Return to Sender by Fern Michaels Page A

explained Vinery’s plan and what would be required of her. She described Sally’s role and waited for her to respond.
    Amazed, Sally asked, “You’re serious about this, aren’t you?”
    “Very,” Lin said flatly.
    “If, and it’s a big if, I decide to take part in this insane idea, what about the diner? Someone has to be here to run the place.”
    “Actually, I’ve already thought that out. You know how Irma says Jack’s being underfoot all the time is driving her to drink? I thought it would be perfect if we asked him to act as temporary manager for a few weeks. The remodeling is basically finished. All the dishes and flatware are in the stockroom. Everything that I’ve ordered has been delivered on time. That shocked the crap out of me, too. I know there are some cracks here and there, but we can fill them in as we go. So, am I crazy or what?”
    “One hundred percent certifiable.” Sally closed her eyes for a minute, then opened them, looking Lin squarely in the face. “If we screw this up, we’re all going to be in a very large heap of…of you know what. Maybe even jail,” she said ominously.
    “Yes, those were Jason’s exact words. That’s why I want to make sure you’re up for the challenge.”
    “There is Lizzie to think of. But then again, she’s an adult. If I went to prison for a year or two, she’d be okay. I’m sure she’d never speak to me again, but I’ve said that so many times, I’ve lost count. So, I guess you can count me in. You’ll have to make arrangements for Clovis,” she added with a smile.
    “Done. Irma loves cats. She’ll take good care of him.”
    “You’re sure? Of everything?” Sally inquired.
    “As sure as the sun will rise tomorrow.”
    “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s get this show on the road, Lin.”

Chapter 6
    Monday, October 1, 2007
New York City
    I t was Nick’s first day back at the office since he’d been diagnosed with leukemia. He’d lost fifteen pounds since beginning the treatment. His hair was thinning by the minute. For the moment, his energy level had rebounded some, and before he had to undergo another round of treatments, he had Herbert drive him to the office, explaining that he had to check on the staff. Not that he owed Herbert any explanation. He never gave explanations. Another one of his new quirks. He wasn’t sure if he liked the change or not.
    Herbert must have alerted Rosa that he was coming, because as usual she had several newspapers spread out on the large coffee table and a pot of coffee waiting. The thought of drinking coffee made Nick gag. Even his taste buds were rebelling.
    “Good morning, sir,” Rosa called from outside his office door. “Is there anything else I can get you?”
    Nick thought she sounded like one of the phony nurses at the hospital. “Yes. I’d like a pot of chamomile tea with honey and lemon. This coffee is disgusting.”
    “But, sir, you always drink cof—”
    “I don’t drink coffee anymore. Now get the goddamned tea, like I asked.” Jesus Christ, what was wrong with him? One minute he was being considerate of old Herbert, and the next minute he was chewing out Rosa. He winced as he realized he was starting to sound more and more like his father every day. The bastard.
    “Yes, sir. Right away, sir.” Rosa bolted out of the doorway as though she’d seen a ghost. The way her boss looked just then, maybe she had. None of the staff had been told the nature of his illness, only that he was sick and was expected to make a full recovery.
    Nick bit down on his lower lip as he tried not to think about the looks on the faces of his staff as he walked down the long hall to his office. They’d been shocked to see him. That was a given. More than likely they were shocked at how terrible he looked. As one, they’d looked away or just given him an airy wave. What was that old saying? If you don’t acknowledge something, you can pretend you didn’t see or hear it.
    Not bothering with the