Page 6 of Dragged Home for Christmas
“Is there something going on there?”
Mr. Hopkins chuckled. “Only the usual shenanigans that happens every Halloween.” He paused. “Now, to business. I am delighted to inform you that all the legalities have been taken care of. Your uncle left you a property.”
“Seriously?” Mike had never imagined the bequest would be so substantial. He mouthedwowto Ashley.
“Indeed. But… there is a slight problem.”
This is where he pulls the rug out from under me, isn’t it?
“Yes?”
“The property should be unoccupied, but it seems there are squatters residing there. Attempts have been made to eject them by the Provincetown Police department, but as yet, all such measures have failed to do so.”
Mike gripped his phone. “I see. What action do you recommend I take?”
“Well, perhaps meeting with them might help you to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion.”
“The police department?”
Ashley raised her eyebrows.
“No, Mr. O’Neill—the squatters. You’ll need to visit my office to collect the keys and sign some paperwork anyway. Do you have time for such a visit?”
Mike would make time.
“I’ll come see you. I’ll call to let you know when I’ll be arriving.”
“Excellent. I’m sure this can all be sorted out.”
“These squatters, Mr. Hopkins. Who are they? Homeless people?”
Ashley’s eyebrows headed north again, only higher this time.
He cleared his throat. “They’re not homeless, no, but… Well, I think it best you see for yourself. I don’t think for a minute that they would inflict any damage to the property. They’re not that kind of people.”
Mike frowned. “You make it sound as though you know them personally.”
Mr. Hopkins coughed. “You’ll have to excuse me. I have another call coming through. I look forward to meeting you soon. You have my address on the letter.” He hung up.
Ashley pounced. “Squatters?”
He nodded. “But I can’t escape the feeling there’s something odd going on here.”
“So you’re going there to sort them out? Toss them out on their asses?”
Mike didn’t have a clue what he was going to do. “I’m going to play this one by ear.”
“When do we leave?”
He blinked. “Excuse me?”
She stared at him. “You weren’t thinking of going without me, were you?” She clenched her fists. “I can be handy if it comes down to a fight.”
Mike laughed. “Ash, you’re five-feet-two and skinny as a pencil. A rough breeze would knock you over.”
“Then take me along for my brains.” She gave him a beseeching glance. “Look, I’ve had it with stuffing envelopes, okay? I need a break. I’ll get another job when we get back.”
“Just like that, huh?” Except his mind was following the same route, only further along it.
