“Very,” Sarah said, “And… well, the specifics are a little strange. But I don’t know a plumber anywhere who can do a job as efficiently as you.”
I knew Sarah was buttering me up. She wasn’t wrong, though. I lived and breathed plumbing. I could pinpoint plumbing issues by hearing long before my scope verified the problem.
But why would she need to do that? She knew I’d do her favors anytime. “Who exactly is this person?”
“That’s the thing… I can’t exactly tell you. But…” she lowered her voice. “But it was Cassandra who asked me to get in touch with you. I’m not supposed to know it was her.”
Okay, this was definitely weird. Cassandra Kelly was the CEO of the hotel we were working on. She was also a friend, albeit a little newer, similar to Sarah.
“Sarah, why didn’t Cassandra ask me herself?”
She sighed. “Because… well, no one is supposed to know the client is there.” Her voice brightened. “But I can tell you it’s a gorgeous place, up in the Hills.”
Sarah clearly didn’t know me that well yet if she thought that would be a draw. I hated the richie-rich neighborhood that crept up the sloping hills of Quince Valley. It wasn’t just because I stood out like a sore thumb up there, either. It reminded me too much of another time in my life. A darker time. Sarah didn’t know that, of course. Nobody did, outside my brothers.
So yeah, it was a no. It was too weird, I hated the Hills, and I truly didn’t like leaving one job for another. I was a stickler for finishing what I started. “I’m sorry, Sarah. We’re just slammed down here. You know how it is. I could make a referral if you like?”
Sarah cleared her throat, and after some rustling—her getting up, I think—the soft click of her door closing sounded through the phone.
Despite my refusal, my interest piqued further. There was something more to this job.
“Okay, listen,” Sarah said, her voice low. “I was hoping you could do this as a personal favor to me, Winona.”
My frown deepened. “How’s that?”
“The property owner…” her voice went muffled, dropping to nearly a whisper. “Well, I’m not really supposed to say anything, but apparently he’s a little off. Also, he’s Cassandra’s future brother-in-law. Who no one’s supposed to know is here.”
That was a lot of slightly alarming statements all at once. I didn’t know Cassandra’s fiancé even had siblings, let alone any with issues.
“Off?” I asked.
“That’s the wrong word. He’s kind of a recluse.”
“Is he a criminal? A fugitive?”
“Not as far as I know.”
Damn. “Sarah, this is weird as hell.”
“You wouldn’t be in danger,” she quickly added. “Of course.” Then she hesitated. “I wouldn’t ask you if it weren’t important. Please, Winona?”
Suddenly, I understood. Sarah had told me when I first signed our subcontract that this was her first multi-million dollar job. She was totally competent, but the owner of her firm had kind of thrown her to the wolves. She was being told to get me on this job.
I knew what it was like to be tested. To have the standards twice as high on a job just because you were a woman. I’d spent my whole professional life with men double-checking my work, unconvinced a fully qualified plumber could do a good job if they lacked a penis. It was exactly why I was working on a plan to change all this for women in trades everywhere. This was all very serendipitous, actually.
I pinched the bridge of my nose. I wanted to say no. But I wouldn’t hang Sarah out to dry like that.
“Okay,” I said finally. “But only because it’s you.” I looked around the dank room, my eyes landing on Cher, who already looked pissed I was making my escape. “And because this basement is a nightmare.”
Cher planted her hands on her hips. “I’m not staying if you’re not.”
Sarah let out a relieved breath. “Oh, thank God, Winona! And Cher can come up here while you’re out. I’ve got some plans to go over.” She obviously heard Cher griping. She gaveme the address and was about to say more when I heard a loud knocking on her end of the phone, followed by a man’s gruff voice.
Sarah’s boss, being demanding as usual.
“I’m on my way,” I said. One less thing for Sarah to worry about.
I ended the call, giving Cher the update. I would have sent her elsewhere in the building if Sarah hadn’t offered. Nothing could improve this place, not even a sexy ghost.
