Page 67 of A Quick Buck

“Good morning, Mr. Star!” Mace announced cheerfully as he came sashaying in. He had to duck to come through the doorway, and he was wearing a fuchsia and pink suit today.

“Great,” Noah grumbled. “Another morning person.”

“Good morning, Mace.” Alistair smiled. “What’s new?”

“Our little sicky guests are all on their way home except for a handful who insist on continuing the party,” Mace replied. “I’ve got the little crazies helping the cleaning crew tidy up for tonight because it is a disaster and something out there smellsfoul.”

“Very good.”

“Erasmus is going to personally inspect all of the liquor once it’s been delivered to ensure nothing has been tampered with. I took Malibu off the menu, just in case.”

“How’s the Roscoe deal going? Have they accepted my offer?”

“Oh, yes!” Mace beamed. “We’ll close by the end of the month. And the Roccos, not to be confused with the Roscoes, ha, are still interested in purchasing the ten acres you have there by the Blake Memorial Highway.”

“Have they come up on their price?”

“No, sir.”

“Well, then.” Alistair paused to dab off his mouth with his napkin. “You know what to tell them.”

“Of course, Mr. Star.”

“Anything else, Mace?”

Mace wrinkled his nose and pointed at Noah. “Hatchet body products are an affront to nature. I’m ashamed of you. We both know you can afford something better.” He looked to Alistair. “Oh! And Mr. Tamerlane and Mr. Lorre will be here in the morning. They’re stopping at the state line tonight and will drive the rest of the way tomorrow.”

“Just the two of them?”

Noah’s heart stopped.

Those must be Alistair’s friends from Strassen Springs. If it was just the two of them, that meant they hadn’t found Uncle Patrick.

“Yes, sir,” Mace confirmed.

“Mm. Very well.” Alistair pursed his lips thoughtfully. “Thank you, Mace.”

“Yes, Mr. Star. Do you need anything else, sir?”

“No, thank you. If you’ll please make sure everyone is ready for the party this evening, I would appreciate it.”

“Of course, sir.” Mace turned to leave, but he stopped to whisper loudly at Noah, “Buy some body wash like you actually respect yourself.”

“Mace,” Alistair scolded lightly.

“Thank you, sir!” Mace ducked his head and scooted out.

“Weirdo.” Noah snorted and picked at the cantaloupe on his plate.

“Not hungry?” Alistair asked.

“Not for this. Kinda in the mood for something… meaty.”

“Mm.” Alistair did not seem amused.

“I actually don’t have much of an appetite when I first wake up. Takes me a little while to get hungry.”

“Oh, look at that.” Alistair grinned.