Once Upon a Time (The Wacky Women Series, Book 3) by Leclaire Day

Author:Leclaire, Day [Leclaire, Day]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: ePublishing Works!
Published: 2012-10-08T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

Rule #10:

Mistakes happen.

Usually to those without a plan.

Julian sat behind the desk in his Willow's End office and stared at his computer. It was deader than a three-day-old mackerel. He shoved his papers to one side and grabbed the landline. Not only had he lost his laptop, but because he'd plugged his cell phone in to recharge, that had bit the dust, too. So had Callie's. Within minutes he reached Brad.

"What's wrong, old buddy? You sound frustrated," his partner said, an amused edge in his voice.

"I am frustrated. It's as bad as I warned you. Yesterday's power surge killed everything when that crazy kid decided to play Ben Franklin with the power lines. My computer's completely blown. Over a week's work wiped out."

"I can't believe you didn't have your surge protector with you."

"Well, I didn't," Julian snarled.

"Maybe I should take over the book. I always did have a soft spot for Willow's End."

"Forget it. You'd be a basket case within twenty-four hours. Brutus on his worst day would have you pinned to the mat before you got through the door. And that's with one paw tied behind his back."

"One paw tied... What's gotten into you, Julian? You talk like that animal's a real person or something. If he's a problem, get rid of him."

"Get rid of him? Are you nuts?" Julian pulled himself up short. Was he actually defending the hound from hell? He must be spending too much time around Callie.

"I'm not suggesting anything drastic," Brad said. "Just find another home for him, somewhere in, say, Alaska."

Julian tried to picture Callie's reaction to the news that he'd relocated Brutus to Alaska, and shook his head. No way on God's green earth would he put her through something like that. The mere thought of anyone intentionally hurting her made him see red.

"Drop dead, Brad," he stated in no uncertain terms.

"Okay, okay. It was just a suggestion. But I have to tell you, Julian, I'm worried about you. No surge protector, talking as though that dog is a real person. Sounds to me like you're losing it."

"Losing what?"

"If you have to ask, you're in worse shape than I thought." Brad chuckled. "Losing your grip, old man. Julian Lord, the guy who has corporate execs cowering in terror, the master of rules and regulations, Mister I've-Got-A-System himself, can't seem to organize one puny girl, a crazed electrician, and a mischievous imp dressed in a doggy suit."

Julian held the receiver in a white-knuckled grip. If he could reach through the phone and get his hands around Brad's neck, one of them would die a happy man. And it wouldn't be his partner.

Brad laughed with an irreverent disregard for life and limb. "From what you say, there's an even chance you'll inherit Maudie's place. I really do love Willow's End—the lake, the peace and quiet, that huge old house. Why don't you sell it to me and be done with it, before the old Julian goes down the tubes altogether."

"You need Willow's End about as much as a lobotomy," Julian snarled.

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