“That’s President Randolph to you, young lady,” Chef corrected her sternly. “And she doesn’t count. When someone complains all the time, no one listens. What’s in a business for me, anyway? What’s the point if I’ll only chase my tail every hour of every day? My kids are grown. If they want to want to be lowborn, they’ll have to earn it on their own.”
Lila knew Chef’s children, had played with them as a kid, even though both of them were slightly older. One had become a nurse, the other a phlebotomist, both acquiring jobs at Randolph General. It had only taken a whisper into the right ear to ensure they were hired. Chef suspected. Her children did not.
Both had been affected by their elder sister’s illness and death, prompting them to enter the medical field. Lila would do anything to keep that sort of talent and motivation at Randolph General.
Besides, they’d earned their place.
“Just say the word, Chef. If you ever change your mind, I’ll help make it happen.”
“You’re a good kid when you aren’t being a bossy, sarcastic little grouch,” Chef said, patting her cheek.
Lila’s lips crooked in a smile. “You forgot sneaky.” She held up a handful of chocolate chips and backed out of reach of Chef’s whisk. She popped them in her mouth and sighed theatrically. “Come on, Alex. I’ll take you to Violet’s. We’ll get some proper chocolate.”
“Really?”
“You won’t get any cookies today after such slights, and neither will I.”
“I’d give you a cookie, but only one. I’m sure there’s a clause in my contract about it. You’re vultures, both of you.”
Alex had stopped listening. She was too intent on Lila’s face. She hopped off her barstool and followed Lila, stopping only to collect her coat.
After the pair reached the garage, Alex leaned against Lila’s silver Adessi roadster and refused to go any farther. “You didn’t ask me to come with you for chocolate. You want something. I can see it in your eyes.”
“I didn’t try to hide it.”
“I know. Out with it.”
Lila slid her fingers over the glossy paint of the antique car, stalling. “Yesterday we talked about you visiting your mother.”
“I remember. I was there.” Alex stiffened. “My answer is the same as yesterday. I have nothing to say to that woman.”
“I remember. Unfortunately, I have to ask you again.”
“Why?”
“Because I need a ticket into your mother’s office.”
Alex’s eyes narrowed. “Is that why you asked me yesterday?”
“No. I did that because Simon wanted me to, but late last night some information came into my possession. That information has led me to your mother. I need to see her, and I need a way to do it without stirring up tensions between the Wilsons and the Randolphs. You’re the only way I can think of, not unless I want to wait until the season starts. That’s more than a month away, though. It might be too late then.”
“Why do you need to see her?”
“I have a few questions.”
“You’re talking like she’s some suspect you’ve found trespassing on Randolph property. What is this about, Lila?”
“You already know what it’s about.”
Alex studied Lila’s face. It took several moments for her face to lighten. “Simon? This is about my brother?”
“Of course. What else would it be about?”
“You won’t convince my mother to budge on Simon. She’s too hardheaded.”
“I’m not going there to convince her. If I’m right, then the end result of this meeting could result in Simon’s freedom.”
“Oh,” Alex said, mulling over the implications. “It’s bad, isn’t it? What she’s done?”