Flirting with Disaster Read Online Free

close up shop. It was the only way he knew to feed his family. He'd had the delicatessen for the better part of thirty years. He knew everybody, and everybody knew him. Pete turned and picked up a couple of brown bags off the stainless counter. He read off a list near the register, “Bagels, donuts, two sandwiches, and a container of cream cheese,” he finished. "Tell your pops I threw in some extras, and thanks for the business."  
    "Will do," I said. I settled the bill and picked up the bags now next to the register. "Hope the elbow heals up soon."  
    "You and me both," he said.  
    Outside, about to climb into my truck, I waved as Tony passed by in his cop car. I didn't have time to play chase with him. I needed to run this stuff to my dad, so instead I drove down the boulevard and turned toward the factory. That plant was the lifeblood of the town. There wasn't much business left.  
    Some days, I wondered what life would be like outside of here, but usually I just pushed those thoughts away. My brother worked in a cubicle in California and flipped homes on the side. I guess he couldn't run any farther, going from the Atlantic to the Pacific coastline. I didn't blame him; Ocean Crest wasn't a basket full of good memories after my mom died.
    I pulled into the parking lot of the plant and grabbed the bags I took notice of a white car that looked out of place and stopped in my tracks. What was that doing here? I stared at the white BMW that had almost run into me. My stomach twisted. Maybe one of the big wigs was visiting. That's probably why Dad wanted the food for the meeting. He probably felt the need to impress the big boys, maybe keep them at bay a little while longer. The wolves were knocking at the door, and he was buying time. His father knew the factory's numbers were down, but did his best to do what he could with what he had. That plant was his life. He'd given everything to it.  
    I shook my head and went inside. In search of my father, I found him just outside his office. The woman, I knew her. She was the one from the diner. Her shoulders were squared and tense. She meant business, there was no denying her stance. I heard slight whispers before he ushered her into his office.  
    "Dad," I called out, trying to stop whatever was going on. I could see his posture shifting with his mood. I didn't say anything, just eyed up the woman, and handed off the bags when he turned. "Call me, later."  
    I saw it in his eyes. Dad wore dread on his face. His eyes were almost expressionless, except for the bits of pain he couldn't hide from me.
    The woman stood her ground, her hands now on her hips, irritated at having been interrupted. I tried not to notice the way her skirt held snug to her hips. She was bigger than most women, but she wore her business suit well. She wasn't too bad close up, except for the fierceness that said she'd snap off a lion's head if it looked at her the wrong way. That woman had control issues. I felt bad for whomever had to tame her ass in bed.  
    I hoped my dad could salvage something good out of the meeting.  

CHAPTER SIX

    Monday morning, I worked from home, sending out the report I needed to file about my last mission and drove to the factory a little before lunch.  
    Getting out of my car, I tugged on the skirt of my suit, ran my fingers through my hair and took a deep breath. I could do this and I could do it well. It was not going to be pleasant, but it was the way to climb a new step on my ladder.
    To delay the inevitable for a few more minutes, I walked around the building. The construction was sturdy. It had weathered well with the years. After studying the blueprint, I knew the structure was supported by the outside walls and could be totally gutted and converted into just about anything.   That wouldn't be a problem, what would be was finding something to convert it into.
    Pushing the main door conjured memories of childhood I'd worked hard to chase from my mind. It reminded