Hidden Riches

Brent felt sweat trickle down his shirt and wished he’d talked Jed into meeting at some nice coffee shop. “After Thursday’s meet, we should be able to keep her out of it.”
    “It’s not just that.” Jed moved from the heavy bag to the light, relieving Brent immeasurably. Eyes narrowed, Jed sent the bag flying into a blur. “She’s in love with me.”
    Brent took off his glasses to clean the lenses of fog. “Is that supposed to be news?”
    “She needs more than I can give her. She should have more.”
    “Maybe. Is she complaining?”
    “No.” Jed blinked sweat out of his eyes and kept his fists flying.
    “Then relax and enjoy the ride.”
    Jed whirled on him so swiftly, so violently, that Brentbraced for the blow. “It’s not a fucking ride. It’s not like that with Dora. It’s—” He broke off, furious at the smug smile creasing Brent’s face. “Don’t play me,” he said very softly.
    “Just testing the waters, Captain.” When Jed turned over his gloves, Brent obligingly unlaced them. “Speaking of which, the unofficial word is that you’ll be back in command the first of the month. Goldman’s sulking.”
    “He’ll feel better when I sign his transfer papers.”
    “Oh, let me worship at your feet.”
    A grin tugged at Jed’s mouth as he flexed his fist. “We’ll make an official announcement on Monday. And if you try to kiss me in here, pal, I’ll have to deck you.” He picked up a towel to dry his face. “For now, Goldman’s in charge. Is everything set for Thursday?”
    “We’ll have two men in the shop. Another pair outside, and a surveillance van a half block away. As long as Dora follows instructions, we’ll pick up every word.”
    “She’ll follow them.”
     
    Spending an hour with her father had given Dora a need for family. She indulged it by closing the shop an hour early and spending the evening at Lea’s. The din from the family room soothed her soul.
    “I think Richie’s definitely improving on the trumpet,” Dora commented.
    Head cocked, Lea listened to the wet musical blats with a mixture of pride and resignation. “There’s a band concert at school in three weeks. I’m saving you a front-row seat.”
    “God bless you.” There was a series of muffled thumps from the next room, what was—if you had enough imagination—a stirring cavalry charge and an excellent rebel yell. “I needed this.” Content, Dora slipped onto a stool by the counter.
    “I’d be happy to leave you in charge for a couple hours.” Lea added another touch of burgundy to the stew she had simmering.
    “I don’t need it that much.” Dora drank a hurried sip of wine. “No. I spent some time with Dad this afternoon, and it made me think what it would be like if he wasn’t so handy. That’s all.”
    “Something’s going on.” Frowning, Lea tapped the spoon on the side of the pot, set it on a spoon rest shaped like a duck. “You’ve got that line between your eyebrows. And you’re pale. You always get pale when you’re worried about something.”
    “You’d be worried too if you had to find a new accountant right before end-of-January inventory.”
    “Not good enough.” Lea leaned closer, probing. “You’re edgy, Dory, and it has nothing to do with business. If you won’t tell me, I’ll have to turn Mom loose on you.”
    “Why does everyone threaten me with Mom?” she demanded. “I’m unsettled, okay? My life’s taken a couple of odd turns. I’d like my family to respect my privacy enough to allow me to work out my own problems.”
    “Okay. I’m sorry. Really.”
    Passing a hand over her face, Dora took a cleansing breath. “No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. I guess I’m still a little jet-lagged. I think I’ll go home, take a hot bath and sleep for twelve hours.”
    “If you don’t feel better tomorrow, I can come in early.”
    “Thanks. I’ll let you know.” She started to slide off the stool as the knock sounded on the back door.
    “Hi.” Mary Pat stuck in her head. “I came to pick up my share of the monsters.” She listened a moment to the shouting and the blare of the trumpet. “Ah, the patter of little feet. Wonderful, isn’t it?”
    “Have a seat,” Lea invited. “Unless you’re in a hurry.”
    “I’d love a seat.” She sighed as she took the one beside Dora. “I’ve been on my feet for eight straight hours. We had two codes back to back.” She took a deep breath of air. “God, how do you manage to