Winds of Fire, стр. 30

“I'm easy to please,” Frankie said as she turned out the lights before they exited their office through the back room, which led to their small private parking area. “Just so I don't have to wear a dress or skirt.”

Johanna rolled her eyes. “Only when called for. So, what if we're told we need an appointment before we can conduct any interviews?” she asked. “I just thought of that.”

“We'll build up the article and explain to them that it's time sensitive. We'll convince them that they are at the top of our list, but we do have a couple other companies we are considering.”

“What if they want to know the name of the magazine or want to check our credentials?”

“We'll say that we're writing an independent series of articles, including this one, and several top publications have shown interest.”

“What if Bronson Enterprises isn't interested?”

“Stop. There's no time for second guessing ourselves now. We'll get in. And if for some reason we don't, then we'll have to think of a different plan.” She held a hand up palm out. “And don't ask me what because I haven't figured that out yet.” She smiled. “Quit worrying, sweetie. I'm just going to wing everything.”

“You're right. And you are a pro at winging it.” She picked up her bag. “So, have you come up with names for us?”

“Hmmm...let me think. How about Janel Watson for me and Katie Roberts for you.”

Johanna nodded. “I like it. She followed Frankie out of the back entrance. After she locked the door, she got into the passenger seat of a sleek, newer model dark blue mid-size rental car. “Okay, Janel. Sounds like a plan.” She fastened her seatbelt while Frankie slipped into the driver's seat. “I love the interior of this car. Very stylish.” She ran her hand over the smooth, fabric covered seats.

“Yeah, they had some less expensive, but just in case anyone notices the car I wanted us to look the part. Driving something that shows we are successful. Besides, Alec said we should spare no expense.”

“You made the perfect choice.”

“It drives like a dream,” Frankie said, starting the engine. “I love driving this baby.”

“Well, I get to drive it back when we finish.”

Frankie made a face. “Damn. I hate sharing it, but I suppose I have to.”

“Yes, you do.” Johanna smiled. “I hope we'll have everything ready for next Saturday. You haven't had a chance to get the pool ready since we've been so busy.”

“It'll be ready. Everything's under control.”

Johanna lifted an eyebrow. “When are you planning to work on it? Time's running out. It's dark by the time we get home every night. And even if it wasn't, we're too tired to do much of anything.”

“Not to worry. I asked Trey and Will if they could do it. I also invited them to the barbeque since I'd forgotten to ask them. Which reminds me, we need to officially invite George. I'll give him a call later,” she said as they reached the parking garage of Bronson Enterprises.

“Okay.” She stretched. “Well, I still need to plan a menu. I haven't had a chance.”

“Don't worry about it, honey. It's not going to be anything fancy. We've got hotdogs, burgers, and chicken in the freezer. I'll throw together a couple of salads, make some baked beans, and you can take care of dessert. Just a bunch of good friends getting together for a few hours.”

“Good. That takes a load off my mind.”

Frankie pulled into a slot. “I never realized how big this place is. This garage is huge.”

“I had no clue either, but when I was doing some research, I read that Bronson only uses the top floor and leases the rest of the space to other businesses.”

“You're right. I forgot about that. He also has a separate area of the garage for Bronson employees that can only be accessed by a pass. That's on the other side of the garage where we watch him exit every night.”

“Must be nice.”

“Too bad we can't get in that part of the garage.”

They got out of the car, and after Frankie locked it, walked a short distance to an elevator. The elevator opened to a large lobby that had a bank of elevators lining one wall. A security team manned the opposite wall. In the middle of the room, a large glass-encased directory listed the various businesses and which floor they were located on.

They walked to an elevator, which was just opening. They stepped inside, along with several others, and Frankie pressed number twelve. They stood silently as the elevator opened and closed with people getting on and off at each floor. When the doors opened on floor twelve, they found themselves in a large reception area. The furnishings were modern with very little color in the black and white décor. The area was teeming with people.

“Not what I expected,” Johanna whispered. “I expected plush carpeting and exquisite art on the walls. Not this plain cold décor.”

“That's what I thought, too. I assume the head honchos have the fancy offices.”

They moved to a long counter, which on the opposite side housed built-in desks where several men and women sat busily tapping their computer keys. They waited for someone to notice them. When no one did, they moved towards a long hall.

A perky brunette popped her head up from her computer. “Can I help you?”

“Yes,” Frankie replied. “Would it be possible for us to conduct a few interviews for a series my writing partner and I are proposing?”

Johanna listened as Frankie gave the woman the details. She noted how thick Frankie was pouring it on, even mentioning a couple of the major magazines that had supposedly shown interest in their proposal.

“Give me a minute,” the woman finally said.

Frankie turned her head and smiled, then winked at Johanna.

“I've got to hand it to you,” Johanna whispered as they stepped away from the counter. “I never knew the Bronsons were involved in so many enterprises.”

Frankie glanced toward the counter. “Here she comes.