Hero Wanted by Betina Krahn

Author:Betina Krahn [Krahn, Betina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-11-16T00:00:00+00:00

Fifteen

Rafe stood at the top of the steps outside the warehouse office of Townsend Imports, looking out over huge stacks and shelves of goods from around the world. This was the newest and largest of their locations, the hub of their expanding enterprise. On the floor below constables in their dark uniforms and distinctive helmets stood watch to ensure that none of the cargo was removed from the premises.

His father had been spot-on two days ago to predict that Customs officers would be pounding on their doors the morning after the “rescue” of their cargo. Inspectors from that office arrived in force the next morning and bulled their way past the old watchman to search for contraband. They demanded to see the warehouse records and checked every container in the warehouse for signs that they had been in harbor water.

Barrels and crates that showed the slightest moisture were dragged into the center of the floor and stacked where they could be examined and cataloged. The chief Customs officer said this inventory would be checked against the manifest his inspectors had taken from the Clarion’s captain ten days before. Horace blustered and threatened legal action and the chief officer countered with a threat of criminal charges for smuggling contraband and evading lawful taxation.

Now they were stuck with police guarding their cargo from them.

A commotion at the main door sent him down the stairs and rushing through aisles of stacked bales and crates. He stopped dead at the sight of his mother and Lauren Alcott in the double doorway. Each carried a large, cloth-covered basket on her arm and they were trying to convince the officers at the door to let them enter. Rafe arrived in time to either prevent or participate in whatever mayhem lurked behind his intended’s smile.

“What are you doing here?” He pulled his gaze from Lauren to address his mother.

“We knew you were keeping watch,” Caroline said, sailing past two officers, “so we thought we should do our part and bring you sustenance.”

“You refused to rest sufficiently after your head injury,” Lauren said, following her inside, “but at least we can see that you take proper nourishment.” She glanced at the scowling constables.

“Really, officers, do you think these two ladies capable of making off with tons of disputed cargo in a hamper?” He turned to Caroline, relieved her of her basket, and offered her his arm. “Father will be delighted.”

Lauren followed them through a warren of shelving and stacks of goods and then up a long run of metal stairs that rang under their feet. The warehouse office was furnished with a desk, a polished meeting table, filing cabinets, and imported curiosities. It was clearly intended to create an aura of substance and success for the sales part of the company.

They found Horace dozing, sprawled in a chair with his feet propped on an ottoman. He started awake at Caroline’s touch, sighed at the sight of her, and rubbed his face briskly.

“I brought you some food . . .

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