Ryker (Hope City #6) - Kris Michaels Page 0,57
talked with other chefs. Those businesses are delivering to them.” Roger sat down in the chair across from her desk. “What’s the real story here?”
She leaned forward. “I’m not sure, but what I’m going to tell you goes no further than that doorway. You can’t say anything, understand?”
“Sure, you know you can trust me, Boss.” Roger leaned forward, lessening the space between them.
“I think I’m being squeezed in order to get my initiative through the city’s red tape and for approval.”
Roger’s face turned a dark red. “That is absolute bullshit, Brie.” He shook his head. “You're trying to help those less fortunate and someone is squeezing you? Who is it?”
“I don’t know.” She had major suspicions, but Roger didn’t need to have that information. “I’ve asked my sister Bekki to look into what is going on. I’m going to give her the name of the vendors that have suddenly been unable to fulfill our orders and let her go to work. Anything we say about this could derail her investigation, so we are going to be mute on this problem. Got it?”
“Yeah. I don’t like it, but I get it.” He glanced at the door before he stood and started back toward the kitchen. “My pasta is ready. I need to sheet it and start the raviolis.”
“I’ll finish with this and call Bekki. I need to talk with you and Lola after lunch service.”
Roger stopped, spun, and asked, “Something wrong?”
“No. Not at all. Just a couple changes I want to make. Oh, and thank you for installing the camera.”
“It was really easy. The battery will last a month, so I set up a recurring reminder on your computer to remind you when to pull it and charge it. There is a folder on the system’s desktop where the videos are accessible. I set it to keep them for a week, then delete them. The owner’s manual is in your top desk drawer.” He shouted the last words as he walked back into the kitchen.
Ryker’s injury had changed her in so many ways, and yet her world was just the same as it was when she stepped away a week ago. The familiar chatter, occasional shouted orders, and laughter faded into the background. Where it should be, a small voice inside her head reminded her. She’d built a successful business and had a great team in place. Working normal hours while still providing the leadership necessary wasn’t impossible. She’d just need to tweak her schedule if problems came up, and those nights that Ryker would be busy she would stay at work and help. It was… liberating and scary. She’d worked so hard for so long, taking a step back seemed like a luxury, although it wasn’t—it was just the reward for all the hard work she’d invested into her pride and joy.
She shook her head, clearing away the meandering thoughts, and grabbed her cell. Scrolling down to her sister’s number, she called Bekki.
“What’s up?” Her sister seemed distracted.
“Is this a bad time?” Her information could wait. Bekki worked on several stories at a time.
“Huh? No, no. I’m just frustrated. What’s on your mind?”
“Well, remember I told you about the vendors that weren’t filling our orders anymore?”
“Like it was yesterday.”
“Well, there are three, and they have consistently declined to fill our orders while filling other restaurants, at least according to my chef.”
“Okay. Could you do me a favor? I’m not in the office. Could you text me the names of the vendors and the dates of your orders? Hell, even a copy of your orders would help.” Bekki sounded like she was walking in a crowded building.
“I can scan them and send you an email.”
“That would be perfect. Hey, have you heard from Blay lately?”
She frowned as she thought. “No. I haven’t seen him since Sunday dinner at Brody’s. Why?”
“Nothing. I need help to navigate some construction permits and since he’s Builder Bob, I thought he could point me in the right direction. I don’t want to bother Brody at work.”
“But you’ll bother Blay?”
“Ha, well, yeah. Unless he’s putting out a fire, he’s just lazing around, right?” Bekki laughed loudly.
“You know, I don’t think that’s how it is at the firehouse.” She knew Blay worked hard. What he did all day if there wasn’t a call she wasn’t sure, but she couldn’t picture Blay with his feet kicked up watching television along with the rest of the station.
“Whatever. He needs to call me back.” Bekki snorted the reply.
“And when did you