Page 65 of Hell Hath No Fury

No glass tables or dividers in sight.

“Have a seat,” Neidermeyer said. “Can I get you anything? Water? Coffee?”

Emma shot a questioning look at Matthias. He shook his head. “We’re good, thanks.”

He pulled out one of the chairs surrounding the conference table and held it for her. As she sat, he leaned down and whispered, “You’ve got the lead on this.” If she needed his help, he’d be ready.

Her nod was almost imperceptible. He slid into the chair next to her.

Rather than sit at the head of the table, Neidermeyer chose a seat across from them. “How can I help you, Ms. Anderson?”

“I’m not sure if you’re aware, but originally I wasn’t in favor of the deal Sonny made with Eric and my sister.”

The nerve twitched again. “Iwasaware of that.”

“After much thought, I’ve changed my mind.”

Matthias leaned back. Emma wasn’t going to need his help. Hell, if she lost her job at ErieLIVE, she might have a career as an actress. Or a detective.

“Really?” Neidermeyer’s eager tone told him she was buying Emma’s lie.

“Yes.” Emma came forward, resting her interlaced fingers on the table. “But I’m concerned, as you must understand, about Sonny’s death. If the company is going to close, my sister and I should begin to look elsewhere.”

“No,” Neidermeyer replied quickly. Too quickly. “There’s no need for that. North Star Developing isn’t shutting down. We have a contingency plan for moving forward in case of such a tragedy.”

“Oh? But I’ve known Sonny since we were in grade school. I’m not sure if I would feel as comfortable dealing with someone else. My decision ultimately depends on who would be filling his shoes.”

Neidermeyer’s attempt at maintaining a passive face wasn’t quite successful. “You must understand, there are legalities to be worked out. Paperwork to be filed. I’m not at liberty to make a public announcement about the company’s new leadership yet.”

“I’m not asking for one.” Emma gave her an Oscar-worthy grin. “I’m not a member of the media.”

Except, as a crime beat photographer, she was.

“I’m asking for some reassurance before signing my name on a sales contract the size of the one Sonny proposed.”

“I can assure you, everything will be official in a few days. Then, I’ll be able to move your matter forward?—”

Emma shook her head and pushed back from the table. “I’m sorry. I won’t be in town by then. If you aren’t able to take care of the sale now, I’ll find another developer who can.”

Neidermeyer reached for Emma. “Wait.” She must’ve seen the looks of apprehension on Emma’s and Matthias’s faces because she recoiled, placing both hands in her lap and clearing her throat. In a less frantic tone, she said, “I can handle the sale. Strictly off the record, I’m now the owner of North Star Developing.”

“What about Patrick Winslow?” Matthias asked.

“He and I are in discussions regarding his ongoing role in the company, but at the very least, he’ll continue as our construction foreman.”

Meaning he might be getting a promotion and a raise.

“So, you see,” Neidermeyer said to Emma with a bright smile, “nothing of significance will change in our operations.”

“Jones’s murder is ‘nothing of significance’?” Matthias asked.

The new owner turned an annoyed scowl on him, as if he was a pesky mosquito. “Sonny would be pleased to know his company isn’t falling apart in his absence.”

“He’s dead. You talk about him as if he was taking a sabbatical to a tropical island.”

Neidermeyer glared at him. “May I ask, why exactly are you here? Ms. Anderson and I can handle the sale of her property without you.” Before he could respond, she faced Emma, and the smile was back. “Speaking of your property, if you give me a minute, I’ll get the sales agreement that your sister already signed, and we can move this deal forward.”

“You have the agreement that Nell signed?” Emma asked, sounding surprised.