Tarot

 

 

 

The house was everything I wanted. The rooms were all spacious, the kitchen appeared to be recently remodeled, and the living room had a fireplace, which is something I’d always wanted. Then there was the finished basement, which would be perfect for a man-cave and workout area.

“Every room has been repainted. The carpeting is new, and the roof was just replaced a year ago,” said John, going down the list of updates once again. He looked up and grinned. “I think the only problem you’d have with this place is trying to figure out what kind of riding lawnmower to purchase.”

He wasn’t kidding. The lot was on two acres and most of it was grass.

“What do you think?” I asked Peyton, who looked more beautiful than yesterday, if that was even possible. “Should I do it?”

She gave me a surprised look. “I… I guess that depends on how much you like the place.”

“It’s a great deal and now that summer is just around the corner, it’s going to go quickly,” reminded John. “I’d jump all over this.”

“I love it,” I said, ignoring him. I didn’t like or trust the guy. His smile was pasty and I could feel negative vibes pouring out of him.

“It is nice,” she agreed.

Normally, I’d have pondered the idea a little longer before jumping into things, but my gut told me that if I didn’t put in an offer right away, I’d indeed lose the house.

“Okay, let’s do it,” I replied. “I’ll put in an offer of two-hundred-forty thousand.”

John winced. “Oh, I don’t know if you’re going to want to offer a lower price. With the economy the way it is, it’s a seller’s market right now.”

I looked at Peyton. “What do you think?”

She cleared her throat. “I—”

“No offense, but Peyton isn’t a realtor. Her expertise is on the administrative side.” He smiled at her. “Although, I’m sure she’d agree that this house is worth every penny of the asking price.”

“You’re representing the seller, too, right?” I replied, knowing he’d be getting commission from both ends.

His eye twitched. “Yes, but even so, this buyer knows he can get the full amount and has only had it on the market for a short time. You start low-balling and you’ll lose it. It’s only Saturday and I’m sure there will be other viewings today.”

I knew he was right. I looked at Peyton again, wishing I didn’t have to deal with the asshole. “Can I talk to you alone for a second?”

Her eyes widened. “Uh, okay,” she said, looking over at John.

He gave her a hard look.

“Could you give us a couple of minutes?” I said to John.

“Of course,” he replied with a forced smile. He picked up his briefcase and walked outside.

“So, what do you think? Is he pulling my leg, or what?” I asked her in a low voice.

“Honestly, I may not be a realtor, but I’ve seen what houses are selling for and I think he’s right. It’s a good deal.”

I grinned. “I think so, too. I just wanted to… what was that you said yesterday? Oh, yeah. ‘Ruffle his feathers’ a bit.”

She smiled. “Oh, you definitely did.”

“He’s an asshole. How can you stand working for him?”

“It’s a fulltime job. I need the money.”

“I hope he’s paying you well.”

Peyton snorted. “Let’s just say I’ve been keeping an eye out for something better to come along.”

I smiled. “Good plan. Meanwhile, keep writing.”

“I’ll try.”

My phone suddenly began to ring. I pulled it out and noticed that Phoenix was calling again. “I’d better take this. You can tell John to start the paperwork. I’ll offer the full amount.”

She grinned. “Okay.” Peyton headed toward the door.

“Hey, brother. What’s up?” I answered.

“Nothing good. I just got word that someone broke into the tattoo shop and took off with Devon’s safe.”

I swore. “I hope she didn’t have a lot in there.”

“A little over five-thousand dollars.”

“Shit. You have any idea of who did it?”

“Actually, she checked the cameras and recognized someone,” he replied, his voice strange.

“One of the Blood Angels?” I replied.

He didn’t say. “Look, we’re on our way back into town. I need you to meet me at the clubhouse in two hours.”

“No problem,” I replied, a feeling of dread forming in the pit of my stomach. Something was wrong, and it wasn’t just the stolen money. “Anything else you’re not mentioning?”

“You’ll find out soon enough,” he said and hung up.