of toys and clothes strewn around on the floor.

Don’t worry, he consoled. My wife is giving her some lunch, if that’s alright.

Oh, well okay, thank you, she replied, appearing relieved that her action wasn’t required at that moment. I usually don’t sleep this late.

It’s okay, really, he insisted. Emma’s in Heaven with a child around. Perhaps she could stay and help out in the garden for a bit?

Of course. Just send her back home when she wears you out, Annette told him. Their conversation seemed a bit anomalous to him but he didn’t read much into it.

All is well, he told his wife when he returned home. Jamie sat at the table, shoving down leftovers from the couple’s dinner the night before, again eating as if she was starved, and Emma fed her as much as she could consume.

Would you like to help me in the garden, Jamie? She nodded zealously and the two of them headed outside. Emma relished the little girl’s company, teaching her about the different flowers and gardening. Harvey watched from the window with an adoring smile as his wife and Jamie picked the vegetables and placed them in two wicker baskets. He stared, with admiration, at his wife of forty five years, the gentle way that she was with the young girl, placing a purple flower in her hair and holding her hand as they walked. He wished that they had been able to conceive a child of their own in their younger years. It was the one thing that she had always wanted that he couldn’t give her, and he knew what a wonderful mother she would have been. He savored Emma’s smile as his blue eyes moistened. He loved her more than anything else in the world and he could easily have watched her all day.

A short time later, Emma and Jamie moved inside to cool themselves from the amplifying sun.

Did you enjoy picking the vegetables? Emma inquired, and the girl nodded with a grin. Very good, she replied. I’m always happy for you to help, and you can take your basket home to your mommy when you’re ready to go. Emma’s sister, Estelle, who lived just a few blocks away, stopped by for a visit like she did every afternoon.

Well now, who is this young lady? The silver-haired woman probed in her raspy voice and typical abrasive tone while they took in the shade of the front porch. She gawked, suspiciously, at the child, analyzing her atop her bifocals. Immediately, Jamie shied nervously away from her, clutching Emma’s leg.

This is Jamie, who just moved in next door with her mother, Emma answered. It’s okay, sweetie, she comforted the girl. This is my sister, Estelle.

The Blackwell place? Estelle inquisitively questioned. Are they from here? What is their name? Since most of the families in the town were associated, one’s surname told his story.

No, they’re not from here, Emma explained. She has a brother who lives about an hour from here, over in Johnstown, and that’s where she moved from. I think they moved here for a bit of a new start.

So you’re babysitting?

Jamie just came over for a visit, Emma replied, and Estelle found it odd that the girl’s mother wasn’t with her. We get lots of visitors here, she told the little girl with a smile. The couple’s house at 115 Elmwood was a revolving door to their family, friends and neighbors stopping by for coffee, some good conversation and a slice of one of Emma’s famous desserts. Always clad in a dress and apron, Emma spent the majority of her time in the spacious kitchen, baking pies and cakes or cooking the next seven course meal, which she loved to do, even though it was never expected of her.

Estelle continued her investigation with questions about Jamie’s father and grandparents.

Why would a young, single mother move to a town full of strangers by herself and what has she done that she needs a new start? She was immediately suspicious of the stranger. Why did she choose this town? It sounds like she’s running from something to me.

CHAPTER 2

In the days that followed, Jamie made her way over to the couple’s house, almost daily, for some dessert or just to say hello to her new friends.

I’m so sorry that she keeps bothering you, her mother said.

Oh, she’s no bother at all, Emma replied. I really enjoy her company, especially since my husband works so much. Emma was amazed by how animated and advanced little Jamie was for her age, able to hold conversations with her, and she loved that she wanted to spend time with her, especially since she and Harvey had never been able to have children. She made Emma feel youthful and vibrant again, playing games with her and going for walks, activities that she had been missing out on.

A couple weeks later, the carnival came to town, and Harvey and Emma wanted to take Jamie.

She would love that, her mother said.

The trio parked the car and squashed through the tall grass field toward the pastel lights, and the overzealous Jamie was almost running to get there. Inside the gate, the nostalgic blend of music and popcorn greeted them while children darted from ride to ride with their parents closely behind as the music from the rides played out through the night sky. They made their way to the carousel where Jamie and Harvey selected side by side white horses.

I’m so excited! Jamie squealed with delight.

Hold on tightly, Harvey commanded as Emma waved from outside of the fence while snapping pictures with her camera. It was one of her favorite hobbies, and she had numerous photo packed albums to prove it, captured memories of her family and friends, vacations and her flowers. She rarely went anywhere without her camera. Jamie moved, jubilantly, from the carousel to the small cars and cycles that slowly glided in a circle before drifting to the boats that mimicked them.

Let’s go to the fun house! The little girl took Emma’s hand, leading the way.

Your turn. I’m dizzy! Harvey joked.

Okay, Jamie, Emma remarked nervously, stay with me in there. The fun house was filled with mirrors reflecting contorted images of them and misshaped, moving floors that challenged their trek through. The experience evoked roaring laughter.

That was fun! Jamie exclaimed with a giggle.

Are you getting hungry? How about a corndog or a slice of pizza? Harvey asked. The three of them found a picnic table nearby and gulped down their corndogs, sodas and a funnel cake before moving to the long, yellow slide.

Are you sure that you want to go on that big thing? Harvey asked the girl who nodded eagerly, so he retrieved the burlap sack and followed Jamie up what felt to him like a hundred steps. Once again, Emma positioned herself with her camera at the bottom, joyfully snapping photos of their ride. When the evening was done, they had been to each ride three times, played four different games to win an ailing goldfish and tiny stuffed elephant that would have cost less to buy in a store and stuffed themselves with carbohydrates. In the car, Harvey and Emma sat, blissfully exhausted. He walked the worn out girl to her front door to find her mother in a haze and barely able to keep her eyes open, even as she stood to greet them. Her hair was tousled into a chaotic ponytail and her food stained pajamas looked as if she had worn them for weeks.

Are you alright, Miss Annette? He queried with concern.

Yeah, just tired, she replied muzzily. I just need some sleep. Harvey insisted on taking Jamie to his house for the night but it didn’t take much convincing. Jamie snuggled up in the tiny bedroom’s single bed while Emma read softly to her until she drifted off to sleep.

Her mother didn’t look too well tonight, Harvey told his wife. It’s only nine o’clock and she couldn’t hold her eyes open.

You know, I’ve never mentioned it but she has acted strangely a couple of times when I’ve been over there, Emma admitted. You don’t think she’s taking drugs or anything, do you?

I sure hope not, he replied, but it certainly would have explained a lot.

The next morning, as Jamie and the couple were having coffee and breakfast, her mother knocked on the door, looking refreshed from the night before.

Good morning, she greeted with a bashful smile, and the couple invited her in for coffee. The morning sun pierced the windows with its allure while they all sat around the large, rectangle table with the floral, plastic tablecloth.

Let me make you some breakfast, Emma offered, trekking toward the stove.

No, that’s so kind but I’m okay, she responded. I wanted to thank you both for last night, for the carnival and for keeping Jamie here. I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve had some trouble sleeping so I took some medication that my doctor prescribed, but it hit me much quicker than I expected. Her explanation sounded plausible.

It’s no problem, Harvey responded. I could see that you were tired.

We enjoy Jamie so if we can ever help out . . . Emma offered.

Thank you. I really appreciate that since I don’t know anyone here yet. I’m starting my new job next week so I need to find a good daycare for her.

Doesn’t Carol Jacobs still run that daycare in the church on Kingston Avenue? Emma asked her husband.

Yeah, I think that’s where Joan’s and Ed’s grandkids go, he answered.

The Carmichael boys go there, too, I think, Emma stated.

Great, I’ll look into it, Annette said.

I don’t want to overstep my boundary, honey, but I could just keep Jamie here while you work, Emma commented and Harvey agreed. It would save you money and give me someone to talk to.

I really do appreciate it, but that would keep you from your daily activities and I refuse to put you out, she replied. You do so much for my daughter already. Besides, daycare will be good for her social skills and prepare her for school later on.

Monday morning, four days later, was Jamie’s first day and they made their way into the spacious basement of the brick church, where colorful finger paintings lined the walls of the toy crammed room. Her mother was impressed by how content she seemed to be at the center, instantly making her way across the room to play with a group of three girls. She appeared to fit in perfectly with them, which was a great comfort to the mother who dreaded leaving her.

In the week that followed, Jamie raved about her days, finger painting, playing and learning good hygiene habits, like the proper way to wash her hands and brush her teeth. Her mother was enjoying her new job at the medical office also. Harvey and Emma made frequent visits next door, each afternoon, to inquire about their day.

I don’t like naptime there, the little girl confessed. We have to take a nap after we eat our snack, but I can’t go to sleep because I’m not tired, Jamie complained, throwing her arms into the air. I close my eyes but I can’t go to sleep.

Well, maybe you should try counting sheep, Harvey suggested, invoking confusion on the little girl’s face. They say that counting sheep will help you sleep.

They don’t have any sheep there, she replied with a perplexed face, and the couple burst into laughter.

During the summer, Harvey and Emma frequented the local fairs and festivals on the weekends with their best friends, the Carpenters, for some country ham sandwiches and good conversation. It was one of their favorite things to do and, for the one on the upcoming weekend, they invited Jamie.

Are you sure? Her mother responded. I don’t want her to be an imposition. The couple insisted on taking her. After an hour long car ride, Harvey and Emma, the Carpenters and Jamie arrived at the festival, a county fair, where the aroma of smoked ham and potatoes from a nearby pavilion tantalized their senses. Behind it were amusement rides and a band that was playing on the stage.

Mm, I can smell that country ham, Charlie Carpenter commented, and the pavilion was their first stop for some green beans, macaroni and cheese, fruit and that famous country ham.

I hope it’s not as salty as it was at the last festival, Barbara Carpenter remarked. While they feasted, the two couples discussed church, their families, the weather and politics. When they were together, there was always plenty to talk about.

Jamie, sweetheart, you’re just as darling as you can be, Barbara complimented. I’m glad you came with us today. She’s very well behaved for her age, she told Emma while their husbands discussed the Major League baseball season.

Yes, she’s a really good girl, Emma replied with a glaring smile at Jamie. What do you think of that ham? She asked the girl.

It’s not too bad, she responded like an adult, and the foursome erupted with laughter. Do they have animals here? Behind the amusement area was a field where helicopter rides were being given, just to the right of an enormous barn.

Yes, they do, but do you want to go up in the helicopter first? Harvey asked.

No way! She answered.

The expansive barn wreaked of a blend of hay and manure from the cows and hogs inside, and Jamie visited every cage, smiling and greeting each of the animals while paying special attention to the rabbits, her favorite. After a few carnival rides, the group took seats in the bleachers to watch the truck pulls as the night’s gentle breezes brushed their faces.

I’m going to drive the red truck, Jamie announced, amazed by what she had seen so far.

Oh yeah? Harvey replied. Why that one?

Because it’s red, she stated as if he should’ve already known her answer.

After she fell asleep in the car, Harvey carried her into her house.

Thanks for taking her, Annette whispered.

It was our pleasure, he said. She did great.

Harvey and Emma were devoted members of their Baptist church, just three blocks away and, in fact, Harvey had helped build the brick structure years earlier. Unless they were sick, the couple never missed a Sunday morning or Wednesday evening service. Harvey was an elder of the church, and Emma ran the nursery during services and headed the women’s group. The pastor made frequent visits to the house for meals or coffee, and Jamie adored him.

When may we expect to see you in church, Princess Jamie? Pastor Steve inquired.

Whenever they bring me, she answered casually.

Shall we say Sunday then? I shall, perhaps, have a cookie for the young princess waiting in the royal kitchen there.

I shall be there, the girl responded with a grin.

The following Saturday, Emma drove Jamie into town to shop for a dress and shoes and, together, they selected the perfect ensemble for church.

You really didn’t have to do that, Annette told the woman when they returned, and she offered to reimburse the cost but Emma wouldn’t hear of it.

It was my pleasure, she responded.

The next morning, Annette walked Jamie over to the couple’s house for breakfast. Dressed in her Sunday best, the little girl beamed.

Well, look at you in that gorgeous pink dress and fancy white sandals, Harvey complimented.

You are stunning, sweetheart, Emma added.

She was so excited to get all dressed up, her mother told them.

Annette, honey, join us for breakfast, Emma insisted while pouring her a cup of coffee. Would you like to go to church with us?

Um, maybe next time, she softly declined, never being much of a churchgoer. I have a lot to do today.

At the church, Jamie and the couple were greeted by some of the other members before Pastor Steve spotted them.

Princess Jamie, you made it, he greeted the girl. Welcome to the Lord’s house.

The Lord lives here? She responded with amazement and he chuckled. Does he have the cookies? She asked with a grin, recalling the pastor’s bribe.

We usually give those out after the service, he explained, but I will certainly make sure that you get one then. During the service, Jamie opted to stay in the nursery with Emma rather than sit with Harvey in the pew so that she could help with the infants, and she sang to them in a soft voice, relishing their presence as a young mother would.

Back when I was a kid, I was that little, too, Jamie informed Emma, who giggled about her comment.

You were? Emma whispered. You were as tiny as these babies? How did you get to be so big now?

Well, I just drank a lot of milk, was her response.

After the service, while Pastor Steve mingled with the congregation, Harvey led Jamie to the array of cookies spread out on a table in the hallway.

Miss Emma, thank you for your help in the nursery and yours, too, princess, he said to Jamie. Do you think I was exciting enough that you’ll come back next week?

Not bad, the girl responded, invoking their laughter.

The growing bond between Harvey and Emma and Jamie didn’t go unnoticed by Estelle.

That little girl appears to be spending more time with you than with her mother, she commented to her sister over coffee one evening on the couple’s porch. Will she be moving in next?

No, not at all, Emma answered. We just do different things with her. She was careful to keep her responses vague so as not to give her meddling sister more to gossip about with the rest of their family.

Well, surely her mother can’t be that busy.

To be honest, I don’t know what her mother does day to day, and it’s none of my business. It’s nothing more than us being good neighbors. She couldn’t understand her sister’s issue with their relationship, and she felt insulted by Estelle’s investigation.

Your family doesn’t feel that way, she blurted, exposing that they had already discussed it.

Well, I suppose if they have any heartache with what Harvey and I do, they can talk to us themselves, Emma angrily huffed. Estelle’s sentiments infuriated her, and it further angered her that her sister and family had spoken behind her back about their discontentment.

I’m just saying that everyone in this town knows that you own the Cassel’s chain so you might want to be careful about who you get close to, Estelle remarked. Wealth attracts people.

I’d like to think that I still hold enough value for people to like me, aside from the money, Emma replied.

CHAPTER 3

A few weeks later, the polished, black Lincoln with tinted windows drove up as if royalty was inside, and Emma and Harvey rushed out of the house to greet Leeland and his family.

We’re so happy you’re here, Emma said while hugging June. She hurried around the car and pulled their granddaughter, Karaleigh from her carseat. How’s Auntie Emma’s girl? She asked, hugging her young, fair haired niece tightly while Harvey and Leeland unloaded their luggage.

How was your trip? Harvey inquired. Did you hit much traffic?

Nah, it wasn’t bad at all, Leeland answered.

You guys must be hungry, Emma said. Let me make you some lunch.

That’s not necessary. We grabbed a late breakfast and had snacks in the car, June replied.

And how has our little Karaleigh been? Emma asked the four year old with blond curls.

Good, she replied. I’ve been playing and . . .

She’s still doing dance and now, Karen has her in gymnastics, June interrupted the girl’s response. The ballet instructor says that she’s the best in the class. She may be doing a solo or two.

Well, that’s wonderful! Emma exclaimed. We’re very proud of you, sweetheart.

Yes, and we’ve been practicing her somersaults and balance beam work. June described it like a profession.

They seem to think that her dance lessons will really be a huge benefit to her.

Well, good, Emma responded with a disenchanted smile, and how is work going?

Well, it’s not exactly work, she answered in a pretentious tone. It’s my practice and it’s going very well.

How are the stores doing, Leeland? Emma asked.

Very well, as always, he answered proudly. We’re still making a little money.

Oh, he’s just being modest, June intervened. They’ve seen the largest cash flow that they ever have in the last couple of months. The stores are very lucrative.

That’s great! Congratulations, Harvey praised.

Ah, my employees do all of the work, he answered, modestly, in his usual casual style.

But you are the management, June rebutted. In their world,