Chapter 6

We got in Angela’s car and we were at the building in five minutes. As soon as we got out of the car, I looked at the curb appeal first. It was a sleek design with the same bullet-proof and impact resistant windows that are used in high-rise buildings. I did like that a lot. I was happy that we could just paint the name of my business on the windows.

I smiled, “It’s a beautiful architectural design. Let’s see what the inside looks like.” Angela smiled, “You are going to love it. I just know it.” She unlocked the front door and we all walked in. She locked it behind us and I immediately looked around and found pristine display cabinets with glass tops and front, “So this was a jewelry store before?”

Angela smiled, “Yes. They just didn’t design and make jewelry. They sized the rings and did engraving. They left that machinery here.” I nodded, “That will reduce my costs. I will add some to the purchase price. The extra can go directly to her. We ladies need to stick together.” As I looked at the display cases, I smiled, “These will be perfect.”

We walked to the back room and it was massive. More than enough room for all of the equipment I would need. It also has a vault room for jewelry in display cases and inventory. There were cabinets with locks on them for supplies. I was so excited to see all that was already in there.

I asked, “Is there an alarm system?” She smiled, “There is. When it’s on, there are lasers that criss cross from floor to ceiling throughout the first floor. It can be turned on and off from the back door or the second floor.” I smiled, “That’s great. Is there a company that is servicing it?”

She nodded, “She left a notebook with all of the companies you will need to contact as well as all of the owner’s manuals for the appliances and the alarm system. She also included the current ways to open the safe and the wall vault along with the ways to change the combinations on each. She really thought of everything.” I smiled, “That’s awesome.”

We went to the second floor and I loved the open floor plan. The kitchen sat directly in the center of the floor and I could see all the different “rooms” surrounding it. I saw a fireplace on one wall and the wiring to set up a TV and sound system on another wall. I fell in love with it.

We went to the third floor and this one had rooms along the inside walls and a wall of windows across from them. There were four bedrooms, each with their own bathroom. The master bedroom sat at the end of the hall and it was beautiful. It had hardwood floors and the walls were beige. I walked into the bathroom and found a soaker tub with a huge shower stall that stood alone. The countertop was off-white marble with black veins running throughout it.

As I walked out of the master suite, Angela smiled, “Check this out.” She pulled on a couple of handles that I didn’t even realize were there and part of the wall of windows turned into sliding doors that went out to a large balcony. When we got out there, I suggested, “There is enough room out here for a large patio furniture set and a gas fire pit.” Lacey laughed, “That’s definitely something that needs to happen.”

I smiled, “Okay, I need to see the top floor, because that is probably where I will put Annie.” Lacey asked, “Your maid?” I nodded, “She asked me this morning if she could come with me. She said she can’t stand to work for a man who disrespects women.” Angela agreed, “Well, let’s look at Annie’s area.”

We went upstairs and I was so happy to see this floor looked a lot like an apartment. It had two bedrooms of its own with a kitchen of its own. I smiled, “I can’t wait to take Annie shopping for furniture. It’s going to be so much fun.” Angela asked, “So is that a definite answer on the property?”

 I nodded, “I want it. If you can take me to the bank, I will get a cashier’s check for seventy thousand dollars. Ten thousand extra for the items left behind.” Angela smiled, “Maybe you should get that ten thousand in cash. You’ll be able to be sure she alone gets that money.” I nodded, “Okay. If you’ll take me to the bank I can get it now.”

We left the property and we were able to close on it within one hour. We all went to Victor’s house and Annie met me at the door. I smiled, “Go ahead a pack a bag. We are moving into my new place now. You will have your own floor and we need to buy furniture. We have movers coming tomorrow morning for our stuff. I’m not bringing any furniture except my office furniture.”

Annie smiled widely, “On it. I’ll be ready in just a few minutes.” While she went to her room, my friends and I went to my bedroom so I could pack an overnight bag with my toiletries. I went to the safe and got my birth certificate and passport then I went to my office and grabbed my lists and my laptop. The rest could wait for morning.

Lacey asked, “Couldn’t you get your important papers tomorrow?” I shook my head, “I don’t trust Victor or Winifred to not take them to hold them for some stupid reason. Winifred will do anything to humiliate and degrade me. I just have a bad feeling about trying to get in the safe tomorrow. I wouldn’t be shocked if Winifred accused me of stealing jewelry from the safe.”

Annie met us in the foyer and I asked, “Have you already written your letter of resignation?” She nodded, “I have. I left it on his desk in his study.” I smiled, “That’s perfect. If he calls me again to bitch about the new divorce papers, I will let him know I took you with me.” Lacey laughed, “It’s so good to see my friend is back.”

I smiled, “Let’s go furniture shopping.” I opened the front door and almost walked right into Winifred. She asked, “How did they get in here and why is the maid going with you?” Infuriated at her condescending tone, I answered, “They came in with me and you will no longer be able to keep my friends away from me. Victor and I are getting divorced. A moving truck will be here for the rest of my stuff in the morning. Annie has resigned from working for Victor and is now working for me.”

Winifred gasped, “I’m calling Victor!” I laughed, “Go ahead. We’re on our way to go furniture shopping for my new place.” She stopped me, “Why are you going anywhere? This house is yours.” I answered, “I don’t want this house. It has been my prison for the last two years and you have too much access to it. I want away from you and Victor.”

She gasped as she lifted her phone to her ear while Annie and I left with Lacey and Angela. As soon as we were in Angela’s car, I took a deep breath and started shaking all over. I was absolutely terrified of that woman but I refused to let her know.

Angela stopped and looked at me, “Are you okay?” I nodded, “I will be. I just refused to let my fear of her show. I’m sure I will be getting a call from Victor soon. She probably told him that I was being disrespectful and rude.” Lacey laughed, “It’s a good thing I have evidence then.” Lacey held up her phone and showed us her recording app.

I chuckled, “That will shut him up. I’m so sick of this already and it really hasn’t even started. Let’s get some retail therapy, ladies.”