One Summer Evening - One Summer Evening Part 26
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One Summer Evening Part 26

"How's Wilma?"

Cassie blinked, trying to figure his angle in abruptly switching the subject.

"Weak."

"Dammit, I just wish there was something more that could be done."

"Me too," Cassie said in a fragile tone.

Another silence fell between them. Austin broke it. "If there's nothing

urgent, then I'm off to check on the other hotels."

"Not just yet. Actually, what I have in mind is urgent."

"Then let's get to it."

She heard the impatience in his voice but chose to ignore it.

"I'd like to know more about the proposed land deal in New Orleans."

Cassie lifted the folder and held it out to him.

"This information's rather sketchy."

"That's because it's my deal."

"I disagree, especially since you made a down payment on the land with

company money."

Austin lunged to his feet, seeming suddenly to tower over her, his

features drawn.

"It's all aboveboard. Wilma will vouch for that."

"I didn't say it wasn't."

"Then what are you getting at?"

Cassie forced herself to remain calm.

"I want to be brought up to speed on what's going on, where we are with

the deal."

"Now's not a good time."

His eyes were cool.

"It is for me."

"All right, Cassie." He sat back down.

"We'll play it your way for now."

"Thank you."

His lips twitched suddenly, and his eyes turned sultry.

For her own peace of mind, she ignored both. But dammit, what kind of

game was he playing?

"So where's the property?"

"In New Orleans, on supposedly prime land."

Her eyebrows rose.

"Supposedly? You mean you don't know?"

"I haven't actually seen it."

"Why, that's the craziest thing I've ever heard. You paid out this kind

of money, and you don't know what it looks like?"

"Nope, but I'm not worried. My friend and attorney, Randall Lunsbury,

who lives and works in Lafayette, is spearheading the deal. But then, you know that. It's all in the folder."

"Do you trust him?"

"Implicitly."

"That's who you gave the money to?"

"Yes."

Austin's tone was clipped. Cassie sensed his patience had run its

course.

She didn't know how much longer he was going to sit there.

But she wasn't giving in or up. She wanted answers to some very

important unanswered questions.

"Actually, a new hotel was Alicia's idea and her dream," he said.

"She talked about it incessantly, intending to keep the same homey

atmosphere, the same values and traditions that the Hillcrest properties

are known for." Austin paused and cleared his throat.

"Her dream became contagious."

Austin's mention of his deceased wife threw Cassie an unexpected curve, but she couldn't let emotions keep her from doing what she thought best.

"I want you to ask for it back."

"" It' meaning the money?"

"Yes. I'm not in favor of building."

"That's too bad."

Cassie's anger was palpable.

"How dare you blow off my opinion as if it's not important? I've already

told you, I'm going to do what I think is best for the company."

"Fine, but why are you so against the venture? You're a risk-taker

yourself."

"Have you looked around here lately?"

"What the hell kind of question is that?"

"A good one. This hotel is falling down around our ears, Austin."

"That's an exaggeration, though I'll admit it could use a little

cosmetic Cassie laughed a mirthless laugh.