“I know I shouldn’t have kissed you,” Colt said, “but I’ve wanted to since that first night when you attacked me in the hallway. I’ve never quite had that kind of homecoming before.” One corner of his mouth quirked.
She rose, her legs shaky. “I need to check the house, then go to bed. There’s still a lot to do tomorrow.”
Before he said or did anything else, she spun on her heel and rushed toward the exit. She considered going outside for some fresh air but decided not to. Instead, she went through the house, making sure the place was secured. Heat blazed her cheeks. She’d wanted the kiss, even wished it could have continued. That would be dangerous, would complicate their situation. But she couldn’t get the picture of them kissing out of her mind.
* * *
With his hands jammed into his pants’ pockets, Colt stood in front of the fireplace in the den and stared at the yellow-orange flames. He’d blown it this evening. He’d had no intention of kissing Ellie, and yet he had. Against his better judgment. What kind of future could they have? He lived on a research vessel in the South Pacific. It wasn’t as if he could even carry on a long-distance relationship with a woman. He’d learned from his past attempts at a relationship that he wanted a lasting one like his grandparents had had. Anything less than that wasn’t acceptable.
Was that why he’d given up looking for someone? What kind of home could he give her? A berth on a ship? He didn’t even call it home. This place on the side of a mountain would always be his home.
He heard her voice coming from the foyer. She said something to the deputy Colt couldn’t make out. Peering at the mantel, decorated with garland and gold ribbon for the holidays, he glimpsed the Big Ben clock and the late hour. He needed to go to bed, but he waited until Ellie finished talking with the deputy. He gave her a chance to go upstairs before him because frankly he didn’t know what to say to her.
He would have continued the kiss if she hadn’t pulled away. His thoughts mocked his declaration to stay away from Ellie St. James, a woman who was fiercely independent and could take care of herself. He’d always wanted someone who would need him. Someone to be an equal partner but rely on him, too.
After taking care of the fire, he moved toward the staircase. Coming home always made him reassess his life. Once he was back on the research vessel he would be fine—back on track with his career and goals.
* * *
A few days later Ellie waited for Colt and Winnie in the living room right before they were to leave for Glamour Sensations’ Christmas Gala. Dressed in a long black silk gown with a slit up the right side and a gold lamé jacket that came down to the tops of her thighs, she felt uncomfortable. The only place she could put the smaller gun was in a beaded bag she would carry. After all, to the world she was Winnie’s assistant, there to make things run smoothly for her employer.
A noise behind her drew her around to watch Colt enter wearing a black tuxedo. She’d only seen him in casual attire. The transformation to a sophisticated gentleman who moved in circles she didn’t unless on the job only confirmed how different they were. Yes, he was working on a research ship, but he came from wealth and would inherit a great deal one day. She was from the wrong side of the tracks, a noncommissioned officer in the army for a time and now a woman whose job was to guard others.
He pulled on his cuffs then adjusted his tie. “It’s been a while since I wore this. I was all thumbs tying this.”
Ellie crossed to him and straightened the bow tie. “There. Perfect.”
His smile reached deep into his eyes. “Sometimes I think I need a keeper. I’m much more comfortable in a wet suit or bathing suit.”
His remark tore down the barriers she was trying to erect between them. “Tell me about it. I don’t like wearing heels. It’s hard to run in them.”
“Let’s hope you don’t have to do that tonight.”
“I talked with the police chief and his men are in place as well as security from Glamour Sensations. They’re checking everyone coming into the ballroom. Thankfully that doesn’t seem as out of place as it would have years ago.”
She should step away from him, but before she could, he took her hand and backed up a few feet to let his gaze roam leisurely down her length. When it returned to her face, he whistled.
“I like you in heels and that black dress.”
She blushed—something she rarely did. “Neither conducive to my kind of work.”
“I beg to differ. The bad guy will take one look at you and be so distracted he’ll forget what mayhem he was plotting.”
Ellie laughed. She would not let his smooth talking go to her head. Two different worlds, she reminded herself. She could see him running Glamour Sensations one day, especially when he told her yesterday he used to work at the company until he finished his college studies.
A loud whirring sound from the front lawn invaded the sudden quiet. She used that distraction to tug her hand free and go to the window. The helicopter landed as close to the house entrance as it could. The dogs barked at it even when the pilot turned it off. Doug Miller called the two Rottweilers back. They obeyed instantly.
“Doug is great with the dogs.”
“He was as excited as Granddad when he brought home Rocket and Gabe. Although I don’t know if these new ones can ever replace the German shepherds in Doug’s and Winnie’s hearts. I was hoping we would get a ransom demand or someone would come forward.”
“So did I with the nice reward Winnie offered.” Ellie rotated from the window and caught sight of the older woman behind her grandson. “You look great, Winnie.”
Dignified in a red crepe gown, she walked farther into the room. “I heard the helicopter. Probably our neighbors heard it, too. Never thought of using one to go to a ball.”
“It’s the modern-day version of Cinderella’s coach.” Colt offered his arm to his grandmother.
“In that case I fit the Fairy Godmother rather than Cinderella. That role needs to go to you, Ellie.”
“Which leaves me as Prince Charming.” He winked at Ellie.
Fairy tales were for dreamers, not her. Ellie skirted around the couple and headed for the foyer before she let the talk go to her head. “Well, our version of the story will be altered a tad bit. This Cinderella is taking her Fairy Godmother to the ball and sticking to her side. But I definitely like the idea of us leaving by midnight.”
“I may have to go, but I don’t have to stay that long.”
Ellie stopped and hugged Winnie. “Those were the best words I’ve heard in a while.”
“After dinner I’ll make the announcements, stay for questions then leave. We should be home by eleven. I know you aren’t happy about me going to the gala, but I owe all the people who have worked years for my company. They’ll benefit so much when we go public. A lot of employees will get stock in Glamour Sensations for their loyalty.”
Ellie climbed into the helicopter last and searched the area. Where was the person after Winnie? Watching them here? Waiting for Winnie at the hotel or in the ballroom? She clutched her purse, feeling the outline of her gun. Was their security enough?
* * *
As employees and guests entered the ballroom, Winnie stood in a greeting line between Colt and Ellie, shaking everyone’s hand and taking a moment to talk with each person attending the gala. At first Ellie wasn’t thrilled with her client doing that, but it did give her a chance to assess each attendee.
When Christy moved in front of Winnie, her smile grew, and instead of shaking the woman’s hand, Winnie enveloped her in a hug. “How was your trip to L.A. for the commercial?”
“A whirlwind. I never knew all that this position would involve. Peter picked me up from the airport late last night, and since I woke up this morning, I’ve been going nonstop. I’m going to cherish the time we sit down and have dinner tonight.”
Winnie took Christy’s fiancé’s hand and shook it. “It’s nice to see you again, Peter. Christy will be in town at least through Christmas. But afterward she’ll be busy. I hope you can arrange some time to go with her on some of her trips. I never want to come between two people in love.”
Dr. Tyler held Winnie’s hand between his for a few extra seconds. “When it’s snowing here, I plan on being on that beach when Christy shoots her second commercial next month.”
“Perfect solution. I love winter in Colorado, but that beach is beginning to sound good to these old bones.”
“Tsk. Tsk. You don’t look old at all. It must be your products you use. You should be your own spokesperson.”
Colt leaned toward his grandmother. “I’ve been telling her that for years. She looks twenty years younger than she is. What woman her age wouldn’t like to look as youthful?” He gave her a kiss on the cheek.
As Christy and Peter passed Ellie, she said, “You two are seated at the head table. There are place cards where you’re to sit.”
Peter nodded his head and escorted Christy toward the front of the room, which was decorated in silver and gold. Elegance came to mind as Ellie scanned the spacious area with lights glittering among the rich decor.
Thirty minutes and hundreds of guests later, Winnie greeted the last person. “Every year this event gets bigger.”
“This year we have an extra dozen media people here, including our own film crew.” Harold took Winnie’s arm and started for the head table.
“I guess it’s you and me.” Colt fell into step next to Ellie, right behind Winnie. “Did you see anyone suspicious?”
“Actually several I’m going to keep an eye on. Did you realize Mary Ann Witlock’s brother is here?” Ellie asked, recalling the photo she’d seen in connection with information on Mary Ann Witlock.
“Bob Witlock? He’s worked at Glamour Sensations for years.”
Winnie paused and turned back. “He’s in marketing and agreed that Christy would be better than his younger sister for the position. Before I made the announcement, I talked to him. I wanted him to know first. For that matter, Jerry Olson’s daughter works for Glamour Sensations and is here. She’s married. I won’t hold someone accountable for another’s actions, even a close relative.”
“Who is Jerry’s daughter?” The reports from the sheriff hadn’t said anything about that.
“They have been estranged for years, but it’s Serena Pitman. She works in the research lab.”
If she’d had the time she would have run her own investigation into each of the prime suspects with grudges against Winnie, but she couldn’t do everything, which meant she had to rely on information garnered from reliable sources. Sometimes, though, those sources didn’t give her everything she might need.
Winnie continued her trek toward the front of the room. Ellie racked her mind with all the guests who had passed before her, trying to remember who Serena Pitman was. Her visual memory was one of her assets. Face after face flitted through her thoughts until she latched onto the one that went with the name Serena Pitman. Red hair, almost orange, large brown eyes, freckles, petite. She searched the crowd of over two hundred until she found Serena at a table three away from the head one.
When Ellie sat down, her back to the stage, she faced the attendees with a clear view of Serena and her husband. The suspects the police had narrowed down as a viable possibility had not shown up—at least they hadn’t come through the greeting line. The security and hotel staff were the only other people besides the guests, and she had made her rounds checking them when she had first arrived before the doors had been opened.
Sandwiched between Winnie and Colt, Ellie assessed each one sitting at the head table. Across from her sat Christy and Peter. Next to the couple was a reporter from the Associated Press and a fashion editor from one of the industry’s leading magazines. A Denver newspaper editor of the lifestyle section and a Los Angeles TV show hostess took the last two seats. Harold took his place next to Winnie.
Halfway through the five-course dinner, Colt whispered into Ellie’s ear, “Is something wrong with the food?”
“No, it’s delicious. I’m not that hungry.” Ellie pushed her medley of vegetables around on her plate while her gaze swept over the sea of people, most intent on eating their dinner.
“Everything is going all right.”
She slanted a glance at Colt, said, “For the moment,” then returned her attention to the crowd.
“Remember, you’re Winnie’s assistant.”
“One who is keeping an eye on the event to make sure it’s pulled off without a hitch.”
The editor from the Denver newspaper looked right at Winnie and said, “I heard someone earlier talking about a wreck you were involved in. Is that why you arrived here in a helicopter?”
Winnie managed to smile as though nothing was wrong. “A minor collision. It didn’t even set off the air bags. A car left stranded in the middle of the highway. Tell me how the drive from Denver was. It was snowing when we arrived.”
The man chuckled. “This is Colorado in December. We better have snow or our resort areas will be hurting.”
“You’re so right, Marvin. Being stranded here isn’t too much of a burden. Mountains. Snow. A pair of skis. What more could you ask for?” Winnie cut into her steak.
Harold winked at Winnie. “A warm fire.”
“A hot tub,” the TV hostess added.
“A snowmobile since I’m probably one of the rare Coloradoans who doesn’t ski,” Marvin tossed back with the others at the table throwing in other suggestions.
When the conversation started to die down again, Colt asked the Denver editor, “Do you think the Broncos will go all the way to the Super Bowl?”
Ellie bent toward him. “Good question. Football ought to keep the conversation away from the wreck,” she whispered.
The mischievous grin on his face riveted her attention for a few long seconds before she averted her gaze and watched the people at the table.
By dessert the conversation morphed from sports to the latest bestsellers. As Peter expounded on a thriller he’d finished, Ellie half listened as she watched the various hotel staff place the peppermint cheesecake before the attendees around the room.
Four tables away Ellie spied a woman who looked vaguely familiar. Was she in one of the photos she’d seen over the past few days? She didn’t want to leave Winnie to check the woman out, but she could send a security officer standing not far from her.
“Excuse me, Winnie,” Ellie leaned closer to her and whispered, “I’ll be right back. I need to talk to your head of security.”
Winnie peered over her shoulder at the man at the bottom of the steps that led to the presentation platform. “A problem?”
“I want him to check someone for me. Probably nothing. Be right back.”
“We’ll be starting our program in ten minutes. The waiters are serving the dessert and coffee.”
The head of Glamour Sensations’ security met Ellie halfway. “Is there a problem?”
“The dark-haired woman on the serving staff at the table two from the left wall. She looks familiar. Check her out. See who she is and if she has the proper identification.”
He nodded and started in that direction. The woman finished taking a dessert plate from a man, put it on a tray and headed quickly for one of the doors the servers were using. The security chief increased his pace. Ellie slowly walked back toward Winnie, scanning the rest of the room before returning to the woman. The dark-headed lady set the tray on a small table near the door then rushed toward the exit, shoving her way through a couple of waiters. The security chief and a police officer Ellie recognized gave chase.
A couple of guests rose, watching the incident unfold.
Ellie leaned down to Winn
ie. “You should think about leaving. I think the lady I spotted is who we’re after.”
Winnie turned her head so no one at the table could see her expression or hear her whisper, “I saw. If she’s gone, she can’t do anything. I’ll start now and run through the program then we can leave.”
“Did you recognize her?”
“I couldn’t tell from this distance. My eyesight isn’t as good as it once was.”
“Okay. Then let’s get this over with. I’ll be right behind you.”
Winnie was introducing Christy when the head of security came back into the ballroom. He shook his head and took up his post at the foot of the steps to the platform. Ellie noted that all the doors were covered so the woman couldn’t return to disrupt the presentation.
Christy came up to stand by Winnie, their arms linked around each other as they faced the audience clapping and cheering. Behind the pair, the screen showed some of the Endless Youth products being released in February. At the height of the event the confetti guns shot off their loads to fill the room with red-and-green streamers. A festival atmosphere took hold of the crowd.
Through the celebration Ellie hovered near Winnie, fixing her full attention on the crowd. Not long and they would all be back in the helicopter returning to the estate. She would be glad when that happened.
Some colorful streamers landed near Ellie, followed by a glass vial that shattered when it hit the platform. A stinking smell wafted up to her. Coughing, Ellie immediately rushed to Winnie’s side as more vials mixed in with the streamers smashed against the floor throughout the ballroom, saturating the place with an awful, nauseating stench. People panicked and fled for the doors. The gaiety evolved into pandemonium almost instantly.
EIGHT
Over the screams and shouts, Colt hopped up onto the platform and reached Winnie’s side just as Ellie tugged her toward the steps.
Christmas Stalking Page 10