LITMIR.BIZ

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dismiss the evidence.

      “When we go in, you’ll see that the interior has been gutted. It’s been that way for a couple of years. We’d planned to renovate it right after we did the other one, but we didn’t have the funds at the time. So we put this one on hold.”

      Hudson digested this information as Melody granted them access. He glanced around at the bare concrete block walls and floors illuminated with light filtering through dingy windows. He tried to focus on the possibilities rather than the grim picture the place presented while Carter asked the questions. Hudson figured the less he said the better.

      After they completed the tour, Melody locked up, then turned to face them. “Do you have more questions for me?”

      “Not right now, but I may have some after I go over the information I’ve collected today.” Carter stuck the rolled-up blueprints under his arm.

      Melody produced one of those forced smiles. “Good. Then we’ll meet with Adam.”

      While they walked back across the quad, she chatted comfortably with Carter. The breeze ruffled her blond hair around her shoulders as she laughed at something he said. Why couldn’t she be that comfortable with him? She obviously wanted to make it abundantly clear that she meant what she’d told him the night of the fund-raiser. She wouldn’t go out with him again. Would that be a strike against Conrick Construction getting the bid?

      Hudson shook that question away as they walked into the senior center cafeteria. The folks here at The Village would make a sound business decision based on the bids they received. Not on personal feelings.

      Melody introduced them to the woman who signed them in. Another layer of security. Immediately, Adam joined them and led them to a nearby table.

      “Do you have questions for me now that you’ve seen the building we want to renovate?” Adam asked.

      Hudson leaned back and steepled his fingers as he placed his elbows on the arms of the chair. “Melody has explained your emphasis on security, so will we have access to a construction entrance for our heavy equipment?”

      “I’m glad you brought up that point. When we did the first renovations, we didn’t have any residents so we didn’t have to worry about security.” Adam wrinkled his brow. “We have an emergency entrance on the road that runs along the back side of the campus. It’s there for vehicles that are unable to go through the main gate. I’m sure we can make some arrangements to use it if the need arises.”

      Melody scooted forward in her chair and frowned. “Do you think it’ll be necessary to use that?”

      Despite her frown, Hudson relished her question. At least, she was talking to him. “I wanted to cover all the bases. The logistics will figure into our bid. I know how important security is to you.”

      A little smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “Yeah, it is. So opening another entrance worries me.”

      “I understand. If we get the bid, I’ll be personally responsible for personnel and vehicles that go through there if we have to use it.” Hudson watched her expression as she took in his response.

      “I appreciate that, and I’ll hold you to it.” The look in her brown eyes let him know that she meant business. “We can’t be too careful when it comes to the women here. They depend on us for their safety.”

      Hudson tried to put himself in the place of the women who had fled abusive situations and the fear they must feel.

      “Does that cover everything?” Adam asked.

      Nodding, Carter looked Hudson’s way as he tapped the roll of blueprints. “I’ve got everything I need.”

      “Great.” Adam stood. “You’re welcome to join us for lunch.”

      “Sounds good to me.” Hudson nodded as he glanced at Melody. He breathed a sigh of relief when she didn’t make some excuse to leave.

      Carter stood. “I appreciate the invitation, but I’ve got to get back to the office. We’ll have that bid to you by the deadline.”

      Hudson popped up from his chair. “I’ll be right back after I see Carter to the exit.”

      “Good to meet you. I look forward to seeing your bid.” Adam shook Carter’s hand, then turned to Hudson. “We’ll wait here for you.”

      “Thanks.” Hudson fell into step beside Carter. “So what do you think?”

      “We can come up with a competitive bid, but I’m not sure it’ll meet muster with that pretty blonde. What did you do to get on her bad side?” Carter gave Hudson a speculative glance.

      “Hard telling. I’m not going to worry about her.”

      Carter narrowed his gaze. “I thought you wanted this project because of her.”

      “I told you before she’s not the reason for my interest in this. Showing my dad that I can be my own man is on top of the list.” Hudson clapped Carter on the back. “We’ll talk after you’ve had a chance to crunch the numbers. Thanks for your work.”

      Hudson hurried back to the table. He didn’t miss Melody’s less-than-enthusiastic smile upon his return, but he wouldn’t let that dampen his spirit.

      As they went through the cafeteria line, Hudson took in Melody’s interaction with those around her. She had a smile for the workers and knew them by name. What did he need to do to gain one of those smiles? Maybe he should quit thinking about himself. That might be a start in the right direction.

      For too many years, he’d lived his life, never understanding the plight of folks less fortunate than himself. Even though his parents had always been charity minded, he hadn’t known how other people lived until he’d joined the army. Looking back, he could see his father’s wisdom when he’d insisted that Hudson spend time in the military. The experience had given him a new perspective on life and the world.

      Could Melody appreciate that, or would she continue to look at him as a person who was out of touch with the people she served? He’d done himself no favors the night of the fund-raiser when he’d jokingly talked about attending the event to please his father. At the beginning of the evening, he’d had no idea that he’d find Melody a very fascinating woman. Now he had to work doubly hard to undo her bad impression of him. No easy task. And if she did show an interest in him, would it be for him or the money he could contribute to her cause? When it came to women, that thought was never far from the surface.

      After they brought their food to the table, Adam offered a prayer of thanks. For a few minutes, they ate without saying anything, the sounds of lively conversation flowing around them. Hudson observed the residents of the senior center as they partook of their meals. The place radiated with joy. This was a happy place—one he wanted to help. And he wanted to help one very independent woman, but he wasn’t sure she wanted it.

      Hudson set down his fork. “The residents here seem to be having a good time.”

      Melody nodded. “We do our best to make this a wonderful place to live. Ian does a great job with the facility.”

      “That’s right,” Adam said to Hudson. “In fact, he’s got one of the most anticipated events of the year for the senior center coming up. The Valentine banquet. We can always use some volunteers for that. Would you be interested?”

      Hudson let the request roll through his mind as he watched the consternation spread across Melody’s face. She wasn’t happy about Adam’s suggestion. Was this a chance to prove to her that he was willing to help others? “What kind of volunteers do you need?”

      “Adam, Ian probably has enough helpers.” Melody wrinkled her brow. “He usually invites the youth group from his dad’s church to act as servers, and we always have plenty of people from right here. You don’t need to be bothering Hudson.”

      Adam nodded. “That’s true, but it never hurts to let other folks see what we’re doing. What do you say,

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