Kace (Allen Securities) Read Free Page B

Several big shipments were scheduled, and as the manager, it was her duty. She sent a text to Victoria about what time to come pick her up and sighed. They were really going to have to figure out something else.
    The whole ride thing had been building for some time, and she really didn’t know what to do. With the cost of school, there was no way she’d be able to afford a second car. They had fought several times over Victoria just taking the car, but she refused if that meant Jessica would have to ride the bus. There they were, spending tons on gas and shuttling each other around with only the one car between the two of them.
    Maybe after this whole mess with the thief was cleared, she would talk with Finn about a raise. She was certainly worth the money and could only hope he felt the same way.
    Jessica gathered her keys. As long as her hunch about Alyssa was right, she would be fine. If not, well, she might find herself needing more than a new car. She pushed those thoughts out of the way.
    She hurried out the door and clicked the lock behind her.
    The metal railing jiggled as she trotted down the steps, just another piece of the building coming down. Next door, the rail was more secure. She’d made sure to tighten the bolts before winter and was glad they were still holding. Mrs. Masing wasn’t as steady as she used to be, and one good fall could really take her out. Without any family around, it was hard for her to get the things done that she needed.
    There was a great niece that would come out once in a while, but from what Jessica understood, she had married an unsavory man a few years back and getting away was very difficult for her. Her distance was hard for Mrs. Masing, and she worried about Amy often.
    As Jessica reached the top step, the door opened. Mrs. Masing stood just inside.
    “Your sister said you would come today,” the elderly woman said with a big smile.
    Jessica smiled back.
    “You know I can’t stay away long from your cooking,” Jessica said and took off her shoes.
    Rule number one, no shoes in the house.
    Same as it had been since they moved in with their grandmother next door, Mrs. Masing had kept her furniture in perfect condition since the 70s. Not really the best decade for taste, but it always felt like home when Jessica came over. Avocado green furniture and macramé plant hangings littered the room. The brown and green made her almost glad to see the burnt orange table and chairs peeking out of the kitchen.
    She glanced sideways at the woman as they made their way through the living room to the kitchen. Mrs. Masing seemed to be shrinking as the years went on, but that seemed to be common with age. Recently, she had lost a little weight, and it concerned Jessica. The pension from Mr. Masing was likely getting hard to live off of, especially with inflation.
    Jessica made a mental note to talk to Victoria about how they could help. Mrs. Masing was a proud woman, so just offering money wouldn’t work. Her sister was really the one who would have the best luck. Her sweet nature made it hard for others to turn her down.
    “So,” she said, smiling widely at the older woman, “what’s for lunch?”
    “You always were one to get to eating first.” Mrs. Masing laughed.
    Jessica shrugged. “That’s what happens when you can’t cook.”
    The older woman waved her hand. “You just need to come over and eat more.”
    Jessica patted her on the shoulder and sat down. The tiny little kitchen always seemed much smaller when she was standing in it. Being a two bedroom, they had the benefit of a slightly larger kitchen.
    “I really want to. Things have just been…” She furrowed her brow. “Hectic at work.”
    She was pierced with a knowing look. “You come home later and later. This have anything to do with that no-good boss of yours?”
    Jessica dipped her spoon into the creamy sausage broth and filled her mouth with vegetables. The spicy rich flavors hit her tongue, and she sighed.