Mad About You

your business relationship with that Sanderson fellow,"
    "It's not a story," she said through clenched teeth.
    "For the governor's sake," he said, his voice grim, "I hope not."
    Realizing that Elam was simply doing his job—watching out for the governor's best interests—she retreated gracefully. "Make those phone calls. I'll tie up the loose ends at the mansion and schedule the tours for tomorrow afternoon. Please inform the governor of your—I mean, our change of plans."
    "Very good," he said. "Ms. Crowne, I hope you understand how important this election is to all of our futures."
    Jasmine was silent a moment, then said, "I do, Mr. Elam. Believe me, I have dreams, too."
    "Then you'd better perform magic for those cameras tomorrow."

    * * *

    "Jasmine," Ladden said happily, squeezing the phone. "How are you feeling today?"
    "I'm fine," she said, although she didn't sound fine. "Ladden, I want to apologize for my behavior at the party last night. I have no excuse for leading you on like that and Trey doesn't deserve the way I treated him."
    His heart fell. It wasn't the conversation he'd hoped for, but he had begun to understand the delicate position in which they'd put themselves. He'd spent most of the afternoon trying to get through to McDonald and tell him to call the dogs off his family's tavern. His call had finally been passed to a fellow named Elam. A mistake had been made, the man informed Ladden. The tavern would be reopened within the hour. But, he added, did Mr. Sanderson understand that he was to keep his relationship with Jasmine Crowne on a professional level? Yes, Ladden had conceded—purely professional.
    "You're right, Jasmine," he said, his stomach churning. "Things were much simpler before we... before." He cleared his throat. "So from now on, it's strictly business."
    "Good," she said, her voice flooded with relief. "Now then, do you have a price on the rug? I'm prepared to buy, and I need it first thing in the morning."
    His life had been nothing but turmoil ever since he found that stupid rug. If Jasmine wanted to give the misbehaving carpet to Trey McDonald, she was welcome to it. He pursed his lips and made a split-second decision. "I'll make you a deal."
    "What kind of deal?"
    "If you can help me figure out a way to get it down, I'll sell it for what I paid for it."
    "You're kidding," she gasped, then stopped. "Did you say 'get it down'?"
    "You heard me."
    "Where is it?"
    "The last time I checked, it was on the ceiling."
    Her laughter rolled over the phone line. "You're joking, of course."
    Knowing she'd have to see it to believe it, he relented. "Of course I'm joking. But I want you to inspect it very carefully before you decide. When can you come by?"
    At her silence, he knew she worried about being seen at his place.
    "You could wear a disguise," he said, only half-joking.
    She laughed. "I think I'll simply bring my assistant, April."
    He hoped the woman wasn't faint-hearted. "Sounds safe. When?"
    "It's four-thirty now, how about six?"
    "Broad daylight, blinds up, doors unlocked—I'll see you then," he said, his heart already thumping in anticipation.
    Since he'd had such a profitable day, he decided to close early and get a haircut. Afterward, he walked down to Tabby's, relieved to see they were back in full swing. His Cousin Joey and Uncle Ernie sat at the bar. He joined them and signaled Malone for a beer.
    "The drink's on me, cuz," Joey said. "I can't thank you enough."
    "Huh?"
    "Ah, don't play dumb. After the health inspector closed us down, I was so mad, I didn't know what to do. Then a few minutes later, I got a call from the governor's office."
    The beer tasted especially bitter as it slid down Ladden's closed throat. "What kind of call?"
    "Some guy who said he'd checked into the inspection as a personal favor for you. Said the inspector had made several errors and it would be taken care of, pronto." He lifted his hand in a little wave. "And it was."
    Ernie grunted. "Sounds like the governor's mighty appreciative of what you did for Ms. Crowne."
    "Something like that," Ladden agreed.
    "Maybe McDonald could help with your insurance claim."
    "I have a feeling we've collected our last favor from Trey McDonald," Ladden said dryly. "I need to call Saul and see where the adjuster stands."
    Ernie shook his head. "It don't look good, son, considering you nearly strangled your only witness today."
    Just the thought of Gene made his head hurt.
    "You must have a date," his aunt Silvie