Randall Honor

“Is it rented?”

“Yes,” she snapped.

“Will I have nice neighbors?” he asked.

She couldn’t believe his nerve. He wouldn’t be a nice neighbor. How dare he expect better than he’d give?

Griff gave her a quizzical look. Then he answered the doctor’s question. “You bet. Your neighbor is the cream of the crop.”

“Great. Thanks.”

When they were alone again, Griff said, “I gather you didn’t bother to inform him that you live in the other apartment.”

“No. It wasn’t any of his business. He hasn’t rented the apartment yet.” She sighed, then said, “I didn’t mean to be rude. But he wouldn’t even introduce himself. How’s he going to replace sweet old Doc?”

“Doc deserves his retirement.”

“I know, but…you’re right. Hopefully, I won’t get sick in the next four years!”

“I’ll vote for that. Say, can you print those pages so I can take them home and look them over? I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Sure.” As the pages were being printed, Russ came in. After greetings all around, Tori gave Griffin the pages and he said goodbye.

“Anything happen while I was gone?” Russ said as he shrugged out of his jacket.

“Yes. Our lovely new doctor came to see you.”

“Oh? Well, that’s not a surprise. Doc asked me to hold the apartment for him.”

“Well, I think you should rent it to the first drunken cowboy you can find!”

Russ froze, staring at his cousin in astonishment. “Why?”

“Because he’s awful! Cold and stiff. Rude. And he’s leaving in four years, like the people don’t matter!”

“I know. Doc told me. But he’s hoping he’ll decide to stay. Doc figures he will get him married before the time comes for him to go.”

“Fine! Just make sure my name’s not on the potential-wife list!”

“Wow, he really ticked you off, didn’t he?”

“You’d better believe it. I wouldn’t—”

The door opened again. She was grateful she’d stopped when she did. She didn’t like the man, but there was no point in announcing that to him.

“Mr. Randall?” the doctor said, as he closed the door behind him before extending his hand.

“Yes, make it Russ. You’ll soon find there are a lot of Randalls in this neck of the woods,” Russ told him warmly.

Tori kept her gaze down, fighting the urge to tell him not to waste any charm on this jerk.

“Thanks, Russ,” the man replied, his voice as friendly as Russ’s.

Tori stared in surprise. Had he had a personality change in half an hour?

“Your receptionist showed me the apartment and I definitely want it. It’s very nice.”

“Good. I’m glad you liked it. But Tori—” Russ began.

The doctor interrupted. “Could we talk in your office?”

“Sure. This way.” Russ gave Tori an apologetic look over his shoulder.

ONCE THE DOOR to the office was closed, Russ offered his guest the chair in front of his desk. “Please, sit down.”

Jon did so, relaxing. He liked this man. He felt comfortable with him, which was more than he could say about the sexy blonde in the front office.

“Before we go any further,” Russ said, still smiling, “I think I should tell you that Tori is my cousin.”

Jon pursed his lips, glad Russ had made his relationship to the blonde clear. Not that Jon had intended to insult the woman, but he had considered complaining about her behavior. For Russ’s sake. He probably thought the woman was perfect.

Russ wasn’t finished. “And an equal partner in the firm.”

“She’s an accountant?”

“Has her C.P.A. and her broker’s license.”

Jon stared at him, trying to take in that information. And Dr. Jacoby thought these people should do his bookkeeping for him? He thought he’d better find someone else. “Well, that’s wonderful. I definitely want the apartment. Can we discuss terms?”

“Of course.”

Jon appreciated the way the man did business. He told him what he charged for rent, explained all the details and then waited.

“Sold! When can I move in? I’m staying with Dr. Jacoby right now, and I’d like to get settled in.” As he asked that question, he drew out the new checkbook he’d gotten from the bank that morning and began writing a check for the deposit and the first month’s rent.

“The apartment’s ready and I’ll hand you the keys right now. It’s a couple of days until the first, but I’ll throw those days in for free. Welcome to Rawhide, Doctor.”

“Oh, call me Jon. It’s easier.”

“Great, Jon. I think my wife will be one of your first patients.”

“I’ll look forward to meeting her.”

Russ sat there, smiling, as if waiting for something. Had the old doctor told him he’d be doing Jon’s books? Uneasy, Jon stood. “Well, I’ll probably start moving in tomorrow. My things will be here day after tomorrow.”

Russ looked surprised, but he nodded and said, “Let me know if I can help you with anything.”

“Thanks.” Then Jon headed for the door. He’d explain to Dr. Jacoby why he hadn’t hired the Randalls to do his accounting for him. Maybe the older doctor could patch things up with Russ for him.