Page 38 of Colorado Christmas Carol
“How about it?” Jeff asked.
“I’m hired,” Duke said.
“You’ll need a place to live,” Jeff continued.
“Got it covered,” Duke replied. He became somber. “Now, let me tell you what I know about this man, and why I want to deal with him right now . . .”
They spoke for several minutes, during which Jeff winced as he realized just how much danger Essa was in. He knew her, having lived in Benton all his life. She was a sweet woman.
“One slip,” he began uneasily.
“There won’t be one,” Duke said firmly.
Fate laughed.
* * *
The next morning, Dean was in the lobby very early when Essa came down with Mellie. It was Essa’s second day off in a week, and she’d already apologized to her boss for having to ask for it. But he, a forensics buff himself, was eager to be a part of the investigation, even on the fringes.
Essa started. She hadn’t expected Dean this early. Nothing was ready. Duke had gone by the sheriff’s office to make sure he had all his support people in place.
“I only have a few minutes,” Dean apologized with an easy smile as he looked from Essa to Mellie. He checked his watch. “I have to be in Denver in two and a half hours, so this will be a very quick trip.”
Essa calmed a little. That didn’t sound like a man with nefarious plans, although she’d never been able to get Duke to tell her exactly why he was investigating Dean. He’d mentioned a burglary case once. That might be it, but why was Mellie involved at all?
“So, can you come with me?” He chuckled. “I’ve already phoned the head of the team to clear it with him. He said they’d made some very interesting finds yesterday.”
Essa relaxed. This wasn’t going to be anything worrisome. She and Mellie could drive out to the dig site and call Duke from there. He could meet them at the excavation.
She glanced at Mellie, who looked a little more concerned than she did.
“Dad said not to leave the hotel,” Mellie said uneasily. “He had someplace he was going to take us first. He said you probably wouldn’t be ready to go until later this morning . . .”
“It’s barely eight thirty,” Dean said easily, concealing his dismay. “I’ll have you back here by no later than nine fifteen. How’s that?” he added, smiling at them.
“Well, that should be okay,” Mellie said. “But if he starts yelling, I’m hiding behind you!” she added to Dean with a chuckle.
“Fair enough,” he said. “Shall we go?”
They ran into one of the two day receptionists on the way out. “Essa, you still off, you lucky devil?” he teased.
She grinned. “Yes, I am! Dean’s taking us to look at old dead things,” she said with mock drama. “Eat your heart out!”
He made a face at her. “I love forensics, you know that. Couldn’t I go instead of her?” he asked Dean, pointing at Essa. “I know how to use a trowel and a toothbrush!” he added hopefully.
Dean forced a laugh. “Sorry. The head archaeologist only gave permission for Essa and Mellie. Maybe another time,” he added.
“Thanks anyway. Have fun!” he called as they went out the door.
* * *
Dean already had the car in the front parking lot. He settled Essa in the front seat and Mellie in the back.
“I should call Daddy,” Mellie said, pulling out her cell phone.
“Not just yet,” Dean said, smiling. “I have a surprise first.”
“A surprise?” Mellie asked, diverted, putting away the phone. “For me?”
