“The electricity, internet and television will run off one system, which we will pay for. If you require or, within reason, desire any work done on your home, it will be provided for you at our expense. If you have a weapon in the home, it must be registered with us.” Brock’s finger pointed at each item on the lease. Included were pertinent phone numbers.
“If your personal vehicle breaks down, there will be a number in your phone to call for assistance. We will install an emergency button inside the vehicle to call for assistance. Again, all at our expense.
“With you present, security staff will require monthly access to your home to sweep for surveillance devices. And it is expected that you refrain from using illicit drugs.
“Since you were paying for electricity, internet, television service, and garbage collection as part as your old rent, it was removed from your charges. Also, the lease adds access to the pool and patio. All that we ask is to please stay clothed,” Brock said with all seriousness.
Harper broke out in a hearty laugh. “I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.”
“Good. In addition to the lease, I’ll ask you to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Maintaining the privacy of the owner is important.” Brock smiled.
“Can I get you something to drink while we read this?” Harper asked.
“You sit and read, dolls. I’ll take care of that.” Barry stood and headed to their refrigerator.
“Thank you.” Harper gave Barry a second look. The girls took the lease into Chantal’s bedroom to read. The new rent was lower than what it would be after removing the add-ons the old landlord included. As they read the requirements, they realized all of them were for safety and privacy.
“The pool and patio. Changes to our home as desired. Garbage removal. Water, telephone, TV, electricity, internet. Clause for fire, storm, or flood damage, including being put up in a hotel until repairs are made.”
Chantal laughed. “You don’t see a crazy clause like being a sex slave or something?”
Laughing, she said, “Channy, you’re crazy.”
Brock and Barry sat chatting at the table when they joined them. “There they are,” Barry said.
“Um, I have a question. Well, maybe two. Um, first, are we in danger living here?” Harper asked.
“You are probably in one of the safest places. Mr. Pincher won’t allow anything to happen to you,” Barry said.
“Why are you so kind with the rent?” Chantal stared at Brock.
“Your rent is calculated by the exact cost it takes for your home’s share of use. No more. Then we removed the cost of your utilities. Finally, we took twenty percent more off the top due to the inconveniences of living here.” Brock pulled out a sheet that detailed the calculations.
“Where do we sign?” Harper asked.
Brock pointed to spots in the contract. “You have three days to change your mind.”
“Thank you.” Harper took a pen from a mug on the table and signed the lease.
“One more question: when does Mr. Pincher move in?” She passed the pen over to Chantal.
Chantal signed. “See, Harp, it wasn’t that bad.”
Brock smiled broadly. “The home is in move-in condition, so as soon as he settles on house staff and security. In other words, as soon as possible.”
The girls walked the lawyer and the HGTV designer to the door. As soon as they were gone, Chantal and Harper looked at each other and giggled with excitement. “Maybe Mr. Pincher will let us see inside. If Barry is here, Owen can’t be that far away.”
Harper’s sugar must have risen. She was feeling better. “We can ask Kip and Kyle on Thursday what Mr. Pincher is like. I couldn’t find his name online.”
Chapter 4
“What can I get you to drink, gentlemen?” The waitress smiled brightly at the well-dressed gentlemen sitting with him at a large corner table at La Raison d’Être.
“Hi,” Kip chuckled. “Fancy meeting you here. Kieran Chase, this is Harper Rousselle. Kyle and I met her and her sister Monday night.”
Kip’s planned flight to his home base in DC and his life were both diverted to New Orleans from a temporary assignment in San Diego as that branch’s interim assistant executive director. The co-directors, Julian Dupart, who was on paternity leave, and Troy Bremen, who underwent major surgery, were not able to work full-time. Josh Stone, Kip’s newly appointed executive officer, and two members of the company’s elite rapid response team shared a nearby table.
“I thought you were a nurse.” Kip opened his palms.
