by V. B. Tenery
When Candace was eight, she walked to the library near her home and researched Gilbert Kane on their computer. She found Kane Industries home office located in mid-town Manhattan, New York and tried to contact him.
Her mother was in the final stages of her battle with cancer and Candace was prepared to beg for his help. She never got past his gatekeepers.
Initially, the orphanage had been a nightmare. Her mother was gone and there wasn’t a single soul on the planet who loved or wanted her.
She was thrown into groups of children more miserable than she was. Many of them much younger than she. Those smaller children were her salvation. They needed someone to love them, to hold them when they cried and show a little affection. The same things she wanted. She became their “little mother” as the orphanage staff called her. Helping them helped her. Candace forgot to feel sorry for herself. Most of the kids she mentored had stayed in touch with her.
It was wrong to hate her father, she knew that. She even prayed for God to take away the hate. Bitterness only hurt her, especially since her father was dead so she couldn’t tell him face to face how she felt
No thanks to him, she’d gotten a first-rate education, due to her excellent grades and grants.
Before her father’s lawyer found her, her professional life was going well. She managed the office staff in one of the Fortune 500 companies in New York. With modeling jobs on the side, she did quite well. Then came the announcement of the inheritance and the craziness began.
Even from the grave he managed to mess up her life.
Her grandmother thought she lived in the slums when, in fact, she had a nice apartment in Greenwich Village.
Not that she wanted to live in New York forever, but it was where the best modeling jobs were and that’s how she made her living until she finished college.
Her apartment building was a student mecca of actors, and artists. She loved their zest for life. However, she didn’t fit into their liberal, artsy culture.
She fought coming to Colorado until the inheritance hit the news. A new environment might offer her the seclusion she needed. With her pictures splashed all over the media, privacy in the Big Apple was out of the question.
Nana Kane kept insisting she come to the Colorado family compound until the police found out the truth about her “accidents.” So here she was, in this long black limo, headed for her first encounter with the Kane clan.
The limo stopped at the front door. The chauffeur jumped out and opened her door. He had not spoken one word the entire trip. She would have thought him mute, except he met her in the airline terminal and asked, “Miss Kane?”
She almost said no. Her name was Candace Norton, but she knew she was fighting a losing battle.
Stepping into the chalet foyer, she was greeted by her grandmother.
Candace was surprised that Nana waited up for her past midnight. The regal woman who greeted her had the most amazing sapphire blue eyes. “My dear, you are more beautiful in person than in magazines and the TV commercials I’ve seen.” Nana gathered Candace into her arms.
“Thank you, Nana, but you shouldn’t have waited up for me.”
“Nonsense. I couldn’t let you come to the chalet for the first time without someone to greet you. Come. I’ll show you to your room. We can get acquainted in the morning.”
Candace’s mother was an orphan so she never had grandparents. She was looking forward to getting to know this woman, elegant even in her silk bathrobe. She suspected few people ever saw the stately woman in her bedclothes.
Candace always got along famously with the elderly and babies, not so much with her own generation. She never seemed to have anything in common with people her own age. With rare exceptions, most appeared self-centered and boring.
The room Nana led her to was more than comfortable. It was cozily warm and welcoming. “Don’t worry about unpacking tonight. Doyle brought up a carafe of hot chocolate in case you needed something warm. Get some rest. A maid will take care of unpacking in the morning.”
Candace rolled out of bed at seven as was her habit. She showered and dressed in jeans, a hooded sweatshirt, and comfortable boots. Being new to the protocol of billionaires on their home turf, she wondered if her attire was suitable for breakfast with the clan. Did they dress for breakfast? No way was she getting into a dress in this climate.
Nana gave her no clue whether the morning meal would be downstairs or served in her room. Candace dried her long dark hair and let it hang loose around her face then added lip gloss and was ready to go. She opened the door and stepped into the hall.
A dark rugged looking man exited the room next to hers. She smiled at him and held out her hand. “Good morning. I’m Candace Norton, er Kane. Are you one of my relatives?”
He emitted a throaty laugh. “Afraid not.” He clasped her hand into his oversized one. “I’m Sean McGregor. I work for you.”
“In what capacity, Mr. McGregor?”
“Call me Sean, please. You know the Bible verse ‘There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother’? Well that’s me. I’m your bodyguard.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Nope, scout’s honor. I’m your new shadow.”
“Do I hear the strains of ‘Me and My Shadow’ playing in the background?”
“Could be.” His face turned serious. “Miss Kane, I’ve been teasing with you, but you should know I take my job very seriously. Later, we’ll discuss how my protection works. I’ll try not to make your life too uncomfortable, but we’re going to be spending a lot of time together. I will literally go with you everywhere, except in the bathroom. There you will have privacy.”
“I should hope so.” She stopped on the landing and gazed into his intense brown eyes. “I didn’t think Nana would go this far, Sean. But I’ll try not to cause you trouble. You should know I’m not a spoiled little rich girl. I’ve known poverty most of my life. I know what you people do . . . willing to die to protect a client, so I don’t take your responsibility lightly. Only one request. Don’t call me Candy.”
“You don’t like the name?”
“Would you like to be called Candy?”
He chuckled. “Not particularly, but it would fit you better than me. What shall I call you?”
“Candace works for me.”
“Then Candace it is. What’s your middle name?”
“Samantha, but I don’t like Sam either.”
“Okay, Candace. Shall we see if we can find breakfast and some coffee?”
The smell of bacon and cinnamon drew them to a doorway just off the main entrance. Nana stood at a long bar filling her plate from a silver chafing dish. A beautiful blonde woman and an equally attractive man stood with her, chatting as they filled their plates.
Nana turned when Candace and Sean entered.
“Good morning, my dear. I see you are an early riser. I was going to let you sleep in since you arrived so late last night. Let me introduce you to your cousins, Velma and Clay. They also came in last night. They are your Uncle Morgan’s children.”
Velma’s lip curled in disdain, and she slipped a cold limp hand into Candace’s. Clay looked her over like a side of beef he considered buying and held her hand a little longer than necessary.
Velma’s gaze turned to Sean. “Oooo, who is this?”
Candace placed her hand on Sean’s arm. “This is my fiancé, Sean McGregor. We absolutely can’t bear to be apart. We go everywhere together. Right, darling?”
Sean coughed. “Absolutely.”
Nana gave her a sharp look but didn’t contradict her.
The two cousins looked disappointed.
As they sat down to eat, a loud voice called from the entryway. “Nana, I’m home!”
Nana stood and smiled. “That will be Logan.”
Velma rose quickly. “Wonderful, I’m so glad I came. I didn’t know Logan would be here.”
One of the best looking men Candace had ever laid eyes on dropped his luggage outside
the doorway and came directly to Nana. He kissed her cheek. “Sorry I’m late, love. I told you I would be here last night, but I got hung up in New York. Dad sends his love, but he can’t make it this weekend. He will be in Paris all week.”
“Darling, you are always late. You inherited that trait from your father. But you are forgiven. I can never stay angry with you. Let me introduce Candace.”
He focused dazzling blue eyes on Candace, and she felt the power of his magnetism from across the table. “Well, I can see you got all the looks in the family.”
Velma gave a long harrumph as he walked around the table and gathered Candace into an enthusiastic hug. He released her and held her away from him. His gaze searched her face. “I’m glad to finally meet you. I kept trying to contact you in New York. We work for the same agency.”
She observed him as well. He was totally aware of the impact he had on people, and she sensed he would use it to his advantage. “Thank you, Logan. It’s nice to meet you also. I’m surprised we haven’t met before.”
“We’ll have to have a long chat later. I want to know all about you.”
“Of course,” she said and introduced Sean. She saw immediately Logan didn’t buy the fiancé story. Nana must have told him she hired a bodyguard.
After breakfast, the family left the dining room and headed to their various destinations. Velma left with Logan, hanging onto his arm.
Sean whispered down to Candace. “Well, I can see she’s not the faithful type. She dropped me like a hot potato as soon as Adonis entered the room. You’re not going to ditch me, are you?”
Candace got the giggles and put her hand over her mouth until they subsided. “I can tell you’re heartbroken. I will not toss you aside, my man. I’m sure that hasn’t been a problem in your life, heretofore. I’ve met Logan’s type many times in the fashion industry. He’s all show and no substance. That’s probably unfair. I should wait until I’ve had at least one conversation with him before I write him off as a narcissistic jerk.”
Sean and Candace were headed to a small study to discuss security measures, when the front door opened, and the cold wind blew in a little boy of about four and a black Scottie dog. The boy was dressed in a navy and white snow suit, gloves, and knit cap which almost covered his sapphire blue eyes.
He hurried over and tugged on Velma’s jacket, the pup at his heels. “Mommy, may I come in now? It’s too cold outside for Mac.”
Velma heaved a deep breath. “There’s nothing for you to do inside, Teddy. You need the fresh air. Go build a snowman.”
“I can’t build it by myself, Mommy.”
The little dog nodded his head and wagged his nub of a tail seeming to agree with the boy’s plight.
Velma expelled another heavy breath. “I don’t know what to tell you, Teddy.”
The child hung his head and turned away.
Candace moved over to the boy’s side and knelt beside him. “Hi, Teddy. I’m your new cousin, Candace. I’d love to help you build a snowman. Why don’t you go into the kitchen and have someone make you a cup of hot chocolate and get a treat for Mac while I get dressed in warmer clothing. I’ll be back in a jiffy. I’ll find you when I’m ready.”
“Will you really?”
“I really will. I can’t wait.”
Nana took the little boy’s hand. “Come, Teddy. I’ll see to the hot cocoa, and I’ll bet we can find some cookies to go with it. We may even find a bone for Mac.”
“Better you than me. And don’t stuff him with sugar. I’ll never get him to bed tonight,” Velma said. She took Logan’s arm, and they headed towards the great room where the bar was located.
Candace turned to Sean, and he held up both hands. “Don’t look at me. I’m from Florida. I’m a master builder of sand castles but never had occasion to build a snowman.”
He gave her a gentle smile. “Nice save there, for the kid. And in the interest of security, I’ll help with the construction project.” How hard can it be? “However, I get to pick the place. I’ll go add a few layers and join you in the foyer.”
CHAPTER THREE
Kane Chalet
Christmas Tyme, Colorado
S
unlight bounced off snowbanks as Sean exited through the chalet’s back entrance. Brightness blasted into his face, temporarily blinding him.
The icy wind nipped at his nose making his eyes water. He slipped on his sunglasses and wished for a ski mask.
The first order of business was to find a spot for the construction project. The second would be to sell it to Candace and Teddy. They were not going to like it.
He spotted an alcove between the chalet and the garage and made his decision then went to find his construction crew.
They were just entering the foyer when he saw them, both bundled up like Eskimos. Sean led them to his chosen site.
“This is the best you could do?” Candace placed her hands on her hips. “No one will be able to see our work of art. It’s closed in on three sides.”
No complaints from Teddy. He seemed happy just to have someone to help. He stepped away and began to roll a snowball. This wasn’t his first snowman.
“Bingo. Nor will anyone see you building it. Look around you. There are a hundred spots in those mountains a sniper could hide and shoot from. Here, I’ll only need to watch for threats from one direction.
“Rule number one in the Bodyguard Handbook. The client is most vulnerable in the open. Ergo, they should stand in the open for the shortest amount of time possible. This alcove is the next best thing to keeping you inside. I warned you I take my job seriously.”
“That you did. Why do you have to be so logical?”
“Because illogical bodyguards don’t last long in this business. Their clients last even less time. Now, show me what I need to do.”
He smiled down at her. “You can take a picture with your phone and save it for posterity. But no posting it on Facebook or anywhere on social media.”
She wrinkled her nose at him. “Gotcha.”
Two hours later, when hypothermia was about to set in, Candace added two black chunks of coal for eyes and raisins for a smile. Teddy tried to apply a carrot for the snow monster’s nose. Too short to reach the face, Sean lifted the boy and held him steady until the nose was firmly in place.
“Candy, will you be here at Nana’s next week to play with me?” Teddy asked.
Candace cringed and glanced up at Sean. He gave her a knowing smirk, signaling he noticed the name the child used.
“Yes, I’ll be here for a while. How long will you be here?”
He gave a slight shrug. “I think ‘til school starts after Christmas.”
“Aren’t you a little young to go to school, Teddy?” Sean asked.
The boy shook his head. “I go to soldier school. I live there. I stay with Nana when there’s no school.”
“We’ll have great fun while you’re on Christmas break, Teddy. We can paint, put together puzzles, even play hide and seek. There should be loads of places to hide in the chalet.”
He clapped his gloved hands and grabbed her around the knees. “I love you, Candy.”
She knelt and kissed the top of his head. “I love you, too, Teddy.”
The back door opened, and Doyle called, “Lunch in fifteen minutes.”
Sean waved. “Thanks. We’re on our way.” He took one last glance at the snow monster. “I wouldn’t want to meet that guy in a dark alley. He has an evil smile. Reminds me of Doyle.”
Candace laughed. “Sissy. I think he’s cute.”
“Doyle or the snow monster?”
“Both.”
“There’s no accounting for taste.”
Candace led Teddy through the backdoor. “Go get out of your snowsuit and get ready for lunch, young man. Do you need help?”
“No, I can do it. They teached me at school.”
“Good, I’ll save you a place next to me.”
When the boy disappeared upstairs, Candace turned to S
ean. “You can be an orphan and still have parents.”
Sean nodded solemnly. “That you can. Who sends a four-year-old to a military boarding school?”
“The English upper class and his mother.”
“Question, why does Teddy get to call you Candy while no one else can?”
“Simple. He will never use it to make sexual innuendoes. I’ve dealt with that all my life.”
“Understood. But for the record, that’s not the way I roll.”
Downtown
Christmas Tyme, Colorado
After lunch, Sean agreed to accompany Candace into town to buy supplies for her play dates with Teddy. Sean insisted Doyle not take the limousine. It would attract attention he didn’t want. With aristocratic disdain, Doyle agreed to drive the Jeep, pleased that it at least had four-wheel drive.
It was almost one o’clock when they rolled into the quaint little village. All the holiday lights were on and it was a sight to behold. Snow banks lined the streets and sidewalks, but the walkway was clear, as was the main drag.
Doyle dropped them off on the corner of Candy Cane Lane and Snowflake Avenue. “I’ll pick you up here in two hours, or you can take a sleigh ride back to the chalet.”
Candace clutched Sean’s arm. “Oh, let’s do that. I’ve never been on a sleigh ride.”
“Neither have I.” He turned to Doyle. “Looks like we’ll take the slow way home.”
Doyle nodded. “Candace, do you have money?”
“Yes, thank you. I’m good.”
City planners hadn’t missed a beat with the Christmas theme. Businesses bore Christmas names from Frosty Frozen Custard to Tiny Tim’s Kid’s Clothing.
Sean glanced down the street and didn’t see anything that looked like a craft shop. “Do you know where we’re going?”
“Yes, the all-knowing, all-seeing Doyle told me where to go.” She retrieved her cell phone from her coat pocket, switched it on and gazed at the list. “He recommended Holly Hobby Crafts on Reindeer Crossing.”
“Lead the way. Did you notice they named the main street after you?”
“Yes, I did. And they spelled the last name wrong. I’m surprised they didn’t name the town Kanesville. I believe the Kane’s are the earliest residents of this fair city, according to Nana.”