The Collectors

Chapter 6

Hardy Pinkerton turned sideways to the locker room mirror and performed a Schwarzenegger, Mister America pose. Hardy fancied himself buff and tough and the envy of all his acquaintances. As chief security guard at DeWhitt and Winter, he managed a team of three other guards two of whom acted suitably in awe of his constantly pampered physique—acted being the operative word. Ross Hutzmeir, was the hold out who snickered and smirked every time Hardy flexed his pecs or biceps. Consequently, Ross always had floor patrol duty, which meant taking the elevator to each floor and then walking every square inch before proceeding to the next floor. The DeWhitt and Winter building was thirty-two stories. It was sort of like painting the Golden Gate Bridge.

When Hardy emerged from the locker room, Ross was somewhere halfway up, or down, depending on where he started. Nick Moper was at the reception island and Connie Rubbi, Hardy's only threat to his professed masculinity, was at the main entrance talking to Ted Palliser. He strutted across the Italian marble lobby and, hitching his walkie-talkie belt, stood at ease next to the pair.

"Problem here, Palliser?" Gruff. Authoritative. A hard look at Connie.

"Not now," Ted gave him a sly grin. "Connie has all the details so I'll be getting back to my busy schedule."

"Prick," Hardy muttered as Ted departed. He watched him until Connie coughed for attention.

"He's nice. I like him," Connie said, bosom heaving against the pleats in her severely pressed uniform. "That little curl is so sexy."

"What'd he want?" Hardy colouring in anger over her admiration of Ted.

"We are to double our scrutiny of anybody entering the building and particularly any big Russians." She pushed a few strands of her black hair away from her eyes.

"Big Russians? What the hell does that mean?"

Connie wiggled her way back toward the reception island. "Big Russians, Hardy, what do you think it means." She winked at Nick who made a funnel of his mouth and looked away.

"I don't take kindly to you getting' my orders for me, Rubbi."

"You weren't here. I told Ted you were in the can. If he went back and caught you posing he'd have your ass." She turned and gave him an extremely bold, knowing stare and Hardy went mute and turned a plum colour.

When he recovered he gave Nick the new instructions, threatening severe damage if anybody got past him that shouldn't and then he radioed Ross and delivered the same message. To Connie he pointed to the security office behind the elevators and followed her in.

"You, Miss Rubbi are going to be on the front line since you and Ted are so buddy, buddy. You will take up a position at the main doors and remain there until relieved." He puffed his chest and thumbed his belt.

"I'm relieved already, Hardy. I thought you brought me in here to scold me. My remark about Ted having your ass seemed to strike a cord."

Hardy's colour returned in blinding brilliance and he could do nothing but sputter. She hooked a finger in his belt and tugged, smiling. "I like scolding but I need more... know what I mean?" Her hand dropped to his front and brushed another of his developing muscles. Hardy grunted, shocked. Connie left.



Jacob fussed about everything he could think of as Holly tied his scarf, reminding her of his haggling policy and how much he would retreat on any offer. He pointed out the items he wouldn't budge on and he insisted on cash only sales as she eased him out the door of the shop and off to his dental appointment.

"Say aah for me, Jacob. " She waved and closed the door before he could start up again.

Another sunny but cold day was building slowly and Holly debated whether to lower the blinds to keep the goods in the window from fading any more and also so the accumulated dust wouldn't be as noticeable. She clucked her teeth as she ran a finger over the top of the mirror frame standing just inside the door.