Page 96 of Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms
“Do you want me to arrange for security for Natalie until we can be sure she’s not a target? Once he realizes you’ve taken the necklace back, it’s unlikely he won’t suspect her.”
“I’ll handle it for now.”
“All right. I have a floorplan ready. Where are you planning to enter?”
“There’s a study located at the back corner with an exterior door.”
“Got it. That leads into a short hallway. There’s an upper floor and a basement. Where do you think he’s keeping it?”
“Natalie heard him go upstairs to retrieve it. I’ll look there first.”
“You’ll have to cross a fairly large foyer to get to the stairs.”
“Shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Then get to work.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The snow blanketing the ground reflected the light and absorbed sound, making the landscape unnaturally bright and quiet. I made my way toward the river, choosing my footing carefully.
Balancing against the pitch of the slope, I leaned forward and used my hands, practically crawling across the bluff, past his fence line, and into his property. My foot slipped, and for a second, I thought I might slide all the way into the glacial water below.
“Fuck,” I muttered.
“You all right?” Maple asked.
“Just trying to avoid falling into an icy river.”
I picked my footing carefully and got past the fence line.
“Disabling the cameras.” I pulled a jammer from my pocket and activated it. The device sent a signal that would temporarily overpower the frequency the cameras were using. There was a chance he’d notice, but it was a risk I was willing to take.
With that done, I crept across the open ground to what I hoped was still an unlocked door. I couldn’t do much about the footprints I left in the snow. Considering Julian had stolen the necklace, I doubted he’d involve local law enforcement. No one was going to be processing the scene for evidence.
I approached the dark study and peered inside. Empty. I tried the handle, and sure enough, it was unlocked.
Quickly slipping inside, I closed it behind me.
“I’m in.”
“Short hallway. You’ll see the main foyer when you come out.”
I paused to listen but didn’t hear anything—no sign that Julian was in that part of the house. My shoes were wet from the snow, so I took a second to wipe them on the mat at the door—more to avoid them squeaking than for any concern about his flooring—then crept out of the study and down the hall.
He’d turned off the lights in the entryway, and the trickle of water in the fountain would be a good cover for my footsteps. Hugging the wall, I made sure to get a good look at the dining room. Finding the necklace sitting out would have been shocking, but one never knew when that kind of luck would strike.
Not that time. He’d already cleared the dishes, and the table was empty.
I didn’t like not knowing where he was. I took a few steps toward the stairs and ducked behind the fountain. Hesitating there, I strained to listen.
After a moment, I heard him walking around upstairs.
I could find a place to hide and wait until he came down. Or risk the open staircase and hide upstairs.
My gut said upstairs.
“Where’s the main bedroom?” I asked Maple.
