by V. B. Tenery
Hilda rose from the chair. “I’ll leave you two alone to say goodbye.”
As soon as the door closed behind her grandmother, Candace rushed across the room and sat beside him. “Oh, Sean. You can’t leave. I love you. Surely you know that. Stay! I’ll hire you as a permanent bodyguard. Rich people do that all the time.”
He took her face in both his hands and wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs. “I know you think you love me, Candace, but I’m not sure it isn’t just a crush. You need time to get used to this new life, and you’ll have a big job as head of a major firm.”
She buried her face in his sweater. “I know now. I love you. You can’t just walk away like this.” She lifted her head and her beautiful eyes widened. “Unless you don’t love me back. You’ve never said you love me.”
He inhaled a deep breath. “I don’t have the right to tell you how I feel, Candace. Not while I’m employed by your family. And not until you are sure about your own feelings.”
“That’s not fair! It’s not fair! I’m not giving up. Count on that. Not until you look into my eyes and say, Candace, I don’t love you. That’s all you have to do to get rid of me permanently.”
She jumped up, dashed from the room, and didn’t bother to close the door. He wanted to run after her, hold her until she stopped crying, and assure her everything would be okay. But this wasn’t the time.
He went to his room to pack. As he was finishing up, a knock sounded at the door. Doyle stepped inside. “Do you need any help with packing or your luggage, Mr. McGregor?”
“No, thank you, Doyle. I can handle it. I appreciate all your help while I’ve been a guest at the chalet.”
Doyle started to leave, then turned back to Sean. “This isn’t my concern, sir. But don’t let that young woman get away. She’s young but she knows her own mind. She grew up fast in the orphanage. The money really isn’t important. The future of the Kane family lies in the hands of Miss Candace and little Teddy.”
Sean stared at the door after Doyle left. The old servant was an Increditably wise man.
Another knock sounded and Frank stepped into the room. “Heard you’ve completed your mission and are leaving.”
Sean put the last item in his suitcase and zipped the bag. “Yep. You want to fly back with me?”
Frank shook his head. “Hilda asked me to stay until she gets her staff filled again. Two of her people have taken the holiday off and she was already short one. Unless you have something going for me back home, I think I’ll take her up on the offer. I like it here and she’ll pay me my usual rate.”
Sean shook his friend’s hand. “Go for it. I don’t have anything scheduled until after the first of the year. I’ll feel more comfortable having you on the premises to keep an eye on Candace.”
On his way out of town, Sean stopped in Christmas Tyme to talk to Clay.
Despite the fact Sean wasn’t family, the guard gave him fifteen minutes. This time he was taken into the cellblock.
The guard pulled a straight back chair from somewhere and set it outside the cell. Clay was enjoying a T-bone steak, baked potato, and green beans.
Sean chuckled. “You’re living well, I see.”
Clay took a bite and grinned. “Yeah, but they drew the line at sending in wine.”
Sean tried to relax in the hard chair but failed. “You seem in much better spirits than when I last saw you.”
Clay laid his fork down on the empty plate. “Pastor Kirkland has been by to visit me every day since I’ve been here.” Clay gave his mouth a final swipe with the napkin. “He told me God sends trials in our lives to strengthen us and draw us closer to Him. So I’m trying to do it God’s way instead of my own way for the first time in my life. It feels right.”
“Good for you. I just stopped by to let you know I’m no longer Candace’s bodyguard. I’m headed back home, but I’m going to look into your case. Do you know the name of the agency Candace worked for in New York?”
Clay nodded. “Yeah, it was Unique Models. I’ll pay your going rate. I’m unemployed and I’m not ultra-rich, but I still have most of the inheritance Uncle Gilbert left me.”
“Let me see what I can find first. If it looks promising, I’ll send you a contract.” Sean glanced down at his watch. “Looks like my time is up. I’ll stay in touch.”
“Thanks, Sean. I really appreciate this.”
Two hours later, Sean was on a plane headed to Florida and home.
He’d never been more miserable in his life.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Kane Chalet
Christmas Tyme, Colorado
T
uesday morning, Candace threw back the covers, jumped out of bed, and quickly showered. She had moped around all day Monday after Sean left.
As she lay in bed that night, she resolved to fight for what she wanted. Only Sean could stop her by saying it was a hopeless cause, that he didn’t love her.
The shipment arrived from FAO Schwarz right after breakfast. Teddy decided he wanted to build the teepee first. Thank God for Teddy. He kept her so busy helping him with the project she didn’t dwell on Sean’s absence.
Mac lying on needed construction parts made the task more difficult. He dragged the last piece of canvas under the Victorian sofa.
“Mac, give that back!” Teddy yelled.
Thinking this was a new game the Scotty scurried from under his hiding place and ran into the hall as fast as his short legs would carry him, the canvas sailing out behind him.
Teddy sprinted after him. “Stop, Mac!”
Moments later, Doyle entered the library with the dog under one arm and the needed canvas in hand.
“I see you caught the runner. Thank you, Doyle.” Candace took the canvas and put it in place on the on the teepee.
A rare smile played at the corners of Doyle’s mouth. “Dinner in thirty minutes, Miss Candace. I’ll just deposit this scamp in his cage until you finish. Teddy can let him out to play after dinner.”
With a new respect for what the American Indians went through to build their mobile homes, she and Teddy finished just before 6:00 p.m.
She stood and brushed off the lint from her jeans. “Doyle, Teddy wants to have dinner in the teepee. Will you make our apologies to Nana? I’ll make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, so he doesn’t make a mess.”
Doyle nodded his assent and left, taking the wiggling pup with him.
Candace loaded a tray with the sandwiches, cookies, and milk and returned to the reservation. Teddy sat inside the tent, a huge smile on his face.
She climbed inside with the boy and handed him his food. They sat with crossed legs and ate. “So, what do you think, Teddy?”
“This is the best Christmas present ever.” He took a bite of his sandwich. “Candy, I don’t want to go back to school. Can I stay here with you?”
She had to be very careful. Teddy was starved for attention and very vulnerable. That, and she had no say in his life. “School is very important, Teddy. It’s something we all must do until we grow up. Would it help if I visit you and called you often?”
“I guess,” he said, none too happy.
“Let’s call Sean and see what he’s doing. We’ll surprise him.” She hoped it would be a pleasant one as she dialed his number.
A deep voice answered. “McGregor Mortuary. You stab’em, we slab’em.”
Laughter bubbled from her throat. “Surely you don’t answer your phone like that every time.”
He chuckled. “Caller ID, remember? I knew it was you. How are you, Candace?”
“Missing you, but I’m coping. Guess what I’m doing.”
He laughed again. “I’m afraid to ask.”
“I’m dining with Big Chief Teddy Bear in his teepee.” She handed the phone to the boy. “Say hi to Sean.”
“Hi, Sean. This is the most funnest present I ever had. Come play with us.”
“Wish I could, buddy, but I can’t right now. Maybe soon, though.”
&n
bsp; She took the phone back. “Want to come here for Christmas?”
“You realize I’ve only been gone two days. Besides, I’m not sure I can get a flight this close to the holiday. How do you think Hilda would feel about me joining the family gathering?”
“Nana would be happy to have you. She loves you. Besides, if you don’t come here, I’m coming there.”
She could hear the smile in his voice. “Is that a threat?”
“Nope,” she said. “It’s a promise.”
“Let me see if I can get a flight. If not, maybe my landlord can help. I’ll call you when I know for sure.”
Her vocal cords tightened for a moment. “Sean, I’ve been thinking.” She hesitated for a moment. “I still love you.”
“Good night, Candace. We’ll talk when I see you.”
She pushed end call and held the phone to her chest. Ever the eternal optimist, she smiled. At least, he hadn’t said he didn’t love her.
Samuel Green Estate
Key Biscayne, Florida
Samuel Green was ninety-two, filthy rich, and the loneliest man Sean had ever met. Also, one of the nicest. Despite his age and bad health, his intelligent blue eyes sparkled with life and humor.
His only child, a daughter, had been murdered five years ago. When the police let the case go cold, he hired Sean to find her killer.
The murderer turned out to be her personal trainer. After Sean closed the case, Samuel Green had almost adopted Sean, staying in touch with him, always wanting to know if he needed anything.
Whenever Sean was back living in the guesthouse, he had breakfast with Sam on the terrace every day at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday morning he showered, shaved, and walked across the impressive lawn to the terrace.
Sam sat in his wheelchair, a blanket over his lap and a long-sleeved sweater draped over his shoulders despite the eighty-five-degree temperature. Sam had once been a handsome man and still had a full head of white hair. “Good morning, Sean. I was beginning to think you had left or you were sleeping in.”
Sean glanced down at his watch. “I’m only five minutes late. How are you doing this morning, Sam?”
The old man pulled his sunglasses from the top of his head down over his eyes. “You don’t want to know. Have a seat and pour us some hot coffee. Kevin is joining us today.” Kevin Carter was his attorney and best friend.
“I told him if he was late we would start without him. He’s a big boy, he can catch up.”
Sean refilled Sam’s mug and handed it to him. “I haven’t seen Kevin in a while. How is he doing?”
Sam blew across his coffee cup then took a tentative sip. “He’s good, now. He had a bout with prostate cancer about three years ago but looks like he beat it.”
The housekeeper came through the French doors, a cordless phone in her hand. “It’s Mr. Carter for you, sir.”
Sam took the phone, listened, and grunted a few times. “Fine, I’ll see you later.” He nodded to Sean. “Something came up. He’s not going to make it.”
He gave the phone back to the housekeeper. “You can serve breakfast now, Cora.”
Sean noticed the tremble in the old man’s hands had worsened.
After a few bites, Sam pushed back his plate. “What’s bothering you, son? You’ve been distracted since you returned from Colorado.” He chuckled. “As an old romantic, it looks like woman trouble to me.”
Sean took a long sip of coffee and leaned back. “Yes, and it’s complicated. She has more money than you have, Sam.”
“It isn’t a money problem you have, Sean.” Sam said. “It’s an ego problem. Yours.”
“Possibly,” Sean said. “People will always say I married her for the money.”
“Why?” Sam asked. “Is she homely?”
Sean laughed and shook his head. “Quite the contrary. She’s gorgeous and she wants eight kids.”
Sam clucked his tongue. “A piece of advice, son. Don’t spend your life worrying about what other people think. They’re not important. If you love that girl, marry her and let the naysayers take a hike. Have those eight kids and you won’t grow old and lonely like me.”
Sam smiled a lopsided grin. “Maybe I’ll live long enough to bounce one or two of them on my knee. Name your first son, Samuel Sean McGregor. I like the sound of that. So, when are you leaving?”
“I’d planned to leave Thursday, but all the flights are booked solid. The only thing available is standby.”
“That’s not a problem. I have an eight-passenger jet that hasn’t been out of the hanger for a while. It’s yours. Go see your girl.”
“Really?” Sean asked.
Sam nodded. “I’ll have Kevin set it up. Now get out of here and go pack.”
That afternoon, Kevin called. “You’re set to leave at 7:00 a.m tomorrow. I’m sending directions to the hanger to your cell phone. Do you need anything else?”
“Nothing at all,” Sean said. “I really appreciate this, Kevin.”
He chuckled. “Don’t thank me. Thank Sam. I’m just the messenger.”
Sean picked up his phone and called Candace. “See you tomorrow.”
Downtown
Christmas Tyme, Colorado
When the plane landed in Denver, Sean stepped from the plane into chilled air and a light snow. He grumbled, walked to Avis, and rented a car then drove to Christmas Tyme. Sean rented a car and drove to Christmas Tyme. Delayed longer than he wanted by weather, he stopped in town at the hotel lunch buffet to grab a bite before heading to the chalet. As he moved through the line, he spotted Doc Evans and the doctor waved him over to his table.
Sean unloaded his tray and returned it to the stand. “How’s the autopsy business these days, Doc?”
“Slow, thank the good Lord. I heard the sheriff is still holding Clay Kane for Annie Miller’s murder. Is that true?”
Sean gave a solemn nod. “Unfortunately, it is.”
A pensive frown formed on the doctor’s gentle face. “Was Logan at the chalet or the ski lodge when these women died?”
Sean gave him a quizzical grin. “Now that’s an interesting question, Doc. Care to explain?”
Doc took the last bite on his plate. “Answer my question first.”
“Logan wasn’t there Wednesday night when Annie died, but he was at the Vail resort when the other woman died. As a matter of fact, he and Velma were behind her when she hit the tree.”
Doc nodded slowly as if that verified something for him. “What would you say, Mr. McGregor, if I told you I saw Logan in town that Wednesday night with Annie Miller?”
Sean laid his fork aside and leaned forward. “You’re certain?”
“Positive,” the doctor said.
“Then I would say that answers a lot of questions.” Sean leaned back and placed his napkin on the table. “You know, Doc, you’re the second person in this town that suggested something dark is going on at the chalet.”
Doc reached into his pocket, pulled out his pipe and tobacco, and carefully packed the bowl. He cast a mischievous grin at Sean. “I hope you don’t mind. This is one of the few places in town a man can smoke his pipe.”
Sean felt he was stalling to collect his thoughts before he answered. He sipped his coffee and waited.
Doc took a long draw on the pipe. “I’ve lived in this town most of my life. I’m a student of human nature, seeing people at their worst and at their best. Doctors are privy to a lot of information other folks don’t or won’t see.
“I was in the drug store back when those boys were about nine. I saw Logan put a cheap toy in Clay’s backpack. He placed it so that part of it could be seen.
“The druggist spotted it but didn’t call the police. Clay was a Kane and the toy cost less than two dollars. The druggist took the toy from a mystified Clay and told him not to come into the drug store again. Logan watched the scene play out with a smile on his face. The smile disappeared when the druggist let Clay go.
“Something else. I saw Clay in my office four or five times a y
ear as he grew up with broken bones, cuts and bruises. That’s a little high for boys in this county but not unheard of. On the other hand, I never saw Logan professionally in all that time. Considering he and Clay played together that was unusual.”
As Doc’s story unfolded, the hair on Sean’s arms tingled. Childhood pranks didn’t prove Logan was a killer, but in his heart of hearts, Sean knew it was true. Logan being in town with Annie and making a production of saying he arrived Thursday morning left no doubt in Sean’s mind.
“Did you mention this to the Sheriff or the Chief of Police?”
Doc nodded. “I told them both. They felt the evidence against Clay was too overwhelming. Too lazy to look into it any further.”
Sean stood and shook the doctor’s hand. “Thanks, Doc. I appreciate the information.”
“Don’t mention it. I’m just glad I finally found someone to listen.”
Doc glanced out the window. Heavy snowfall was almost creating a whiteout. “If you’re headed to the chalet, you should know we’re under blizzard warning this afternoon. As a matter of fact, it looks like it’s here. Don’t try to drive up there. Check with the Ranger Station. They have a couple of snowcats. That would be your safest way to get there.”
When Sean stepped outside, snow and high winds buffeted him as he trudged to his rental car, barely visible a block away.
Could Logan be the killer and have gone to such extreme measures to frame Clay? That was evil in its blackest form. He could feel the anger beginning to boil.
If what Sean suspected was true, a criminally insane sociopath resided at the chalet. He couldn’t get Candace and Teddy out of there too soon. And he was going to need help from the Ranger Station to reach them in this storm.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Kane Chalet
Christmas Tyme, Colorado
C
andace left her room late Thursday morning, her excitement over the moon.
Sean was coming!
He loves me. I know he does. It’s just his blasted male ego that’s holding him back.