Harmony Read Online Free

folder and produced a bid form. “I’ve taken the liberty of having Mr. Trussel look at the property. For a moderate fee, he can construct a wall that will evenly divide the building. And he can frame in another entry door on the east side. You both would have your own entrances; however, he advised me that the storage room in the rear that runs the length of the building cannot be altered. Several of its posts are main supports to the roof and tampering with them could be detrimental to the building’s soundness. You would each have your own access to the area, only it wouldn’t be sectioned in two like the main interior.”
    Tom mulled over the possibilities. He’d have to make everything fit in half the space. Perhaps he could still stock the same amount, but the aisles would be cramped. If he had to overload the walkways, where would he put his grizz? The bear had weighed six hundred pounds before he’d stuffed it. There had to be room for his mammoth eight-point bull elk and the lynx he’d gotten last winter. He had an endless amount of taxidermic fowl and small rodents that required counter space. Hunters liked to see trophies on display. And Tom had a shitload of them.
    Massaging his temple, he fought against the idea of sharing the building with a woman who had a flower on her hat bigger than a moose’s butt. He didn’t like the thought of having to compromise with her. But it seemed to be the only choice he had.
    â€œForgive me saying so, Mr. Stykem, but I shouldn’t have to pay half.”
    Tom gave the lawyer no opportunity to respond. “Sure you’ll pay half.”
    Her gaze landed on his. “I shouldn’t have to yield another cent.” The tuft of lace resumed residency at hernostrils, and she spoke through the weblike pattern. “Already you’ve gotten your part of the building for fifty dollars less than me.”
    Alastair cut in. “I’m sorry, Miss Huntington, but the fact of the matter is, it doesn’t matter if he paid one penny and you paid one thousand for the place. You both negotiated separate deals that have nothing to do with one another—except that they’re for the same property.”
    She straightened. “Then my side should be at least a foot wider than his.”
    â€œThere again, Miss Huntington, you can’t measure against the original cost of the building. Both halves will have to be equivalent.” A gold signet ring reflected light as Alastair twirled it on his finger. “So, are we all in agreement?”
    â€œI’m afraid you leave us no other choice.” Miss Huntington took the words right out of Tom’s mouth.
    â€œMr. Wolcott?”
    â€œIt’s like the lady said.”
    â€œGood, then everything is settled.” Stykem tidied the documents on his desk. “It will be up to both of you to inform the postmaster that you’ll each be getting your own mail. Miss Huntington, your address will be 47-A Old Oak Road, and Mr. Wolcott, your address will be 47-B Old Oak Road. I’ll speak with Mr. Trussel and have him get started with the renovations right away.”
    Miss Huntington stood, then walked stiffly around the back of her chair to the umbrella stand and retrieved a folded parasol. “Good day, Mr. Stykem.”
    She’d gone out the door when Tom went to his feet and shoved his left hand in his pocket. “Stykem. I can’t say it’s been a pleasure.”
    The lawyer laughed. “I hear that a lot.”
    Tom stepped into the receiving office, where Miss Huntington and Crescencia were exchanging words. As soon as he came into the room, they shut up. He went past them, Crescencia saying, “G-good day, M-Mr. W-Wolcott.”
    â€œYeah, same to you.” He let himself out, thinking he heard Miss Huntington say something like, “Don’t you fret about it, dear. You shall overcome, I assure you.” Whatever that meant.
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