Free Crown Jewel by Fern Michaels Page B

was back at her desk at six when the new shift came on. Is she coming back?”
    â€œI don’t know, Donna. So what you’re saying is, Roxy ran this resort?”
    â€œAnd the other one in Aruba. The two of us used to fly there on Tuesdays and Saturdays and work all day. She has good employees there whom she trusts.”
    Ricky wanted to ask her what Philip had done while Roxy was taking care of business, but he didn’t. “Thanks for coming by, Donna. Do the best that you can until I can get a handle on things.”
    â€œI’m sorry about your brother, Mr. Lam. I didn’t really know him, or see him all that much. Tell Roxy I asked about her, and tell her I miss her.”
    â€œI’ll do that, Donna.”
    When the door closed behind Roxy’s assistant, Ricky got up and moved to one of the white wicker chairs. He got up an instant later and sat back down at the desk. He opened the drawers. Everything was neat and tidy. It was obvious Roxy had a system that worked. He fished out her planner, opened it, and gawked at what she accomplished in a day.
    Superwoman. Ricky ran his fingers through his hair as he tried to fathom all he was seeing and hearing. This couldn’t be the same Roxy he knew back in Los Angeles. Did she have two personas? Philly had led him to believe Roxy spent all her time on Rodeo Drive or sitting on a satin cushion. Once, he’d told him that she spent most of her time in the bar or on the beach when they were on the islands. Something was wrong here. He shook his head to clear his thoughts.
    He lifted the blotter and was surprised to find a sheaf of papers. He scanned them quickly, then put them aside. They looked like something he might want to read at another time.
    The phone was in his hand a moment later. He hoped he didn’t live to regret what he was about to do. He waited while the phone rang and rang on the other end of the line. Her voice sounded sleepy or maybe just raspy because she’d been crying.
    â€œRoxy, it’s Ricky. How would you like your old job back? Name your salary. Or if you want a slice of the business, we can discuss it. I’ve only been here at the resort in Antigua a little over an hour, and even I can see things are falling apart…. What do I mean? Well, no one met me at the airport. I called ahead to make the arrangements. One of the valets was standing up against the wall smoking a cigarette. I fired him. I’ve been firing people right and left. There’s a box of complaints that weighs about twenty pounds, and I’m probably going to be the one who mows the lawn in the morning. Charter a plane and get here as soon as you can. That’s if you want your job back.” Ricky waited, knowing Roxy would say yes. What he heard stunned him.
    Bitterness rang in Roxy’s raspy voice. “Oh, all of a sudden I’m good enough for Lam Enterprises. Thanks but no thanks. Was there anything else, Mister Lam?”
    Stunned, Ricky held the phone away from his ear. “Would it help if I came back to Los Angeles and got down on my knees and begged you. Roxy, this place is dirty.”
    â€œNo, it wouldn’t help one bit. They have soap and water for the situations you describe. And cleaning solvents. Put an ad in the paper or call an agency. I have to hang up now, Ricky. Don’t call me again either.”
    â€œRoxy, wait, don’t hang up. Whatever you were making, I’ll double it.”
    The hysterical laughter on the other end of the phone sent shivers up Ricky’s spine. “Okay, triple. Whatever it takes, Roxy. Full benefits.”
    â€œYour brother paid me a token salary of $25,000 a year, Ricky. No overtime. My life was those resorts, and you ripped it the hell away from me. I know that doesn’t say much for me, but it’s the way it is. I’m way too old to go out there kicking and scratching. You and your brother owe me more than you can ever pay in a