Angela Agranoff - Sophia O'Malley 01 - Organized Blackmail (4 page)

“Yes,” Quinn yelled and scrambled to his feet surprising Sophia. Stepping backwards she tripped over her own feet and tumbled down. As she hit the floor, the gun in her hands went off with a loud bang. Quinn let out a loud cry and grabbed his shoulder, as his eyes grew wide.

Sophia watched as Quinn dropped to his knees, with his hand still holding his shoulder. He suddenly tumbled forward, and collapsed onto the floor. “I…the gun…”

“It’s alright dear,” Eleanor promised Sophia.

“He’s alright?” Sophia asked staring at Quinn while he moaned and groaned on the floor.

“I believe so,” Eleanor agreed. With trembling hands she reached into her dress pocket and took out a bottle of medicine. “Help me to the living room, dear, and then get me a glass of water. I’ll feel better shortly.”

“Yes, of course,” Sophia agreed dropping the gun. Hurrying to Eleanor she gently helped the woman to her feet. “You faked your death.”

“I took a bit of acting as a young woman,” Eleanor forced a smile at Sophia. “Now come, let’s call for help.”

“Wait, there’s a man in the back,” Sophia said alarmed.

“I’m sure when the police arrive he’ll be taken care of. But just in case, pick up the gun and take it with us,” Eleanor told Sophia.

Eleanor helped Sophia into the living room and remained tense, expecting the man in the van to come bursting into the house at any moment. But to Sophia’s relief and surprise, two young ground workers were the ones that burst into the house, dragging an unconscious man in with them. They explained they found the man sitting in the van and when he tried to run they made sure he didn’t get away.

“What now?” Sophia asked Eleanor watching take a sip of water from a clear glass. “I mean, once these men are taken care of by the police, what will you do about your husband’s paintings?”

Eleanor leaned back on a soft white and green couch that sat in her beautiful living room. “What can the world take away from a dying old woman? I hired you to get the room upstairs ready for a viewing, and I am holding you to your word. Before I die, the world must see my husband’s beautiful work. I want to share his pieces with the rest of the world!”

“Now that I will no longer being threatened and blackmailed, I can enjoy my husband’s artwork and share them with others. I realized this when those evil men invaded my home and threatened to kill me, what my husband had been trying to protect me from all along. Just like he protected his father, he protected me. A very honorable man.”

Sophia drew in a deep breath. “Just promise me one thing?”

“Yes?”

“Don’t die, please,” Sophia began to cry.

“Well,” Eleanor gently patted Sophia’s hand, “I have one more confession to make.”

“Yes?”

“I have the option to have an operation on my heart. The doctor said the operation would allow me a few more years.”

“Take it,” Sophia cried. “Please, take the operation.”

“I wasn’t going to because I miss my Michael a great deal, dear. But now I can see that I’m still needed here.”

“Oh, thank you,” Sophia hugged Eleanor tight. “I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

Back to Work

Sophia really enjoyed herself while organizing and creating a beautiful gallery for Eleanor.  Eleanor had that private viewing of her husband’s artwork, and it was a huge success. She wasn’t surprised when Eleanor sold a few paintings to stabilize her finances.  A heart operation, Sophia knew, was very costly.

A couple weeks later, Piney Woods’ Annual Book sale was a huge success. Sophia made a few of her delicious homemade treats to help with the event. She brought her always-popular Lemonade Cheesecake Pie and a variety of delicious cupcakes. The book sale ended up being a fun community event, and Sophia was glad that she could be a part of it. Helping to organize this book fair reminded Sophia why she enjoys professional organizing.  The idea of helping a client who may be stressed and stuck with a project, and helping them arrive at a successful outcome is rewarding! For Eleanor, the outcome was much bigger than any client Sophia has worked with.  Not only did Sophia help Eleanor organize her library and gallery, but also she was able to put to rest years of looking over her shoulder.  Eleanor’s husband’s legacy was finally laid to rest.  Eleanor was set free, and that felt good to Sophia to be a part of that.

Sophia had never had an experience like that with an organizing client.  She always told her clients that she was there for them, but never thought it would include art thieves, blackmail, and possible murder.  It was an interesting way to begin her career again as a professional organizer. Since everything turned out well, and with Eleanor’s permission, this would be an amazing client testimonial!

“Well furballs,” she told her two cats while sitting at her kitchen table sipping a warm cup of coffee, “Mr. Valente called me. He wants me to come to Italy and take a look at his home. It seems that over the years he has become lapse in his organizing skills. But something tells me that Mr. Valente has a very special project. He seemed excited for me to come help him!”

Hearing the phone ring beside the refrigerator Sophia stood up and stretched her neck. “I’ll only be a second,” she told her two cats.

Walking over to the phone Sophia looked out onto the back deck and saw her old friend the squirrel. She smiled. “Hello?”

“Hello, dear, this is Eleanor.”

“Oh Eleanor, how are you?”

“I’m fine dear. I’m calling to inform you that my recent visit with the doctor this morning went very well. He is pleased with the operation. He said my heart sounds very strong and that I have many years ahead of me.”

“Eleanor! I’m so happy.”

“As I am dear,” Eleanor agreed. “Now, with that bit of news taken care of I have one request.”

“Anything,” Eleanor promised.

“Drive into Piney Woods. Go to 16 Main Street.”

“The old hardware store?” Sophie asked.

“No dear,” Eleanor beamed. “Your new office. I’ll meet you there in one hour. It’s time for you to get back to work. Since you gave me a wonderful space, I wanted to give back to you. A woman of your standard needs her own office.”

Before Sophia could reply Eleanor hung up. With tears falling from her eyes she took her eyes to the squirrel that seemed lost in the beauty of the morning. “Well Patrick, I’m not sure what that squirrel is thinking about, but he sure seems happy. And for the first time in a long time, so am I. I know you’re in Heaven and someday we’ll be together. But for now, be with me my dear husband. The birds are chirping and the sky is blue, and I have a feeling there are many more people out there that need me.”

Without saying another word, Sophia walked out of the kitchen onto the back deck. The squirrel remained where he was. Sophia smiled and threw her face up into a clear blue sky and bright morning sun. Organizing, she knew, began in the heart. But it was always best to leave a few special boxes and tucked away to comfort the heart.

Sophia loves cooking and baking. It was a treat for Sophia to help make Eleanor’s book sale event extra special. Sophia has shared the recipes that were a hit at the bake sale, as well as other recipes favorites with you below.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup ground coffee
  

• 1 teaspoons of mint extract
  

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  

Directions:

1.  Add coffee ground to your food processor

2.  Mix mint and vanilla extract in cup.

3. Cover food processor and start.

4.  Carefully take lid off and add the extract mix to the food processor very slowly.

5.  Use spatula to clean sides of processor.  Be careful while cleaning the sides, and then let it mix for a few more seconds.

6. Store coffee in airtight container in the fridge. Use coffee mixture as you normally would.

Get creative and try this recipe with other flavorings.  You can even use this to make ice coffee!

Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
  

• 2 (3.4 oz.) packages lemon instant pudding mix
  

• 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
  

• 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
  

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  

• 1 (12 oz.) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
  

• 1 9-inch ready-made graham cracker piecrust
  

• Thawed frozen whipped topping
  

Directions:

1.  Whisk evaporated milk, lemon instant pudding, and lemon zest together in a bowl for two minutes or until mixture has thickened.

2. Beat cream cheese and vanilla together with an electric mixer on medium speed until mixture is fluffy.

3. Add lemonade concentrate to mixture, beating until it is smooth.

4. Add milk mixture and beat until it is well blended.

5. Pour mixture into crust.  Cover the pie and chill for 8 hours or until it is firm.

6. Add a scoop of whipped topping to each slice as you serve.

Makes 12 cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups flour
  

• 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
  

• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  

• 1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  

• 1/2 white sugar
  

• 1 egg
  

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  

• 1/4 cup buttermilk
  

• 1 cup shredded zucchini
  

• 2/3 cup fresh raspberries
  

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Grease muffin tins, or line with paper cupcake liners.

3. Whisk together flour, cocoa, and baking soda; set to side.

4. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer, until fluffy.

5. Add the eggs into butter mixture one at a time.  Let the eggs completely blend in before you add another.  Mix in vanilla with last egg.

6. Gradually add in flour mixture, alternating with buttermilk.  Mix until just blended.

7. Carefully fold in zucchini, raspberries, and chocolate chips, mixing just enough that it is evenly mixed.

8. Spoon mixture into muffin cups, filing them 3/4 of the way full.

9. Bake until toothpick comes out clean, about 20 minutes.  Let muffins cool in pan for about 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on wire rack.