She shook her head. “Nope, and my dad wouldn’t allow me even if I wanted to. He’s the one who told me no short cuts. If the same people are willing to pay another person the money why not me. And I lease club suites around the city. I’m talking Sharks, Royals, and Badgers. I’m in with them all,” she said proudly.
I smirked.
“All the teams, huh? So do you have a suite available for the Royals opening game in a couple of weeks?” Even though Art had secured our suite, I could have him cancel in a heartbeat to put the money in McKay’s pocket instead if she told me she had one available.
“You’re kidding, right? It’s the third week in October, that suite went weeks ago and I was late listing it too. To get my suites you have to book beyond weeks in advance around here. I think I’m fair with my prices too. But in the future book using this site, not on the official stadium or arena sites. They hike prices worse than us private lenders…well, sometimes. For certain games and concerts I do go high because people will pay, but for standard games, never over twenty or thirty depending on the suite and the game.” She was talking and walking over to her purse then came back to me with a business card with her information on it, including the website to book.
I had never heard of a suite owner renting out suites, especially not to the extent of having business cards.
“Oh, so you’re official with it too.”
“Of course, this market is steadily growing and I have to stand out and be the one who gets the business. So keep me in mind next time. I get tickets to everything and my site will tell you what’s all included with my suites.”
“Well damn, okay. I will. And now let me apologize because it’s me who has taken too much of your time. Again, McKay, I’ll be in touch.” This time I made my way to the door so I could get back to work.
“Thank you again for the food, Burkeley.” I offered a silent nod as I headed out of the door, waiting until I heard the click of the locks before I left.
Just spending that small amount of time with McKay only confirmed even more that I wanted her.
I toldMcKay I would call her with the deposit and contract, but once I had the pictures and ran a full search of Harlan, I was able to find him. I didn’t know if she misspelled his last or he’d given her the wrong spelling, but his Triplett had two t’s and instead of the one she’d provided me. So that’s why nothing came up during an earlier search. After I reran his name through my database, a full book of Harlan Triplett came up, going back to birth. I was able to get his current address, phone number, and marriage license.
It was three in the morning and I was currently driving to Austin Peaks to scope out the address I had for him. McKay only asked for information on him, but I felt like her seeing what I’d found would help explain this situation better.
By the time I made it, it was a little after seven in the morning, the perfect time to catch it all. I made sure I had my camcorder handy.
I slid into the back seat so I could get the best angle of the house where a woman stood outside with two kids, both girls, looking like they were waiting on the school bus. To anyone watching it looked normal, but I knew better. Not long after thekids were sent off, the same woman was now back outside, this time sending Harlan off. I caught it all on video. From them hugging and kissing, even the I love yous. I quickly grabbed my camera to snap a few photos of his house, the address, and the car, making sure to get his plate in the process.
I thanked God for their long goodbye. Once he was gone, I headed back down the road too. I had what I needed. I prayed this was enough for her to finally move on.
I pulledin a heavy sigh as I cut the computer off. I had just transferred the recording to a USB drive so she could view it on her computer. I was currently working on the full package for her, including the film that Tino developed before I made my way home. This video was the last thing I needed to do. Once I was sure the drive had the clip, I reached for my phone to text McKay that I would be by soon. I was sure she was expecting her invoice, but the job was complete.
This was the first time since I had been in business that I honestly didn’t feel comfortable with charging a client anything. It was clear that this Harlan guy had played the fuck outta both his wife and McKay. But it seemed like McKay was the only loser in this situation.
Not if I could help it.
I closed my eyes and dragged my hands over my hair before I grabbed the back of my neck as I remembered the size of her small but very evident pudge. She was probably too far along to even end things and save herself from becoming a single mother. I was almost positive this dirty muthafucka wasn’t going to be involved or anything. No, men like him paid people to getrid of problems that threatened to ruin their white picket fence dreams.
“Fuck.” I put the drive inside of the envelope I had for her along with all the other stuff I was able to find.
Me: Hey, McKay, I have some news. Are you free?
While I waited for her reply, I was already headed out of the house. The low vibration alerted me that she had texted me.
McKay: Hey, yes. I can come to you.
Me: No need. I’m already out and about. I’ll see you soon.
Twenty minutes later, I was pulling into McKay’s parking deck and hitting the button to head up.
I tucked the envelope under my arm while I made my way down the hallway. I caught McKay’s wide brown eyes peeking around her doorframe again, making me chuckle a bit.
“I see you’re still peeking,” I said once I was standing in front of her.
“I can’t help it. Please come in,” she said, smiling timidly and stepping aside, giving me the space to walk in with me catching her scent again today. That vanilla peach was enough to bring me to my knees if our circumstances were different right now. Not to mention, McKay was glowing, matching the yellow she had on.
“We can meet in here. You can have a seat. I was in the middle of getting ice, so please one second. Can I get you something to drink?” I cleared my throat before I answered.
“Yes please, water and take your time.”
