NFH 03 Checkmate Read Online Free Page A

getting
permits and the heavy rain season pushed our plans back by six
months."
    They both nodded.
    "I know you're both probably very confused
as to why I've asked Shadow Construction and Highland Construction
for a joint meeting." Thankfully, he didn't leave them in suspense.
"My partners and I would like Strawberry Fields Hotel up and
running by November."
    "That's five months," she blurted out before
she could stop herself. Connor threw her an annoyed look, probably
for stating the obvious. Not that she cared if she aggravated the
bastard. She could care less about that. What she did care about
was the fact that there was no way her company could get Strawberry
Fields Hotel up and running in five months. A year? Yes, and that
was after hiring ten extra men and going overboard with overtime.
Five months was not doable.
    "Yes, it is," Mr. McGill agreed with a nod
of his head. "As you know, Strawberry Fields Manor needs a bit of
work." Rory just barely stopped herself from snorting her disbelief
out loud.
    Strawberry Fields Manor was going to need a
complete overhaul. It was going to have to be completely gutted,
have an electrical and plumbing overhaul. Those were just a few of
the major things that needed to be fixed. She had a fifteen page
list in her office of all the small problems that needed
attention.
    "I know this is highly unusual, but we'd
like to hire both your companies to work together and finish the
project," he said, shocking them both into utter stillness. She
wasn't even sure she was breathing or knew how to at that
moment.
    He really couldn't expect the two of them to
work together? Could he? They'd kill each other! The entire town
knew that. Hell, there were several betting pools over who would
kill who and how.
    This could not be happening. As much as
she'd love to work on Strawberry Fields Manor she really wasn't
sure-
    "If you're both able to do this and meet our
deadline, you will each be paid a bonus of fifty-thousand dollars
on top of the twenty percent we already decided to add to your
bids," Mr. McGill announced. "As long as you both believe that you
can work on this together without any problems," he stipulated,
giving them a hard glance.
    She looked over at Connor to find him
looking at her. They narrowed their eyes on each other, deciding if
that amount of money would be enough to stop them from killing each
other. After several tense moments they both nodded, slowly.
    For that kind of money she was more than
willing to do a lot of unpleasant things like let the life ruining
bastard live.
     
    * * * *
     
    Connor walked into O'Malley's tavern,
grinning. He really couldn't help it. Not only had he landed the
most sought after project of the decade, but he was going to be
getting a very nice bonus at the end. He spotted five very large
men sitting to the far right, glaring openly at him and he was
reminded of the little problem he would have to quickly
rectify.
    No doubt the little tomboy thought they were
really going to work this project together. That was just sad,
because really at this stage of the game she should know
better.
    This was his project and the sooner she
figured that out the better off everyone would be. Sure, he'd keep
her around for appearances' sake. She could fetch his lunch or
something to make herself useful, but she would be staying away
from his project. The use of her men was certainly a nice little
bonus.
    Even he had to admit that he hadn't been
looking forward to hiring temporary workers. There wasn't time to
sort through applicants right now and this project was definitely
not something he wanted anyone green to work on. He needed seasoned
workers and he'd reluctantly admit that Rory's crew was good. His
eyes darted over to the five men, who looked torn between kicking
his ass and eating their appetizers.
    Having the James brothers working this
project was like winning the lottery. Not that he would ever admit
it, but the James brothers were the best, even better than