A Golden Tree

by Fern Michaels

  “Well, then, I suppose I owe you an apology. I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting anyone. You startled me.” Once again, she was explaining herself to this . . . this man who was her employee! He should be the one doing the explaining.

  “I thought I could get an early start today,” he explained. “If you’d rather I come back . . . ?”

  “No, no. Please have a seat.” She motioned for him to sit in the chair, the one she was starting to think of as “his” chair. “Would you like some coffee?” she asked, then felt like slapping herself. She was the boss. He should be asking her if she wanted coffee.

  No, no, no! This wasn’t the way she normally acted. Why, her thoughts were downright mean. And she did not like mean. Though she did not like the effect Gannon Montgomery’s presence had on her, either.

  “Yeah, a cup of coffee would be great. I had a late night,” Gannon said as he accepted Holly’s invitation to be seated.

  Why was he telling her that? Did he want her to ask why he’d had a late night? It sure seemed like it. She tried to focus on pouring a cup of coffee. Nothing more. This was nothing. She filled the cup too full, spilling coffee all over the box of filters. She grabbed two packs of sugar and a handful of cream mini-cups and put them on her desk.

  “Here. Drink this,” she insisted. Realizing she sounded incredibly rude, she softened her voice. “I wasn’t sure how you took your coffee.” She pointed to the cream and sugar.

  “Black. It’s better that way,” he said, then took a sip. “Sometimes.” The look on his face spoke volumes.

  Holly’s eyes widened; then she burst out laughing. “I do make the most hideous coffee, don’t I?”

  “It’s . . . bold,” he said in tactful agreement.

  “Strong. Yes, I have yet to learn the fine art of coffee making. Marlene usually handles that task. I couldn’t sleep, so I came in early. We’ve got a full schedule planned tonight. The craft store is setting up in the Autumn Room. I’m guessing we’ll have a turnout of at least a hundred. Maybe more.” Nothing like rattling on, she thought, but the awkward moment had passed. It was time to get down to business.

  “I don’t understand.”

  Holly looked at him in amused wonder. “We’re making wreaths tonight. It was quite successful last year. Didn’t you do this at Draper’s?” she asked.

  Gannon looked as though he’d been sucker punched. His eyes glazed over, and lines of what appeared to be intense concentration deepened along his brows and under his eyes. He met her gaze. “Crafts? Is that what you’re saying? You’re having a crafts class tonight?”

  “Don’t look so surprised. Surely you worked a holiday function once or twice when you were at Draper’s?”

  He shook his head and took a sip of the horrible coffee. Holly didn’t know what she’d said to upset him, but she knew a deer-in-headlights moment when she observed one.

  “You know what, Holly? I didn’t. Not one time in all the years I’ve . . . worked for the Drapers, not once have I worked a holiday function. They don’t have holiday functions.” He said the last words as if he’d suddenly been struck in the head by a bolt of lightning. “And you do this every year?”

  “We have all sorts of functions, activities, contests, outings, whatever you want to call them. That’s why we hire extra help for the season. There is so much going on, it takes about a hundred extra employees to make it happen. When my mother was alive, this is what she enjoyed most. I . . .” Tears pooled, and Holly quickly knuckled her eyes. “I lost her in February. This is my first Christmas season without her. Dad is acting brave, but I know he’s dying inside.”

  She stopped to collect herself. “Look, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have dumped that on you. I’m fine. Really, just a bit overwhelmed this year. From the looks of the reservations, it’s just starting to hit me. The work and all. I think this is going to be the busiest year we’ve ever had.”

  Gannon nodded. “And to what do you attribute this . . . this sudden rush?” He moved to the edge of his chair, placing his elbows on the edge of her desk.

  “You really want to know?” she asked.

  “Yes, I really do,” he answered quickly. “It’s . . . fascinating. The business end.”

  “First, we always want our guests to feel as if this is their home away from home. We do whatever we can to make the rooms homey and inviting. I’m sure you know this, but we try to go the extra mile. That was Mom’s specialty. She started this way before I was old enough to work here. She had a bit of success with her parties, all the little extras during the Christmas season. Word got around. Within three years, we were taking reservations two years in advance. With the economy the way it is, that is no longer true. But we are usually full up by the time the season is in full swing.

  “The guests loved the planned activities during the holidays, the contests, and so on. Mom loved Christmas, and it showed in everything she planned. This year and next year, we are as booked as we allow because of this. Of course, we have to leave room for things like the governor’s family affair or visits from royalty. After that, I don’t know if I’ll have quite the success my mom did, but I will give it my best shot.”

  Gannon shook his head. “It’s really that simple,” he said, more to himself than to her.

  “Not really, but business-wise, it’s a simple move. Make the guests happy. And who isn’t happy during the holidays?” Holly asked, then remembered she wasn’t all that happy, but she truly didn’t sound unhappy. She enjoyed sharing her mother’s ideas with Gannon, and he appeared to listen with an avid interest.

  “Yes, the holidays are happy times,” he said, not sounding happy at all.

  Holly suddenly remembered he’d come to her office early, so there must be a problem. “Gannon, you’re not here to listen to me rattle on about the inn. Is there a problem you wanted to discuss?”

  He leaned back in the chair, leaving the half-full cup on her desk. “I wanted to explain what happened yesterday with my grandfather.”

  Concern etched on her face, she asked, “Is he ill?”

  Gannon smirked. “The old guy is ill, but not terribly so. He had some issues with his insulin yesterday. I had to take him to urgent care, but he’s fine. He really had me scared at first, but the doctor assured me he was going to be just fine if he takes his medication. He’s diabetic and hadn’t been taking his insulin. Granda thought someone in the pharmacy at the Haven might’ve tampered with his bottle of insulin.

  “I don’t think there’s anything to be worried over, but I didn’t admit this to him. He’s now the proud owner of one of those insulin pens that you can carry in your pocket. He told me when I left him last night that he and his neighbor were on a secret mission, and he’d been sworn to secrecy. I’m not sure what to make of his comments. Just getting old, I guess.”

  “As long as he’s feeling better, that’s what matters.”

  “Yes, he’ll be okay, but I want to warn you ahead of time. His neighbor and new best friend, the man who’s involved in this secret mission, is none other than your grandfather. Rex, right?”

  Holly looked at Gannon, bewildered. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

  “I certainly am.”

  She raked a hand through her hair. “I’ll talk to Dad. Pops will listen to him. You don’t think they’re really involved in some crazy . . . mission?”

  “I haven’t a clue. What I do know is that Granda’s faculties are intact, he’s reasonably healthy, and he wouldn’t allow anyone to take advantage of him, so who’s to say what they’re up to? He’s not that old!” Gannon threw back his head and laughed. “That old coot mentioned something about a bunch of vigilante women, and told me that I’d better not repeat it or there’d be trouble. I think he and Rex are trying to make it with the ladies at their condo. I’m sure I’ll hear all about it.”

  Temporarily taken aback by Gannon’s words, Holly stood up and walked around her desk. She sat in the chair next to Gannon.

  “Did I hear you correct
ly? Did you say vigilantes?” She spoke so fast, she feared he couldn’t understand her.

  He grinned. “Crazy, huh?”

  She nodded. “That’s putting it mildly.”

  Chapter 11

  “Sophia, you will act as the whiny, nagging sister-in-law, worried he’s not taking his meds. Let me see you cry,” Annie demanded.

  Sophie wasn’t one to caterwaul, but she could bring up the tears when she had to. Closing her eyes, she thought of Walter, her former husband. Dead as a doornail. No, thinking about that wife-beating son of a bitch would only make her laugh. She mentally erased the image of his drunken face. Clearing her head, she focused on bringing real tears to her eyes. As soon as she felt a backwash fill her eyes, she opened them and let the tears drip onto her white silk blouse. Her nose always stopped up when she did this. She grabbed the tissue box from the end table and blew her nose, making a loud snorting sound so that the other women stared at her.

  “Sorry. I was trying to make it real.”

  Toots was having trouble keeping her laughter to herself. Sophie looked at her and winked.

  “Now, Toots. You are going to pose as the new wannabe girlfriend. You’ll have to slobber a bit and act like you’re about to fall madly in love with this guy, Norton Baumgardner. Can you do this and make it believable? You’ll need to keep him away from the pharmacy for a few hours. I believe he’ll take the employee Christmas party as an opportunity to be by himself in the pharmacy and do his deed. If it turns out that that’s what he is planning, you’ll need to do whatever it takes to keep him by your side.”

  Toots almost choked. Annie had to know she had quite a lengthy list when it came to deceased husbands. Phil was husband number nine. Could she act like she was madly in love? Of course she could. When she’d married her eighth husband, Leland, that awful cheapskate, she had pretended daily that she loved him. She could do this. “I think we both know I’m quite capable of making a man feel loved. Though I have to admit, falling in love on a first date, if you want to call this ‘meet up’ a first date, I will have to force myself.”

  “Does she have to sleep with him?” Sophie asked.

  Annie and Myra looked at Sophie.

  “Absolutely not! What do you think we’re doing? Running a prostitution ring? This is the mission you all signed up for. You can’t back out now even if you want to. I’ve made all the necessary arrangements, and tonight you will begin your mission.” Annie never lost her cool.

  “I knew that. I just wanted to see your reaction,” Sophie said snidely.

  “We are professionals, Sophia. Surely you know this. You’ve had time to study the cases Myra and I have allowed you to examine. This isn’t Hollywood or some psychic fair we’re planning. This is serious stuff. Most likely, people are going to get hurt, not physically, but lives will change when we have completed this mission. I imagine those responsible will be facing lengthy prison sentences. This is serious, not a game.”

  “Are you insinuating anything, Annie? Because if you are, you can kiss my rear end. I’m pretty well respected in my field, too. I am quite accomplished. If I thought there was any risk in this assignment, I would never have volunteered my services. Are you getting this?” Sophie was ticked. “I know what we’re about to undertake.”

  Annie glanced at Myra. “Then, we’re all set. Now, let’s get back to our rooms and prepare for the evening ahead.”

  Sophie and Toots left Annie’s suite of rooms so fast, they created a breeze when they walked past them.

  Once they were safely ensconced in their own suite, Sophie spoke up. “That woman doesn’t trust me.”

  “No, Sophie, you’re wrong about that. She does trust you. And that’s the problem. She is frightened of your abilities. She has to know of your successes. They’ve been in newspapers across the country. I think our Annie is a bit intimidated by you. And Myra is loving every minute of the two of you badgering one another.”

  Sophie plopped down on the sofa. “You really believe that?”

  “Yes, I do. Aren’t you getting any kind of vibes from Annie?” Toots asked.

  “Not a thing, but I do know that our little mission is going to go off as planned. If we follow the rules.”

  “And what happens if we decide we don’t want to follow the rules?” Toots singsonged.

  “Whatever you do, Toots, follow the rules. I don’t want you to challenge this, okay? You have to trust me on this.”

  “I would trust you with my life, Soph. You, of all people, should know that. Look at all the garbage we’ve been through. You and I, we’re two birds of a feather.”

  “That we are. But, Toots, I want you to promise me, no matter what happens, you will stick to Annie’s plans. I know we’re not very fond of her right now, but she and Myra know exactly what they’re up against. Now, promise me.”

  Toots rolled her eyes. “Okay. I promise.”

  “To follow Annie and Myra’s rules, no matter what. I want to hear you say it,” Sophie demanded.

  “Good grief, Sophie. You’re acting as if I were a child. I know you won’t stop until I say this, so here goes. I promise to follow Annie and Myra’s rules, no matter what. Now, are you satisfied?”

  Sophie took a deep breath. “I am.”

  “Are you sure you’re telling me everything? I have the feeling you know more about this mission than you’re telling me.”

  “Toots, we signed up for this. It was your idea, remember? We’re gonna be just fine. I promise.”

  “You’re one hundred percent sure?” Toots asked.

  “I am never one hundred percent sure of anything, Toots.”

  Chapter 12

  “I can’t do one single thing, Holly. However, I can sit in a chair, a comfortable one, of course, and observe. Make sure everything is organized. Sort of like an eye in the sky. I will need an assistant, too.”

  Holly rolled her eyes. “Of course you will, and before you ask, no, you can’t have Marlene. She already has her hands full. She’s taking on Mom’s duties tonight.” Which they both knew was hostess with more than the mostest.

  In desperation, Holly had called to ask Ava to come in this evening to help with the wreath party, promising her she wouldn’t have to lift a finger. She’d hated to ask, but Gannon had absolutely no experience with this type of gathering, or so he’d said. She still found it hard to believe that Draper’s didn’t have planned holiday functions for their guests. To her it sounded like a very poor business practice, but she’d kept that thought to herself.

  “Then who?” Ava asked.

  “I suppose I could offer up Gannon, despite the fact that he has absolutely no experience, though I’d planned to use him elsewhere,” Holly told Ava. “He does a very nice job of adding something to the scenery. I’ll have to give him that.”

  “I knew it,” Ava teased. “I was right about suggesting him.”

  Holly raked a hand through her hair, a bad habit, as it ruined her early morning blow out. “What are you talking about?”

  “You think he’s hot, right?” Ava said encouragingly.

  Holly took a deep breath, a yoga breath, and slowly exhaled. “His looks have absolutely nothing to do with his capabilities to act as my assistant. So far, he’s been useless.”

  She realized that it was true. This was day three, and he really hadn’t assisted her with anything. She’d gone over a few duties with him, and, of course, this morning she’d explained the inn’s holiday activities. He’d appeared shocked that such events took place. She’d even gone as far as to ask him if Draper’s offered any type of organized Christmas-themed activity, and he’d said no. Maybe he just hadn’t participated, and so he wasn’t aware of this, but he’d been adamant when she’d repeated her question. Again, she felt this was bad for business, but Draper’s was not her concern.

  “Then why did you hire him?”

  “Ava, need I remind you that you were the one who narrowed the applicants down to six? Need I remind you that you told me that G. W
. Montgomery was your pick of the list?”

  “But you hired him, my dear, I didn’t,” Ava stated quite bluntly.

  “Yeah, I did. And there isn’t a thing I can do about it now. After the holidays, I will have to reconsider my decision, but for now, he is all I have. Unless you have another suggestion?”

  “Terri Anne Phillips?”

  “You’re lucky I am having this conversation with you on the phone and am not sitting next to you. Doubly lucky you’ve got a couple of buns in the oven. Otherwise, I’d have to choke you.” Holly had always threatened to choke, strangle, or throttle Ava since they were old enough to understand what those things meant. They knew it was all in fun.

  “Yeah, whatever. So, you want me to call her? I’ll call Marlene and have her give me her number. If I recall, she did have an excellent résumé.”

  Holly shook her head and laughed. Ava delighted in teasing her.

  “You’re laughing, aren’t you?” Ava questioned. “And at such a critical time, too.”

  “Ava, shut up! It’s not that bad. Frankly, I’m a bit lost without Mom, and you. I feel like I’m the captain of a sinking ship right now. Yes, yes, I know what to do, but I also have a zillion other responsibilities to consider. So, let’s just cut to the chase. Do you have anyone in mind? To be your assistant?” Holly needed to know. As she’d said, she had a zillion other responsibilities to contend with.

  “What about Mr. Haynes?” Ava asked. “He’s one of our best employees, if you want my opinion. He knows everyone’s job right down to the last detail. You can have Brenda work in registration. She knows her stuff.”

  Brenda had worked as Mr. Haynes’s right hand for as long as Holly could remember.

  “No, he won’t want to relinquish his duties. He takes them quite seriously, as he should. I’ll ask Brenda if she’s up for a craft party.”

  “Oh, I don’t want her! She’s too formal for my tastes.”

  Getting more infuriated by the moment, Holly asked, “And Mr. Haynes isn’t?”