Chapter 28

In March, Wendy received a call from Jake with not good news. The income from Fireplace Grill and the costs did not match up. Stan was out when the merchant called so Jake talked to him to confirm the regular order of four cases of wine for three hundred and fifty dollars. Jake looked at the invoice but saw two cases. The merchant insisted it was always four cases. Jake decided to meet with his accountant and get back to the merchant as soon as possible. Jake called Wendy. Puzzled, she leaned back in her office chair, turned slightly and stared at the wall across from her. ‘That can’t be right,’ she muttered. She stood up, went to the window, and stared into empty space. After Jake met with the accountant, he called the merchant. The accountant said the last receipt was for four cases. Stan put the amount on the spreadsheet for two cases of wine for two hundred seventy-five and apparently took the others and sold them. He also altered the invoice. Fine lines creased Wendy’s forehead. How many other ways did Stan cheat them? Wendy and Jake thought Stan could be trusted. He handled the books for many years before Jake and Wendy bought the Grill. What might happen next, she didn’t know. Wendy was livid. She wanted to call Elliott, but she remembered he was at a meeting about an art project. She needed to get away. She headed for Pirate’s Cove. Cindy moved around serving cocktail hot dogs. Wendy walked straight to her and said, “Let me know when you have a minute, I need to tell you something.” Cindy nodded and moved on.

Wendy found a seat at the piano bar. Brad smiled at her as she sat, but she didn’t return the smile, just nodded. Brad didn’t react.

Cindy came over to her. “Sorry, I only have a sec.”

“There’s a situation at the Fireplace Grill……”

Cindy saw a customer waving her over. Wendy saw it also. “Talk later, okay?”

“Sure, no problem.”

Brad took a break and Cindy put the house music on and took some empty plates into the kitchen.

Rusty came over to Wendy. “Hi.”

“Hi. The place is really buzzing.”

“People lined up earlier to get in. That’s a good sign. We owe most of it to Brad. People drink, talk, dance, and of course, listen to his voice.”

“Yeah, his talent is great, but we both know it, and now so do a lot of other people. Great vibes. Brad seems happy, I think happier than at Hoffman’s.” Wendy could tell because he seemed more relaxed. This informal setting may have been the factor to motivate him and/or because he was his own boss.

“So true,” Rusty acknowledged. “I need to talk with the bartender. Good chatting.”

“Thanks.”