Undercover in Glimmer Creek

by Julianna Morris

  Her lips pressed together, then relaxed. “Actually, the whole house was reserved for the night. Seven couples, plus eight teenagers, who each wanted separate rooms. But they were no-shows.”

  “Whoa. Does that happen often?”

  She tossed her pen on the desk, only to wince at the movement. “Not usually, but it isn’t unheard of. Cancellations are required by three in the afternoon, though we’re lenient when there’s a good reason. The couples were caravanning as a group, and the reservations were held with the same credit card. Nobody called and the charges for all the rooms were run at midnight.”

  “I see.”

  “Gabe, why are you so curious? You’re in maintenance, not security.”

  “It’s just a habit, left over from my navy days. Poppy Gold is fortunate that it wasn’t a guest who fell on that staircase. You must be glad you won’t have a lawsuit on your hands, especially with all your safety checks,” he said, figuring the comment would distract her.

  Anger flashed in Tessa’s eyes. “Of course I’m glad it wasn’t a guest. Or an employee. I’d hate for anyone to get hurt, but not because of a lawsuit. Poppy Gold is a family, and we take care of family.”

  Curiously, Gabe believed her. Concern about possible tort claims didn’t mean businesspeople lacked compassion for injured clients or employees, but it was a reality of the modern world.

  “It must help that so many of your employees actually are family.”

  “I won’t apologize for that,” Tessa said evenly. “We’d have a hard time staffing Poppy Gold if we didn’t hire relatives. But everybody is considered for promotions, irrespective of their filial connection.”

  “Even maintenance guys who tick you off?”

  Understanding seemed to dawn in her face. “I get it. You want to work on the security team, don’t you? That’s why you asked those questions the day you started. Why didn’t you apply for a security job to begin with? If you were in Special Forces, you probably have the skills we need.”

  Gabe shrugged. He still couldn’t apply for a job with Poppy Gold security, even if there was an opening. As a former navy SEAL, he’d be a viable candidate for a position, but he was even more convinced that the extensive background checks would reveal his connection to Rob and TIP. He’d seen the application; it was thorough and included a warning that applicants were rigorously screened.

  “I needed a break,” Gabe said, “with work that’s less intense than what I used to do in the navy. But I can’t help springing into action mode when something happens. Analyzing a situation and asking questions is instinctive at this point.”

  Tessa nodded. “Working outdoors is healing, but if you change your mind about applying for a security position, be as specific as possible about your skills and training on the application.”

  “Of course.”

  She shifted in her chair, plainly in physical discomfort, and regret went through Gabe. He hated thinking she may have been caught in a trap that had been set for Rob. He needed to find out more about the letters his brother had received, not to mention yell at him for keeping them to himself.

  Maybe Rob was right and he should have been honest with the Connors from the beginning. They could have worked together with local law enforcement to catch the culprit, though it was hard to see the Glimmer Creek police force being that effective in uncovering an industrial spy.

  His head began to churn with all the possibilities. Supposedly hindsight was twenty-twenty, but not in this case. He hadn’t told Tessa or Liam, and now he would have to deal with their reactions once they learned the truth. And that was even presuming they were innocent, which his instincts told him they were. After all, if Tessa was responsible for the damage to the stairs, she hardly would have forgotten and taken them herself.

  CHAPTER SIX

  THE PHONE ON Tessa’s desk rang. Caller ID showed the call was from Guest Registration, and she picked up the receiver, keeping a careful eye on Gabe. Everything he’d said made sense, but she was still unsure how she felt about him.

  “Tessa Connor,” she answered.

  “It’s me,” said Aunt Polly. “You wanted to be notified when the TIP president arrived. He’s being driven to the Tofton House now.”

  “How about the wine and the replacement fruit basket?” Tessa hadn’t found the energy to move the bottles herself and had asked Aunt Polly to arrange it. Aunt Polly was a shift manager, but in many ways she was also a de facto assistant manager, keeping an eye on everything and willing to step in whenever Tessa wasn’t available.

  “The wine has been moved, and a runner from Sarah’s Sweet Treats just brought the new fruit basket to Reception. I’ll have someone make the delivery right away.”

  “I’ll deliver it myself. See you in a few minutes.”

  Tessa pocketed the envelope addressed to Rob and stood carefully, her bruised muscles protesting.

  “Sorry, I have to go now,” she told Gabe politely.

  He observed her slow progress around the desk. “I’d better drive you.”

  The offer reminded Tessa that her father had asked her to call for a driver if she wanted to go somewhere.

  “Fine,” she agreed. “I need to stop at Old City Hall and then go to the Tofton House.”

  She made her way to the first floor, painfully conscious of Gabe by her side. He’d carried her down the steps at the El Dorado, which had annoyed her on two fronts. For one thing, she wasn’t a damsel in distress, and for another...every cell in her body had gone on alert. However irritating and cynical, he was a sexy guy who oozed masculine heat. She disliked responding to him that way, though it wasn’t surprising considering her social life had been on hold for over a year.

  Guests were wandering around the depot; some were looking at the historical displays, while others pretended to wait for a train, picnic baskets in hand. The recorded sound of an old steam engine grew louder, and a whistle reverberated through the waiting area. Poppy Gold had even installed a device to send vibrations through the floor, simulating the arrival of a passenger train.

  Tessa paused, loving the excitement on everyone’s faces. Several small groups with picnic baskets or pails got up, chattering about their upcoming “destination.” Usually even the most jaded tourists were delighted by the modifications, and train buffs were over the moon.

  Gabe insisted she stay in the electric cart while he fetched the basket in Old City Hall. A moment later he strode out and deposited it in the cargo area, then drove across Poppy Gold.

  “You’re quiet. Is something wrong?” he asked as he parked in front of the Tofton House.

  “Just debating the right thing to do.”

  “Meaning?”

  “Nothing you need to worry about.”

  He helped her down and grabbed the basket. Tessa was secretly grateful; walking was painful, and it would be worse carrying something. She tucked the envelope from her pocket between two peaches. They found Robert McKinley in the front parlor. He was looking through a stack of papers, and she smiled when he looked up.

  “Welcome back to Poppy Gold,” she said.

  “It’s good to see you, Tessa. Are you all right? You seem pale.”

  She swallowed. “I’m fine. I just had a little accident earlier.”

  “Are you certain nothing is wrong? Falls can be very serious.”

  Gabe cleared his throat as Tessa frowned thoughtfully. She hadn’t mentioned falling and doubted the employees at Guest Registration would have, either.

  “I have a few bruises, that’s all.” She took the basket from Gabe with her left hand and passed it to Rob. “I apologize this wasn’t in your room when you arrived. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to make your visit better.”

  “Thank you. We always enjoy coming to Poppy Gold.”

  His face loo
ked more strained than usual. Tessa had gotten the feeling on his last trip that something was bothering him, and the impression came back stronger now. It was possible he was considering going to another conference center, but presidents of major companies didn’t hesitate when making that kind of decision, no matter how personable they might be. If it happened, it happened. She just didn’t want it to be because of poor service.

  They shook hands, and she left with Gabe, still musing about what might be going on with the TIP president.

  * * *

  “OHMIGOSH, DID YOU hear what happened to Tessa?” Jamie asked when she met Lance in front of the ice-cream shop after her shift.

  “Yeah, but she’s okay. I saw her at Maintenance.”

  Jamie felt awful. Except for Aunt Meredith, the only other member of the family who’d died was Uncle Tate; he’d been killed in the navy when she was little. She hated to think about something happening to Tessa, too.

  “Uncle Milt came over and checked things,” she murmured. “He even talked to the housekeeper about when the rooms were cleaned and if anyone noticed anything weird. It’s almost as if they think something is strange about the accident.”

  “Who’d wanna hurt Tessa?”

  “Nobody, I guess. Did Uncle Milt talk to you?”

  Lance’s face tightened. “Why would he talk to me?”

  “I just wondered. Why are you getting defensive?”

  “Well, he didn’t. I’m going. I have to wash my clothes.”

  She put her hand on his arm. “I could help or do them for you.”

  “That’s okay—I can handle it. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Frustration filled Jamie as he walked away. It was as if he thought she’d accused him of doing something wrong, but she’d never do that. Great-Uncle Milt had talked to a bunch of people, including her, even though she hadn’t gone into the El Dorado Mansion since they’d moved her from Housekeeping to Guest Services. He was just being careful; everybody was saying the earthquake had caused the problem with the staircase, especially with Great-Uncle Milt telling everyone to inspect their own homes for hidden damage.

  Jamie straightened the sleeve on her costume. She’d hoped to share a Gold Miner’s Special with Lance at the soda parlor...coffee ice cream topped with hot fudge, toasted almonds and whipped cream. But it wouldn’t be any fun without him, and she shouldn’t be eating so much, anyhow.

  She turned and viewed her reflected profile in the window. The costume was pretty, but no matter what her dad or Tessa or Lance said, she was sort of round and soft and unfinished, like she hadn’t finished growing up. It was fine for everyone to claim she was a late bloomer, but eighteen seemed awfully late to bloom.

  She saw her dad’s father, Grandpa George, turn the corner. “Hey, Grandpa.”

  “You look awfully serious, darling,” he said, kissing her forehead. “You must need an ice-cream cone.”

  “Maybe a diet soda,” Jamie said, thinking about her reflection in the window.

  He shuddered. “I can’t abide fake sweeteners. Have cold milk instead.”

  Jamie wanted to laugh. Grandpa George was tall and thin like Great-Uncle Milt and didn’t need to worry about counting calories.

  “Where’s that young man of yours?” Grandpa George asked when they were standing in line at the counter.

  “He had stuff to do. You know, laundry and all.”

  They moved to the front of the line, and the cashier gave them a smile. “May I help you, Pastor Fullerton?”

  Everybody knew Grandpa George because he was the preacher at the community church.

  “I’ll have a double scoop of roasted almond mocha on a waffle cone. How about you, Jamie? My treat.”

  Jamie debated and finally said she’d take a single scoop of lemon sherbet. Maybe she should start using the employee gym. That might help. She could go before work, then shower and change in the locker room. That way she wouldn’t miss any time with Lance.

  She and Grandpa George walked down the street licking their cones. Several visitors took pictures, exclaiming over how cute her costume looked. It was great. Whenever she worked at the train depot doing living history, she wore one of the travel costumes, with her hair piled high and a fancy hat perched on top of her head.

  “Mom doesn’t approve of Lance,” she murmured.

  “I’m not so sure about that. Daniel tells me that Lance is respectful, and I understand he’s hardworking.”

  “He is,” she agreed eagerly. “Uncle Liam says he’s never seen anyone work so hard.”

  “What does his family do?”

  “Uh...I don’t know. He doesn’t talk about his childhood that much.” Jamie didn’t want to mention that she thought things hadn’t been very nice when Lance was growing up. Not that he’d complained or told her anything, but that was partly why she thought so. He never talked much about family or friends, even when she asked, and he didn’t want to go back to Sacramento. Ever.

  She wasn’t sure what it meant if Lance didn’t care about anybody where he’d lived most of his life. What if he decided he’d had enough of Glimmer Creek and wanted to go somewhere else? Would he leave and not look back, the way he’d left Sacramento? Jamie thought he loved her, and he’d talked about taking care of her, but sometimes talk was just talk.

  “What do you and Lance chat about, then?” Grandpa asked.

  She licked a drip of lemon sherbet. “Mostly about Poppy Gold or the things we’re going to do one day. He wants to make it big so he can take care of me.”

  “Hmm. I don’t know how a modern gal like you puts up with him. That’s a very old-fashioned boy.”

  “It takes one to know one.” Jamie tossed her cone in a trash can and hooked elbows with her grandfather. “What is Grandma making for the ice-cream social on Saturday? Mom is making blackberry pie and vanilla ice cream.”

  “Trying to change the subject?”

  “Uh-huh.” She’d love to confide in someone, but things were too mixed up right now.

  In the past she’d gone to Aunt Meredith or called Tessa, but Aunt Meredith was gone and Tessa was busy with Poppy Gold; it didn’t seem fair to load any other problems on her.

  * * *

  LANCE WALKED FOR over an hour. The long grass covering the hillsides was already turning golden in the unseasonable heat, but this late in the day it wasn’t as hot. He even looked for dried-up cow patties to kick, but he didn’t see any. Finding a big heap of gold would fix a bunch of problems.

  He shouldn’t have gotten uptight with Jamie. It wasn’t her fault that he didn’t like having policemen ask questions. The stuff in Sacramento was still on his record, and if the Glimmer Creek cops found out about it, who knew what they’d do? To some people, being accused of something was almost the same as being guilty. Heck, his boss at the restaurant had fired him because of it. He’d made an excuse, but Lance had overheard him talking to one of the waitresses, saying, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”

  Finally Lance headed back into town to do his laundry. Digging rocks and holes and other stuff was dirty, sweaty work, so there was always a lot to wash. There were two washing machines available for the tenants of Glimmer Cottages, and he pushed everything into the first one.

  “Hello, Lance.”

  The voice was so startling that he jumped and his knee whacked the machine. He spun around and automatically straightened. “Uh, hello, Mr. McKinley.”

  “It’s Gabe.” Gabe put an armload of clothes into the other washer and pulled money from his pocket. “You were deep in thought. Is something bothering you?”

  “Just stuff with my girlfriend.”

  “Women can be trouble.”

  “I suppose. You were in the navy, weren’t you?”

  Gabe poured detergent into the tub and fed coins into the slo
ts to start the machine. “Twenty years. I enlisted on my eighteenth birthday.”

  “Did you make good money? I mean, like, enough for a wife and stuff?”

  “Can’t say since I never had one. Are you thinking about getting married?”

  “Someday. Jamie is pretty special.” Lance started his own washer. “I bet you earn more as an officer,” he said, rather than asking what he really wanted to know—why Gabe had taken early retirement. The guy was intimidating. Nobody could get away with pushing him around. Even though he was new, the other men in Maintenance already respected him.

  “Sure, officers are in higher pay grades. Do you want to enlist?”

  “Naw, just curious. I’d probably get seasick.” Enlisting sounded good, but Lance wasn’t sure if the navy would feel the same way as his old boss at the restaurant did. It might be okay if he knew how things worked, but he didn’t, and he’d have to tell someone what had happened to find out.

  “There are ways to deal with motion sickness, and the navy can use people with a variety of skills,” Gabe said. “I’ve noticed you work on your motorcycle. Mechanical ability is useful in the service.”

  “I guess. Did you hear about Tessa falling today? Jamie was awfully upset about it.” Lance wasn’t sure why he’d mentioned the subject, especially since it was partly why he’d gotten weird with her.

  Gabe’s eyes narrowed. “I got to the El Dorado Mansion soon after it happened. It was just one of those things.”

  “But she isn’t hurt bad, right?”

  “A little bruised, is all. Wasn’t that included in the scuttlebutt going around?”

  “Scuttlebutt?”

  “Gossip. That’s what we call it in the navy.”

  “Oh. I asked because Jamie was still worried. Nobody would want to hurt Tessa, would they? I mean, like someone who works at Poppy Gold.” Lance didn’t know why he was pushing, but there was something odd about Gabe’s expression.