“It’s a control issue.” Jax scanned the flyer, then ripped it in two. “The council is furious at having to deal with a mayor with a different agenda than theirs, and they’re attempting to reassert their authority.”
“So Larraine can veto the stupid law?” Loretta asked, always eager to learn.
Even as disinterested as she was, Evie knew the answer to that. “The council can override her veto. She knew going in that she’s fighting an uphill battle.”
“The council is used to having its way, with a rubber-stamp mayor. They probably need zoning laws before licensing, but vindictiveness isn’t logical.” He leaned over the counter to kiss Evie before she could speak. “No hexing the council.”
“Probably too late for that. Mavis is on her broomstick. Will you pull obscure laws out of your hat to stop them?” That kiss focused Evie’s jumping mental processes.
“I’m not a government lawyer, but I’m looking. In the meantime, your family should explain what the law will mean to everyone they know. Get an audience to the council meeting.”
“I’ll just say higher taxes.” Evie brightened. “I can talk to La Bella Gente’s manager and involve him!”
“And hope KK will attach herself to him? Go for it. Meet you back at the house for lunch?” Jax lifted his eyebrows meaningfully.
“We can discuss battle plans.” Evie nodded solemnly, for Loretta’s sake. “Now take our runaway back to school while I wait for Mavis to crash back to reality. I’ll be there in a little bit.” A little afternoon delight would brighten the humdrum day. Kit-Kat was turning out to be a useless bore.
Loretta jumped down from the windowsill, hugged Honey, and headed for the door. “Aunt Mavis is just next door. I can walk myself to school.”
“Adolescence is going to be a joy.” Jax placed his big hand on his ward’s slender back and steered her toward his Harley at the curb.
“What do you think, KK?” Evie asked the air, hoping she annoyed the ghost with the abbreviated nickname. “Shall I call and get your good friend and brother Matt on the phone?”
The flyer flew across the shop in a nonexistent breeze.
“You need more practice, KK,” Evie called, reaching for the phone.
On the television, the weather report switched to local news.
“The medical examiner’s toxicology report concludes that Katherine Gladwell, CEO of La Bella Gente, died of a heart attack, possibly triggered by cyanide poisoning.”
Returningfrom his extended lunch with Evie, Jax decided the perks of small-town life exceeded the monetary reward of his prosperous city career. He contentedly settled into his office chair behind a desk with mounting case files. Having a lover willing to adjust her schedule to his was better than money.
His only immediate concern was whether to offer Evie a ring when he proposed. Well, no, he probably needed to rethink proposing half a dozen more times. But his lawyer’s mind simply couldn’t overrule his illogical need to make a public claim on his eccentric genie.
Proposingfeltmore right than rethinking old arguments. Which was a decidedly Evie argument, but he was coming to appreciate her illogic.
His phone rang, interrupting his useless debate.
“You really need a receptionist or to check voice mail more often.” Over the phone line, Larraine’s tone held a petulant note she seldom used.
Not having anyone to answer to except himself, and his empty pockets, Jax refused to let the mayor bully him. “Send me cases that pay for a receptionist, and I’m on it.”
“I’ll send you a receptionist,” she replied curtly. “I have a niece with no direction. Motivate her, and we’ll call it even. I want you to look into the legality of this licensing law the council is pushing.”
“First, you need to look at the corruption laws. Paying me to do city business by giving me your niece is probably right up there. Send your niece over. I’ll interview her. If she’s worth my time, I’ll hire her, and I’ll pay her minimum wage. You can provide her with a bonus allowance for keeping a job, if that makes you happy, but keep me at arm’s length. And yes, I’d planned on looking into the licensing law, although my gut feeling is that it’s perfectly legal and maybe even a good thing, with the right wording.”
“Don’t make me hate honest lawyers.” She hung up.
Imagining the fashion designer furiously shaking whatever wig she wore today, Jax chuckled. Afterthought’s inhabitants were far more entertaining than the staid country-club sheep he’d once rubbed elbows with. Who knew he enjoyed colorful? His life certainly hadn’t contained much color to appreciate until recently.
His phone pinged with a text from Evie. Picking it up, he readcyanide.
Frowning, he started to call, when another text came in from his sister.bankrupt
Evie was normally far more talkative than Ariel, but she disliked typing and usually called. Which meant something was happening...
He opened his computer in time to see an email drop in labeledtoxicology report.
