It was early April when Scott called. He was polite and nice, but Wendy just didn’t know what to make of him. She didn’t want to share anything going on with her. It had been a while since he contacted her. They talked briefly about inane subjects and he finally, maybe realizing the discomfort in the conversation, ended it politely. She couldn’t understand why he kept contacting her, but she did know something was different about him and his attitude.

At the nursery Wendy picked dead leaves off plants and turned some around where the sun had pulled them one direction and the other side looked empty. Later she stood behind the counter and smiled when she noticed the sun highlighting a tall cane begonia leaf.

She talked to customers about plants they were interested in and potted several for people. Around eleven Wendy noticed many people wandering around the nursery…a good sign.

She left work at noon to get lunch and run an errand. Afterwards she headed for her accountant, Howard Wrightman. She couldn’t believe two weeks passed since Stan’s Fireplace Grill scam had been discovered. She sat on a bench in the outer office while Howard finished with clients. Two gentlemen came out and shook hands with Howard and left. Wendy stood.

Howard shook her hand as he guided her into his office.

“Good to see you, Wendy.”

“Good to see you too, just not for the reason I’m here.”

He indicated a chair across from his desk as he sat.

“Along with Jake’s accountant I agree. Your bartender did steal money, in this situation, cases of wine. The sum comes to approximately five thousand dollars.”

“Oh, my God. He did it in four months.”

“I’m afraid so.”

She had trouble wrapping her mind around the news. She stood and paced, then turned back to Howard. “What do I do now?”

“First, you talk to your cousin, I’m sure he has hired an attorney. You could fire the bastard and take him to court.”

She sat back down. “Is that your suggestion?”

“Actually, no.”

She leaned forward. “Why not?”

“Mostly because if you take him to court it could be costly and now you’re going to have trouble covering some of the outstanding business expenses.”

Wendy took a deep breath, “What if I use some money from The Shade House account?”

“It could put you in jeopardy of not being able to pay for what you need at the nursery. Remember, you have insurance, utilities, salaries to pay and other expenses on a regular basis.”

“I can’t leave Stan there to do more damage.”

“No,” He stood up and went around to Wendy. “I’m thinking something else.”

“What?”

“If I were you, I’d sell Fireplace Grill.”

Wendy jumped from her chair. “Sell it! Oh, shit.” Her voice shook as her anger exploded. “We just got it. My cousin loves it and I really like it and it’s doing so well.” She calmed herself. “Well, it was. Maybe I could find someone trustworthy to run it.”

“That’s entirely up to you.”

“Thanks, Howard,” I’ll talk to Jake then we’ll check with the attorney.”

Howard came around to her, took her hand in his and said somberly, “I’m really sorry. I know it’s a tough deal.”

She inhaled and exhaled, “Thanks.”