Once Mated Twice Shy(35)

“Mister Thompson died.” Her anger morphed into sadness and terror. She covered her face with her hands and sobbed. “He had a heart attack in his office. I went to check on him around nine when we were getting ready to leave and he was slumped over his desk. The policeman said he’d been dead for a couple of hours.” She said when she could speak. The tears overtook her again and Jordan pulled her close to hold her while she let it out. “What are we going to do now?” She wailed and her whole body trembled. “I told everyone to come to work tomorrow. I can do payroll and write the checks but then what? He doesn’t have any kids or relatives that I know of so what will happen to the store? “I just got everyone a job and now there is not going to be a job. What are we going to do Jordan?”

“I don’t know sweetheart. We’ll work it out.” Jordan kissed her temple. “I’m sorry about Mister Thompson though, I know you loved him like a father.” Lettie nodded and wiped the fresh tears that oozed down her cheeks. “We’ll bury him in the family plot if you want.” Lettie nodded.

“I’d like that.” Jordan pulled her tightly against him and held her. “Jordan, I’m sorry I can’t be as sweet to you tonight as you wanted but I’m just not...”

“Ah sweetheart, holding you is just as nice. I’m just happy that your safe, healthy and in my arms.”





Chapter Eleven





During the weeks that followed Lettie set the schedule after deciding that the store could stay open until someone said otherwise. She kept her employees on the move and urged them to work as often and as long as they could because any day could be the last at Thompson’s Grocery. She ordered stock, received the trucks, opened, and closed the store. Jordan was not happy about the long hours but since she seemed to like it, he didn’t protest too much. Now that she was the boss, he brought her lunch and dinner and they ate in break room together every day. He helped mop and buff floors, put up stock, and answered questions from customers sometimes. Lettie surprised him with a paycheck at the end of the second week and he laughed. “I’m not an employee.”

“No but you’ve worked so you’re paid. Don’t get excited you didn’t make much.” She laughed one Friday afternoon. It seemed odd that no one tried to stop them from running the store but no one did. She nearly expected the police to come in and shut them down. They’d continued after the funeral. There were no relatives to claim Mister Thompson so Lettie put him in their cemetery. Her friends, employees, and Jordan attended. Jordan was planning a candlelight dinner later this evening. They were going to talk about pups. The pack was flourishing. The cold frame gardens were sprouting and the pack brought in more game than expected. No one in the Summerville pack would go hungry this winter or next. Not only had they filled his freezer but their own freezers were full of fish, venison, turkey, and duck, not to mention the squirrel. Mother Nature provided well when asked and it didn’t hurt. Lettie’s season was ending soon and he wanted to try for pups. He wanted to give it his best efforts. He grinned to himself. She had no idea what she was in for later. Jordan leaned casually against the counter while she priced gum.

“Excuse me.” A man appeared at the customer service window said. He didn’t seem to be their typical customer. This man looked expensive. His suit was new and designer. His shoes were black and as shiny as his gold watch. “I’m looking for Collette Giroux.” Jordan growled low in his throat already beside her.

“Why?” He glared at the too shiny man. The man backed up a step. Jordan watched his pulse pound and sneered.

“Uh, I’m Earl’s attorney.” The man glanced nervously at Lettie.

“Earl who?” Jordan answered.

“Mister Thompson’s name was Earl.” Lettie glanced up at him.

“Yes, Earl Thompson, are you Lettie?” She nodded. “Can we have a private conversation?”

“This is my husband Jordan and I don’t think that he will allow that.” She laughed nervously.

“Oh good, because this concerns him too. I didn’t expect him to be here. I was going to ask to set up an appointment with the two of you but we can discuss it now since you’re both here. Can we go to Earl’s office?” Lettie trembled and melted into Jordan’s side.

“Lettie found Mister Thompson’s body in the office. How is the break room for you Mister…? Jordan studied him.

“Sorry. Mike Jones.” He stuck his hand out for Jordan to shake. “Earl said that you were a big fellow, he wasn’t kidding.” Mike smiled. “Earl spoke very highly of you both.” He said walking beside them to the back of the store. “I see you’ve elected to keep the store open.”