Page 14 of Deadly Peril

A clerk at the counter greeted Jana. The other salesman was showing skis to a customer. Thaddeus followed her through the store to the back room. Her business partner was typing but stood up from his chair.

“Good morning, Jana.”

“Good morning.” Jana waved a hand. “Let me introduce Thaddeus Jonsson. He’s going to be hanging out with me for a few days. Thaddeus, this is my partner, Alton Parker.”

Alton looked up at the imposing figure, appearing a bit at a loss for words.

“You can call me Thad.”

“I’ll explain later,” Jana said, then motioned for Thaddeus to follow her. On the way by, she stopped by Alton’s desk. “Is everything set up for the day?”

“Yes, I got in early. We’re in good shape.”

In a softer voice, Jana said, “How is Celia?” Although Alton didn’t bring it up often, his wife was ill. The doctors had diagnosed her with multiple sclerosis. The treatment and drugs were making some difference, yet it was a heartbreaking situation.

“She has good days and bad,” Alton said. “We’re doing all we can to stabilize her condition.”

Jana squeezed his arm, before proceeding on her way. Her office was in the back of the building. She unlocked the door and went inside, bodyguard in tow. “You can sit, if you like.”

Thaddeus took a seat in the chair in front of the desk, while Jana sank into her desk chair. It was awkward having a man by her side nonstop. She was going to have to make arrangements, so she could get some work done.

“Alton has been with us for many years. He knew my grandfather, and when I needed a business partner, he was the only one I thought of. He is familiar with the business, plus he’s a whiz with paperwork, something I dread.”

Thaddeus nodded. “It’s good you have someone you trust.”

“Alton is in his forties but stays fit and skis frequently. If he needs to step in with a customer, he can offer valuable suggestions,” Jana said. “Unfortunately, his wife is ill.”

“I heard.”

“It breaks my heart, but he swears it’s best for him to keep working.” Jana opened her bag and pulled out some paperwork. “I imagine the medical costs are a burden, even with insurance. But I haven’t asked, since that’s so personal.”

“You’re likely secure in your office. I’ll go scope things out on the premises.” Thaddeus got up and left, leaving Jana alone to tend to business.

*****

Thaddeus was responsible for Jana’s safety, a duty he took seriously. Despite the casual atmosphere of the ski shop, he didn’t take anything for granted. While Jana worked, he had a chance to assess the situation.

When he walked through the back room, Alton was busy on the computer. Thaddeus didn’t interrupt him, as there would be plenty of time to get to know the man later. Jana’s business partner was a distinguished-looking fellow.

He was about five feet ten, lean build, dark hair that was cut short. His deep brown eyes had revealed the pain he must feel about his wife’s condition. Jana’s mention of it had appeared to be a stab to his gut. That was something to watch.

A man with a sick wife could get desperate, for any number of reasons. Thaddeus would keep an eye on Alton, no matter how much Jana trusted him. Statistics showed that a high percentage of crimes were committed by people that were close to the victim.

The shop smelled of wood and the outdoors. Music played but was drowned out by the chatter of customers and sales clerks. The establishment had two doors: the main entrance and the back door adjacent to Jana’s office, which remained locked. Customers used the front door.

Outside it was chilly, and Thaddeus expected snow. He scanned the parking lot, memorizing the vehicles parked there. Other establishments in the area offered food, ski rentals, and souvenirs. Pedestrians strolled the sidewalks, and traffic cruised the street.

There was no sign of trouble or anything out of the ordinary. Satisfied for the moment, Thaddeus sent a text to the office to let Travis know that he’d arrived and there had been no further incidents. He’d check in daily, or sooner if the situation changed.

Thaddeus didn’t bother to convey Jana’s disgruntlement. Travis likely assumed that to be the case. It didn’t alter the fact that she needed protection. What hadn’t been predicted was how vehemently she’d react to having a bodyguard.

That didn’t affect Thaddeus. He had a job to do and he’d do it. There was one complication: Jana Tomasson had turned out to be a beauty. She was tall, although several inches shorter than he was. Her lean, toned form was a turn-on.

As Eva had so astutely mentioned, Icelandic women were strong and independent. Thaddeus liked that—a little too much. He could take control of the situation when needed, but he admired a woman who could look out for herself.

Jana was so much that way that he suspected she didn’t need anyone else. That was the attitude he’d gotten from her. But she did have a weak spot for her grandmother. The records mentioned that Jana was divorced. That was a point of curiosity.

Thaddeus wondered what type of man could handle her. It seemed her ex-husband hadn’t been able to. It was smart not to get too interested in the client. Yet anyone who was close to her, or who had been, might be the source of the threat.

---