Page 3 of Dangerous December (Northern Pines Suspense #8)

“But,” she added with a faint smile, “I was the one who wrote it up, and I made sure it was ironclad, at her express instructions. Unless, of course, you’d returned from the military too disabled to function as an independent adult. She set up careful, alternative plans if that happened.”

Beth clutched the arms of her chair. “So if Dev and I manage Sloane House for a while, he can receive his full inheritance and protect the property. What does this job entail, exactly?”

“It certainly isn’t a full-time job for those six months. Vivian figured twenty hours a week, more or less, shared between the two of you. You’ll manage the house and grounds—maintenance and so on.”

“‘That could cover a lot of things.”

“You’ll be expected to provide assistance and encouragement for the remaining residents, if they need or request it. That might entail helping with job searches or locating opportunities for school or training. Helping with transportation, if need be.”

“That sounds reasonable.”

“Vivian wanted her final set of boarders to have every chance to reach independence, so they can move on to careers or a happy life elsewhere. It’s what she would’ve done for them if she hadn’t passed away.”

“And if they don’t...succeed?”

“Then the estate will be tied up for a final six-month period to give you more time. If it’s deemed that you made little effort to assist the boarders, then the property goes to Stan. And, of course, Sloane House would be closed and any remaining boarders would have to leave.”

Dev frowned. “What about day-to-day management of the house itself?”

“The residents each make their own breakfast and lunch, and take turns cooking supper for the group. Most are capable of independent living, but Vivian worked with the others as needed on the planning, budgeting, and shopping lists. Especially the widowers.”

“Did she leave a list of reliable repair people?”

“Viv was actually quite handy, though she had to hire repairmen now and then.”

“My mother? ”

A grin briefly touched Nora’s lips. “She certainly evolved over time. She told me that a service manual or a quick search on Google or YouTube usually provided all she needed to know.”

“And the lawn?”

“A lawn-care service can take care of the grass and snow removal, but your monthly budget is limited to the small amount of rent paid by the residents, plus a small stipend. So if you choose to take care of that yourself, it will save money for any bigger problems.”

Beth thought for a moment, trying to remember the old folks she’d seen toddling around town. “What if a resident is simply unable to reach independence? And who judges whether everything has been accomplished—or if it can’t be?”

“This isn’t an assisted-living situation. All of the residents are capable of independence and are of reasonable working age, as that was a stipulation before they could move in.”

Nora folded her hands over the file on her desk. “An attorney from Madison and I are now responsible for monitoring the success of the operation. Our assignment is to put the welfare of the residents above everything else, and that’s what we will do.”

“What does that mean, exactly?”

Nora smiled. “You and Devlin will run the show completely. Harold Billingsly and I will review the financial summary you two submit each month, along with an update on each resident.”

“Update?”

“A written report. Obviously, these people can’t be booted out and set adrift—there needs to be a concrete plan and a move to successful independence.”

Beth felt the noose tightening.

It all sounded simple. Straightforward. But could she handle working with Dev on a daily basis? Even now, she felt the ragged edges of her emotions unraveling.

Yet if she didn’t cooperate, Dev would lose the property, and when Stan took over, she’d lose her home and her store. And these poor folks might end up out on the street. Lord, tell me what to do here.

Realizing the room had gone silent, Beth shook off her thoughts. “I’ll try. But I have a bookstore to run, with just one part-time employee who’ll soon be going on maternity leave, and I easily put in fifty hours there myself. I’m just not sure I can take on a lot more.”

“You’re debating about this?” Dev’s voice turned bitter.

At his tone, she stared back at him in disbelief. He really had no idea. “I said I’ll try. It isn’t going to be easy.”

“But we both have to cooperate, because my dear mother set quite a trap.” He made an impatient sound deep in his throat. “If either of us walks away from this, everyone loses. But if we can put up with each other for six months, then everyone wins. Including you.”

“ Put up with each other?” His sharp words stung, reawakening the pain and devastating disillusionment she’d experienced over their unexpected divorce, and reminding her that she’d hoped to never run into him again.

“Look, I know that working together is the last thing either of us wants. But didn’t you hear what Nora said? Cooperate and you’ll inherit your building, free and clear. Even if you despise me, isn’t that reward enough?”