Christmas Stalking

* * *

“I’m glad I caught you before you talked with Winnie.” Ellie shut the library door after the lawyer entered.

“Ah, I see you’ve made good progress with Winnie,” Harold Jefferson said. “She doesn’t usually have someone call her Winnie unless she likes you.”

“I think that’s because she appreciated my attempt to protect her last night.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Someone got in the house? Why didn’t you call me?”

“Because it turned out to be her grandson.”

His forehead wrinkled. “Colt’s here?”

“Yes, for a few days. I thought he was an intruder and I pulled my gun on him in the upstairs hallway. Without her knowing why I’m here, she doesn’t understand why I would have a gun. It’s now sitting in her safe in her office. That ties my hands protecting her. She needs to be told.”

“She will stress and shut down. She’s under a tight deadline with this new product she’s coming up with. That’s why I’m here to talk to her about the publicity campaign now that her former assistant, Christy, has agreed to be the new face for the company.”

“The Winnie I’ve seen this past week is tough when she needs to be.”

“It’s all a show. I’ve been through a lot with her. Years ago her company nearly fell apart because of her son’s death. Then she had a heart attack ten years ago, and we went through another rough patch. That was followed by her husband passing away five Christmases ago. Finally she’s close to going public with Glamour Sensations and offering stock as she brings out her new line, Endless Youth. She’s been working toward this for years. She feels she needs to fulfill her late husband’s vision for the business.”

Ellie placed her hand on her waist, trying to control her frustration and impatience. “If she is dead, she won’t be able to fulfill his vision.”

“That’s why you’re here. To keep her alive. The fewer people who know someone has sent her threats the better. She is the company. The brains and creative force behind it. We need the infusion of money to make a successful campaign for the new products in the spring that will lead up to the unveiling of the signature cream next Christmas.”

“If the company is going public, don’t you have to disclose the threats?”

“Yes. When we reach that part of the process, we’ll have to disclose the threats to the investment banker and lawyers. Fortunately, we have until right after Christmas to take care of the problem.”

“I can’t protect her without my weapon. It’s that simple.”

“What if we tell Colt and have him get the gun for you? She rarely goes into the safe. I imagine she’s too busy in the lab downstairs.”

Ellie looked out the floor-to-ceiling window across the back at the stand of pine trees. “Yes, but what if she does?”

She’d never liked the fact that Mrs. Winfield didn’t know about the threats and the danger her life was in. The former assistant had given Mr. Jefferson each threatening letter. They had become more serious over the past month, and one also included a photo of Mrs. Winfield out power walking. That was when he had contacted Guardians, Inc. He was hoping nothing would come of the letters, but he knew he had to put some kind of protection in place. That was when Ellie had entered as the new assistant to replace Christy Boland, who was going to be the spokesperson for Glamour Sensations’ Endless Youth line.

“On second thought, we probably shouldn’t tell Colt. I don’t want anyone else to know if possible. He might let something slip to his grandmother. It’s probably better that he returns to the research ship.” Mr. Jefferson snapped his fingers. “I’ve got it. I’ll get you a gun to use. I can come back out here this afternoon with whatever you want. Maybe a smaller gun that you can keep concealed.”

“Fine, unless I think there’s a direct threat.”

“I’m hoping I can catch the person behind the letters before then. The Bakersville police chief is working on the case personally, as well as a P.I. I hired. Winnie received another letter at headquarters yesterday.”

“Another picture in it?”

“No, just threats of what the person is going to do to her.”

Ellie thought of the sweet lady she’d spent the past week with—a woman who toiled long hours because she knew a lot of people who worked for her counted on her. “What in the world has she done to anger someone?”

“We’re looking into disgruntled employees, but she was never directly responsible for firing anyone. If she had her way, everyone would still be working for her no matter if they didn’t do their job. Thankfully I run that part of the business.”

Ellie sighed. “I’ll need you to bring me a Glock G27. It’s smaller and easily concealed. It will have to do, even though I prefer my own weapon. At least you were able to get Winnie to stay and work from home this month. That will help the situation, but this home isn’t secure.”

“Is any place?”

“No, but there are some things we can do.”

“Like what? I’m working on a better security system.”

“That’s good because the one she has is at least ten years old.” Ellie paced the large room with bookcases full of books. “We could use bulletproof windows. Security guards to patrol the grounds and posted at the gate. Also cameras all over the house and the property being monitored 24/7.”

“She won’t go for anything else. She didn’t even understand why I wanted to upgrade her security system. Told me the Lord was looking out for her and that’s all she needs.”

Ellie believed in the power of God, but Winnie was being naive. “What if someone gets to her? I’ve convinced her that I enjoy power walking, and she has graciously asked me to come with her, but she likes her independence. I’m running out of reasons to tag along with her when she leaves this house.”

“It’s only for a couple of more weeks at best. The P.I. on the case is tracking down some promising leads. If nothing changes after she has completed the last product for this new line, I’ll tell her. She’s fragile when she’s in her creative mode. Easily distracted. Even Colt’s visit will strain her schedule.”

“And Christmas won’t? I get the impression she enjoys the holiday.” The wide-open space outside the window made her tense. Someone could be out there right now watching their every move.

“That’s just a few days.” Mr. Jefferson checked his watch. “I’d better find Winnie. She starts to worry when people are late.”

“I’ve noticed that.”

“Five years ago next week, Thomas was on the way home from work and lost control of his car. It went off the cliff. The sheriff thought he’d fallen asleep at the wheel from reports by witnesses. So anytime someone is late she begins to think the worst.” He covered the distance to the door. “I’ll meet with Winnie in the lab then come back later with your gun.”

“So let me get this straight. You don’t want to tell Colt?” Another secret she would have to keep.

Looking back at her, Mr. Jefferson opened the door. “No, not right now.”

“Not right now what?” Colt stepped into the entrance of the library.

TWO

Mr. Jefferson waved his hand and passed Colt quickly in the hall. “I’ll let Miss St. James tell you.”

Ellie balled her hands at her sides. What was she supposed to tell Colt? Even worse, had he overheard anything they had been talking about? She started forward. “I’d better go and change for work.”

He gripped her arm, halting her escape. “What aren’t you telling me? Why were you and Harold talking in here?”

She schooled her expression into one of innocence. She would love to get her hands on Mr. Jefferson for putting her in this situation. “He wanted to know how my first week went with Winnie. Is there a reason we shouldn’t talk? After all, he hired me.”

“And how are you doing?” He stepped nearer until Ellie got a whiff of his coffee-laced breath. “Does he know about the gun?”

“Yes. I saw no reason not to tell him.” Her heartbeat kicked up a notch. She moved back a few inches until her back encountered the wall behind her. “Your grandmother and I are getting along well. She’s a special lady. Very talented. She’s easy to talk to. To work for.”

“Winnie?”

Hating the trapped feeling, she sidled away. “Who else are we talking about?”

“My grandmother is a private woman. She doesn’t share much with anyone.”

“I haven’t found her that way. Maybe something has changed, since you’ve been gone for so long.” There, she hoped that would keep Colt quiet and less curious about her relationship with Winnie. In some of her past jobs, she’d had to play a role, but it never was her favorite way to operate.

“Then maybe you can fill me in on what’s going on with my grandmother.”

“What we’ve talked about is private. If you want to know, go ask her.” Before he could stop her again, she pivoted away and hurried down the hall to the foyer.

As she mounted the stairs to the second floor, she felt his eyes on her. It was so cold it reminded her of the icy mountain stream they’d passed on their walk today. Unable to shake loose of his frosty blue gaze, she felt the chill down to her bones.

* * *

After dinner that evening Ellie followed the small group to the den, a room with a roaring fire going in the fireplace and the dark rich wood of the mantel polished to a gleaming luster that reflected the lights. She sat on the plush, tan couch before a large glass-topped coffee table. In the middle an arrangement of sweet-smelling roses vied with the fireplace for attention. She’d quickly learned Bloomfield Flower Shop in the medium-size town at the foot of the mountain delivered a fresh bouquet twice weekly because Winnie loved looking at them in the evening. Their delicate aroma wafted up to Ellie and surrounded her in their fragrance. Since working for Winnie, she’d become attuned to the smell of things. Like breakfast in the morning or a fresh winter day with pine heavy in the air when they were power walking. Winnie always pointed out scents wherever she went.

Colt took a forest-green wingback chair across from her. She caught his glance lingering on her for a few extra seconds while the others settled into their seats. She pulled her gaze away to finish assessing the placement of everyone, along with all the exits. Harold took the other end of the couch she sat on while Winnie eased down between them. Christy Boland, the face of the new line, and her fiancé, Peter Tyler, a Bakersville dentist, occupied the love seat.

“I can’t imagine living on a research vessel for months on end,” Christy said, taking up the conversation started at the dinner table.

“I have to admit it does take getting used to. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I don’t even have a place of my own right now.”

“You don’t need one. You’re always welcome here when you’re in the country,” Winnie told her grandson. “After all, you’ve done so much to help me with my new line, especially this last product, which will be the coup d’état.”

“How so, Winnie? I don’t remember doing that.”

“Your research on certain sea life sparked a breakthrough for me on this project.”

Colt tilted his head to the side. “Which one?”

Winnie smiled. “I’m not telling. Right now I’m the only one who knows. It’s all up here.” She tapped the side of her temple. “But this will keep you busy for years, Christy. Harold isn’t going to be able to count the money fast enough.” Her grin grew. “At least that’s what I predict. And all my predictions have been right in the past.” She sat back and motioned the servers to bring in dessert.

Linda and Doug Miller, the middle-aged couple who lived on the property and took care of the house, carried in two trays, one with coffee and the other with finger sweets. Doug placed the coffee down in front of Winnie while his wife served the petite desserts to each person in the room.

“I will say I miss your cooking, Linda. No one on the vessel can cook like you.” Colt selected four different sweets and put them on a small plate.

By the time the caretakers retreated to the kitchen ten minutes later, everyone had a cup of coffee and dessert.

Colt raised his cup in a toast. “To Christy. Congratulations again on becoming the face of Endless Youth. This is a big change for you from being Winnie’s

assistant to touring the country, your photo plastered everywhere.”

“Yes. I haven’t traveled like you have or Winnie. About as far as I’ve gone was Texas and California when Winnie did.”

“That will definitely change, dear,” Winnie said after taking a sip of her coffee. “I’m thrilled you agreed to do this. When you tested the product and it did such wonders for you, it became obvious you were perfect for this new job.” She slid a glance toward Harold. “Thankfully, Harold found a new assistant for me who is working out great.”

All eyes turned to Ellie. Never wanting to be the focus of attention, she pressed herself into the couch until she felt the Glock in its holster digging into her back. Harold had brought the gun when he’d returned for dinner. Having it holstered under her jacket was a constant reminder she was on a job. “I appreciate you helping me, Christy. Answering my hundreds of questions.”

Christy laughed. “I wish I had someone to answer my hundreds of questions. I’ve never been a model and don’t know one. Poor Peter has to listen to all my questions.”

“And I don’t have any answers for her. Actually, she’s been gone so much lately that I haven’t had to listen to them.” Peter covered Christy’s hand that lay between them on the love seat. “I’m looking forward to some togetherness at Christmas.”

Harold bent forward to pour himself some more coffee. “I just finalized some plans for Christy to start the filming of the first commercial in L.A. next week.”

Christy glanced at Peter then Harold. “But I’ll be here for Christmas Day, won’t I? It’ll be our first Christmas together.”

“Yes, but since we’re launching part of the line in February for Valentine’s Day, your time will be very limited.”

Peter picked up her hand and moved it to his lap. “We’ll work out something,” he said to Christy, his adoring look roping her full attention.

As Ellie listened to the conversation shift to the launch of Endless Youth, she decided to call Kyra, her employer, and have her look into everyone around Winnie, including Harold Jefferson, who ran the day-to-day operation of Glamour Sensations as the CFO. She’d learned quickly not to take anything for granted, even the person who hired her.

The threats against Rachel Winfield had started when news of Endless Youth leaked to the press. What was it about that product line that would make someone angry with Winnie? From what Ellie had learned, the development and testing didn’t upset any environmental groups. So did Endless Youth have anything to do with the threats or was its development and launch just a coincidence? Maybe it was a rival cosmetic company. Was the industry that cutthroat? Did this involve an industrial spy?

She kneaded her hand along her nape, trying to unravel the knots twisting tighter in her neck. Finding the person behind the threats wasn’t her priority—keeping Winnie alive and unharmed was. She needed to leave the rest to the police and Harold’s P.I.

* * *

Colt entered the kitchen that gleamed with clean counters, any evidence of a dinner party gone, but the scent of the roast that Linda had cooked still lingered in the room. The Millers did wonders behind the scenes for Winnie and had worked for the family for ten years. He wasn’t sure what his grandmother would do if they decided to look for another job. He didn’t worry about Winnie with Linda and Doug taking care of the property and house.

He raided the refrigerator to make himself a sandwich with the leftover roast beef. After piling it between slices of Linda’s homemade bread, he turned away from the counter ready to take a bite. But he halted abruptly when he noticed Ellie hovering in the entrance, watching him.

She blinked and averted her gaze. “I heard a noise and came to check it out. Winnie just went to bed.”

“She stayed up later than usual, but then when Christy and Harold come to dinner, she usually does. That’s the extent of her entertaining here.”

“I can see that. She spends most of her day in the lab.”

“My grandmother is one of the few people in the world who has a ‘nose,’ as they say in the perfume industry. She can distinguish different scents and has a knack for putting them together to complement each other. That comes easy for her. But this new product line is something else, more Granddad’s pet project. I’ll be glad when she finishes and doesn’t have to work so much.”

Ellie came into the room. “She’s being taken care of. Linda makes sure she eats healthy. Harold doesn’t let her worry about the running of Glamour Sensations, and I do all the little things she has allowed to mount up.”

“So she can focus on Endless Youth. I can remember when Granddad was alive. Those two talked about the line back then. He had already started the research. Winnie is just finishing up what they began in earnest eight years ago. I think he pushed her to help her recover from her heart attack. She loves a good challenge.” He held up his plate. “I can fix you one.”

Her chuckles floated through the air. “I think I’ll pass on that. I ate more tonight than I usually do.”

He put his sandwich on the kitchen table and gestured at a chair beside him. “Join me. I hate eating alone. When you live on a small ship with fifteen others, you’re rarely alone except in your tiny cabin. You would think I would cherish this time.”

“You don’t?” Ellie slid into the seat next to him.

He noticed she didn’t wear any fragrance and wondered if Winnie would change that. “I’m used to it so it’s strange when I’m not here. When I’ve come back here, I’ve felt the isolation I never felt while I was growing up here.”

“Well, it won’t feel isolated too much longer. Winnie has several evening events the closer we get to the holidays.”

“Let me guess. Most of them have to do with the business.”

“Yes, and she is the mistress of ceremony at the lighting of the Christmas tree in Bakersville in a few days. This year the town is naming the park after your grandparents.”

“They’ve been trying to get her to light the Christmas tree for years. I’m glad she finally accepted.”

A tiny frown made grooves between Ellie’s eyebrows.

“You aren’t?” Colt asked.

Her expression evened out. “I’m only concerned she doesn’t wear herself out. She has the big gala for Endless Youth and Christy’s introduction to the press a few days after that.”

“Yeah, she’s been trying to get me to stay an extra week.”

“I can understand the demands of work.”

“Is this job demanding to you? Is the isolation getting to you?”

“I love the isolation. Remember, I grew up in Chicago where everywhere I turned there were people.”

“How did you find out about this job?”

Ellie rose. “I think I’ll fix a cup of tea. Do you want any? Herbal, no caffeine.” She walked to the cabinet where the tea was kept and withdrew a tin of lavender tea.

“No, thanks.” He waited until she put the water on to boil then continued, “Harold said something about him finding you. How? Chicago is a far piece from here.”

“Harold knew my former employer. She suggested me for the job.”

“She let you go?”

“Not exactly. She knew how much I love the mountains and thought this would be perfect for me.”

“What did you do at your former job?”

She laughed. “I feel I’m being interviewed again, but since I already have the job, that isn’t it. So why the interest?”

“Because I love Winnie and have her best interest at heart.”

Gripping the counter edge with both hands, Ellie lounged back, except that there was nothing casual about her stance. Something wasn’t right. Colt lived in close quarters and had learned to read people accurately and quickly. It made his life much easier and calmer.

“What are you hiding, Ellie?”

THREE

“What makes you think I’m hiding something?” Ellie busied herself pouring the hot water into a mug and dunking the tea bag.

“I get the feeling there’s something in your past you don’t like to talk about. If it wasn’t that Harold is thorough when it comes to my grandmother, I would be concerned at your evasiveness.”

“But Harold is thorough.” She drew herself up straight, cupping her hands around the mug. “I didn’t know full disclosure about all the details of my life was necessary for me to get this job. Winnie seems satisfied. Is this something we should bring up to her?” Lifting her chin, she clamped her jaws together to keep from saying anything else that would get her fired.

He dipped his head in a curt nod. “Duly noted. Winnie is a great judge of character.”

Meaning he had his doubts? Pain shot down her neck from the tense set of her teeth grinding together. She strode to the table and took the chair across from him. Though she would rather drink her tea in peace, she knew escaping to her bedroom would only confirm that she had something to hide.

One of the reasons she liked being a bodyguard was that she could blend into the background. Most of her clients didn’t engage her in casual conversation. But Winnie had been different, and it seemed to run in the family. She kept a lock on her past—a past she didn’t want to take out and reexamine. No point in going over it.

“If you must know, the short version of my life so far is—”

“That’s okay—”

“I grew up in Chicago,” she interrupted, “in a part of town where I had to learn to take care of myself and stick up for my brother, too. People weren’t kind to him. He had a mental disability and talked ‘funny.’ Their word, not mine. When I could get out of the neighborhood, I did.” She sipped her tea, gripping the mug tighter to keep her hands steady.

“Where’s your brother?”

“Dead.” The word hung in the air between them for a long moment while Ellie relived the moment when Toby had slipped away from congestive heart failure.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up something painful.”

“What did you mean to do, then?”

“To make sure Winnie was in good hands.”

She stared into his light, gray-blue eyes. “She’s in good hands. When I do a job, I do it one hundred percent.”

Another long silence stretched between them as she felt the probe of his gaze, seeking, reading between the lines.

“Did I pass?” She raised her cup and drank, relishing the warm, soothing tea.

“This wasn’t a test.”

“You could have fooled me.” After she scooted back her chair, the scraping sound filling the kitchen, she pushed to her feet. “While I would love to continue this interrogation—I mean conversation—I’m tired and plan to go to bed. Good night.”

She left the kitchen. Out in the hallway she paused, a hand braced on the wall as images of her twin brother washed through her mind—running from the neighborhood bullies, falling and scraping his palms and shins, crying because he didn’t understand why they didn’t like him. But the worst picture was of Toby on the floor of their small, dirty apartment, taking his last breath. He looked straight at her. She held him while they waited for the ambulance. A light brightened his eyes, and a peace she’d never seen fell over his face. Then he went limp as the sirens came down the street. She’d been thirteen.

Tears crowded her eyes. She squeezed them closed. This was why she never dwelled in the past. She did not shed tears—hadn’t since she was thirteen.

She slowly crossed to the front door and checked to make sure it was locked and the antiquated security system was on. After Colt went to bed, she would make a more thorough check of the house before she slept. Until then she would prowl her bedroom, hating the situation she’d been placed in. This secrecy handicapped her doing her job.

* * *

Standing in the dark, Colt stared out his bedroom window at the yard in front of the house; the outdoor lights illuminated the circular drive. Usually by this time of year there was a lot of snow on the ground, but not so far this winter. Most Christmases as a child, he remembered it being white. This year he’d be in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with blue water as far as he could see. One morning at the beginning of the week, a day after he’d talked to Winnie, a strong urge had overcome him. He needed to see his grandmother if only for a short time. He couldn’t shake the feeling all that day. By nighttime he’d made a reservation to fly back to Colorado.