Acquiring Trouble

his home in the early morning hours after Marshall wrapped up the crime scene. His brother was doing a terrific job as s heriff. Miles made a quick sandwich and sat in the leather chair overlooking the farm. The large windows glowed as the sun rose over the ro lling hills of the countryside.
    Miles finished his sandwich and rose to check the locks on all the doors and windows. He set his alarm system and climbed the stairs to his bedroom. He knew every creak of the floorboards, every background noise from the air conditioner or refrigerator, and every sound that was out of ordinary. His house was still and quiet, an d that was the way he liked it.
    He entered his room and locked the door before taking off his suit coat and tossing it on the upholstered chair. He yanked his tie fr ee , strode across the room stripp ing his shirt off , and flipped on the bathroom light
    A large glass shower took up the majority of the brown and cream tiled sidewall . He unbuckled his belt and freed the button of his slacks before turning on the hot water. Miles pulled his cell phone and wallet out of his slacks before stepping out of them. The shower was the one place where he felt he could relax. He had had multiple showerheads installed. A glass door and the large window in the bathroom allowed him a view of his fa rm.
    Miles opened the glass door and was about to step in when he heard his phone vibrate. It was probably his mother reminding him of family dinner. For each of his thirty - six years they had family dinner every Sunday night at six. Yet, every Sunday morning for the past six years his mother called him. "This is your mother," s he’d say, as if he didn't already know. "Remember we have dinner tonight at six. Don't be late." It was usually followed up with, "dress nicely , we have a guest coming," which meant his mother had found a date for him. Some mothers knit ted , some baked, but his moth er hunted for potential brides.
    "Yes , " h e snapped when he saw a number he didn't recognize. He was tired, naked , and just wanted to get into the hot shower.
    "Um, Mr. Davies?"
    "Yes, what is it?" The mumbling scared voice only confirmed his suspicion this was probably someone wanting to know his views on the upcoming election or some garbage like that.
    " I’m calling on behalf of Top Producers ."
    "Again, what is it?"
    " Please hold for a call from Miss Hamilton ."
    "Fine. But hurry up, will you? " He was naked and starting to get cold , which made his shower look even more inviting. Boring music flowed through the phone as he waite d for Miss Hamilton.
    “Miles, dear, what a coincidence that you’re the president of Family Farms!” A woman’s voice floated across the line. She had a confident voice with the cutest hint of a southern accent.
    “I’m sorry. Do we know each other?” Miles ran through all the people he knew at Top Producers that he’d met at conferences but couldn’t place her.
    “It’s been a while. Seventeen years or so. But I still remember you. What does the Keeneston water tower say now?”
    Miles didn’t blink. He didn’t breath e and his heart practically stopped beating. Not Miss Hamilton —M iss Morgan Hamilton! “Morgan.”
    “Is that all you have to say after the way we parted?”
    “Well, if you’re giving me a call on behalf of Top Producers then it can’t be out of the goodness of your heart since we both know you and goodness don’t go together.”
    Morgan’s laugh sent a tickle through his ear as he waited for her response. “Miles. Your dry sense of humor is still in tact after all these years. It was so very attractive when we were in high school together.”
    “Stop with the pleasantries. What can I do for you?” He didn’t know what it was, but he was sure it wasn’t good.
    “ Smart as always. David told me he sent you an email of congratulations and while he doesn’t know you, I do,” she said smoothly.
    “Don’t presume to know me, Morgan.”
    “Play nice, Miles. I know that when you got that ema il you knew we were interested in learning more about your company. Yo u have a nice little thing going. C ongratulations.”
    “Little? So little we’re starting to win the contracts Top Producers is bidding on. Look, M organ, I appreciate you not tip- toeing around the subject. You want to take us over.”
    “You’re getting a little a head of yourself. I’m just telling you that you’re doing well enough to warrant us taking a look under your skirt to see