CHAPTER TWO

 

 

A two-room office was all I felt necessary at this point – waiting area and my personal office. Thus, Sidney’s realtor John pleasantly surprised me with the tentatively chosen space. Our new office would be in a smaller four-storefront strip mall next door to a larger two-story artists’ center. We’d be right in the middle of the action, but by having our own space, we could still have the quiet that came from separation. Once I had signed the rental documentation, I made quick work of interior decoration. A successful trip to RC Willey and they had agreed to deliver my furniture and artwork within three days.

I stood in the waiting room, eyeing the two tan love seats with bright yellow throw pillows. Local artwork on the beige walls gave the space personality. A small desk for my assistant (note to self: hire assistant) sat near the door to my office.

My actual office was the perfect size for me and minimal furniture. Filing cabinet disguised as a tall hutch tucked in one corner. Burnished wood desk stood in front of a decent sized window. Comfortable black faux-leather chairs for me and one guest.

A soft bell drew my attention. I thought I had locked the front door.

“Hello?”

I turned at the unexpected greeting and exited my office. We weren’t exactly open yet. I still needed to post some social media ads requesting actor submissions.

“Are you Catherine Rodham?” A woman so average she was instantly forgettable took several hesitant steps into the waiting area.

“Yes,” I responded, plastering a smile on my face. “How may I help you?”

“I’ve forgotten my manners,” she answered my question with an apology and extended her hand. “My name is Robin Landon.” Her handshake was like gripping a dead fish, cool and slippery. “Of Landon Talent.”

Ah, the competition. I peered closer at her mousy brown hair and half-smile as I released her hand. “What can I do for you, Ms. Landon?”

“Please, call me Robin,” she insisted. “I wanted to welcome you to Las Vegas.”

Hmm, that’s not true. “Thank you,” I said anyway. I opened my mouth to say more then changed my mind.

“You’re wondering how I knew you were here already if you weren’t open or advertising yet?” Her eyes twinkled at the question, but there was steel underneath.

“I am curious,” I admitted.

“My staff keeps an eye on the business licenses granted to comparable businesses.” I nodded and she continued. “How’d you manage to get yours so fast?”

I shrugged. “I didn’t submit it, so I couldn’t tell you.” I smiled broadly. “I’m looking forward to meeting folks in our industry and beyond, now that we’re here and about to be up and running.”

“Wonderful,” she said, with a smile that did not quite reach her eyes. “I’m also here on another matter.”

“Oh?”

“Councilwoman Barbara Knollman would like to personally invite you to join the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.”

My eyebrows rose in surprise. “I’m not familiar with the councilwoman, since I’m new in town. I appreciate the invitation. Please tell her I said thank you.”

“You’ll join then? We have a meeting in two weeks.”

I frowned. “I’ll consider it.” I’d had every intention of joining, but this was feeling like a command requirement, not a simple invitation. I wasn’t going to be pushed around just because I was a newbie.

“Please do. The councilwoman would consider it an insult to ignore her invitation.”

I nearly laughed; that had to be a joke. The talent agent sounded like a bad gangster movie. She believed what she said though. I kept my composure and nodded. “I’ll take that under advisement.”

“See that you do.” Robin nodded, face tight. “Thank you for your time.” She turned to leave before I could respond.

“Thank you,” I told my closing front door. “That was weird.”

For most of my adult life, I’ve had the ability to know if people told the truth or not. Call me a human lie detector. I’ve always chalked it up to extreme empathy, though an internet search suggested I might actually be an empath. Today it told me there was more to Robin and the councilwoman than was presented.

I made mental notes to remember both Robin Landon of Landon Talent and Councilwoman Barbara Knollman.