Page 58 of The Specialist

She nodded enthusiastically. “I’ll put in the request.”

“All right.” I tightened my arms. “We have to go, my love.”

“I’m ready.”

Hand in hand, we walked to the boat. She stopped twice to glance over her shoulder, and I knew how sad she was to leave. I decided to contact Bentley as soon as we were back in the city.

* * *

My phone rang, and I answered on the Bluetooth. “Mack,” I greeted him. “What’s up?”

“Some pipes burst in the gym overnight, Egan. The ceiling collapsed, and the gym was flooded.”

“Shit,” I swore. “So, a lot of damage, I assume.”

He didn’t sugarcoat it. “Yeah, there was. It was extensive.”

“Anyone hurt?”

“No, but there were some electrical issues caused by the water. We’re lucky there wasn’t a fire.”

“I’m on my way back into town. I’ll be there shortly. You have the insurance information, right?”

“Already called.”

“Okay. I’ll see you soon.”

I hung up, and Sofia placed her hand on my arm. “Egan, I’m sorry.”

I patted her hand. “Not the news I wanted to hear today.”

“Why would the pipes burst?”

I shrugged. “Any number of reasons. The building is older. Perhaps a weak spot. Until I get there, I won’t have any idea.”

“Can I help?”

“No, my love. I will take you home first, make sure you are safe, and head there.”

“Okay. I’ll be waiting when you get back.”

I squeezed her fingers. “I’d like that.”

* * *

I surveyed the damage with a low whistle. Because the gym was in the lower level of the building, the destruction was bad. Machines ruined, the floors and walls soaked. All the electrical wiring unusable. The insurance adjuster shook my hand and told me they would launch a full investigation as to the cause, but it appeared as if a pipe had simply given way and the water had poured into the space. “Old pipes sometimes crack. There could have been a sudden spike in pressure or a blockage. Shame it happened in the middle of the night when no one was around to monitor it.”

“I’m covered though, right?”

He nodded. “You upped your policy to include water damage, which is why your rates were so high. I suppose now it was worth it.” He glanced around. “This is pretty severe, though.”

“How long until we can reopen?”

He shook his head. “It will depend. Walls, floors, insulation, all of that will have to be replaced.” He met my eyes. “It might be cheaper to close and move. Take a payout and use that toward the costs.”

I wasn’t happy with that thought. I spoke with Mack, and between us, we got the important things from the office and desk, called the staff, and Mack promised he would send emails to our clients explaining the closure. I would have to come up with a game plan for the members. Until then, a handwritten Closed sign was hung on the door.

I walked around, looking at the damage. In the main gym where the pipe had burst in the ceiling, water still dripped. It was too dark to see much, but I studied the pipes, noting the jagged metal edges. I took some pictures, and after talking to a few other people, left the building so the insurance company could do their work.