other businesses that Henson has monetary ties to: Green’s Dry Cleaning and, on the other end of the street, Ava’s Bakery.” Pointing to another street, he said, “And Frank’s Hardware over on Hartman Road.”
“Green’s has been there as long as I can remember, but Ava’s is new.”
“Yeah, Ava opened her doors only four months ago. The place stood empty for years and has been totally renovated. I doubt Henson would do anything to it. And Frank’s does a brisk business. I don’t see him harming it, either. The dry cleaners is another matter. It’s in bad shape. Wouldn’t be much of a loss.”
“Shouldn’t Henson be smart enough to realize if things keep happening to his properties, the insurance company is going to investigate thoroughly?”
“Not if he’s able to hide his association. Henson’s not listed anywhere as an owner.”
“Then how do you know?”
“Let’s just say that you can learn just about anything you want in Midnight if you ask the right people.”
She laughed and Zach’s chest tightened. There wasn’t a more beautiful sound in the world than Savannah’s laughter.
“So what’s the plan? We stake out the places until we catch them in the act?”
“Not ‘we’ exactly.”
Savannah raised her eyebrows. “I thought we were working on this together.”
“We are. I just don’t—”
“Do you have anyone else you can trust to help you watch?”
“No … but that’s not the point.”
“Why did you come to me if you don’t want my help?”
Hell, he was beginning to feel like he was on the witness stand. “I wanted to talk it out with you.”
“Fine, we’ve talked it out and now I’m going to help you catch them in the act. I can keep an eye on one of the businesses while you watch the other one. If I see anything suspicious, I’ll let you know.”
Before he could object again, she raised her hand to stop him and issued an ultimatum: “I’m helping. Deal with it.”
Zach had his own ultimatum. “Before I agree, you have to swear you won’t interfere. Your ass stays in the car, out of sight. Understand?”
“A lookout only, I promise. Now what’s the game plan?”
Asking for her help had been a ruse to be with her, and she’d turned the tables on him. He should have known this would happen; Savannah had always been able to see straight to his soul.
Her eyes were gleaming with triumph, and a small smile tilted her lips upward. Zach gripped the table, desperate to feel the curve of her mouth beneath his. Hell, how was he supposed to work with her when all he could think about was getting her under him?
This had been a real bad idea.
CHAPTER
FOURTEEN
Dinner with the mayor and his wife held more than one unexpected surprise. Savannah arrived at their home with a bouquet of flowers for Nesta and a first edition of The Great Gatsby for Lamont. She’d spent part of the day in her grandfather’s library packing up books to donate to the local library. When she’d come across the book, she’d immediately thought of Lamont, who loved classic literature.
As soon as she had turned in to the drive, she’d realized that the small, intimate dinner party she had hoped for was something more. Five other cars were parked in the large driveway. Silly not to anticipate a larger crowd; the Kilgores were known for their entertaining. Fortunately she soon realized she knew everyone and there was no need for introductions. Even after all these years, meeting new people could be difficult for her. The shy, insecure Savannah still existed beneath the confident professional. The fact that they had all been friends with her parents made their attendance even more appropriate.
“Savannah, you remember Lisa and Richard Tatum, don’t you?”
Turning away from chatting with Lamont, Savannah greeted the Tatums. Richard had gone to school with her father, and Lisa had been one of her mother’s best friends. “Of course I do.” She leaned forward and hugged the couple. “How are you?”
“Oh, you know us, not much changes here in Midnight. Lisa is still the best cook in town.” He patted his round belly. “And I’m still her number one fan.”
She laughed appropriately, took a sip of her chardonnay, and smiled her way through the conversation. Richard was the talker in the family, often answering for Lisa. Surprisingly his wife didn’t seem to mind, often nodding her head in agreement as if that was what she had planned to say anyway. It would have driven Savannah crazy, but apparently it worked for them.